The 2024 British Grand Prix at Silverstone delivered a truly unpredictable and captivating spectacle, largely thanks to the notoriously capricious British weather. Both the crucial qualifying sessions and the main race itself were profoundly impacted by intermittent rain, turning the iconic circuit into a strategic minefield for every team and driver. Despite the treacherous, changeable conditions – which saw many brave or desperate drivers remain on a damp track with slick tires – remarkably, the entire Grand Prix unfolded without a single yellow flag incident or Safety Car intervention. This astonishing fact stands as a powerful testament to the extraordinary skill, precision, and unwavering concentration of the elite Formula 1 drivers competing at the pinnacle of motorsport.
As the dust settled and the spray cleared at the conclusion of an unforgettable weekend, several drivers emerged with truly stellar performances to their names. One competitor, in particular, secured a result that will undoubtedly be cherished for a lifetime, adding another memorable chapter to their career. Analyzing these performances requires a comprehensive look at their efforts across all three days, considering every factor that played a role in their success or struggle.
Here are the RaceFans driver ratings for the British Grand Prix weekend, offering an in-depth assessment of each competitor’s individual contribution to the thrilling events at Silverstone.
A Guide to RaceFans’ Driver Ratings System: Understanding Our Performance Assessment
The RaceFans driver ratings system is meticulously designed to provide a holistic and fair assessment of each driver’s performance throughout a Grand Prix weekend. Our evaluation spans all three days, encompassing practice sessions, qualifying, sprint events (if applicable), and the Grand Prix itself. Naturally, performances during the competitive sessions – qualifying and the main race – are weighted most heavily, as these are where drivers truly test their limits and secure their ultimate results.
However, practice performance is not overlooked and can significantly influence a driver’s overall weekend rating. Major errors, such as a significant crash, or a consistent string of minor mistakes throughout free practice sessions, will negatively impact a driver’s score. Conversely, a driver who demonstrates exceptionally impressive speed and consistency across all practice sessions, particularly when compared to their teammate, may see their rating boosted, highlighting their early command of the car and track conditions.
A fundamental principle of our system is to account for the relative performance capabilities of each driver’s car. We aim to assess a driver’s output in the context of their machinery and the expected results it should deliver. This means that a driver who secures a race victory in a car that is clearly superior to the rest of the field may not necessarily achieve as high a score as a driver who battles fiercely to claim a low points finish in a less competitive, midfield car. This nuanced approach recognizes the varying challenges and opportunities presented by different equipment.
Our ratings also incorporate mitigating factors that are beyond a driver’s direct control. If a driver is forced to miss substantial track time due to mechanical problems, becomes an innocent victim of being blocked during a crucial qualifying lap, suffers a heavily botched pit stop that significantly compromises their race, or endures any other misfortune that they could not reasonably be expected to control, their rating will not be unfairly penalized. We strive for a balanced evaluation that separates driver performance from external circumstances.
RaceFans rates each driver’s weekend performance on a precise scale of 0 to 10. A score of ‘5’ is designated as a typically average weekend performance, reflecting what one would expect from a competent, standard Formula 1 driver. This benchmark helps contextualize higher or lower scores.
Here is a detailed guide to each possible score:
N/A – Not applicable – This rating is reserved for instances where a driver did not sufficiently participate in the competitive sessions, making a meaningful assessment impossible.
0 – Disqualified – Awarded only in the most extreme circumstances where a driver’s conduct leads to their disqualification from participation, indicating a severe breach of rules or sporting integrity.
1 – Appalling – Denotes an utterly appalling display that immediately brings a driver’s competence and suitability into serious question, characterized by repeated, fundamental errors.
2 – Awful – Represents a very poor performance marked by a multitude of errors and almost no redeeming qualities, signifying a weekend to forget.
3 – Very bad – Indicates a weekend dominated by far more negatives than positives, leaving the driver with significant disappointment and room for introspection.
4 – Underperformance – Assigned when a driver fails to achieve the fundamental level of performance expected from a Formula 1 competitor, falling short of basic standards.
5 – Acceptable – The standard, baseline level of performance that should be consistently expected from an F1 driver, neither outstanding nor poor.
6 – Good – Reflects a decent and solid overall performance across the weekend, demonstrating competence and a positive contribution, though not necessarily a standout effort.
7 – Very good – A strong and commendable performance throughout the weekend, one that any driver would be genuinely pleased with, showcasing consistent skill and execution.
