F1 British Grand Prix LIVE: Practice updates and FP2 results from Silverstone

Formula 1 heads back to one of its most famous sites as Silverstone hosts the 2023 British Grand Prix this weekend.

Last time out in Austria, Max Verstappen continued his dominant form with a fifth straight win this season, extending his lead in the world championship to 81 points, with team-mate Sergio Perez in second.

• EXCLUSIVE: 20 years since Irish ‘lunatic’ invaded the track at Silverstone

Lewis Hamilton endured a mixed weekend in Spielberg, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished on the podium. Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris will be eyeing strong results this weekend at their home race, with recent upgrades for both Mercedes and McLaren renewing optimism in both camps.

On Friday at a bright and sunny Silverstone, Max Verstappen was quickest in first and second practice. Carlos Sainz won last year’s action-packed race for Ferrari, his first and only win in F1.

Follow British Grand Prix live updates with The Independent this weekend.

F1 BRITISH GRAND PRIX - PRACTICE

• Max Verstappen fastest in second practice; Sainz 2nd; Albon 3rd

• Verstappen was also quickest in FP1; Perez 2nd; Albon 3rd

• NEW: Jackie Stewart suffers stroke and falls ‘unconscious’ in frightening health scare

• Lewis Hamilton supports ‘peaceful’ protests on British GP weekend at Silverstone

• EXCLUSIVE: 20 years since Irish ‘lunatic’ invaded the track at Silverstone

• Why is Brad Pitt filming at Silverstone?

• EXCLUSIVE: Hamilton must be ‘cold-blooded’ in new Mercedes contract negotiations, says Damon Hill

British Grand Prix preview - Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes struggle as British Grand Prix gets Hollywood sprinkling

18:32 , Kieran Jackson

By Kieran Jackson at Silverstone

On a Silverstone weekend where the presence of Brad Pitt and the Apple Studios crew is the talk of the town, the as of yet untitled Formula 1 film’s executive producer – the sport’s very own A-lister – struggled at his spiritual home on Friday.

Lewis Hamilton remains without a win in 19 months since Saudi Arabia in the penultimate round of the 2021 season. Last year, a thrilling British Grand Prix won by Carlos Sainz saw the eight-time winner come close, but the 38-year-old remains on an unprecedented winless streak.

This weekend, despite Mercedes bringing an upgraded front-wing, the practice pace simply wasn’t there for Hamilton or his team-mate George Russell. In both sessions, both drivers finished outside the top-10.

Full report below:

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes struggle as British Grand Prix gets Hollywood sprinkling

Lewis Hamilton gives his reaction to a tricky Friday

17:56 , Kieran Jackson

FP2 CLASSIFICATION

17:25 , Kieran Jackson

Here are the full results from second practice:

Max Verstappen fastest in FP2

17:06 , Kieran Jackson

The world championship leader Max Verstappen top of the standings once again with that 1:28:078, as the session concluded with the majority of the field doing their race runs on mediums/hards.

Carlos Sainz impressed in second, just 0.022 seconds off, while Alex Albon finishes third for the second session running - 0.218 seconds off Verstappen.,

Sergio Perez came home fourth, with Logan Sargeant emphasising that Williams pace in fifth.

6-10: Stroll, Hulkenberg, Gasly, Piastri, Alonso

Not overly promising for Mercedes, however. Just 12th and 15th for George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, over a second behind Verstappen.

Nyck de Vries concludes the session with a big lock-up due to a puncture...

George Russell having problems late on in the session

16:55 , Kieran Jackson

“I’ve got no grip, sliding all over the process,” says George Russell.

Not a smooth day for the upgraded Mercedes...

The Williams pace looks promising!

16:52 , Kieran Jackson

Not only is Alex Albon right up there - in third place once again - but Logan Sargeant is in the top-five too! Williams the surprise story of Friday, no doubt about that!

Max Verstappen still top with a 1:28:078, with Carlos Sainz still fractions behind with a 1:28:100.

Sergio Perez is fourth, while Lance Stroll is sixth for Aston Martin.

