F1 British GP FP1: Hamilton Leads McLaren in Sizzling Silverstone Opener
The 2025 Formula 1 British Grand Prix weekend kicked off with a dramatic and sun-soaked Free Practice 1 (FP1) session at Silverstone. Lewis Hamilton thrilled home fans by topping the timesheets for Ferrari, narrowly edging out McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a session packed with energy, upgrades, and British pride.
Hamilton Sets the Pace at Home
Hamilton, now in his first British GP weekend as a Ferrari driver, posted a fastest lap of 1:26.892. This put him just 0.023 seconds ahead of Norris, with Piastri a further 0.150 seconds back. The session saw Hamilton display his trademark Silverstone mastery, delighting the packed grandstands with every lap.
Top 10 FP1 Results at Silverstone
| Position | Driver | Team | Time | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 1:26.892 | — |
| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:26.915 | +0.023s |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:27.042 | +0.150s |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:27.095 | +0.203s |
| 5 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:27.163 | +0.271s |
| 6 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | 1:27.217 | +0.325s |
| 7 | Alex Albon | Williams | 1:27.304 | +0.412s |
| 8 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 1:27.351 | +0.459s |
| 9 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:27.367 | +0.475s |
| 10 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:27.432 | +0.540s |
McLaren Shines with Chrome and Pace
McLaren debuted a striking chrome livery for their home race, and both Norris and Piastri delivered strong performances. Norris, fresh off a win in Austria, was quickest early on and finished just behind Hamilton. Piastri, the championship leader, slotted into third, continuing his consistent run at the front.
British Drivers Dominate Headlines
- Hamilton: Nine-time winner at Silverstone, aiming for his first Ferrari victory on home soil.
- Norris: Hungry for a maiden British GP win, with massive crowd support.
- Russell: Fifth fastest, looking to bounce back after a tough Austrian round.
- Bearman: Rookie Oliver Bearman (Haas) made his home FP1 debut, finishing 18th
Hot Track, High Stakes
The session was run in warm conditions, with track temperatures pushing tire performance to the limit. Teams used the opportunity to test new upgrades—McLaren’s revised floor and Aston Martin’s latest aero package among the highlight.
What’s Next at Silverstone?
- FP2: Scheduled for later today, with teams expected to focus on long-run pace and tire management.
- Qualifying: Saturday at 3pm BST, where the fight for pole will intensify.
- Race: Sunday at 3pm BST, with rain in the forecast adding further unpredictability.
Key Takeaways
- Hamilton’s homecoming in red started perfectly, topping FP1 and sending a message to rivals.
- McLaren’s pace and upgrades make them serious contenders for the weekend.
- British fans have plenty to cheer, with three home drivers in the top five.
Stay tuned for more updates as the 2025 F1 British Grand Prix weekend unfolds at Silverstone!
F1 British GP FP1 delivers excitement, drama, and hope for British fans as Hamilton leads the charge at Silverstone.