Lewis Hamilton topped the only practice session of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix weekend, with Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc closing out the top three.
Silverstone features a busy schedule for 2026, with a Sprint Race in F1 and all support series racing alongside it. With the new regulations still bringing drivers trouble, teams needed to make the most of the limited practice time.
Lewis Hamilton was lining up at the end of the pit lane, ready to take to the track at the start of the session. The Ferrari driver has had a swing in fortunes this season, taking his first win in red in Barcelona. Though the Brit downplay the reality of a title fight this year, he’ll be looking to impress the home fans.
Norris was also quick out of the pit lane, taking the moment to wave to his Landostand off of Stow corner.
In the opening minutes, a mock order began to emerge, with Verstappen leading the field and the two Ferraris behind. With Hamilton leading Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton looking for glory
Max Verstappen took the kerb quite harshly, covering the left side of his tyres in dirt as he went on his lap. However, Kimi Antonelli was on a flying lap and crossed the line, showing the same dominant speed he’s had all season. Putting in a time of 1:29.473.
Hadjar was close behind with Russell and Hamilton third and fourth. The Ferrari driver seemed to grow more and more comfortable as he put more laps on the board.
With twenty minutes left in the session, Oscar Piastri had a moment at Becketts, the Australian driver having to take the run-off area and swiftly return to the pits.
In the final ten minutes, George Russell shot to the top of the timing sheets, but it was short-lived as his teammate took half a second off his fastest lap.
But Hamilton was still on the soft compound tyre and was making his way for a final shot at the top spot. In the final sector, Hamilton managed to go 0.2s faster than Antonelli.
No other drivers were improving as many on the grid had switched over to do longer runs on the hard and medium tyres, leaving Hamilton to soak in the support around his home circuit.
READ MORE: F1 2026 British Grand Prix – FP1 Results
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