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Norris fastest driver in first free practice session for British Grand Prix

Norris tops FP1, but session ends on a downer for McLaren

5 July at 13:30
Last update 5 July at 14:04
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

Lando Norris has finished the first free practice session for the British Grand Prix as the fastest driver on the circuit, with his McLaren teammate finishing third. However, the session ended badly for the British team, with Piastri having a hydraulic problem. Lance Stroll finished second but also used a set of softs. Max Verstappen came fourth on mediums.

How FP1 unfolded at Silverstone

Cold conditions made it tricky for drivers early on. It had also rained prior to the session, but the track was dry at the start. McLaren's engineer informed Norris to expect Barcelona's 10am winter testing grip levels.

Four regular drivers missed the first free practice session as rookies hit the track to fulfil the team's FP1 requirements across the season. This included Kevin Magnussen, who sat out for Oliver Bearman. On Thursday, Haas confirmed the British driver will race full-time in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Franco Colapinto (Williams), Jack Doohan (Alpine), and Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) also featured as replacements in FP1. Doohan's time on track was again limited. 

After the first 10 minutes, Russell topped the timesheets, with Hamilton in second. Verstappen was third. Yuki Tsunoda spun into the gravel trap at Luffield, causing a red flag. Verstappen then spent a significant chunk of the session as the fastest driver before Oscar Piastri opted for some soft tyes. He improved on Verstappen by about one-tenth. Norris also used the soft tyres earlier than others, and he went fastest with around 12 minutes to go. Verstappen reported some light drizzle at the end of the session. McLaren's session ended in disappointment as Piastri had a hydraulic problem.

Early indications from Silverstone suggest that Red Bull and McLaren are once again the fastest. Mercedes seems to be the third fastest team, with Ferrari slightly lagging behind those front-runners.