BRIEFING F1: BRITISH GP
- Simone Marchetti Cavalieri
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The Austrian Grand Prix was expected to be Red Bull’s statement of resurgence. Instead, it turned into a breaking point. At least in the drivers’ standings, the championship has a new master, and the constructors’ title could soon be wrapped up. Right now, McLaren is calling the shots.
Just look at the numbers: Leclerc is closer to Verstappen than Verstappen is to Norris, while Piastri — increasingly impressive — leads the pack. The fight for the title now seems confined within the papaya-colored garage: two drivers in top form and the best car on the grid. At this stage, even Verstappen’s brilliance can no longer cover up the technical shortcomings of a Red Bull clearly on the decline.
So we arrive at Silverstone. Not just another stop on the calendar, but a historic moment for British fans: Lewis Hamilton’s first home Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver. A powerful, almost surreal image. For years, Mercedes gray dominated the grandstands. Now, things might change. Will there be more red flags in the crowd? The British have never shown overwhelming affection for Ferrari, but Hamilton in red might just awaken something long dormant.
For Maranello, Silverstone will be another weekend to gather data on the new floor debuted in Austria, while waiting for the new rear suspension expected in Belgium. The 2025 project is still taking shape, while Hamilton — more ambitious than ever — is already thinking ahead to 2026. As usual, too many rumors swirl around the Scuderia.
Mercedes arrives at Silverstone with nerves exposed. A fast but contract-less driver, a team increasingly looking to the future, and that name — Verstappen — hovering around Toto Wolff like a promise (or a threat?) for 2026. The disaster at the Red Bull Ring stung, especially since it allowed Ferrari to leapfrog them in the constructors' standings. On home soil, they simply can’t afford another embarrassment.
After their Austrian one-two, McLaren might be tempted to joke about their growing dominance. But behind the smiles, the reality is clear: the championship is an internal battle between Piastri and Norris. The team’s task is delicate — let them race, but don’t let them crash.
Silverstone, with its mix of high-speed corners and rhythm changes, presents a different challenge from Austria. On paper, it’s a circuit where McLaren could face more resistance. Red Bull — or rather, Verstappen — might be more at ease here. But will it be enough?
Both Mercedes and Ferrari could be in the mix for the podium. Cooler temperatures should favor Mercedes, while Ferrari’s SF-25 might benefit from the sweeping corners. But, as always, the stopwatch will be the ultimate judge. The only certainty? McLaren can’t let its guard down — one misstep could breathe new life into Verstappen’s fading hopes.
Silverstone has always been a stage for high drama, and this year promises another intense chapter. But this time, the script seems already written: this is McLaren’s championship. For the others, the best they can hope for is a supporting role.
© Simone Marchetti Cavalieri