The 2025 British Grand Prix weekend officially kicks off today with Free Practice 1 and 2 scheduled amid unpredictable weather conditions. Silverstone is always a pivotal race on the calendar, but this year the combination of shifting weather, compelling driver storylines, and changing team form make Friday’s sessions more crucial than ever.

Limited track time means maximum value

FP1 and FP2 might be the only fully dry sessions of the weekend, as heavy rain is forecast for both Saturday and Sunday. This leaves very little opportunity for teams to prepare under race-like conditions. As a result, every lap on Friday will be vital.

Teams are expected to focus on:

• Long runs for race simulations
• Testing setups for dry and intermediate conditions
• Gathering tyre degradation data
• Comparing different downforce levels between FP1 and FP2 to prepare for wet conditions

Key storylines to watch

McLaren – Pressure from within?

McLaren enters Silverstone as one of the strongest teams on the grid this season. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have shared 8 wins between them in 11 races so far, keeping the team firmly in championship contention.

Silverstone is especially significant for Norris, racing on home soil where sections of the track bear his signature colours and the crowd’s expectations run high. Meanwhile, Piastri has quietly matched Norris’s pace on similar circuits, setting the stage for an internal battle. A strong Friday could shift the team dynamic heading into qualifying.

Ferrari – All eyes on Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton will race at Silverstone for the first time in Ferrari red, marking an emotional and media-heavy weekend for the seven-time world champion.

Ferrari continues to evaluate recent updates that have shown improvements in consistency and tyre management. Charles Leclerc will be eager to reassert himself after being overshadowed by Hamilton in some recent rounds.

A strong Friday from both drivers could help Ferrari build momentum heading into the challenging wet sessions expected later in the weekend.

Mercedes – Can Russell deliver at home?

George Russell will be racing at Silverstone on home turf this weekend, facing intense pressure to perform in front of his home crowd. Silverstone’s high-speed corners and changeable conditions will test both the driver and the car’s balance.

With the team still searching for optimal performance and setup clarity, Friday’s sessions are crucial to building confidence and refining race strategies, especially if Sunday brings a chaotic wet race.

Red Bull – Watching and waiting

While Red Bull isn’t starting the weekend as clear favourites, they are rarely far from the front. Max Verstappen hasn’t had a dominant run recently but remains consistent, and the team tends to play the long game strategically.

Don’t expect fireworks on Friday, but expect calculated, methodical running. Rain could level the field, and Red Bull’s experience adapting to mixed conditions may give them an edge if they approach the weekend smartly.

Weather: The biggest wildcard

The latest forecast points to dry Friday sessions, but Saturday and Sunday are expected to be heavily wet, particularly in FP3 and qualifying. This means Friday may provide the only stable opportunity to gather vital data on tyre behaviour, car setup, and long runs.

Teams must balance the need to push for information with the risk of incidents that could jeopardize the weekend.

GB Home pressure: Five British drivers on the grid

With five British drivers in the race (Lando Norris, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Oliver Bearman, and Alex Albon), the crowd support will be immense.

Hamilton, Norris, and Russell will face intense pressure to perform in front of their home fans, while Bearman and Albon look to make their mark.

Silverstone has a way of amplifying emotions. The cheers, mistakes, and comebacks often define the weekend’s narrative.

What to watch on Friday at Silverstone

• FP1 and FP2 may be the only dry sessions, making them vital for setup and strategy.
• McLaren’s intra-team battle between Norris and Piastri will be fascinating.
• Hamilton’s first Silverstone race for Ferrari adds emotional weight.
• Mercedes needs to find form with Russell and Antonelli in challenging conditions.
• Red Bull will quietly build toward a strong race weekend.
• Weather will be the key variable shaping all team plans.
• For the first time ever, F1, F2, F3, and F4 will race at the same track during the same weekend.

Silverstone kicks off today with a mix of anticipation, pressure, and unpredictability. It’s the perfect start to what promises to be a thrilling British GP weekend.