Lewis Hamilton fights back at the British Grand Prix to take pole for Saturday's sprint race
Lewis Hamilton struck back in his bid for a record-breaking eighth world championship by putting his Mercedes at the front of the grid for Formula One's maiden Sprint race at Silverstone.
Hamilton's triumph was greeted with a huge roar by the 86,000-strong crowd in Northamptonshire as he edged out championship rival Max Verstappen by 0.075 seconds.
Hamilton's team-mate Valtteri Bottas qualified third in the other Mercedes ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.
"Cracking job, lads," Hamilton yelled over the radio. "And you, mate," came the reply from his race engineer Peter Bonnington.
Hamilton leapt from his Mercedes cockpit and ran in front of the packed main grandstand slapping his chest.
F1 is ushering in the biggest change to its weekend format in the modern era with Saturday's Sprint - one third distance of a traditional race - to determine the grid for Sunday's British Grand Prix.
No other driver has won the British GP on more occasions than Hamilton and the Mercedes star hoped the biggest UK crowd of the pandemic would kickstart his stuttering bid for an unprecedented eighth world crown.
And the reigning champion heads into the remainder of the weekend in a strong position after his opening lap was enough to see off Verstappen at a sun-cooked Silverstone.
A win for Hamilton, 32 points adrift of Verstappen, on Saturday will earn him three points and crucially pole position for the British GP. Indeed, while Hamilton was fastest here, he will not be accredited with a pole on his official record.
F1 bosses are trialling the new format to spice up the show and bring in new fans. And with almost 90,000 spectators scattered across the 3.67-mile World War Two airfield - the biggest Friday crowd for a decade - the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
One of the biggest roars of the evening was reserved for George Russell after he hauled his Williams into Q3. "Come on, boys," he yelled, with the young Brit further enhancing his bid to join Hamilton at Mercedes next term.
Russell qualified a mighty eighth, two spots behind the McLaren of Lando Norris.
What a feeling... your support was something else today!
We did that together. Thank you. 🇬🇧❤️— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) July 16, 2021
More than 100,000 fans are expected for Saturday's Sprint and a sell-out 140,000 for Sunday's Grand Prix.
Looking ahead to the inaugural Sprint, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: "There are two extremes. One, is that it is a train and nothing happens and the other extreme is that there is a crash and you are down the grid on Sunday."
Wolff will have been delighted to see Hamilton beat Verstappen following a planned upgrade for the 10th round of the campaign and a track which has suited his team in the past. A Mercedes car has been on pole position for the past nine British Grands Prix
Wolff said: "It is not just one race. This is motor racing and if you start to say there is a gap and we will not be able to catch up them we should not be here at all. We don't stop fighting."
Just like the good old times as huge crowd flocks back to Silverstone
By Jim White
For the first time ever, the sight of cars stationary along the A43 cheered the soul rather than made the shoulders sag.
The traffic queues were back, which meant the fans had returned to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. Not in dribs and drabs either. But full to capacity: 120,000 were estimated to have filed through the ticket controls on the circuit’s fringes, the largest gathering in the country since the pandemic struck. And this just for a practice day.
Here was a telling reminder of the way things used to be before the virus put the brakes on sporting attendance. And how the fans were relishing their return after 18 months watching the petrol-infused narrative unfold on television.
“When we saw the queues we thought: oh my Lord,” said David Curzon, from Redditch, who was attending the British Grand Prix for the fifth time. “But to be fair, there was no drama. We got parked and through the gates easy, no hold-ups.”
After showing that they were either double vaccinated or had evidence of a negative test, the fans were granted admission to the course, able to wander its vast expanse at will. Or as far as their designated tickets would allow them to access. Everywhere was heaving; the line of people queuing up in the Fan Zone to have their photograph taken with the Formula One trophy stretched almost as far as Max Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship.
“Everyone’s wanting to throw caution to the wind,” said George Holland, from Frome, who was camping over the weekend on a nearby farm. “This is the first chance in an age to be at an event like this and we’re grabbing the opportunity in both hands. Watching the racing, sun on your back, beer in hand: what could be better?”
Old habits had returned after a year in abeyance. From the moment the gates opened at 8am, on a grass bank affording views across the Village corner, small encampments were assembled. Deck chairs, cool boxes, picnic tables: veteran observers had come prepared. Some brought bicycles, aware of the distances required to be covered; the more up to the minute were skimming round on e-scooters. By the pit entrance, hundreds had gathered in their replica Mercedes team shirts and Lewis Hamilton union flags, hoping for a glimpse of the drivers as they arrived in their expensive sponsored motors.
