Formula 1: Everything you need to know about 2024 British GP

Silverstone is the birthplace of Formula 1

As the 2024 F1 season reaches its midpoint, all eyes turn to Silverstone for the British GP for the 12th round. Silverstone is the birthplace of Formula 1, making the British Grand Prix one of the most iconic events on the calendar. This weekend F1 fans will fly to Silverstone for one of the UK’s most anticipated sporting events.

Last year’s race was a turning point for McLaren, marking their return as frontrunners. Now established as Red Bull’s closest challenger, McLaren aims for a home victory, spurred by the passionate support of local fans.

In the following article, we’ll enlighten you with everything you need to know about the British Grand Prix 2024.

McLaren returns to homeground

McLaren’s resurgence has been one of the most highlighting storylines of the year, with Lando Norris’ stunning maiden win at the Miami GP adding to the charm.

Not only that, after the recent upgrades introduced by McLaren in their cars, both their drivers backed up by powerful engines and experience have shown spectacular performance in the past few races. 

The Austrian Grand Prix proved disastrous for the team when their lead driver collided with Max Verstappen, forcing Lando Norris to retire early from the race despite starting second on the grid.

Now firmly established as Red Bull’s main rival for the 2024 season, the pressure is on for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to deliver strong performances on their home turf.

The F1 season so far

Max Verstappen has maintained his dominance, winning seven out of ten races, including recent victories in Canada and Spain. However, the competition has been tougher this year. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc have each secured a win, with Sainz triumphing in Monaco and Leclerc in Bahrain.

Lando Norris’s first Grand Prix victory in Miami was a significant milestone for McLaren, signalling their resurgence. The recent Austrian GP saw a dramatic collision between Verstappen and Norris, adding to the season’s excitement.

With Verstappen’s lead under threat, the championship battle is wide open, making every race, including the British GP, crucial.

Franco Colapinto to drive Sargeant’s Williams this weekend

Franco Colapinto will make history as the first Argentine in nearly two decades to drive a Formula 1 car during a race weekend. The 21-year-old Williams Driver Academy racer will take over Logan Sargeant’s car for the first practice session at the British Grand Prix.

Colapinto’s opportunity comes after a strong performance in Formula 2, where he secured a win and two second places in the last four rounds, placing him fifth in the standings. He has fond memories of Silverstone, having won there in F3 last year.

His Friday schedule is packed, starting with F2 practice, followed by FP1 in the Williams, and then back to the F2 paddock for qualifying.

Doohan all set to get behind the wheels of Gasly’s car for Silverstone

Alpine has confirmed that Jack Doohan will make his second FP1 appearance of the 2024 season at the British Grand Prix, driving Pierre Gasly’s car.

Doohan previously drove Esteban Ocon’s A524 in Canada but only managed three laps due to wet weather. This time, he’ll have a better opportunity at Silverstone.

Alongside his FP1 outings and simulator duties at Enstone, Doohan, the son of former 500cc motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan, has completed several test sessions with Alpine, aiming to secure a full-time F1 seat.

What is the circuit like?

Silverstone started as an airfield for British bombers during World War II. It became famous for hosting the first-ever British Grand Prix in 1950, which was also the debut race of the Formula One World Championship.

Despite of all the changes that have taken over the years, it remains a beloved track known for its fast, challenging layout.

Stretching 5.891 kilometres with 18 corners, Silverstone is popular among drivers like Max Verstappen for its thrilling corners such as Becketts and Maggotts, and it attracts many fans to its historic races.

When is the Race?

Event	Date	Time
Free Practice 1	5 July 2024	5:00 pm – 6:00 pm IST
Free Practice 2	5 July 2024	8:30 pm – 7:30 pm IST
Free Practice 3	6 July 2024	4:00 pm – 5:00 pm IST
Qualifying	6 July 2024	7:30 pm – 8:30 pm IST
Race	7 July 2024	7:30 pm – 9:30 pm IST

Weather Forecast for British GP

Friday

• Minimum Temperature: 11°C
• Maximum Temperature: 28°C
• Chances of Rain: 60%

Saturday

• Minimum Temperature: 9°C
• Maximum Temperature: 17°C
• Chances of Rain: 40%

Sunday

• Minimum Temperature: 10°C
• Maximum Temperature: 17°C
• Chances of Rain: 40%

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