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.
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Norris has labelled Verstappen’s defending at the Austrian Grand Prix “stupid” and “reckless,” and said he will lose respect for the three-time world champion if the Dutchman claims to be the innocent party in their collision.
Meanwhile, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes the collision was a legacy of the Dutchman’s driving style going unpunished during his title battle with Lewis Hamilton in 2021. Laurence Edmondson has dug into the claims in his analysis.
George Russell said he nearly crashed out of the lead when Mercedes’ team boss Toto Wolff screamed his encouragement to him over his pit-to-car radio.
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, bouyed by a gamechanging 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.
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Verstappen-Norris collision retires the McLaren and hands Russell victory
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris’ battle for the lead results in a collision forcing the drivers to pit but only retiring the McLaren.
How to watch the GP
Watch on ESPNEWS and ESPN+ (U.S. only).
Live broadcast coverage in the U.K. is on Sky Sports F1, and BBC Radio 5 Live, with Sunday’s highlights on Channel 4.
For news, analysis and updates, follow the coverage with ESPN’s F1 team Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson in Northamptonshire and on social media.
Friday, July 5
Free practice one – 12:30-13:30 BST
Free practice two – 16:00-17:00 BST.
Saturday, July 6
Free practice three – 11:30-12:30 BST
Qualifying – 15:00-16:00 BST.
Sunday, July 7
Race starts – 15:00 BST.
How the championships look
Since Norris retired from Sunday’s race in Austria, the points gap to Verstappen in the lead has increased to 81, and everyone else has caught up with Leclerc just six behind the McLaren driver.
The constructors’ championship remains similar, with Red Bull 64 points ahead of McLaren.
Source: www.espn.com