Ahead of the British Grand Prix, the Sky Sports F1 team predict who will take the lead in Sunday’s race at Silverstone.
For the first time at Silverstone, three Brits occupied the first three slots on the grid after George Russell beat Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton and McLaren’s Lando Norris for pole.
While many will be rightly hoping for a British victory, it is not guaranteed with world championship leader Max Verstappen waiting for any chance from fourth place, while Norris’ McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri cannot be reduced from fifth.
With the team having the fastest car unclear after the changeable conditions leading up to the weekend, the race is set to be one of F1’s most difficult to predict for a long time.
Throw into the mix that the unseasonable weather is set to continue, and an absolute classic could be on the cards at the famous circuit.
With such a charming prospect in store, the Sky Sports F1 teams share their predictions for Sunday’s race after qualifying:
Karun Chandhok, Sky Sports F1 pundit
Winner: George Russell
I think that they are really good and I think that Mercedes is perfect for this circuit. He just drives well and I think he can hold the other three. But I would say that Verstappen in fourth is probably the biggest threat.
Ted Kravitz, Sky Sports’ F1 pit lane reporter
Winner: Max Verstappen
I think George will lead far in the beginning. Max will come over in a repaired car and fight with Lando and Lewis. I expect the rain will continue to die and it will come down to a battle between Russell and Verstappen, with Max getting it in the end. In the end: Max, Lando, George.
Naomi Schiff, Sky Sports F1 expert
Winner: Lewis Hamilton
The good news is that all Brits have a chance to win. But if I had to put money on anyone, it would be Lewis Hamilton. I think what we want to see is a sixth championship this season, and he can be the driver to deliver.
Simon Lazenby, Sky Sports F1 presenter
Winner: Max Verstappen
I think Verstappen will win because he had a broken floor in qualifying. While I hope for the fans to get the British championship, I feel that Max is on a mission and will be very quick with the repaired floor. We haven’t seen the true pace yet.
Craig Slater, Sky Sports News reporter
Winner: Lando Norris
Lando and Verstappen are the two best now in terms of form, and in terms of the speed of the car over the distance of the race, and they will appear finally at the front. Mercedes cars may be leading for a while, but in the race distance, Mercedes has not been able to compete even in better conditions. I took Lewis to win the battle with George for the last podium spot.
Nigel Chiu, Sky Sports F1 digital reporter
Winner: Lando Norris
Lando Norris was really good on Friday and I think McLaren will have the advantage over Mercedes. Norris had to keep Verstappen at the start, then he could use his pace and strategy to overcome the two Mercedes cars. If it’s wet, I also think Norris will show class and makeup to get closer to Canada.
James Galloway, Sky Sports F1 digital reporter
Winner: Lewis Hamilton
If there’s going to be at least one big day in the glittering Lewis Hamilton-Mercedes story, it could be this Silverstone Sunday. While he missed out on what would have been an eighth home pole for his teammates, the front row start still left Hamilton with an easy lead.
His qualifying may have suffered a lot in the last campaign at Mercedes, but his race days still usually prove to be better. Of course, no one knows better than Hamilton how to win around Silverstone and as a consistent 10-podium show, he tends to find his way home.
Sam Johnston, Sky Sports F1 digital reporter
Winner: Lando Norris
Lando Norris and the McLaren team have had confidence throughout the weekend, even after a mistake in qualifying cost him the pole on Saturday. He and his team need to show that they have learned from the recent race that they have won, but with a clean race, I suspect that the papaya car can pass the two Silver Arrows.
Say you!
Sky Sports F1 live British GP schedule (all F1 sessions on Sky Showcase)
Sunday July 7th
8:15: F3 Feature Race
9:50: F2 Feature Race
11:50: Porsche Supercup
13:30: Grand Prix Sunday – British GP build-up
3pm: BRITISH GRAND PRIX
17:00 Checkered Flag: British GP reaction
6pm: Ted’s Notebook
F1’s summer triple-header ends with the big one, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Watch every session live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Showcase, with Sunday’s race at 3pm. Stream every F1 race and more with Sports Month Membership NOW – No contract, cancel anytime