8 – Brilliant – Signifies a truly great weekend where the driver’s talent shone brightly, making them stand out as one of the absolute best performers in the field.
9 – Exceptional – An outstanding and truly memorable performance that ranks among the best, if not the very best, witnessed across the entire season, demonstrating peak form.
10 – Legendary – Reserved for the rarest of occasions, representing one of the few all-time greatest performances by a driver in the illustrious history of Formula 1, an iconic display.
Max Verstappen – 7/10
Qualified: 4th (+15 places ahead of team mate, -7.006s)
Start: +1 place
Strategy: Two-stop (M-I-H)
Finished: 2nd (+15 places ahead of team mate)
▶ Damaged floor running off in Q1 but still qualified fourth
▲ Passed Norris on opening lap to run third early on
▼ Overtaken by Norris and Piastri to fall to fifth before pitting for inters
▶ Ran third before pitting for hard tyres once the track dried
▲ Caught and passed Norris for second but could not catch Hamilton for the win
Despite Red Bull perhaps not boasting the absolute fastest package at Silverstone, Max Verstappen once again found himself firmly in the fight for victory right until the very end of the race. This wasn’t the first time this season where a second-place finish brought more relief than disappointment over a missed win, highlighting the challenging conditions and competitive field. One can only speculate what might have transpired if the race had extended for an additional lap or two, given his relentless pursuit of Hamilton. However, Verstappen does incur a penalty for a notable error in Q1 where he ran wide, damaging his car’s floor. While he showcased remarkable skill to still qualify fourth with the compromised machinery, the initial mistake remains a factor in his overall assessment. His ability to recover and maintain a podium contention after the early setback underscores his championship-winning resolve, but the rare misstep prevents a higher score.
Sergio Perez – 4/10
Qualified: 19th (-15 places behind team mate, +7.006s)
Grid: 20th (-16 places behind team mate)
Start: +1 place
Strategy: Four-stop (H-I-I-M-S)
Finished: 17th (-15 places behind team mate)
▶ Sat out first practice to let Hadjar participate in session
▶ Did not have latest floor but team said difference was minor
▼ Spun out of Q1 with slick tyres on damp track, leaving him 19th
▶ Forced to start from pit lane after changing power unit parts
▲ Moved up to 15th place before making very early switch to inters
▶ Had to make a second stop for fresh inters, leaving him down in 17th
▶ Switched to mediums when the track dried, then made fourth stop for softs
▶ Finished 17th, two laps down
At this juncture of the season, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to articulate Sergio Perez’s performance without resorting to a familiar narrative from previous weekends. Once again, while his teammate was locked in a fierce battle for victory, Perez was conspicuously absent from any meaningful contention. Although his Sunday race result could be partially attributed to being one of many drivers whose early gamble on intermediate tires failed to pay off in the unpredictable conditions, his critical error in Q1 cannot be easily excused. Spinning off on his out-lap with slick tires on a damp track, especially after multiple rivals had navigated the same conditions without incident, was a costly mistake. Compounded by a power unit change leading to a pit lane start and a race that saw him finish two laps down, this was yet another profoundly disappointing weekend for the Red Bull driver. The inability to deliver a performance even remotely close to his teammate consistently highlights a significant gap that continues to plague his season.
Lewis Hamilton – 8/10
Qualified: 2nd (-1 place behind team mate, +0.171s)
Start: Held position
Strategy: Two-stop (M-I-S)
Finished: Winner
▲ Just missed out on pole by a tenth from team mate
▲ Ran behind team mate before taking the lead on lap 18
▶ Fell behind McLarens on damp track before pitting for inters
▶ Ran second behind Norris before undercutting him with earlier switch to slicks
▲ Managed his rapidly wearing softs brilliantly to keep Verstappen away and win
Lewis Hamilton’s triumphant victory at his home British Grand Prix ignited jubilant celebrations not only within his team and among his vast fanbase but also delighted many who appreciate seeing the seven-time world champion performing at his absolute best. On Sunday, Hamilton truly rolled back the years, showcasing the vintage form that has defined his legendary career. While he narrowly missed out on pole position to his teammate by a mere tenth of a second on Saturday, he proved to be the stronger of the two Mercedes drivers when it mattered most. Crucially, as the pressure mounted to its zenith in the closing laps with a relentless Max Verstappen in hot pursuit, Hamilton looked every inch the world champion, managing his rapidly wearing soft tires with masterful precision. This remarkable drive not only secured a popular home victory but also broke the longest winning streak of his illustrious career, re-affirming his enduring class and ability to perform under the most intense scrutiny. It was a performance that spoke volumes about his current form and motivation.
