Dutch driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull continues to set the pace in the Formula One World Championship, delivering a dominant performance during the Silverstone free practice session that shaped the British Grand Prix weekend. On Friday, the car showed strong balance and reliability, signaling a competitive edge across the circuit. Verstappen himself spoke of solid handling and an overall positive day, suggesting component behavior and tire interaction met expectations as teams prepared for the challenging, high-speed sections of the track. His comments underscored a growing confidence within the Red Bull team that the car is tuned for the demands of this renowned venue, where aerodynamics and mechanical grip play a pivotal role across long straights and tight corners.
Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, piloting Ferrari, emphasized the need for focused work on two key aspects before qualifying: tire management and race pace. He noted that optimizing tire life under the track conditions encountered at Silverstone could swing the strategy in his team’s favor during the decisive laps on Saturday. Sainz remains poised to push for a strong grid position, acknowledging that consistency will be crucial as the weekend progresses and teams dial in their setups for both one-lap speed and sustained pace.
Fernando Alonso, driving for Aston Martin, highlighted the Silverstone Circuit’s ability to provoke adrenaline in the entire grid. The mix of fast corners, elevation changes, and the iconic hangar straight provides a rigorous test for drivers and machines alike. Alonso’s remarks reflected not just the thrill of racing here, but also the preparation required to extract maximum performance from a car whose balance must withstand the track’s demanding rhythm across a full grand prix weekend.
British GP 2023 qualifying calendar
Saturday, July 8 marks a key milestone in the weekend, when teams and drivers move from practice to the critical session that will determine pole position and strategic options for race day. The schedule features a concentrated program designed to maximize track time while balancing session length with safety considerations. The clock in the paddock counts down to the moment when teams push for the fastest lap, testing the limits of grip, tire compounds, and suspension settings under the eyes of thousands of fans at Silverstone and millions more watching around the world.
Classification: 16.00. This time slot sets the tone for qualifying drama, as teams weigh downforce levels, brake temperatures, and engine mappings to squeeze the last tenth of a second. The atmosphere climbs as the top runners prepare for their final runs, hoping to secure a favorable starting order that could influence strategy for Sunday’s race under varying conditions that may emerge as the weekend unfolds.
Where to watch Formula 1 races
For fans who cannot make it to the stands, the action remains highly accessible through broadcast channels. The British Grand Prix is traditionally covered by major networks and streaming platforms in many regions, offering comprehensive race-day coverage, including practice sessions, qualifying, and the main event. In addition to typical broadcast partnerships, there are often regional options that deliver live commentary, onboard footage, and expert analysis to help viewers follow strategies, pit stops, tire choices, and driver progression throughout the weekend. This year, as in years past, there is broad interest in how the teams manage tire degradation, fuel strategies, and the evolving balance of the cars as the track evolves from Friday to Sunday.
If television access is limited, fans can still stay connected with live race progress through official live streams and radio-style coverage that provide real-time updates, lap times, and strategic commentary. The excitement of the Grand Prix is captured across multiple formats, ensuring a view into the on-track action even when viewers are away from traditional screens. Whether in front of a television, a tablet, or a phone, the pursuit of speed, precision, and racecraft remains the core draw of Formula 1 during the British weekend.
Note: Availability and regional rights may vary. Fans are advised to verify local broadcast options and any access restrictions ahead of race day to ensure they catch every moment of the Great Circus as it unfolds at Silverstone.