7-10: Hulkenberg, Gasly, Piastri, Alonso

The Mercedes pace? Just not there, at least today. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in 12th and 15th respectively. Lando Norris, too, having issues down in P14.

Most cars have now switched back to medium/hard tyres with 15 minutes left...

The Mercedes fans are out in full force at Silverstone!

16:41 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen sets the fastest time

16:34 , Kieran Jackson

Virtually all the cars now switching to soft tyre to finish off this situation - and Max Verstappen sets the early benchmark with a 1:28:078.

Carlos Sainz is second by just 0.022 seconds, with Alex Albon - who impressed in FP1- currently third, 0.218 seconds off the Red Bull.

4-10: Perez, Sargeant, Stroll, Hulkenberg, Gasly, Alonso, Bottas

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in the bottom-half but are just getting into their groove now on softs...

Charles Leclerc remains in the garage at Silverstone

16:23 , Kieran Jackson

Ferrari are working heavily on the engine of Charles Leclerc’s car, which currently looks nowhere near being ready to take to the track!

Issues, as is often the case, for the Scuderia.

Carlos Sainz quickest after 15 minutes!

16:21 , Kieran Jackson

About two-thirds of the field on medium tyres to begin with and Carlos Sainz - last year’s winner at Silverstone - has gone fastest with a 1:29:083 early on!

Sergio Perez is second, three-tenths back, while Max Verstappen is third for Red Bull, trailing Sainz by 0.467 seconds.

Lewis Hamilton? In fourth, bang on half-a-second off Sainz.

5-10: Gasly, Piastri, Norris, Tsunoda, Albon, Ocon

George Russell is P11 and Charles Leclerc, oddly, is still in the garage...

FP2 is underway!

16:09 , Kieran Jackson

The AlphaTauri of Nyck de Vries is the first car out on track and we’re underway with second practice at Silverstone!

There’ll be less experimentation now and more qualifying simulations on a perfect summers day in Northamptonshire!

FP2 underway in one minute!

16:04 , Kieran Jackson

A short delay in the end. We’ll be underway in one minute as some cars head out into the pit lane already!

Free practice 2 at Silverstone

16:01 , Kieran Jackson

We’re slightly delayed with second practice at Silverstone due to the F2 qualifying preceding it taking longer than usual after a big shunt.

More updates to follow. All the drivers are primed and ready in their cars.

Lewis Hamilton must be ‘cold-blooded’ in new Mercedes contract negotiations

15:51 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive by Kieran Jackson

Damon Hill insists Lewis Hamilton has to be “cold-blooded” in contract negotiations with Mercedes with a new deal yet to be signed.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who has won six of his seven titles with Mercedes, has been with the Silver Arrows since 2013 and while both Hamilton and team boss Toto Wolff maintain a fresh contract is an inevitability, the deal has still not been completed.

The 38-year-old, an eight-time winner at his home grand prix at Silverstone where the F1 paddock roll into this weekend, was heavily linked with Ferrari a few months back but quickly downplayed suggestions a switch to the Scuderia was in the works.

And 1996 F1 world champion Hill, while appreciating the “romance” of such a move, insists switching allegiance would represent a “huge risk”.

Full piece below:

Lewis Hamilton must be ‘cold-blooded’ in new Mercedes contract negotiations

Max Verstappen on the charge at Silverstone

15:45 , Kieran Jackson

Ominous opening session earlier from Max Verstappen, the quickest in FP1 by four-tenths to his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez.

Can anyone challenge him this afternoon? FP2 coming up in 15 minutes!

Alex Albon provides closest threat to Red Bull in British Grand Prix practice

15:37 , Kieran Jackson

FP1 report

A dominant Max Verstappen set the practice pace in the first running of the weekend at the British Grand Prix.

The double world champion, a winner at seven of the opening nine rounds of a one-sided campaign, finished nearly half-a-second clear of Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez.

Lewis Hamilton managed only 12th in front of his home supporters, two places ahead of fellow Briton George Russell in the other Mercedes.

Alex Albon was an impressive third for Williams with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso fourth. Charles Leclerc finished fifth for Ferrari.