Only in the pit area, where competitors and team staff alike were all wearing masks, was there any hint of restriction. “It’s the first big event I’ve been to since lockdown, but I had no trepidation,” said Curzon. “In part that’s because I’d been here before and know how well organised it is. Besides it’s all outdoors, everyone’s spread about, except in the stands, which are properly rammed.” So much so, he said he might wear a mask when he watches the race itself from there on Sunday. “It’s only to be polite to others,” he explained. “I’m not worried for myself. I think the only place I wouldn’t go at the moment is a nightclub. And to be honest, I’m that old they probably wouldn’t let me in if I wanted to.”
For those returning, there was always something to watch on the track, even if it was just a couple of cleaning wagons brushing away petrol spills. When one of the saloons in a build-up race skidded in front of a grandstand, sending a plume of smoke from its over-exercised tyres, the cheer was one of gleeful delight. But what the thousands had really come to see was the main event.
And when the Formula One cars emerged from the pits for their qualification laps, growling and snarling, each was cheered to the echo. Though none was serenaded as loud as Hamilton’s Mercedes.
“Of course we want Lewis to win it,” said Dan Tannahill, who had come down from the West Midlands for the weekend. And there was a clue to his affiliation in the fact he was wearing a cap bearing the Mercedes logo. “There’s nigh on 140,000 here who want him to win. I doubt he can hear us, to be honest, but we’re hoping the knowledge that we’re back here again will spur him on.”
06:37 PMThat's all folks
That's all folks
That's it from us from Silverstone. What a dramatic day. A new world for F1 starts tomorrow with the sprint race.
Join us again for full coverage.
Lewis ❤️ Silverstone#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/LWHJ5tJ3gO
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
06:28 PMThe grid for Saturday's sprint race
-
Lewis HAMILTON Mercedes1:26.134
- Max VERSTAPPEN Red Bull Racing+0.075
- Valtteri BOTTAS Mercedes
- Charles LECLERC Ferrari+0.694
- Sergio PEREZ Red Bull Racing+0.710
- Lando NORRIS McLaren+0.763
- Daniel RICCIARDO McLaren+0.765
- George RUSSELL Williams+0.837
- Carlos SAINZ Ferrari+0.873
- Sebastian VETTEL Aston Martin+1.045
- Fernando ALONSO Alpine
-
Pierre GASLY AlphaTauri
- Esteban OCON Alpine
- Antonio GIOVINAZZI Alfa Romeo Racing
- Lance STROLL Aston Martin
- Yuki TSUNODA AlphaTauri
- Kimi RÄIKKÖNEN Alfa Romeo Racing
- Nicholas LATIFI Williams
- Mick SCHUMACHER Haas F1 Team
- 20 Nikita MAZEPIN Haas F1 Team
06:18 PMThe crowd salutes Hamilton
Get in there Lewis!!! 😄👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/6eDkl7Pv3b
— Elliot Horwood #44 (@ElliotHorwoodF1) July 16, 2021
06:15 PMHamilton reacts
We stayed focused on our job, I was in the sim this morning using it as a practice session, trying to leave no stone unturned. I lost the back-end in the last corner so my heart was in my mouth.
We’ve been missing this for a whole year. To see the energy in the crowd. This [result] is down to the fans… I couldn’t have done it without them, so thank you… I’m over the moon
06:11 PMVerstappen speaks
We need to look at ourselves as the car was handling well but we then had a lot of understeer. It was a weird feeling to drive. I don't think it was set-up related.
We were close, so it's alright. This is a weird feeling because qualifying flat out doesn't mean so much. I am still very confident we can have a very strong race
06:09 PMBottas speaks
It was a good qualifying. We managed to get on pole as a team. I look forward to Saturday. There’s all to play for. We are there, and we are there to fight
06:07 PMQ3 standings
What a performance from @LewisHamilton 💪#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/FdMS3u0O46
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
06:06 PMHometown success
The grid for Saturday's sprint race
-
Lewis HAMILTON Mercedes1:26.134
- Max VERSTAPPEN Red Bull Racing+0.075
- Valtteri BOTTAS Mercedes
- Charles LECLERC Ferrari+0.694
- Sergio PEREZ Red Bull Racing+0.710
- Lando NORRIS McLaren+0.763
- Daniel RICCIARDO McLaren+0.765
- George RUSSELL Williams+0.837
- Carlos SAINZ Ferrari+0.873
- Sebastian VETTEL Aston Martin+1.045
- Fernando ALONSO Alpine
-
Pierre GASLY AlphaTauri
- Esteban OCON Alpine
- Antonio GIOVINAZZI Alfa Romeo Racing
- Lance STROLL Aston Martin
- Yuki TSUNODA AlphaTauri
- Kimi RÄIKKÖNEN Alfa Romeo Racing
- Nicholas LATIFI Williams
- Mick SCHUMACHER Haas F1 Team
- 20 Nikita MAZEPIN Haas F1 Team
06:18 PMThe crowd salutes Hamilton
Get in there Lewis!!! 😄👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/6eDkl7Pv3b
— Elliot Horwood #44 (@ElliotHorwoodF1) July 16, 2021
06:15 PMHamilton reacts
We stayed focused on our job, I was in the sim this morning using it as a practice session, trying to leave no stone unturned. I lost the back-end in the last corner so my heart was in my mouth.