George Russell – 7/10
Qualified: Pole (+1 place ahead of team mate, -0.171s)
Start: Held position
Strategy: One-stop (M-I)
Finished: Retired (Water system – L34)
▲ Secured pole position to head all-Mercedes front row
▲ Held the lead over the early laps from pole
▼ Passed by team mate in damp conditions, then overtaken by both McLarens
▶ Pitted for intermediates to run fourth, then called in to retire just after half distance
This British Grand Prix will undoubtedly rank as one of the most disappointing races in George Russell’s career, primarily because he had a genuine and tangible shot at winning his home Grand Prix, only to be forced out through no fault of his own. He delivered a brilliant performance in qualifying, expertly navigating the challenging conditions to secure pole position, out-pacing both his highly experienced teammate Lewis Hamilton and the rapid Lando Norris. In the early stages of the race, he effectively held the lead from pole. However, as the track conditions became damp, he appeared to struggle slightly more than his rivals with tire management, subsequently being passed by Hamilton and then both McLarens. Tragically, he never had the opportunity to fight back or demonstrate his full race pace as he was called into the pits to retire just past the halfway mark due to a water system issue. Despite the heartbreaking DNF, Russell can certainly hold his head high; his qualifying brilliance and early race management showcased his potential, and the retirement was an unfortunate technical blow to what could have been a career-defining race.
Charles Leclerc – 5/10
Qualified: 11th (-4 places behind team mate, +0.254s)
Start: +3 places
Strategy: Three-stop (M-I-I-S)
Finished: 14th (-9 places behind team mate)
▼ Knocked out of Q2 after failing to fully prepare tyres before final push lap
▲ Gained several places on the opening lap, then passed Stroll for seventh
▶ Made ill-judged switch to inters too early, forcing him to pit a second time for inters
▶ Fell a lap down and pitted for soft tyres when track dried out
▶ Caught and passed Bottas late to finish 14th
Another weekend of profound frustration unfolded for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc at Silverstone. His challenges began notably on Saturday when he was unexpectedly eliminated from Q2, a consequence of not adequately preparing his tires for his final flying lap in the tricky conditions. Despite this setback, he showcased his characteristic fighting spirit with a strong start to the race, gaining several crucial places on the opening lap and subsequently passing Stroll for seventh. However, his race was ultimately doomed by an ill-judged, early gamble to switch to intermediate tires. This premature decision in the rapidly changing weather forced him into an additional pit stop for fresh intermediates, causing significant time loss and dropping him a lap down. Without the intervention of a Safety Car or other mitigating circumstances, he had little opportunity to recover from this strategic misstep. Despite a late pass on Bottas, finishing 14th, so far adrift from the points, marked a deeply disappointing outcome for a driver of his caliber. The weekend highlighted a frustrating confluence of personal and strategic errors.
Carlos Sainz Jnr – 7/10
Qualified: 7th (+4 places ahead of team mate, -0.254s)
Start: +1 place
Strategy: Three-stop (M-I-H-S)
Finished: 5th (+9 places ahead of team mate)
▶ Beaten by a Haas to line up seventh on grid
▲ Passed Hulkenberg at the start to run sixth before pitting for inters
▶ Got ahead of Piastri before being undercut through transfer back to slicks
▲ Pitted late for softs to take fastest lap and finish fifth
Carlos Sainz delivered another very solid and commendable weekend performance at Silverstone, extracting the maximum potential from his Ferrari and securing a result that was arguably as good as could have been realistically expected, given the competitive landscape and the pace of their rivals. His race often felt like a solitary endeavor, comfortably ahead of the midfield yet unable to truly challenge the dominant Mercedes, Verstappen, and McLarens at the front. He qualified ahead of his teammate and, despite being beaten by a Haas to line up seventh, managed a good start. While he momentarily lost ground to Piastri during the pit stop cycles, his strategic acumen shone through with a late pit stop for soft tires, which not only secured him the fastest lap of the race but cemented his fifth-place finish. It was difficult for Ferrari to have anticipated or asked for more from Sainz, who consistently delivered a composed and effective performance in challenging conditions, making the most of every opportunity presented.