Alex Albon provides closest threat to Red Bull in British Grand Prix practice

British Grand Prix: 20 years since Irish ‘lunatic’ invaded the track at Silverstone

15:30 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive by Kieran Jackson

“Oh my goodness me!” screamed ITV’s lead Formula 1 commentator James Allen, words struggling to comprehend the sheer craziness of what was being witnessed. “We’ve got a lunatic on the track!”

When a group of protestors from Just Stop Oil invaded the circuit last year during the opening lap of the British Grand Prix, it wasn’t Silverstone’s first run-in with track invaders. Contrarily, 20 years ago, the 2003 British Grand Prix was 10 laps in before deranged Irish priest Neil Horan sprinted up the fiercely quick Hangar Straight.

Many drivers had to swerve to avoid him as Horan, dressed in a brown kilt, madly ran into the racing line of F1 cars speeding at 200mph while waving banners which read: “Read the bible” and “The Bible is always right.”

Full piece below:

British Grand Prix: 20 years since Irish ‘lunatic’ invaded the track at Silverstone

15:18 , Kieran Jackson

Here are the Driver Standings ahead of this weekend:

1) Max Verstappen - 229 points

2) Sergio Perez - 148 points

3) Fernando Alonso - 129 points

4) Lewis Hamilton - 108 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 86 points

6) Charles Leclerc - 72 points

7) George Russell - 70 points

8) Lance Stroll - 43 points

9) Esteban Ocon - 31 points

10) Lando Norris - 22 points

11) Pierre Gasly - 17 points

12) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points

13) Alex Albon - 7 points

14) Oscar Piastri - 5 points

15) Valtteri Bottas - 5 points

16) Zhou Guanyu - 4 points

17) Yuki Tsunoda - 2 points

18) Kevin Magnussen - 2 points

19) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

20) Logan Sargeant - 0 points

Max Verstappen hints he may retire from Formula One unless calendar reduced

15:07 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen believes next season’s Formula One calendar is too long and hinted it will be a factor in whether he stays in the sport beyond 2028 – but George Russell thinks the Red Bull driver simply wants more money.

The Dutchman is powering towards a third successive drivers’ title – holding an 81-point lead heading into this weekend’s British Grand Prix – but has again suggested that ongoing disgruntlement with elements of the sport might cause him to walk away at the end of his current contract.

Full quotes below:

Max Verstappen hints he may retire from Formula One unless calendar reduced

Here’s the Constructors’ Standings ahead of Silverstone:

14:56 , Kieran Jackson

1) Red Bull - 377 points

2) Mercedes - 178 points

3) Aston Martin - 172 points

4) Ferrari - 158 points

5) Alpine - 48 points

6) McLaren - 27 points

7) Haas - 11 points

8) Alfa Romeo - 9 points

9) Williams - 7 points

10) AlphaTauri - 2 points

Mercedes have brought upgrades to Silverstone!

14:45 , Kieran Jackson

Can they get any closer to Red Bull and Max Verstappen over the course of this weekend?

Lewis Hamilton supports ‘peaceful’ protests at British Grand Prix this weekend

14:29 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton has said he would welcome a protest from Just Stop Oil campaigners at this weekend’s British Grand Prix.

The climate activists targeted Wimbledon on Wednesday and have caused disruption at the Lord’s Ashes Test, the Premiership rugby final and the World Snooker Championship so far this year.

Asked ahead of Sunday’s race, if he would support a protest which did not involve people invading the track, Hamilton said: “Yes. I support peaceful protests.”

More below:

Lewis Hamilton supports ‘peaceful’ protests at British Grand Prix

Mercedes chief Andrew Shovlin:

14:13 , Kieran Jackson

“Didn’t run the soft tyres, but all about using the test items in FP1. We got comments from the drivers, but we need to download all the data.”

On Austria: “You do get bad races, it was a tough weekend. If there were races we could get rid from the calendar, that’d be one.”

On Hamilton: “He finished the session happier than he was halfway through. We know the rough ideas we want to go in.”

