CHAOS at Silverstone as Red Bull star one of THREE drivers out o… read more
The 2025 British Grand Prix was a highly anticipated race, particularly for three rookies—Liam Lawson, Franco Colapinto, and Gabriel Bortoleto—who were all taking part in their first-ever Formula 1 race weekend at Silverstone. Each of them had shown considerable promise during the first half of the season, earning praise for their adaptability, race craft, and confidence under pressure. However, what was meant to be a landmark moment in their young F1 careers quickly spiraled into a nightmare, with all three drivers retiring within the first three laps of the race.
Liam Lawson, who had impressed during previous outings and was widely viewed as one of the most polished rookies on the grid, started the race from a respectable mid-pack position. Driving for the newly restructured RB team, Lawson had shown glimpses of pace in qualifying and looked poised to deliver a steady performance in front of a packed British crowd. But disaster struck on just the second lap. As the field bunched up going into Maggotts and Becketts, Lawson was squeezed between two cars in a three-wide situation. With barely any room to maneuver, he was clipped on the rear-right tire and spun into the gravel, bringing out the yellow flags. Despite managing to keep the car out of the barriers, the damage sustained to his floor and suspension was too significant for him to continue. It was a disappointing end to a weekend that had shown so much promise.
Franco Colapinto’s British GP debut ended even more abruptly. The Argentine driver, who has been a beacon of hope for South American F1 fans, started towards the back of the grid after struggling in a wet-dry qualifying session. Despite the odds, Colapinto was determined to make up places early and gain crucial experience at a historic circuit like Silverstone. However, his eagerness may have played a role in his downfall. At Turn 3, Colapinto attempted a daring move up the inside of another rookie, misjudging the grip levels and braking zone. His car locked up and slid into the side of Valtteri Bottas, causing a collision that forced both drivers into retirement. The stewards ruled it a racing incident, citing the unpredictable early lap chaos, but it was clear Colapinto was devastated by the outcome. His frustration was visible as he climbed out of the car, helmet still on, avoiding interviews as he made his way back to the paddock.
Gabriel Bortoleto’s early exit was perhaps the most heartbreaking of the three. The Brazilian driver, who has been steadily building a reputation as a composed and intelligent racer, had a clean launch off the line and looked set to avoid the carnage that claimed Lawson and Colapinto. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. On the third lap, while exiting Luffield, Bortoleto’s car suddenly lost power. He pulled over to the side of the track near the old pits, reporting over the radio that he was experiencing a complete loss of engine response. It was later confirmed to be a power unit failure—a bitter pill to swallow for a driver who had done nothing wrong. Bortoleto remained composed but visibly dejected as he spoke with his team after the retirement, knowing full well that technical failures are part of the sport but still feeling the sting of being denied a proper showing at his British GP debut.
The simultaneous retirements of all three rookies were a rare and sobering moment during what was otherwise a thrilling British Grand Prix. For fans and teams alike, it was a stark reminder of how unforgiving the sport can be, especially for young drivers trying to make their mark. Silverstone, with its fast corners, passionate fans, and unpredictable weather, has a reputation for producing drama—and this year’s edition did not disappoint in that regard.
While the early exits were undoubtedly disappointing, it’s important to remember that adversity is often the forge in which great drivers are shaped. Each of these rookies—Lawson, Colapinto, and Bortoleto—has already shown flashes of brilliance this season. Their short-lived British GP outings will no doubt be a learning experience they carry with them moving forward. In a sport where setbacks are inevitable, it is how a driver responds that defines their career. And with their undeniable talent, this trio is sure to return stronger, more focused, and more determined to leave a lasting impression at the next opportunity.
