McLaren are on form once again after Friday practice at Silverstone. However, in contrast to their domination in Austria, the reigning constructors’ champions are not having it all their own way. Ferrari have been a constant threat throughout all three sessions, despite not bringing any new upgrades this weekend. Local hero Lewis Hamilton went quickest in FP1, while his teammate Charles Leclerc took top honours in FP3. The Monégasque benefitting from the cooler conditions in the final part of practice.
FP1 saw not one but two rookies take to the track. Paul Aron deputised for Nico Hulkenberg, while seventeen-year-old Arvid Lindblad completed FP1 in place of Yuki Tsunoda, the teenager inadvertently impeding Liam Lawson en route to the 14th fastest time.
There was no shortage of incidents throughout free practice, amidst his session-long struggles for grip, Pierre Gasly had a spin at Copse and a moment of instability coming out of turn 16. Lance Stroll spun in both FP2 and FP3, before ending the final part of practice 19th. With Fernando Alonso only managing 17th in FP3, Aston Martin look set for an unedifying home grand prix.
Carlos Sainz had a spin in FP2 but recovered to set the 12th fastest time in FP3, two tenths and five places behind his teammate Alex Albon. Williams come to Silverstone having only scored a single point since Canada. Given the importance of the forthcoming rule change in 2026, team Principal James Vowles has spoken openly about the team potentially abandoning development of its 2025 car by the summer break.
Gabriel Bortoleto suffered a sizeable spin in FP3 and broke his suspension, while Oliver Bearman crashed in the pitlane entry after clocking what would go on to be the sixth fastest lap of the session. The shunt earned Bearman a ten-place grid drop for the race and led to four penalty points being added to his super license.
Max Verstappen struggled for much of free practice; the reigning world champion was vocally dissatisfied with his RB21’s lack of mid-corner balance. Having come to Silverstone 61 points off the championship lead, it's safe to say this weekend could determine the validity of Verstappen’s title aspirations.
Mercedes look to be someway adrift of the top two teams, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli only managing 8th and 14th respectively by the end of FP3. Racing Bulls appear to be one of the strongest midfield contenders as Isack Hadjar ended the final session in 9th, one place ahead of his teammate Liam Lawson, who was impeded by Lindblad in FP1.
McLaren look to have the edge on pace, but with Ferrari in close attendance and the weather likely to be a factor, the pecking order for the British Grand Prix is anything but settled.