We’ve been missing this for a whole year. To see the energy in the crowd. This [result] is down to the fans… I couldn’t have done it without them, so thank you… I’m over the moon
06:11 PMVerstappen speaks
We need to look at ourselves as the car was handling well but we then had a lot of understeer. It was a weird feeling to drive. I don't think it was set-up related.
We were close, so it's alright. This is a weird feeling because qualifying flat out doesn't mean so much. I am still very confident we can have a very strong race
06:09 PMBottas speaks
It was a good qualifying. We managed to get on pole as a team. I look forward to Saturday. There’s all to play for. We are there, and we are there to fight
06:07 PMQ3 standings
What a performance from @LewisHamilton 💪#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/FdMS3u0O46
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
06:06 PMHometown success
The crowd salutes Hamilton
Get in there Lewis!!! 😄👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/6eDkl7Pv3b
— Elliot Horwood #44 (@ElliotHorwoodF1) July 16, 2021
06:15 PMHamilton reacts
We stayed focused on our job, I was in the sim this morning using it as a practice session, trying to leave no stone unturned. I lost the back-end in the last corner so my heart was in my mouth.
We’ve been missing this for a whole year. To see the energy in the crowd. This [result] is down to the fans… I couldn’t have done it without them, so thank you… I’m over the moon
06:11 PMVerstappen speaks
We need to look at ourselves as the car was handling well but we then had a lot of understeer. It was a weird feeling to drive. I don't think it was set-up related.
We were close, so it's alright. This is a weird feeling because qualifying flat out doesn't mean so much. I am still very confident we can have a very strong race
06:09 PMBottas speaks
It was a good qualifying. We managed to get on pole as a team. I look forward to Saturday. There’s all to play for. We are there, and we are there to fight
06:07 PMQ3 standings
What a performance from @LewisHamilton 💪#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/FdMS3u0O46
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
06:06 PMHometown success
Hamilton reacts
We stayed focused on our job, I was in the sim this morning using it as a practice session, trying to leave no stone unturned. I lost the back-end in the last corner so my heart was in my mouth.
We’ve been missing this for a whole year. To see the energy in the crowd. This [result] is down to the fans… I couldn’t have done it without them, so thank you… I’m over the moon
06:11 PMVerstappen speaks
We need to look at ourselves as the car was handling well but we then had a lot of understeer. It was a weird feeling to drive. I don't think it was set-up related.
We were close, so it's alright. This is a weird feeling because qualifying flat out doesn't mean so much. I am still very confident we can have a very strong race
06:09 PMBottas speaks
It was a good qualifying. We managed to get on pole as a team. I look forward to Saturday. There’s all to play for. We are there, and we are there to fight
06:07 PMQ3 standings
What a performance from @LewisHamilton 💪#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/FdMS3u0O46
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
06:06 PMHometown success
Verstappen speaks
We need to look at ourselves as the car was handling well but we then had a lot of understeer. It was a weird feeling to drive. I don't think it was set-up related.
We were close, so it's alright. This is a weird feeling because qualifying flat out doesn't mean so much. I am still very confident we can have a very strong race
06:09 PMBottas speaks
It was a good qualifying. We managed to get on pole as a team. I look forward to Saturday. There’s all to play for. We are there, and we are there to fight
06:07 PMQ3 standings
What a performance from @LewisHamilton 💪#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/FdMS3u0O46
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
06:06 PMHometown success
Bottas speaks
It was a good qualifying. We managed to get on pole as a team. I look forward to Saturday. There’s all to play for. We are there, and we are there to fight
06:07 PMQ3 standings
What a performance from @LewisHamilton 💪#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/FdMS3u0O46
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
06:06 PMHometown success
Q3 standings
What a performance from @LewisHamilton 💪#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/FdMS3u0O46
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
06:06 PMHometown success
Hometown success
Three Brits in the top 10 with Hamilton 1st, Norris 6th and Russell 8th. The fans at Silverstone love that.