Jackie Stewart suffers stroke and falls ‘unconscious’ in frightening health scare

13:58 , Kieran Jackson

Jackie Stewart has revealed he suffered a stroke five weeks ago in a health scare which saw him fall “unconscious for a long time.”

The three-time F1 world champion, still a regular in and around the paddock, will be present at Silverstone this weekend despite the incident.

More detail below:

Jackie Stewart suffers stroke and falls ‘unconscious’ in frightening health scare

FP1 CLASSIFICATION!

13:48 , Kieran Jackson

Here are the full standings from first practice!

Max Verstappen quickest in FP1 as Red Bull lead the way!

13:34 , Kieran Jackson

Not too much surprise to open up the race weekend - Max Verstappen is fastest after one hour of running with a 1:26:600.

His team-mate Sergio Perez is in second, 0.448 seconds back, and just clips a bin bag in the middle of the track late on in the session!

Alex Albon keeps third spot with a terrific lap - just 0.489 seconds behind Verstappen - with Fernando Alonso six-tenths behind the pace-setter in fourth.

5-10: Leclerc, Ocon, Sainz, Norris, Stroll, Piastri

Not the most promising session for Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton 12th, George Russell 14th. Both complaining of issues too...

Alex Albon in third with five minutes to go!

13:27 , Kieran Jackson

What a lap from the Williams - Alex Albon is in third place with a 1:29:089!

Max Verstappen, now on softs, unsurprisingly quickest with a 1:28:600, four-tenths quicker than his team-mate Sergio Perez in second!

4-10: Alonso, Leclerc, Ocon, Sainz, Norris, Stroll, Piastri

Just five minutes to go...

How about this for a view in the McLaren?!

13:19 , Kieran Jackson

Lando Norris on the pedals!

Charles Leclerc now fastest with 15 left on the clock!

13:17 , Kieran Jackson

Free practice 1 drawing to a close and most of the runners now switching to soft tyres.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc the quickest with a 1:29:280, with Esteban Ocon’s Alpine just 0.039 seconds off the pace-setter!

Carlos Sainz is third, 0.077secs down on his team-mate, with Nyck de Vries posting a good time in fourth - four-tenths off Leclerc.

5-10: Gasly, Verstappen, Russell, Perez, Bottas, Tsunoda

Lewis Hamilton is down in 12th, on mediums still.

But the Red Bulls are about to switch to softs...

Lewis Hamilton complains of bouncing

13:09 , Kieran Jackson

“Bouncing is pretty bad, mate,” says Lewis Hamilton.

Oh dear. Eyebrows raised.

Carlos Sainz goes fastest on softs!

13:04 , Kieran Jackson

The Ferrari of Carlos Sainz the first to switch to the quickest tyres - and he goes top of the leaderboard halfway through the session with a 1:29:357.

Max Verstappen is in second, five-tenths back, with Sergio Perez a tenth further back from his Red Bull team-mate.

Yuki Tsunoda is in fourth, 0.735 seconds behind Sainz, with Logan Sargeant in fifth - both those on soft tyres.

6-10: Hamilton, Albon, Leclerc, Stroll, Zhou

George Russell down in 18th currently; Lando Norris in 16th!

Max Verstappen fastest and Carlos Sainz in second after 15 minutes!

12:48 , Kieran Jackson

A common theme in FP1 this season has been Max Verstappen topping the timesheets whilst being unhappy with the state of affairs!

“It’s like driving on ice,” he says over team radio.

He’s just set another quick lap - 1:29:863 - and is nearly a second ahead of second-placed Carlos Sainz.

3-10: Stroll, Hamilton, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Magnussen, Russell, Gasly, De Vries

The likes of Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri are yet to set a time...

Nyck de Vries with a spin at Brooklands!

12:43 , Kieran Jackson

A bit of a moment for Nyck de Vries at Brooklands, losing the rear of the car and spinning onto the gravel!

Brief yellow flags before he joins the circuit again safely.

Tough moments at the moment for the Dutchman, who’s spot at AlphaTauri already feels under threat...

Max Verstappen out on his own already at Silverstone!

