Friday’s two follow classes on the System 1 British Grand Prix noticed a well-recognized orange coloration atop the timing sheets. After ending second in FP1 Lando Norris topped the desk in FP2, whereas teammate Oscar Piastri completed third within the first session and fourth within the second.
However proper behind them was some crimson, within the type of Ferrari’s duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton, whose emotional win at Silverstone a yr in the past was maybe probably the most memorable second of the 2024 F1 season, topped the timing sheets in FP1 and was third in FP2. As for Leclerc whereas he completed fourth within the early session, he was second behind solely Norris in FP2.
Each Norris and Piastri took observe of Ferrari’s tempo after the session.
“Generally the Ferraris have been very, very fast at this time they usually shall be tomorrow,” Norris mentioned to the official F1 channel after the second follow session. “So I believe we’ve got a bit of labor to do, to be trustworthy.
“It appeared possibly a bit ‘too good’ at this time. Ferrari at all times catch up into [FP3] like they did final weekend. So I’d say I’m happy with at this time, however nothing to be too proud about simply but.”
“[Ferrari] appeared good, each within the qualifying runs and the longer runs as nicely,” mentioned Piastri. “So I believe they’re within the battle this weekend which is attention-grabbing to see.”
Ferrari introduced an upgraded ground for the SF-25 to final week’s Austrian Grand Prix, which paid speedy dividends for the group. Leclerc completed third whereas Hamilton completed fourth, as they pulled forward of Mercedes by a single level within the Constructors’ Championship standings.
After the session, Leclerc recognized Ferrari’s race tempo as a energy heading into the weekend.
“As we speak went fairly nicely, the sensation within the cockpit was good, however we nonetheless have some work to do on the automobile,” mentioned Leclerc within the group’s media report.
“In our qualifying trim, we nonetheless appear to be a bit on the again foot, whereas we’re extra comfortable with our race tempo. I actually take pleasure in driving on this monitor and I sit up for tomorrow.”
On the opposite aspect of the storage, Hamilton was quite upbeat, each with the efficiency and the ambiance at Silverstone as he makes his British Grand Prix debut in Ferrari crimson.
“It’s been a extremely thrilling day. Fairly unbelievable to be out on monitor at Silverstone in a Ferrari for the primary time,” added Hamilton. “The automobile felt good in each classes, although I hit some visitors on my quickest lap in FP2, so there’s undoubtedly time to seek out. It’s at all times superb to be again right here.
“That is the best circuit on the earth and undoubtedly my favorite. Nice to see so many individuals already right here on a Friday. The ambiance is simply unbelievable.”
At different races this season Ferrari began on the entrance, however pale as Friday gave method to the weekend. We’ll see if that development continues, or if the Scuderia can construct on at this time’s momentum and ship a powerful efficiency on the British Grand Prix.