06:01 PMHAMILTON ON POLE
HAMILTON ON POLE
Hamilton doesn't improve after a poor final sector. Verstappen has an opportunity. But he falls short and there's a roar from the crowd.
06:00 PMHow things stand
-
Lewis HAMILTON Mercedes1:26.134
-
Max VERSTAPPEN Red Bull Racing+0.172
- Valtteri BOTTAS Mercedes+0.414
- Sergio PEREZ Red Bull Racing+0.710
- Lando NORRIS McLaren+0.763
- Daniel RICCIARDO McLaren+0.765
- George RUSSELL Williams+0.837
- Charles LECLERC Ferrari+1.009
- Carlos SAINZ Ferrari+1.504
- Sebastian VETTEL Aston Martin
05:57 PMFinal runs imminent
How things stand
-
Lewis HAMILTON Mercedes1:26.134
-
Max VERSTAPPEN Red Bull Racing+0.172
- Valtteri BOTTAS Mercedes+0.414
- Sergio PEREZ Red Bull Racing+0.710
- Lando NORRIS McLaren+0.763
- Daniel RICCIARDO McLaren+0.765
- George RUSSELL Williams+0.837
- Charles LECLERC Ferrari+1.009
- Carlos SAINZ Ferrari+1.504
- Sebastian VETTEL Aston Martin
05:57 PMFinal runs imminent
Final runs imminent
All cars return to the pit lane apart from Russell who will be setting his only time of the session.
And the Brit goes seventh with another incredible lap. He's ahead of the Ferrari's and Vettel.
05:55 PMHamilton fastest
Hamilton fastest
Sainz goes fastest. Then Vettel and Perez. Hamilton and Verstappen are exchanging quick sectors.
Hamilton goes quickest with 1.26.134. Verstappen is 0.172 behind. Bottas is four tenths behind.
Wow. First round to Hamilton and Mercedes.
05:51 PMMind games!
Mind games!
Interesting. After Mercedes have used Bottas to give Hamilton a tow, Red Bull have sent out Verstappen behind the Brit to get his own slipstream.
05:49 PMQ3 is underway
Q3 is underway
It didn't look likely earlier but we are set for an epic battle between Hamilton and Verstappen for pole.
05:49 PMQ2 standings
Lewis P1, George P7
That's got the British crowd cheering! 🙌#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/MEL4zBLrb3
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
05:43 PMEnd of Q2
Q2 standings
Lewis P1, George P7
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
That's got the British crowd cheering! 🙌#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/MEL4zBLrb3
05:43 PMEnd of Q2
End of Q2
Delight in the Williams garage after that lap from Russell. Stunning speed.
Out in Q2: Alonso, Gasly, Ocon, Giovinazzi, Stroll
05:41 PMMega lap by Russell
Mega lap by Russell
Bottas giving Hamilton a slipstream again and the Mercedes is flying. He goes quickest with 1.26.023. Leclerc moves up to fifth. Stroll stays 15th and is out. What a lap from Russell. He's up to seventh. Faster than both McLaren's.
05:37 PMInto the final two minutes
-
Max VERSTAPPEN Red Bull Racing 1:26.504
- Lewis HAMILTON Mercedes+0.098
- Valtteri BOTTAS Mercedes+0.262
- Sergio PEREZ Red Bull Racing+0.569
- Sebastian VETTEL Aston Martin+0.599
- Daniel RICCIARDO McLaren+0.621
- Carlos SAINZ Ferrari+0.698
- Charles LECLERC Ferrari+0.714
- Lando NORRIS McLaren+0.743
- Esteban OCON Alpine+0.836
05:33 PMMidfield battle
Into the final two minutes
-
Max VERSTAPPEN Red Bull Racing 1:26.504
- Lewis HAMILTON Mercedes+0.098
- Valtteri BOTTAS Mercedes+0.262
- Sergio PEREZ Red Bull Racing+0.569
- Sebastian VETTEL Aston Martin+0.599
- Daniel RICCIARDO McLaren+0.621
- Carlos SAINZ Ferrari+0.698
- Charles LECLERC Ferrari+0.714
- Lando NORRIS McLaren+0.743
- Esteban OCON Alpine+0.836
05:33 PMMidfield battle
Midfield battle
So far the speed isn't there for the McLaren's as they sit sixth and seventh with Ricciardo leading Norris.
Then the Ferrari's put down their first times of the session to split them going seventh and eighth with Sainz and Leclerc respectively.