12:40 , Kieran Jackson

Around two-thirds of the cars out on track early on, with a combination of medium and hard tyres.

10 minutes in - and guess who’s top?! Max Verstappen, of course, fastest so far with a 1:30:433 on hard tyres, with Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll in second five-tenths back - and Lewis Hamilton nine-tenths back from the pace-setter in third.

George Russell is fourth on the timesheet, 1.1 seconds behind the Red Bull, with Charles Leclerc in fifth.

FP1 is underway!

12:31 , Kieran Jackson

Big queue at the end of the pit lane as the British Grand Prix weekend gets underway!

The Williams of Alex Albon is the first car out on track!

Who will set the early benchmark? Lewis Hamilton already waving to the crowd coming out of the pit lane!

Quick practice pit stop at Red Bull!

12:27 , Kieran Jackson

The quest for perfection doesn’t stop at Red Bull ahead of first practice!

Here are the Driver Standings ahead of Silverstone:

12:24 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 229 points

2) Sergio Perez - 148 points

3) Fernando Alonso - 129 points

4) Lewis Hamilton - 108 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 86 points

6) Charles Leclerc - 72 points

7) George Russell - 70 points

8) Lance Stroll - 43 points

9) Esteban Ocon - 31 points

10) Lando Norris - 22 points

11) Pierre Gasly - 17 points

12) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points

13) Alex Albon - 7 points

14) Oscar Piastri - 5 points

15) Valtteri Bottas - 5 points

16) Zhou Guanyu - 4 points

17) Yuki Tsunoda - 2 points

18) Kevin Magnussen - 2 points

19) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

20) Logan Sargeant - 0 points

10 minutes away from first practice at Silverstone!

12:20 , Kieran Jackson

We’re about to get F1 cars on track at Silverstone for the first time in 2023!

Who will set the early benchmark? Will Max Verstappen be untouchable once again ahead of a race he is yet to win? Or can one of the Brits lay down a marker early on?

FP1 coming up in 10 minutes!

F1 release 2024 calendar with radical change to start of the season

12:15 , Kieran Jackson

The first race of the 2024 season will be held on a Saturday night in Bahrain as Formula 1 released the calendar for next year.

Bahrain, which has hosted the season-opener since 2021, has usually hosted its grand prix on a Sunday as is customary in the sport, but due to Ramadan next year’s race will be on a Saturday night.

Sunday is considered a “feast day” during the Islamic festival, which sees the world’s almost two-billion Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset during the other six days of the week.

See full calendar below:

F1 release 2024 calendar with radical change to start of the season

Lewis Hamilton in the house!

12:06 , Kieran Jackson

For all the stars in Formula 1 right now, one’s stardom remains above the rest.

Silverstone is his race.

Lewis Hamilton must be ‘cold-blooded’ in new Mercedes contract negotiations

11:59 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive by Kieran Jackson

Damon Hill insists Lewis Hamilton has to be “cold-blooded” in contract negotiations with Mercedes with a new deal yet to be signed.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who has won six of his seven titles with Mercedes, has been with the Silver Arrows since 2013 and while both Hamilton and team boss Toto Wolff maintain a fresh contract is an inevitability, the deal has still not been completed.

The 38-year-old, an eight-time winner at his home grand prix at Silverstone where the F1 paddock roll into this weekend, was heavily linked with Ferrari a few months back but quickly downplayed suggestions a switch to the Scuderia was in the works.

And 1996 F1 world champion Hill, while appreciating the “romance” of such a move, insists switching allegiance would represent a “huge risk”.

Full piece below:

Lewis Hamilton must be ‘cold-blooded’ in new Mercedes contract negotiations

All the drivers have been arriving at the circuit ahead of practice!

11:52 , Kieran Jackson

It’s hot at Silverstone today - set to be the warmest day of the weekend - and there’s a feel-good atmosphere around the track on practice day!

11:37 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen believes next season’s Formula One calendar is too long and hinted it will be a factor in whether he stays in the sport beyond 2028 – but George Russell thinks the Red Bull driver simply wants more money.

