Charles Leclerc underlined that Ferrari appear genuine contenders at the British Grand Prix by setting the pace in a final practice session which saw little to choose from between the resurgent Italian team, McLaren and Red Bull.
Setting up what looks likely to be an almightily close battle for Silverstone pole between at least those three teams – live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Showcase at 3pm – Leclerc’s fastest time of 1:25.498 was less than a tenth of a second faster than McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton finished only 11th in the second Ferrari but was on course to better Leclerc’s best time through the first two sectors of the lap before an untimely red flag arrived just as he entered the lap’s final corners, forcing him to slow down.
Lando Norris took fourth, just 0.108s back on Leclerc’s pace, in the second McLaren before a big gap to the rest of the top 10, led by Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull.
George Russell was only eighth with Mercedes off the pace so far despite the arrival of the kind of cooler conditions they prefer on Saturday.
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Gabriel Bortoleto brought out a late red flag during practice three after this huge spin into the gravel
The session ended in dramatic style with Gabriel Bortoleto spinning off at high-speed in his Sauber and then Haas’ Oliver Bearman crashing on his way into the pit lane.
As expected, temperatures have dropped for Saturday’s running, with leaden skies above Silverstone replacing the sunny conditions of Friday.
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A Silverstone track marshal made the most of her time to shine, hitting the Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘SIUUU’ celebration whilst collecting a part of Ollie Bearman’s Haas car
The threat of afternoon rain showers has, however, subsided.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s British GP schedule
Saturday July 5
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: British GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: BRITISH GP QUALIFYING*
4.55pm: F4 Race 1
5.40pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments throughout the years at the British Grand Prix
Sunday July 6
8.15am: F4 Race 2
9.25am: F3 Feature Race
11am: F2 Feature Race
1.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: British GP build-up*
3pm: THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX*
5pm: Chequered Flag: British GP reaction*
6pm: Ted’s Notebook*
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
Next up in the 2025 Formula 1 season is the big one, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone – live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Showcase with Sunday’s race at 3pm. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime.