05:30 PMHamilton vs Verstappen
Hamilton vs Verstappen
Hamilton goes fastest with 1.26.602 and Verstappen has a big final sector to go above him with 1.26.504
05:26 PMQ2 is underway
Q2 is underway
We have a green light and the cars are out again. Red Bull boss Christian Horner tells Channel 4 that Hamilton's quick time was due to a tow from team-mate Bottas
05:25 PMQ1 standings
All the details from Q1 👀#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/XfIrGsO4xo
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
05:21 PMHamilton improves
Q1 standings
All the details from Q1 👀#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/XfIrGsO4xo
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
05:21 PMHamilton improves
Hamilton improves
Russell does it again, moving up 14. Both Aston Martin's improve and get out of the drop zone.
Hamilton narrows the gap with his fastest time of the session, just 0.035 behind. That will boost his confidence.
OUT in Q1: Tsunoda, Raikkonen, Latifi,Schumacher, Mazepin
05:17 PMProblems for Aston Martin
Problems for Aston Martin
The Aston Martin's of Vettel and Stroll are in the drop zone. Russell is in 15th and aiming to book another Q2 place.
05:16 PMInto the final couple of minutes
Into the final couple of minutes
Gasly jumps to fifth. Ricciardo moves up to sixth. Everyone is out in the closing stages apart from Verstappen.
05:15 PMRicciardo in trouble
Ricciardo in trouble
The McLaren driver is 16th and in the drop zone. He needs a quick time...
05:13 PMFive mins to go - Top 15
-
Max VERSTAPPEN Red Bull Racing1:26.751
-
Lewis HAMILTON Mercedes+0.409
-
Valtteri BOTTAS Mercedes+0.736
- Fernando ALONSO Alpine+0.829
- Carlos SAINZ Ferrari+0.926
- Charles LECLERC Ferrari+0.972
- Sergio PEREZ Red Bull Racing+1.037
- Antonio GIOVINAZZI Alfa Romeo Racing+1.208
- Esteban OCON Alpine+1.212
- Lando NORRIS McLaren+1.291
- Pierre GASLY AlphaTauri+1.404
- Kimi RÄIKKÖNEN Alfa Romeo Racing+1.510
- George RUSSELL Williams+1.546
- Yuki TSUNODA AlphaTauri+1.559
- Sebastian VETTEL Aston Martin+1.576
05:09 PMVerstappen on top
Five mins to go - Top 15
-
Max VERSTAPPEN Red Bull Racing1:26.751
-
Lewis HAMILTON Mercedes+0.409
-
Valtteri BOTTAS Mercedes+0.736
- Fernando ALONSO Alpine+0.829
- Carlos SAINZ Ferrari+0.926
- Charles LECLERC Ferrari+0.972
- Sergio PEREZ Red Bull Racing+1.037
- Antonio GIOVINAZZI Alfa Romeo Racing+1.208
- Esteban OCON Alpine+1.212
- Lando NORRIS McLaren+1.291
- Pierre GASLY AlphaTauri+1.404
- Kimi RÄIKKÖNEN Alfa Romeo Racing+1.510
- George RUSSELL Williams+1.546
- Yuki TSUNODA AlphaTauri+1.559
- Sebastian VETTEL Aston Martin+1.576
05:09 PMVerstappen on top
Verstappen on top
Verstappen goes fastest with 1.26.751. Four tenths ahead of Hamilton and he made a slight error on his lap. Wow.
05:08 PMHamilton fastest
Hamilton fastest
Unlike usual formats where the tyres used in Q2 are the tyres used in the race, drivers will use softs throughout today because they can start the sprint race on whatever you want.
Hamilton goes provisionally quickest with 1.27.160 but Verstappen is on a hot lap now...
05:04 PMNorris flying
Norris flying
Sainz sets the fastest time of the session but he's quickly topppled and Norris sets the early benchmark with 1.28.227
05:00 PMHere we go!
Here we go!
Q1 is underway at Silverstone!
04:58 PMSprint race explainer
Sprint race explainer
Still unsure about what is happening this weekend? Everything you need to know is right here.
04:51 PMW Series
W Series
On a bumper weekend at Silverstone, the W Series is also taking place.
And our Molly McElwee spoke with 18-year-old Abbi Pulling, who is making her debut.
Read all about it here.
04:47 PMToto Wolff speaks
Toto Wolff speaks
The Mercedes chief was just on Channel 4. "It was a pretty good lap. I don't think it will be seven tenths [in qualifying]," Wolff says after being asked about Verstappen's time in first practice.
