F1 Results Today: Lewis Hamilton back on top as Max Verstappen Struggles following…read more
Formula 1 action returned to Silverstone on Friday as the world’s top drivers took to one of the most iconic circuits on the calendar for the opening practice sessions of the British Grand Prix. Under the skies of Northamptonshire, teams began fine-tuning their setups for the high-speed layout of the legendary track.
It was a day to remember for Lewis Hamilton, who delivered a standout performance in front of his home crowd. The seven-time world champion, who holds the record for the most wins at a single F1 circuit thanks to his dominant history at Silverstone, showed flashes of brilliance once again. Behind the wheel of his Ferrari — the team he’ll officially join next season — Hamilton topped the timesheets in Friday’s practice session. He edged out both McLaren drivers, who had also looked competitive throughout the day.
Hamilton’s pace reignited hope among British fans that he could mount a serious challenge for victory this weekend. The Silverstone faithful erupted with cheers as Hamilton set the fastest time, proving he remains a formidable force on home soil. His confidence seemed to return as he extracted the most from his car on a circuit that has always played to his strengths.
In stark contrast, reigning world champion Max Verstappen had a day to forget. The Red Bull driver struggled throughout the session, voicing his frustrations over the team radio as he battled with a difficult and unresponsive car. Verstappen, who has often dominated Friday sessions in previous races, was visibly off the pace this time around. His Red Bull appeared out of sorts, failing to adapt to Silverstone’s high-speed corners and changeable conditions.
To make matters worse for Verstappen, he ended the session behind both Racing Bulls — Red Bull’s junior team — landing him in a disappointing 10th place on the timesheets. His unusually poor showing has sparked concerns within the Red Bull camp, especially with the growing pressure from rivals like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes closing the gap in recent weeks.
While it’s still early in the weekend, Friday’s session offered a glimpse of shifting dynamics at the front of the grid. With Hamilton resurgent and Verstappen on the back foot, the stage is set for an intriguing battle as the weekend unfolds. As qualifying and the race approach, all eyes will be on whether Hamilton can convert this early pace into a victory, and if Verstappen can bounce back from a rough start at a track that’s proving to be less than kind to him this time around.
