British Grand Prix: F1 preview, times, predictions, stats

The battle for the race lead was, once again, much closer in Austria, but the championship gap has widened as Lando Norris was forced to retire from the race, while Max Verstappen finished in the points despite a 10-second penalty.

Temperatures rose between the two drivers afterwards, and it remains to be seen if the pair can continue their friendly games of padel outside F1.

The last 10 laps did spice things up for the rest of the field with George Russell and Mercedes gifted a race victory -- a welcome result since their previous one was Brazil 2022. The other McLaren of Oscar Piastri earned his fourth podium, alongside Carlos Sainz racking up his fifth of the year.

The battle between Verstappen and Norris looks set to continue this weekend at Silverstone -- the last of the triple header -- before a break, and the two drivers did finish one-two last year.

British summer hasn't quite got going yet with high temperatures of around 17-18°C forecast for the weekend, along with scattered showers across the weekend.

Latest news

George Russell will start from pole position at the British Grand Prix after beating Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton to the fastest lap in qualifying.

Zak Brown believes Sergio Pérez's poor form can help McLaren's F1 title push. He also said the Red Bull pitwall should have prevented last weekend's collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

Any chance of Formula One's friendly rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris turning into something more serious was ended with a phone call between the pair earlier this week.

British Grand Prix preview -- listen to the latest podcast episode.

Circuit stats & history

Silverstone is as old as Formula One itself as the former airfield hosted the inaugural grand prix in 1950. Nino Farina won the race for Alfa Romeo, and took a clean sweep of pole, race win and fastest lap.

The circuit has had many changes over the years, but the iconic corners of Maggots, Beckets, and Abbey remain favourites of fans and drivers alike.

Laps: 52 laps of 5.8km. Total distance 306km.

Lap record: 1:27.097 Max Verstappen (2020).

Most wins: Hamilton is King of Silverstone with eight wins (2008, 2014-2017, 2019-2021). Of the current grid, Verstappen (2023), Carlos Sainz (2022), Fernando Alonso (2011) have all won here.

Most poles: That would be Hamilton again with seven (2007, 2013, 2015-2018, 2020). Of the current grid, Verstappen (2021, 2023), Alonso (2005, 2006, 2012), Sainz (2022), Valtteri Bottas (2019) have all taken pole position here.

What happened last year

McLaren, buoyed by a game-changing upgrade at the previous race, came into the race hot -- Lando Norris delighted the home crowd by beating Max Verstappen to Turn 1. Verstappen later got the lead back and Norris settled for second. Oscar Piastri looked on for a first career podium until a late safety car took him out of contention, while Silverstone specialist Lewis Hamilton capitalised to finish third.

Who's going to win?

Lando Norris or Max Verstappen, take your pick. McLaren are super hot at the moment and Silverstone is a track which suits their car, but in Verstappen's hands the Red Bull has been the benchmark in most places. But it might not be straightforward. Evidence of that was clear in Austria, with the Norris-Verstappen clash ramping up the tension.

Mercedes pair Hamilton and George Russell will also fancy their chances of snatching a win if there is more drama out in front, given the steady improvements the team has been making.