In the heart of global motorsport, the Silverstone circuit in England hosted intense moments this Saturday, July 5, 2025, during the third free practice for the British Grand Prix, the 12th round of the Formula 1 season. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari set the fastest lap at 1m25s498, edging out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by just 0.068 seconds. Max Verstappen of Red Bull completed the top 3. However, the session ended with a scare for Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto of Sauber, who crashed in the final minutes due to an apparent suspension failure. The qualifying session, which determines the starting grid, takes place today at 11 a.m. Brasília time, with live coverage on Band and Bandsports. The event marks 75 years since the first F1 race, held at this very circuit, underscoring Silverstone’s historical significance.
Ferrari, which led the first practice with Lewis Hamilton, showed strength again with Leclerc taking the lead. The session saw multiple interruptions, including a red flag caused by Bortoleto’s crash and another involving rookie Oliver Bearman of Haas. The competitiveness among teams promises an exciting qualifying session.
- Highlights of Free Practice 3:
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): 1m25s498, leading with soft tires.
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren): +0.068, strong showing from the British team.
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull): +0.087, consistent in the fight for the top.
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber): 16th, hindered by late crash.
The 5.891-km Silverstone track, with its iconic corners like Maggots and Becketts, challenges drivers and teams, demanding precision and strategy.
Ferrari regains prominence at Silverstone
Ferrari delivered a solid performance in the third free practice, with Charles Leclerc topping the timesheet. The Monegasque driver, who had shown competitive pace in earlier sessions, used soft tires to set the fastest lap of the morning. His performance reinforces Ferrari’s strong form, as the Italian team aims to solidify its position in the constructors’ championship. Lewis Hamilton, another Ferrari standout, didn’t repeat his first-practice lead but still finished 11th, 0.834 seconds behind his teammate.
Leclerc took the lead after the first ten minutes, when the track was still relatively quiet. His initial lap was 0.035 seconds faster than Hamilton’s, who had set the benchmark with soft tires. As the session progressed, the Monegasque extended his lead, reaching half a second ahead of rivals. Ferrari appears to have found an ideal setup for the circuit, which could prove decisive in qualifying.
The Italian team faces stiff competition from McLaren, which placed both drivers in the top four. Oscar Piastri, the championship leader with 216 points, was just 0.068 seconds off Leclerc, while Lando Norris, second in the standings with 201 points, finished fourth, 0.108 seconds back. The close times suggest a fierce battle for pole position.
Bortoleto’s crash raises concerns for Sauber
Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, who has been turning heads in his debut Formula 1 season, faced a significant setback in the third free practice. After posting his first lap 2.1 seconds off the pace, the Sauber driver climbed to eighth but was overtaken by rivals as the session continued. In the final minutes, Bortoleto hit the kerb at the high-speed Maggots corner, losing control of his car. A suspected failure in the left-front suspension likely caused the spin, which ended with the car in the gravel.
The crash triggered a red flag, halting the session. Fortunately, Bortoleto emerged unharmed, but Sauber now faces the challenge of repairing the car in time for qualifying. The Brazilian, who finished 16th with a time 1.003 seconds slower than Leclerc, had scored his first F1 points with an eighth-place finish in Austria.
- Details of Bortoleto’s incident:
- Location: Maggots corner, high-speed sector.
- Likely cause: Left-front suspension failure.
- Outcome: Spin and stop in gravel, red flag.
- Impact: Damage to Sauber car, urgent repairs needed.
Sauber, struggling to improve its mid-grid position, must quickly assess the car to ensure Bortoleto’s participation in qualifying.
McLaren strengthens home favorite status
McLaren, the British team leading the constructors’ championship, arrived at Silverstone with high expectations. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who dominated the Austrian GP with a one-two finish, showed competitive pace in the third practice. Piastri, second, was just 0.068 seconds behind Leclerc, while Norris, fourth, was 0.108 seconds off. The tight margins underscore the team’s strength, as they chase their first Silverstone win since 2008, when Lewis Hamilton triumphed.
Norris, racing on home soil, has yet to win the British GP but podiumed in 2023 (2nd) and 2024 (3rd). The Englishman, fresh off a win in Austria, emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence despite seasonal challenges. Piastri, the championship leader, aims to cement his position. McLaren tested new aerodynamic upgrades during practice, which could prove a game-changer in qualifying.
