F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 12 5-7 July 2024 Silverstone
THE MAIN EVENT
It’s been a remarkable journey for the former RAF Silverstone, from moribund airfield to the home of the British Grand Prix – a status it’s often laboured to retain over the years, thanks to an often fractious relationship with former Formula 1 commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone. ‘The Bolt’ famously compared this venue to a dysfunctional country fête; his successors thankfully take a rather more enlightened view and the British GP now has a secure place on the calendar and is held up as an exemplar for others to follow.
Music acts and other off-track entertainment add to the outdoor music festival vibe but the nature of the track – fast, flowing, spectacular – delivers what the fans are looking for. Tickets are naturally hard to come by even though home favourite Lewis Hamilton isn’t likely to add to his tally of eight wins…
2023 RACE RECAP
Max Verstappen took his customary place on pole position but patriotic home fans could draw some succour from the presence of the two McLarens in second and third. Once the crowd had removed their earplugs after actor Damien Lewis finished butchering the national anthem, Lando Norris brought them to their feet by seizing the lead on the opening lap.
Unfortunately for the Silverstone faithful, Verstappen soon got by once DRS was enabled and led the rest of the race but Norris managed his tyres well to hang on to second as Hamilton completed the podium.