Wolff is also asked about Bottas' contract situation. He said: "We have an internal schedule and will come up with a solution. We will give him support whatever happens."
04:35 PMWhat happened in first practice?
What happened in first practice?
Max Verstappen landed the first blow in his battle with Lewis Hamilton by dominating first practice for the British Grand Prix.
Hamilton trails Verstappen by 32 points in his bid for a record-breaking eighth world title. Speaking on Thursday, the 36-year-old said he hoped the partisan British crowd - with 86,000 in attendance here on Friday, and as many as 140,000 expected for Sunday's Grand Prix - and a raft of planned Mercedes upgrades would kickstart his championship defence.
But Hamilton was blown away by Verstappen in the only running ahead of qualifying on Friday evening. The Dutchman, winner of four of the past five rounds as he pursues his first championship, ended the running an eye-watering 0.780 seconds ahead of Hamilton.
"Seven tenths, where has that come from?" said a beleaguered Hamilton over the radio. McLaren's Norris split the championship protagonists. The 21-year-old had his £40,000 Richard Mille watch stolen when he was robbed following England's Euro 2020 final defeat against Italy at Wembley on Sunday.
Norris admitted he was keen to put the terrifying ordeal behind him and he impressed to finish second in what has been a fine season so far. Carlos Sainz recovered from an early spin to finish sixth and was the only other driver within a second of Verstappen's blisteringly quick lap.
Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel finished seventh, while Williams' George Russell propped up the order at his home event. Qualifying gets under way at 6pm.
04:26 PMFans at Silverstone
Fans at Silverstone
There were around 90,000 fans expected at Silverstone today which is great to see after empty stands last year.
04:17 PMNew format
New format
After first practice, second usually follows on a Friday. But not today. Because at 6pm will we have qualifying for Saturday's sprint race.
04:02 PMHello again!
Hello again!
Ready for some more F1 racing?
02:55 PMThat's all folks
That's all folks
Thanks for joining us for FP1. We'll be back again at 5pm BST to build up to qualifying which will decide the grid for Saturday's sprint race.
See you soon!
02:52 PMFP1 summary
FP1 summary
With just one practice session ahead of qualifying, you have to say Max Verstappen looks unbeatable.
It might only be practice but seven tenths is a huge margin of control. How on earth are Mercedes going to catch up?
Elsewhere Daniel Ricciardo continues to trail his team-mate Lando Norris. Aston Martin have some work to do to boost Lance Stroll's confidence after he finished 18th.
02:44 PMFP1 timesheets
What are your early impressions from Silverstone? 🤔
Here's how the first practice session played out ⬇️#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/IwMx8ZvmUA
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
02:31 PMThe chequered flag is out
FP1 timesheets
What are your early impressions from Silverstone? 🤔
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 16, 2021
Here's how the first practice session played out ⬇️#BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/IwMx8ZvmUA
02:31 PMThe chequered flag is out
The chequered flag is out
The top 10 - Verstappen, Norris, Hamilton, Leclerc, Bottas, Sainz, Vettel, Perez, Ricciardo, Ocon
02:29 PM"No confidence"
"No confidence"
Stroll is on team radio saying he has no confidence in the car.
The Canadian is down in 18th, 2.5s behind Verstappen while team-mate Vettel is seventh.
02:27 PMMercedes upgrade
Mercedes upgrade
In an effort to catch Red Bull, Mercedes have brought an upgrade to their car. They will be concerned about the gap so far. Not getting enough performance.
On a second run of softs, Hamilton can't improve and remains third, 0.780 behind Verstappen.
02:25 PM4th and 5th for Ferrari
4th and 5th for Ferrari
Leclerc and Sainz have jumped up the timesheets but the gap is 0.793s to Verstappen in first.
02:22 PM"Seven tenths? Where does that come from?"
"Seven tenths? Where does that come from?"
Norris on mediums is faster than Hamilton on softs. Hamilton can't believe he's 0.7 behind Verstappen.
After a fast start to the session things have gone backwards for Mercedes.
02:19 PMFinal 10 minutes
Final 10 minutes
We are approaching the final 10 minutes and the cars are putting on the red striped softs.
Should get some quick times now.
02:13 PMSainz spins
Sainz spins
A spin for Sainz at Turn 4 but he's able to continue. Tyres are ruined though and he comes into the pits.
02:11 PMTop 10 after 40 minutes
- Verstappen 1.27.035
- Perez
- Leclerc
- Gasly
- Vettel
- Sainz
- Tsunoda
- Ricciardo
- Bottas
- Hamilton
02:09 PMClaps for Lando
Top 10 after 40 minutes
- Verstappen 1.27.035
- Perez
- Leclerc
- Gasly
- Vettel
- Sainz
- Tsunoda
- Ricciardo
- Bottas
- Hamilton
02:09 PMClaps for Lando
Claps for Lando
After a difficult week for Norris, this is great to see...