Lando Norris – 6/10
Qualified: 3rd (+2 places ahead of team mate, -0.207s)
Start: -1 place
Strategy: Two-stop (M-I-S)
Finished: 3rd (+1 place ahead of team mate)
▶ Beaten to pole by Mercedes after admitting error on final push lap
▶ Lost a place to Verstappen at the start but re-passed the Red Bull early on
▲ Passed Russell and Hamilton to take the lead, then pitted for inters
▶ Held the lead during the wet stint but lost it to Hamilton with slow stop for softs
▼ Could not keep Verstappen behind, falling to third where he would finish
Lando Norris left his home Grand Prix at Silverstone with a palpable sense of disappointment, having once again seen a genuine opportunity for victory slip through his grasp, much to the frustration of McLaren. While the team must bear some responsibility, Norris himself shares a part of the blame for this missed chance. A crucial mistake on his final Q3 lap opened the door for Mercedes to snatch pole position. In the race, he initially dropped behind Max Verstappen at the start before brilliantly re-passing the Red Bull. He then showed exceptional pace, overtaking both Russell and Hamilton to seize the lead. However, a slow pit stop when switching from intermediates to softs proved costly, allowing Hamilton to undercut him. Compounding this, he was unable to hold off Verstappen in the closing stages, ultimately relegating him to third. Had McLaren opted to fit his untouched set of medium tires for his final stint, the outcome might have been different, but the combination of his own errors and the team’s strategic choices resulted in a bittersweet podium finish rather than a celebrated home victory.
Oscar Piastri – 7/10
Qualified: 5th (-2 places behind team mate, +0.207s)
Start: Held position
Strategy: Two-stop (M-I-M)
Finished: 4th (-1 place behind team mate)
▶ Qualified fifth on the grid after being caught in rush to the line at end of Q3
▲ Ran fifth early but passed Verstappen and both Mercedes to gain second
▶ Remained out on slicks one lap longer than rivals, losing 18s and falling to sixth
▶ Gained fifth back switching for mediums a lap before Sainz
▶ Reeled in team mate over final laps to finish just off podium in fourth
Another race weekend, another strong performance from Oscar Piastri where he could reasonably feel that he deserved even better, perhaps even having been a true contender for victory. His qualifying position of fifth on the grid likely understated his true pace, as he was caught up in the chaotic rush to reach the line before the checkered flag at the end of Q3, which ultimately left him behind his teammate. In the race, Piastri showcased incredible speed, initially running fifth before executing impressive overtakes on Max Verstappen and both Mercedes cars to climb to second place. The defining moment of his Grand Prix, however, was McLaren’s decision not to double-stack him when switching to intermediate tires, which resulted in him staying out on slicks one lap longer than his rivals, losing a critical 18 seconds and dropping to sixth. Despite this setback, he fought back valiantly, regaining fifth and then relentlessly closing the gap to his teammate in the final laps, ultimately finishing just off the podium in fourth. His pace and composure were exceptional, proving he was every bit as strong, if not slightly faster, than Norris when it counted.
Fernando Alonso – 6/10
Qualified: 10th (-2 places behind team mate, +0.332s)
Start: Held position
Strategy: Two-stop (M-I-M)
Finished: 8th (-1 place behind team mate)
▶ Reached Q3 but compromised by traffic at end of session as last car over line
▲ Ran tenth over early laps before overtaking team mate for eighth
▶ Pitted for inters a lap later than team mate to fall behind him before pitting for mediums
▶ Matched team mate’s pace over final laps to claim eighth behind team mate
Fernando Alonso played his integral part in providing Aston Martin with some cause for cheer at their home Grand Prix, even if their ultimate ambitions typically extend beyond seventh and eighth positions. His starting position, tenth on the grid, was undeniably compromised by factors outside his control, specifically heavy traffic at the very end of the Q3 session as he crossed the line last. In the early stages of the race, Alonso demonstrated his characteristic racecraft, snatching a place from his teammate, Lance Stroll, to move into eighth. However, a strategic choice to stay out one lap longer than Stroll on slick tires in wet conditions during the intermediate tire phase proved costly, as he lost the position back. Despite matching his teammate’s pace over the final laps, he was never quite able to regain the advantage, finishing seven seconds adrift at the checkered flag. While a solid points finish, the weekend was a mix of strong individual moments tempered by external factors and strategic plays.