The British crowd, filling Silverstone’s grandstands, also cheers for other local drivers like George Russell (Mercedes), Oliver Bearman (Haas), and Alexander Albon (Williams). The presence of five British drivers adds a special element to the event, which celebrates 75 years of Formula 1.
Bearman’s incident and other disruptions
Beyond Bortoleto’s crash, the third free practice saw other interruptions. British Haas driver Oliver Bearman caused an unusual incident by crashing at the pit lane entry while returning to the garage. The rookie, who finished sixth, 0.614 seconds off Leclerc, escaped unharmed, but the impact damaged his car’s front end. Haas now races against time to repair the vehicle before qualifying.
Another red flag was triggered seven minutes from the end due to debris on the track. These disruptions reduced the time available for drivers to fine-tune their cars, heightening the pressure for the qualifying session. Silverstone’s abrasive asphalt and high-speed corners demand a perfect balance of grip and speed, making every lap critical.
Silverstone’s history and significance
The Silverstone circuit, hosting the British GP since 1950, is one of Formula 1’s most iconic venues. Originally a military airfield, it staged the category’s first race, won by Giuseppe Farina of Alfa Romeo. The current 5.891-km layout blends fast corners like Maggots and Becketts with long straights like Wellington, challenging drivers and engineers alike.
- Silverstone facts:
- First race: May 13, 1950, won by Giuseppe Farina.
- Most wins: Lewis Hamilton, with 9 victories.
- Most poles: Hamilton, with 7.
- Significance: Host of 58 of the 75 British GPs.
The 2025 edition marks the season’s halfway point, with 12 of 24 races completed. The tight competition among Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull promises an electrifying race on Sunday at 11 a.m., broadcast live on Band.
Performance of other teams
Red Bull, represented by Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda, showed consistency in the third practice. Verstappen, third, was 0.087 seconds off Leclerc, while Tsunoda impressed with the fifth-fastest time, 0.606 seconds back. The Austrian team, recovering from Verstappen’s retirement in Austria, aims to regain ground in the championship.
Mercedes, with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, had a quieter session. Russell, who took pole at Silverstone in 2024, finished eighth, 0.627 seconds off, while Antonelli was 14th. The German team, sporting a special livery for the race, continues to tweak its car for the circuit.
Williams, with Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz, also reached the top 10, with Albon seventh and Sainz 12th. The British team, racing at home, hopes to capitalize on fan support to score points.
Qualifying preparations
The qualifying session, set for 11 a.m. on Saturday, will be crucial in determining the starting grid. With incredibly close times in the third practice, the fight for pole position promises to be intense. Leclerc, Piastri, and Verstappen emerge as favorites, but Norris and Hamilton, backed by the home crowd, could spring a surprise.
Sauber, after Bortoleto’s crash, is focused on repairing the Brazilian’s car. The Swiss team, battling to climb from the back of the grid, sees the young driver as a hope for better results. Nico Hülkenberg, Bortoleto’s teammate, finished 15th, 1.001 seconds off the leader.
The weather forecast predicts a partly cloudy day, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, favoring the soft tires widely used in practice. However, Silverstone’s weather can change quickly, requiring flexible strategies from teams.
Race expectations
The British GP, scheduled for Sunday at 11 a.m., is one of the season’s most anticipated races. The rivalry among McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull, combined with the presence of British drivers and the circuit’s history, sets the stage for a memorable event. McLaren, leading the constructors’ championship, is the favorite, but Ferrari, with Leclerc and Hamilton, has the pace to challenge.
Bortoleto, despite the crash, remains confident. The Brazilian, who scored his first points in Austria, hopes to use the Silverstone experience to grow in the category. Sauber, meanwhile, relies on car upgrades to boost competitiveness.
The weekend also features Formula 2 and Formula 3 races, complementing the Silverstone event. Formula 2 saw wins by Josep Maria Martí and Richard Verschoor in the eighth round, while Formula 3 had James Wharton and Martinius Stenshorne as victors.
Silverstone and the British crowd
The atmosphere at Silverstone is unmatched, with tens of thousands of fans packing the grandstands. The passionate British crowd creates a vibrant setting, especially for local drivers like Norris, Hamilton, Russell, Albon, and Bearman. Union Jack flags and supportive banners line the track, highlighting the British GP’s significance in the F1 calendar.
The 75th anniversary of Formula 1 adds a special touch to the 2025 edition. Side events, like historical exhibitions and fan activities, showcase the sport’s evolution since its 1950 debut. Silverstone, as the birthplace of F1, remains a symbol of tradition and innovation.