Lando Norris receives a great round of applause by the British crowd 👏
(Video by @LoweyForSure)#F1 | #FormulaOne | #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/7YEAyPN2Jf— GPblog.com (@GPblog_com) July 16, 2021
02:05 PMHamilton struggle
Hamilton struggle
Hamilton is on the radio to his engineer complaining of blistering on his front right. His tyres are 19 laps old.
A sign of the hot temperatures at Silverstone?
02:00 PMSlow start for Ferrari and McLaren
Slow start for Ferrari and McLaren
McLaren's Ricciardo and Norris and Ferrari's Leclerc and Sainz are down in 15th to 18th position.
But their times were set on the hard tyre.
01:53 PMTop 10 after 20 minutes
- Max VERSTAPPEN 1:28.179
- Sergio PEREZ+0.676
- Valtteri BOTTAS+1.194
- Lewis HAMILTON+1.330
- Esteban OCON+1.975
- Sebastian VETTEL+2.050
- Lance STROLL+2.388
- Fernando ALONSO+2.495
- Yuki TSUNODA+2.579
- Pierre GASLY+2.623
01:50 PMRed Bull hit back hard
Top 10 after 20 minutes
- Max VERSTAPPEN 1:28.179
- Sergio PEREZ+0.676
- Valtteri BOTTAS+1.194
- Lewis HAMILTON+1.330
- Esteban OCON+1.975
- Sebastian VETTEL+2.050
- Lance STROLL+2.388
- Fernando ALONSO+2.495
- Yuki TSUNODA+2.579
- Pierre GASLY+2.623
01:50 PMRed Bull hit back hard
Red Bull hit back hard
The Red Bulls have arrived. Perez goes fastest with a 1.28.855 which is 0.518 quicker than Bottas.
But Verstappen delivers a mighty lap which is 0.676s faster. Wow!
01:43 PMQuick Mercs
Quick Mercs
Bottas topples his team-mate with 1.29.861 but Hamilton responds with 1.29.690.
The Mercedes is looking fast at the moment which is critical given the state of the championships.
01:40 PMEveryone on track
Everyone on track
With practice sessions only one hour long there is no time to waste in terms of gaining lap knowledge.
01:36 PMHamilton fastest in the very early stages
Hamilton fastest in the very early stages
Hamilton is the first driver to set a lap and it's a 1.30.048. Verstappen is just 0.226s behind with Bottas in third.
01:31 PMLights out!
Lights out!
Carlos Sainz of Ferrari is the first car out on track as FP1 gets underway and the drivers go for an installation lap.
01:27 PMMcLaren chief Zak Brown absent
McLaren chief Zak Brown absent
A blow for McLaren with the news that Zak Brown is not at Silverstone after he tested coronavirus. The American, 49, is among three McLaren staff to have contracted the virus.
01:21 PMWill Max continue his fine form?
01:15 PMThe world championship race
01:11 PMRosberg's reaction
This is not the right decision. Pole 100% has to go to the fastest guy in qualifying. The sprint race winner should not be awarded pole position. That will totally canibalise the historic F1 statistics. https://t.co/RQ5Xqf9gTI
— Nico Rosberg (@NicoRosberg) July 15, 2021
01:08 PMVettel speaks
Pole is the fastest lap time achieved, or the fastest lap time in qualifying.
If this is a one-off then it doesn't do much harm. But if we end up having 10 sprint races next year or in the future, then I think it's just a bit weird.
It's a new discipline, so they didn't have it 50 years ago and now we have it. So then we just add a new column to the statistics.
01:06 PMNot everyone is a fan
Will Max continue his fine form?
01:15 PMThe world championship race
01:11 PMRosberg's reaction
This is not the right decision. Pole 100% has to go to the fastest guy in qualifying. The sprint race winner should not be awarded pole position. That will totally canibalise the historic F1 statistics. https://t.co/RQ5Xqf9gTI
— Nico Rosberg (@NicoRosberg) July 15, 2021
01:08 PMVettel speaks
Pole is the fastest lap time achieved, or the fastest lap time in qualifying.
If this is a one-off then it doesn't do much harm. But if we end up having 10 sprint races next year or in the future, then I think it's just a bit weird.
It's a new discipline, so they didn't have it 50 years ago and now we have it. So then we just add a new column to the statistics.