Lance Stroll – 6/10
Qualified: 8th (+2 places ahead of team mate, -0.332s)
Start: +1 place
Strategy: Two-stop (M-I-M)
Finished: 7th (+1 place ahead of team mate)
▲ Secured spot in Q3 to secure eighth on the grid
▶ Passed Hulkenberg at the start but overtaken by Leclerc and Hulkenberg
▶ Overtaken by team mate, then pitted lap earlier for inters, jumping back ahead
▶ Ran ahead of team mate on inters, then pitted for mediums a lap later
▶ Maintained gap to team mate in final stint and finished within second of Hulkenberg
Lance Stroll made a welcome return to the points at Silverstone, delivering a very solid and consistent performance in his team’s home Grand Prix. The Aston Martin car was noticeably more competitive at Silverstone than in recent rounds, and Stroll did an commendable job of matching, and at times surpassing, the pace of his highly experienced teammate, Fernando Alonso, throughout the weekend. He secured a strong eighth place on the grid, ensuring a Q3 appearance. During the race, he initially gained a position on Hulkenberg but then lost it back along with a position to Leclerc. Crucially, while he was briefly overtaken by Alonso, Stroll smartly regained the position by pitting a lap earlier for intermediate tires, a decision that proved to be the correct one in the rapidly evolving conditions. From that point, he maintained a gap to Alonso and finished a respectable seventh, just within a second of Hulkenberg. Given the overall evenness of their performances across the weekend, Stroll earns the same commendable grade as his teammate, demonstrating a strong drive to convert the car’s potential into valuable points.
Pierre Gasly – N/A
Qualified: 20th (-2 places behind team mate, +5.24s)
Grid: 19th (1 place behind team mate)
Finished: Did Not Start (Gearbox)
▶ Missed first practice as Doohan ran in his car
▶ Hit with ‘back of grid’ penalty before qualifying due to power unit usage
▶ Pulled into pits on formation lap with gearbox problem, putting him out of race
Pierre Gasly’s British Grand Prix weekend was, unfortunately, a complete write-off, to the extent that he might as well not have even shown up. His weekend was plagued by misfortune from the outset; he missed the first practice session as Jack Doohan took over his car, and then was hit with a ‘back of grid’ penalty even before qualifying due to excessive power unit usage, effectively condemning him to start last. Given this, there was little incentive for him to push for a representative qualifying time. The ultimate blow, however, came on the formation lap of the Grand Prix, when he was forced to pull into the pits with a debilitating gearbox problem, ending his race before it had even truly begun. As he failed to complete any meaningful or competitive running throughout the entire weekend, it is simply impossible to make a fair or sufficient judgment of his performance. Consequently, he receives an ‘N/A’ rating, reflecting the complete lack of track time that would allow for an assessment.
Esteban Ocon – 5/10
Qualified: 18th (+2 places ahead of team mate, -5.24s)
Start: +2 places
Strategy: Four-stop (S-I-M-I-M)
Finished: 16th (+4 places ahead of team mate)
▶ Knocked out of Q1 after confusion with team over final lap
▶ Started on softs but quickly faded before early gamble on inters<
▶ Forced to fit second set of inters when heavier rain came, running 18th
▶ Continued to sit second-to-last before gaining 16th from Perez’s fourth stop
If the rating system were based purely on a driver’s enjoyment of a race weekend, Esteban Ocon would barely scrape a two. Indeed, it seemed as though nothing went his way at Silverstone, with any glimmer of hope for a decent result systematically extinguished by what appeared to be a series of ill-fated strategic decisions from his Alpine team. His challenges began in qualifying, where confusion over his final lap contributed to his early exit in Q1. In the race, an early gamble on intermediates after starting on softs backfired when heavier rain necessitated another stop for fresh intermediates. He consistently found himself towards the back, ultimately gaining 16th place only due to Sergio Perez’s extensive four-stop strategy. Given the extremely challenging circumstances surrounding his lowly finish, it’s difficult to be overly critical of Ocon personally. He avoided any major incidents, didn’t spin off, and incurred no penalties, demonstrating a level of control amidst the chaos. Therefore, he certainly deserves no less than an average grade, reflecting his resilience despite a truly frustrating experience.
