As we head into the British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone, I don’t think this could possibly have come at a better time for native George Russell, who fresh off the back of a comprehensive victory in Vienna last week will be full of confidence in front of a home crowd.
Storming into an early lead, I thought the Mercedes driver who started on pole was rarely troubled throughout the race and held his nerve to hold on for the victory, with second-placed Max Verstappen pushing him close at the end for the best finish of his season.
It was a frustrating race for Championship leader Kimi Antonelli meanwhile, with the Italian only managing third after a tense battle with four-time World Champion Verstappen; which I think made for an entertaining finish.
What Can We Expect At Silverstone?
Following Lando Norris’ win last year in his McLaren, the in-form Russell may have timed his latest victory just right to make sure that there is another British first-place finish on a track that invariably favours drivers who commit to attacking corners early, rather than waiting for the car to settle.
I think Verstappen also comes into this race full of confidence and having won here three years ago, knows the circuit well. Meanwhile, I thought it was a respectable race from seven-time-joint-record World Champion, Lewis Hamilton to finish in fifth place and, having won here in 2024 for the sixth time in nine years, loves it at Silverstone.
If there is one driver who I would back when confident on home tarmac it would be him and, although likely not a favourite, he could be worth an each-way flutter I’d say; if his Ferrari can hold up.
| Year | Winner | Team | Race time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Lando Norris | McLaren-Mercedes | 1hr 37m 15.735s |
| 2024 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1hr 22m 27.059s |
| 2023 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull-Honda RBPT | 1hr 25m 16.938s |
| 2022 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 2hr 17m 50.311s |
| 2021 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1hr 22m 27.059s |
| 2020 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1hr 28m 01.283s |
| 2019 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1hr 21m 08.452s |
| 2018 | Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari | 1hr 27m 29.784s |
| 2017 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1hr 21m 27.430s |
| 2016 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 2hr 26m 52.094s |
What Silverstone does provide is the opportunity for someone to close the gap on Antonelli, who has stormed into an impressive lead recently and after last week’s performance, I think Russell could be as smart a bet as any to do so, though Verstappen did look impressive.
Who Does Silverstone Favour?
One outcome that I think is likely is that we can expect at least one Mercedes driver on the podium with Silverstone certainly seeming to favour cars that are stable in fast corners and efficient on the straights, which fits the profile of Mercedes right now.
However, based on the history and last year’s performance, I don’t think you can completely rule out McLaren and Norris will certainly be waiting to pounce. What could be interesting is an all-British podium after this happened in Barcelona for the first time in 58 years. This happening again but on home soil would be somewhat of an occasion for spectators.
There is certainly a case for each of the British drivers though realistically