British Grand Prix: the editors’ Top/Flop list
Silverstone lived up to its reputation for fickle weather, twists and turns, and on-track battles. The 2025 British Grand Prix will go down as one of the most intense of the season. From first-timers to big misses, here's the editor's Top/Flop.
Tops
Nico Hülkenberg: An Unexpected Podium
It’s an image we were no longer sure we’d ever see. For his 239th F1 start, Nico Hülkenberg has finally made it to the podium, finishing third after an epic race. Starting from 19th, the German extracted the maximum from a precise strategy and flawless driving. At 37, he gives Sauber its first podium since 2012 in Suzuka, in what will remain one of the most inspiring performances of the year.
McLaren: a home double
Lando Norris has done it. After so many frustrating podiums, the Briton claims his first victory at home, to the cheers of a delirious crowd. Oscar Piastri, despite being penalized 10 seconds for a maneuver deemed dangerous behind the Safety Car, finishes second, confirming the incredible form of the papaya team. The perfect race… or almost.
Pierre Gasly: The Art of Bouncing Back
Invisible in free practice (P19, P18, P20), Pierre Gasly managed to bounce back on Sunday in the race. Staying on intermediate tires while others switched to slicks too early, he demonstrated an Olympian calm amidst the chaos. Result: a beautiful sixth place, Alpine’s best performance this season, and a breath of fresh air in a challenging championship.
Flops
Racing Bulls: a bitter double retirement for the team
A weekend to forget for the Red Bull sister team. Liam Lawson was eliminated on the first lap after a contact with Esteban Ocon, while Isack Hadjar ended his race in the back of Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes, just after the restart. No points scored, a deteriorating ranking, and a real frustration for a team that aimed much higher.
Charles Leclerc: A Disappointing Performance
The Monegasque once again experienced a frustrating Grand Prix. By opting for slicks too early, Ferrari trapped him strategically, and the pace was not there to recover. He finished 14th, far from the ambitions at the start of the season. The Scuderia, still as shaky as ever, sees McLaren and even Sauber surpassing it in pure performance.
Franco Colapinto: KO without having driven
The Argentine rookie couldn’t even start. Victim of a mechanical problem in the pits after changing engine components, he had to retire before the race even began. Frustrating, especially in a Grand Prix where chaos could have opened the door to his first points.