Alexander Albon – 7/10
Qualified: 9th (+3 places ahead of team mate, -0.242s)
Grid: 9th (3 places ahead of team mate)
Start: -3 places
Strategy: Two-stop (M-I-M)
Finished: 9th (+2 places ahead of team mate)
▲ Progressed into Q3 to secure ninth on the grid
▼ Lost places off the line, then front wing damaged in crush at Village
▶ Ran within DRS range of Tsunoda before pitting for inters
▶ Lost time with slightly slow stop, running 11th in the wet
▲ Caught and passed Tsunoda after switching to mediums to finish ninth
Alexander Albon delivered a very strong performance for Williams at their home Grand Prix, securing valuable points in a weekend where the car clearly demonstrated good potential at Silverstone. Despite suffering front wing damage in the opening lap’s chaos at Village, a setback that would typically severely compromise a race, Albon skillfully managed his tires and the car throughout the demanding conditions. After losing positions at the start, he strategically stayed within DRS range of Tsunoda before their intermediate stops. A slightly slow pit stop saw him drop to 11th in the wet phase, but his determination shone through. Once the track dried and he switched to medium tires, he systematically reeled in and passed Tsunoda, claiming a well-deserved ninth place and an additional championship point. Given his consistent pace, excellent tire management, and ability to overcome early damage to score points, Albon’s performance warrants a strong grading, highlighting his crucial role in Williams’ recent successes.
Logan Sargeant – 6/10
Qualified: 12th (-3 places behind team mate, +0.242s)
Start: -1 place
Strategy: Two-stop (M-I-S)
Finished: 11th (-2 places behind team mate)
▶ Missed first practice to allow Colapinto to drive car
▶ Followed team mate into Q2 but eliminated, two tenths slower in 12th
▶ Dropped behind Tsunoda at the start, then passed by Magnussen on lap 22
▶ Lost time stacking behind team mate for inters, then ran behind Magnussen
▲ Passed Magnussen for 11th after switching to softs late, finishing just outside points
Logan Sargeant had every right to be satisfied with his driving performance across the challenging Silverstone weekend. Despite missing the first practice session to allow Franco Colapinto track time, he impressively followed his teammate into Q2, demonstrating solid pace just two tenths slower for a 12th place qualification. Throughout the race, he adeptly avoided major errors in conditions that would have easily caught out many, a testament to his focus and control. While he initially dropped behind Tsunoda at the start and was later passed by Magnussen, his race strategy and tire management kept him in contention. Although he lost some time stacking behind Albon for intermediates, he remained a presence in the midfield. His strong finish saw him catch and pass Magnussen for 11th after switching to softs late in the race, finishing agonisingly just outside the points. This consistent and largely error-free performance, especially in a car that proved quicker in the hands of his teammate, counts as a definitively good weekend for the Williams driver, showcasing solid improvement and maturity.
Yuki Tsunoda – 6/10
Qualified: 13th (+2 places ahead of team mate, -0.68s)
Start: +2 places
Strategy: Two-stop (M-I-S)
Finished: 10th (+3 places ahead of team mate)
▼ Spun out of opening practice session
▶ Out-qualified team mate but eliminated 13th in Q2
▲ Passed Williams at start to run 11th before pitting for intermediates
▶ Kept out of reach of Albon in wet conditions before pitting for softs
▶ Overtaken by Albon in later laps but held onto final point in sixth
While undoubtedly aided by Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez’s unfortunate points-less outings, Yuki Tsunoda delivered a sufficiently decent showing at Silverstone to earn a valuable championship point in tenth position. After an embarrassing start to his weekend with a spin out of the opening practice session on Friday, Tsunoda composed himself remarkably well, emerging as the team’s stronger driver from that point forward. He out-qualified his teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, though was eliminated in Q2 in 13th. In the race, he made a strong start, passing both Williams cars to run 11th before his intermediate pit stop. He then skillfully kept Albon at bay during the tricky wet conditions. Although Albon ultimately reeled him in and passed him in the later stages once soft tires were fitted, Tsunoda demonstrated enough resilience to hold onto the final point, finishing a commendable tenth. The fact that he beat his teammate decisively further solidifies his decent score for the weekend, showcasing his recovery and consistent race pace.
