F1 2025: British Grand Prix Preview and Predictions

After another dominant McLaren show at the Red Bull Ring, the action shifts to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix as the 2025 Formula One season nears its midway mark.

Ahead of the British GP, here are our preview and predictions.

Red Bull under the pump

A DNF for reigning world champion Max Verstappen and a last-place finish for Yuki Tsunoda meant that a 77-race streak of finishing in the points came to an end for Red Bull — ironically, at their home track. 

Tsunoda has struggled to find his footing at Red Bull since his promotion from Racing Bulls. The Japanese driver has now failed to score in the last four races. His biggest problem lies in his Saturday outings; poor qualifying records leave him with an uphill task on Sundays. On top of that, the 25-year-old has been vocal several times about not being able to get on top of the car, unable to handle it in a way he would like, which has caused more issues. 

With Tsunoda not finishing anywhere near the points, all of the responsibility lies once again on the shoulders of Red Bull’s No. 1. Despite not having the fastest or even second-fastest machinery on the grid, the reigning world champion has had a relatively strong opening half of the season. Two wins and two additional podium finishes have kept Verstappen in the running for the Drivers’ title, though his chances of retaining it are looking bleak. 

While the McLaren drivers have powered up, Verstappen has had a rough couple of races since Monaco. A dramatic collision with George Russell in Spain saw him penalised and demoted to P10, losing crucial points. He was also on the receiving end of bad fortune in Austria, as Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli took him out on the opening lap itself. 

With Tsunoda struggling to score points, Verstappen needs to take up extra responsibility for Red Bull to finish well in the Constructors’ table. All eyes will be on the Dutchman at Silverstone to see how he responds under pressure.

Hamilton at home

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has not had the best of starts to his Ferrari journey. Eleven races in, the veteran Brit is yet to score a podium, having struggled to find the best setup for his SF-25.

That said, things may be about to get better for Hamilton. Ferrari’s upgrades in Austria netted them a much-needed podium through Charles Leclerc, and the floor upgrades saw them move to second place in the Constructors’ table, overtaking Mercedes. While Hamilton failed to make the podium, Leclerc stated that the upgrades were in the right direction and helped with race pace.

While they might be out of McLaren’s league, finding race pace will help the Scuderia move away from the likes of Mercedes and Red Bull. If their upgrades continue to deliver, they might even be in for another strong weekend in Silverstone.

Coming to Silverstone, this has been a happy hunting ground for the 40-year-old, who has won here a record nine times. He has a knack for maximising his home advantage, leveraging the crowd to push himself further. Expect another strong weekend from him.

Pole position prediction: Oscar Piastri / Lando Norris
Race winners prediction: McLaren / Ferrari

Aston Martin’s struggles

Another team who will be racing in front of home fans this weekend are Aston Martin. Despite an ambitious project, and having brought in Adrian Newey from Red Bull, they’ve had a poor season so far.

Sitting eighth in the Constructors’ table, Aston Martin have had no race pace on Sundays and are yet to score a double-points finish. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso’s three-race scoring streak has kept his team above Sauber.

Saturdays have also been an issue for Aston Martin, as they’ve failed to get their cars in the top ten regularly. Barring some heroics from Alonso, they have started between eleventh and twentieth, simply lacking the pace to fight with their midfield rivals. What’s more, their drivers have been complaining of low-grip issues as well.

The gap in the Constructors’ standings between P6 and P9 is just ten points. Even one strong weekend can boost any team up the table, so each point counts. Lance Stroll is currently on an eight-race pointless streak, and Aston Martin need the Canadian to wake up before their rivals overtake them.

Moving to their home, things don’t look too good for the British outfit. But, like in Austria, if they can make an unorthodox strategy work, Aston Martin might be able to pick up some crucial points. Otherwise, expect Alonso & Co to have another rough weekend.

F1 British Grand Prix 2025: Race Details

Circuit: Silverstone Circuit
Venue: Silverstone, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Practice Session 1 time: 17:00 IST, July 4, 2025
Practice Session 2 time: 20:30 IST, July 4, 2025
Practice Session 3 time: 16:00 IST, July 5, 2025
Qualifying time: 19:30 IST, July 5, 2025
Main race time: 19:30 IST, July 6, 2025
Where to watch: F1 TV Pro / FanCode