Record-breaking lap by Hamilton boosts local fans' enthusiasm at Silverstone race track - Spectators at Silverstone are thrilled with Hamilton's record-breaking lap time
In the opening practice session for the 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton showcased a strong performance, setting the pace with a time of 1:26.892. This marked the first practice session lead of the season for the seven-time world champion, now driving for Scuderia Ferrari.
Hamilton's British teammate, Lando Norris, finished a close second, just 0.023 seconds behind the Ferrari driver. The result marks a 1-2 finish for British drivers in the opening practice session.
Oscar Piastri, the current championship leader driving for McLaren, finished third, 0.150 seconds behind Hamilton. Piastri's teammate, Norris, maintained his second position in the championship standings following the practice session. The championship battle between Piastri, Norris, and reigning champion Max Verstappen continues heading into the 12th race of the season.
Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, struggled with handling issues during the session and finished in 10th place, well off the pace of the leaders. The Dutch driver is currently 61 points behind Piastri after his recent retirement in Austria.
Charles Leclerc, Hamilton's teammate at Ferrari, secured fourth place in the opening practice session. The result indicates a promising start for Ferrari, with four cars in the top five. Nico Hülkenberg, the only German full-time driver, did not participate in the first practice session.
Paul Aron, the temporary Alpine reserve driver, took Hülkenberg's seat in the Kick-Sauber team and finished 17th in the opening practice session.
Hamilton stated before the practice session that driving a Ferrari for the first time at Silverstone would be a unique experience. The British driver has won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone nine times in his career.
The championship standings remain tight, with Piastri leading, Norris close behind, and Verstappen slightly behind. The second practice session and qualifying will determine the grid for Sunday's race, where the title contenders will battle for position in their quest for victory at the British Grand Prix.
Sports enthusiasts from the UK and across the globe watched as Lewis Hamilton, now a Scuderia Ferrari driver, set the best time in the opening practice session for the 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Hamilton's teammate, Lando Norris, finished a close second, marking a strong 1-2 finish for British drivers in the session. The championship battle between Hamilton, Norris, and Max Verstappen continues to be intense, heading into the 12th race of the season.
