Just a few days after the Austrian Grand Prix, Formula 1 heads straight to Silverstone for one of the most iconic events on the calendar, the British Grand Prix. It’s the ninth round of the season and the fourth Sprint event of 2026. It was here, on 13 May 1950, that the very first Formula 1 World Championship race was held, and it was also at Silverstone, just one year later, that Scuderia Ferrari claimed its maiden World Championship victory courtesy of José Froilán González at the wheel of a 375 F1. Silverstone is also Lewis Hamilton's home race, in which he has taken part 20 times to date if one includes the 2020 75th Anniversary Grand Prix, also held at the Northamptonshire track, winning nine of them.
The track. Built on the site of a former Royal Air Force airfield, the circuit is 5.891 kilometres long and features 18 corners. It is regarded as one of the fastest and most demanding tracks on the calendar, thanks to its long sequences of high-speed corners. The high average speeds and sweeping bends require a delicate compromise between downforce and aerodynamic efficiency, while the tyres are subjected to some of the highest lateral loads of the season. Tyre management, particularly in the often changeable English weather, has traditionally been one of the key factors over the weekend. The most famous section is undoubtedly the Maggots-Becketts-Chapel complex, which demands a stable car along with precision and complete confidence from the drivers.
Sprint weekend. Silverstone hosts the fourth Sprint weekend of the season, a format that significantly reduces the time available for teams to optimise car set-up. At such a demanding circuit, getting the most out of the car from the very first laps will be particularly important.
Timetable. The only free practice session takes place on Friday at 12.30 local time (13.30 CEST), followed by Sprint Qualifying at 16.30 (17.30 CEST). Saturday's 17-lap Sprint gets underway at 12.00 (13.00 CEST), while qualifying for the Grand Prix starts at 16.00 (17.00 CEST). The 52 lap British Grand Prix will begin on Sunday at 15.00 local time (16.00 CEST).
"Silverstone is one of the most iconic circuits on the calendar and presents a very different challenge compared to Austria. We come into this weekend having carefully analysed the race in Spielberg and identified a number of areas where we can improve. We know that the level of competition will once again be extremely high and that every detail will make the difference. With the Sprint format, we will have just one free practice session before going straight into a competitive session, so as usual in a Sprint, it will be even more relevant to start on the right foot. This is a special race for Lewis and we know he will enjoy tremendous support from the British fans. Silverstone always provides a fantastic atmosphere and we are looking forward to getting back on track."
Fred Vasseur, Team Principal
