Charles Leclerc topped the final Formula 1 practice session before the British Grand Prix, which was interrupted twice by red flags, highlighting the intense competition among the frontrunners. The session on Friday unfolded at Silverstone, with tiny time differences among the leading drivers setting up a promising contest for pole position.
Close Times and Changing Positions Throughout FP3
The final practice session saw just 0.108 seconds separating the top four drivers, as Leclerc edged out the McLarens on his last flying lap. Lewis Hamilton, attempting to spark a five-way battle for pole, was thwarted by a late red flag caused by debris on track.
Gabriel Bortoleto then triggered the second red flag after losing control of his Sauber through the Maggotts and Becketts corners. His car suffered a snapped suspension and ended up stranded in the gravel, bringing the session to a premature end with less than a minute remaining.
Session Begins with Quiet Running and Alpine Focus
The opening 10 minutes were low-key, following a brief delay to clear debris left by support races. Alpine’s drivers took advantage of the quiet period to test overnight setup changes, running largely in isolation on the track. Hamilton broke the early stalemate with a lap time of 1:27.351 on soft tires, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
Activity intensified as Hamilton improved his lap to 1:26.529 on his second try. Leclerc responded by trimming that mark by 0.035 seconds, posting a 1:26.494. Max Verstappen squeezed in between the two Ferrari drivers with a lap just 0.005 seconds slower than Leclerc’s.
McLarens Struggle Early but Gain Ground
Despite their strong pace during earlier practice, the McLarens found it difficult to match Friday afternoon’s performance in the early stages of FP3. However, fueled more heavily for longer stints, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri improved on their second runs. Norris posted a 1:25.606 on new soft tires, only to be narrowly overtaken by Piastri by 0.04 seconds.
Verstappen maintained tight margins, slotting in just 0.019 seconds behind the McLaren pair. His RB21’s low-downforce setup benefitted straight-line speed and the opening sector but was less effective in keeping speed through Silverstone’s fast corners.
Leclerc Reclaims Top Spot Amid Late Session Drama
With just over 10 minutes remaining, Leclerc surged again, setting a 1:25.498 to reclaim first place. Hamilton was chasing a strong lap but had to abandon it in the final sector as debris from Oliver Bearman’s floor piece brought out the first red flag.
When the session briefly resumed, Bortoleto’s accident at Maggotts and Becketts corners ended the running early, forcing a second red flag and halting any further improvements.
Session Times Highlight Intense Competition
The official FP3 timing showed Leclerc leading with a 1:25.498, followed closely by Piastri (+0.068), Norris (+0.087), Verstappen (+0.108), and Russell further behind. The very narrow margins confirm the competitive nature of this weekend’s British GP qualifying battle, with multiple teams poised to challenge for top grid positions.
Implications for the Upcoming British Grand Prix
This practice session underlined the unpredictable nature of Silverstone, where car setup, driver skill, and track conditions continually fluctuate. Leclerc’s consistent pace, combined with the close results from McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes, suggests that Saturday’s qualifying will be a thrilling contest. The double red flags added an element of uncertainty that may carry into qualifying strategy and tire choices.
Leclerc leads F1 British GP practice with a performance that sets high expectations, while key players like Verstappen, Hamilton, and the McLaren duo remain in contention. The decisive moments from FP3 serve as a reminder of how small details will shape the Grand Prix weekend as teams look to optimize their setups and strategies in the coming sessions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado used it when Formula 1’s permanent number system started in 2014. Some cultures view 13 as unlucky, but F1 lets drivers choose.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver for Mercedes, previously racing for McLaren. He openly talks about living with ADHD and enjoys exploring different interests and hobbies.
Q. Why is 17 not allowed in F1?
A. After Jules Bianchi’s passing, the number 17 is no longer used in F1 as a tribute to him, since he raced with that number.
If a driver does not select their own number, they will be given one based on their team’s history in the sport.
Q. What F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Born in 1985, Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One driver for Mercedes, who has also raced for McLaren. He openly talks about living with ADHD and shares his various interests and passions outside of racing.