We’re at that time of the year again – for British Formula 1 fans at least – the most highly anticipated Grand Prix on the calendar and the form of British drivers looks good.
I was quite interested to see that the last two Grand Prix events have had British winners – firstly in Canada with Mercedes’ George Russell and then the Austrian Gran Prix which saw McLaren’s Lando Norris take the maximum points.
LANDO NORRIS WINS THE AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX! pic.twitter.com/YCXNsPV3BG
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) June 29, 2025
Indeed, the win for Norris, takes him just 15 points behind his teammate – Australian, Oscar Piastri who is on 216 points in the Drivers’ Championship standings, though Piastri also came in second to keep his nose just in front.
What Could We See Happen At Silverstone?
Obviously the statistical favourite is Piastri, though in front of a home crowd and based on his current form, I think that Norris will certainly fancy his chances – the so-called ‘Landostand’ is sold out.
Obviously, Russell will be a contender as well and I think he will want to remind British fans that it isn’t just about his fellow countryman. Meanwhile, I definitely wouldn’t rule out Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton – the joint-most successful F1 driver along with Michael Schumacher having both won seven Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship titles apiece. Also, last year, Hamilton claimed a record nine wins at Silverstone – you simply cannot rule him out based on experience.
Though, it should be noted that last year, Russell had the lead until mid-race until water pressure failure.
Should conditions take a turn for the worse and the rain start to pour, then it is Russell, or indeed, current World Champion, Max Verstappen who could well take advantage, with rain seemingly favouring their adaptive vehicles.
I personally though, should the weather stay dry, would back Norris who, for raw speed is probably the best around currently. Norris also won arguably the hardest Gran Prix on the circuit in Monaco, demonstrating his superb versatility.
Despite a decent start to the season, Verstappen hasn’t won since Imola – a race Norris came second in.
Who Could We See Challenging The Podium – Any Surprises?
In the event that Norris does win and, let’s say that Piastri, true to current form, follows in second, then the battle for third will be interesting.
While you would say that the aforementioned Russell, Verstappen and Hamilton would be the favourites for this, there is at least one other I think who may pose a challenge. Someone who has been quietly consistent all season.
Hamilton’s teammate at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz has outperformed expectations in a number of races this season – particularly when pressure has started to get to title challengers.
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez could also benefit should the race be a chaotic one. Early pit windows, rain and safety cars could work to his advantage, though his qualifying form has been poor so far. For me, a very outside chance.
A dark horse could well be another British driver – on home turf as well, in Oliver Bearman who has impressed at times this year. He will need other drivers to make mistakes and should safety cars be used and the weather throws a complete curveball, then there could be an opportunity for him.