Amidst the characteristic British weather, Silverstone buzzed with action as drivers took on the first practice of the 2024 British Grand Prix.
- Lando Norris bounced back brilliantly from his earlier setback, setting the pace with a swift lap at Silverstone.
- Young guns took to the track, with four junior drivers getting their moment to shine in FP1.
- Oscar Piastri showcased McLaren’s strong performance despite a minor hiccup towards the end.
- Notable incidents stirred the session, keeping teams and drivers on their toes.
In typical British fashion, the first practice session at Silverstone unfolded under slightly damp and chilly conditions. Excitement peaked as the hour progressed and conditions improved, pushing drivers to their limits. Lando Norris, overcoming his disappointment from retiring at the Austrian Grand Prix, led the charge with a remarkable 1:27.420 on soft tires, leaving Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll trailing by just over a tenth of a second.
McLaren’s rising star, Oscar Piastri, added to the team’s impressive display despite a late-session halt due to a hydraulic issue. His timing was commendable, just two-tenths shy of Norris. However, his unscheduled stop closed the pit lane momentarily. In the meantime, Max Verstappen clinched the fourth spot, albeit not utilizing soft tyres for his best lap. Meanwhile, Austrian GP victor George Russell rounded up the top five, accomplishing his best on medium tires.
The session also saw a flurry of fresh faces as four junior drivers hit the asphalt. Oliver Bearman marked his presence stepping in for Haas, while Isack Hadjar featured for Red Bull, finding a spirited challenge with Norris towards the end. An incident under investigation arose when Hadjar failed to notice the fast-approaching McLaren. Jack Doohan took over Pierre Gasly’s Alpine, with Franco Colapinto navigating the Williams in Logan Sargeant’s stead.
The session was not without its share of drama, notably when Yuki Tsunoda veered off into the gravel at Woodcote, necessitating a brief red flag for car recovery. Such incidents highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport, keeping fans and teams braced for surprises.
Silverstone’s first practice delivered a mix of exhilarating performances and unpredictable events, setting the stage for an exciting Grand Prix weekend.