01:06 PMNot everyone is a fan
The world championship race
01:11 PMRosberg's reaction
This is not the right decision. Pole 100% has to go to the fastest guy in qualifying. The sprint race winner should not be awarded pole position. That will totally canibalise the historic F1 statistics. https://t.co/RQ5Xqf9gTI
— Nico Rosberg (@NicoRosberg) July 15, 2021
01:08 PMVettel speaks
Pole is the fastest lap time achieved, or the fastest lap time in qualifying.
If this is a one-off then it doesn't do much harm. But if we end up having 10 sprint races next year or in the future, then I think it's just a bit weird.
It's a new discipline, so they didn't have it 50 years ago and now we have it. So then we just add a new column to the statistics.
01:06 PMNot everyone is a fan
Rosberg's reaction
This is not the right decision. Pole 100% has to go to the fastest guy in qualifying. The sprint race winner should not be awarded pole position. That will totally canibalise the historic F1 statistics. https://t.co/RQ5Xqf9gTI
— Nico Rosberg (@NicoRosberg) July 15, 2021
01:08 PMVettel speaks
Pole is the fastest lap time achieved, or the fastest lap time in qualifying.
If this is a one-off then it doesn't do much harm. But if we end up having 10 sprint races next year or in the future, then I think it's just a bit weird.
It's a new discipline, so they didn't have it 50 years ago and now we have it. So then we just add a new column to the statistics.
01:06 PMNot everyone is a fan
Vettel speaks
Pole is the fastest lap time achieved, or the fastest lap time in qualifying.
If this is a one-off then it doesn't do much harm. But if we end up having 10 sprint races next year or in the future, then I think it's just a bit weird.
It's a new discipline, so they didn't have it 50 years ago and now we have it. So then we just add a new column to the statistics.
01:06 PMNot everyone is a fan
Not everyone is a fan
The change in format has divided opinion in the paddock. Lewis Hamilton was initially downbeat about it but changed his tone yesterday.
Meanwhile, Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel have criticised the decision to award pole position for the British Grand Prix to the winner of Saturday's sprint race.
12:54 PMF1 revamp
F1 revamp
If you don't already know, change is coming to F1 this weekend with the introduction of sprint racing.
Wondering what it is all about? Everything you need to know is right here.
12:40 PMGood afternoon
Good afternoon
Hello and welcome to coverage of first practice of the British Grand Prix from Silverstone.
There's a change in Formula One qualifying this weekend and there could be the strongest signal yet that there's set to be a change in champion.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has dominated the sport for so long and has won the title six times in the past seven seasons. But the defending champion, who is seeking a record eighth crown, has not won a race since the Spanish GP on May 9, a dismal streak of five grand prix.
By contrast, Max Verstappen has won the past three races in his Red Bull and has a 32-point advantage over Hamilton in the championship.
A fourth straight victory _ and at Mercedes' favorite track _ would see Verstappen set a strong marker down.
"We've had already proper tests before," Verstappen said Thursday. "So it's just another weekend which we try to win. And if we can, we will win, and if we can't then we'll finish somewhere else."
Silverstone has long been a Mercedes stronghold with the team winning seven of the past eight British GP. Hamilton has won six of those.
However, Verstappen won the second Silverstone race last year, the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.
"We are very focused. Just ready for the race weekend again," Verstappen said. "Of course we've been happy with the last few races, but we always look on things we can do better and that's what we'll try to do this weekend again.
"They (Mercedes) are bringing upgrades so naturally I think if they work, they will be closer."
This weekend will also see the debut of sprint qualifying.
Rather than the standard format of two practices on the Friday and a third practice and qualifying on the Saturday, there will be one practice on the Friday followed by a qualifying session that will determine the grid for Saturday's sprint qualifying.
The sprints will be over 100 kilometers and the top three finishers will also receive points toward the championship. First place will receive three points, second place two points, and third place one point.
Hamilton, who has been working hard in the simulator, is hoping that will help him reignite his title defense.
The British driver is also confident that a packed Silverstone crowd can help cheer him on to victory and prevent Verstappen and Red Bull from running away with the title.
"With all those elements I hope and pray. Whether that's the case we won't know until tomorrow," Hamilton said. "And also another element is this sprint race that we have, this new format. Of course it's easy for any of us to get it wrong but there's opportunities there which is exciting.
"There's always been talk about the energy and the buzz the fans bring," he continued. "And without a doubt when it's your home grand prix and it's the British crowd, you come with more, you have more heat behind you. I'm hoping that all those together closes that nice gap that those guys have grown out and enables us to take it to them this weekend." REUTERS