The Dutchman is powering towards a third successive drivers’ title – holding an 81-point lead heading into this weekend’s British Grand Prix – but has again suggested that ongoing disgruntlement with elements of the sport might cause him to walk away at the end of his current contract.

Full quotes below:

Max Verstappen hints he may retire from Formula One unless calendar reduced

British Grand Prix: 20 years since Irish ‘lunatic’ invaded the track at Silverstone

11:25 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive by Kieran Jackson

“Oh my goodness me!” screamed ITV’s lead Formula 1 commentator James Allen, words struggling to comprehend the sheer craziness of what was being witnessed. “We’ve got a lunatic on the track!”

When a group of protestors from Just Stop Oil invaded the circuit last year during the opening lap of the British Grand Prix, it wasn’t Silverstone’s first run-in with track invaders. Contrarily, 20 years ago, the 2003 British Grand Prix was 10 laps in before deranged Irish priest Neil Horan sprinted up the fiercely quick Hangar Straight.

Many drivers had to swerve to avoid him as Horan, dressed in a brown kilt, madly ran into the racing line of F1 cars speeding at 200mph while waving banners which read: “Read the bible” and “The Bible is always right.”

Full piece below:

British Grand Prix: 20 years since Irish ‘lunatic’ invaded the track at Silverstone

And here’s the Constructors’ Standings:

10:44 , Kieran Jackson

1) Red Bull - 377 points

2) Mercedes - 178 points

3) Aston Martin - 172 points

4) Ferrari - 158 points

5) Alpine - 48 points

6) McLaren - 27 points

7) Haas - 11 points

8) Alfa Romeo - 9 points

9) Williams - 7 points

10) AlphaTauri - 2 points

Max Verstappen hints he may retire from Formula One unless calendar reduced

11:25 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen believes next season’s Formula One calendar is too long and hinted it will be a factor in whether he stays in the sport beyond 2028 – but George Russell thinks the Red Bull driver simply wants more money.

The Dutchman is powering towards a third successive drivers’ title – holding an 81-point lead heading into this weekend’s British Grand Prix – but has again suggested that ongoing disgruntlement with elements of the sport might cause him to walk away at the end of his current contract.

Full quotes below:

Max Verstappen hints he may retire from Formula One unless calendar reduced

10:28 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton has said he would welcome a protest from Just Stop Oil campaigners at this weekend’s British Grand Prix.

The climate activists targeted Wimbledon on Wednesday and have caused disruption at the Lord’s Ashes Test, the Premiership rugby final and the World Snooker Championship so far this year.

Asked ahead of Sunday’s race, if he would support a protest which did not involve people invading the track, Hamilton said: “Yes. I support peaceful protests.”

More below:

Lewis Hamilton supports ‘peaceful’ protests at British Grand Prix

Here are the Driver Standings ahead of Silverstone:

10:14 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 229 points

2) Sergio Perez - 148 points

3) Fernando Alonso - 129 points

4) Lewis Hamilton - 108 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 86 points

6) Charles Leclerc - 72 points

7) George Russell - 70 points

8) Lance Stroll - 43 points

9) Esteban Ocon - 31 points

10) Lando Norris - 22 points

11) Pierre Gasly - 17 points

12) Nico Hulkenberg - 9 points

13) Alex Albon - 7 points

14) Oscar Piastri - 5 points

15) Valtteri Bottas - 5 points

16) Zhou Guanyu - 4 points

17) Yuki Tsunoda - 2 points

18) Kevin Magnussen - 2 points

19) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

20) Logan Sargeant - 0 points

F1 British Grand Prix - practice!

10:01 , Kieran Jackson

Formula 1 heads back to one of its most famous sites as Silverstone hosts the 2023 British Grand Prix this weekend.

Last time out in Austria, Max Verstappen continued his dominant form with a fifth straight win this season, extending his lead in the world championship to 81 points to team-mate Sergio Perez.

Lewis Hamilton endured a mixed weekend in Spielberg with Mercedes, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished on the podium. Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris will be eyeing strong results this weekend at their home race.

Free practice 1 starts at 12:30pm; FP2 is at 4pm.