Daniel Ricciardo – 5/10
Qualified: 15th (-2 places behind team mate, +0.68s)
Start: Held position
Strategy: Two-stop (M-I-S)
Finished: 13th (-3 places behind team mate)
▼ Reprimanded for weaving in the pit lane in third practice
▼ Knocked out slowest in Q2 complaining of dirty air behind Zhou
▶ Passed ailing Zhou early but overtaken by Magnussen and Perez
▶ Pitted for intermediates to run in 14th
▶ Fitted softs for final stint, finishing 20s behind team mate
Daniel Ricciardo’s British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone was not overtly bad, but rather a largely underwhelming affair. His qualifying session was far from ideal; he was reprimanded for weaving in the pit lane during third practice, and then complained of dirty air behind Zhou, which contributed to him being knocked out slowest in Q2, resulting in a disappointing 15th place grid position. In the race, he made no significant errors, deftly passing an ailing Zhou early on, but subsequently found himself overtaken by both Magnussen and Perez. While his pit stops for intermediates and then softs were standard, he ultimately lacked the crucial pace to challenge for points and finished a substantial 20 seconds behind his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. This was an incredibly ‘mid’ weekend for Ricciardo, characterized by a lack of incident but also a distinct lack of competitive edge, placing him squarely in the average category.
Valtteri Bottas – 5/10
Qualified: 16th (-2 places behind team mate, +1.241s)
Start: -2 places
Strategy: Two-stop (M-I-S)
Finished: 15th (+3 places ahead of team mate)
▶ Failed to follow team mate through into Q2 but just missed out in 16th
▼ Lost two places at the start, then passed by Perez
▶ Overtook team mate and Ocon on softs before switching to intermediates
▶ Ran between Ricciardo and Leclerc before pitting for softs
▼ Passed by Leclerc in closing laps to finish 15th
Despite finishing a commendable three places ahead of his teammate, Zhou Guanyu, Valtteri Bottas’s overall performance at Silverstone did not, in truth, entirely warrant that superior race result. He was unable to match his younger teammate’s pace in qualifying, just missing out on Q2 by finishing 16th. His race began poorly, losing two crucial places at the start and then being overtaken by Sergio Perez. While he showed some brief flashes of pace, notably overtaking Zhou and Ocon on soft tires before his intermediate switch, his race was largely limited by the fundamental performance of his Sauber car. He navigated the challenging conditions without making any significant mistakes and his race was not compromised by any particularly poor strategic calls, which is a positive aspect. However, being passed by Leclerc in the closing laps, ultimately finishing 15th, reflects a weekend that was largely dictated by the car’s limitations rather than standout driver performance. He therefore earns an average grade for a steady, albeit unspectacular, weekend.
Zhou Guanyu – 6/10
Qualified: 14th (+2 places ahead of team mate, -1.241s)
Start: Held position
Strategy: Four-stop (S-M-I-I-S)
Finished: 18th (-3 places behind team mate)
▲ Progressed into Q2 then beat Ricciardo to line up 14th on the grid
▶ Started on softs but dropped down the order, forced to pit for second set of slicks
▶ Gambled on early switch to inters which did not pay off, having to pit for second set
▶ Already a lap down before switching over to slicks, falling two laps down to finish last
Zhou Guanyu endured arguably the worst afternoon of any driver on Sunday at Silverstone, yet in truth, it was hardly his fault. His race was a cascade of unfortunate strategic decisions from his Sauber team, which consistently worked against him in the unpredictable conditions. This led to an exhaustive four pit stops over the course of the Grand Prix, from which he had virtually no chance of recovery. Despite this, Zhou had a commendable start to the weekend, progressing into Q2 and notably out-qualifying his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, to line up 14th on the grid. His race unravelled rapidly after starting on softs and being forced to take a second set of slicks, then an early, ill-fated gamble on intermediates, which required a second stop for fresh intermediates. Already a lap down before finally switching to slicks, he ultimately finished last, two laps adrift. However, once his race had stabilized and he was navigating the constant blue flags, he was actually demonstrating slightly quicker pace than Bottas. As such, he receives a deserving reward for his efforts and resilience in the face of insurmountable strategic challenges.
Nico Hulkenberg – 7/10
Qualified: 6th (+11 places ahead of team mate, -0.976s)
Start: -3 places
Strategy: Two-stop (M-I-S)
Finished: 6th (+6 places ahead of team mate)
▲ Reached Q3 and beat Sainz to qualify sixth on the grid
▼ Lost multiple places through opening corners
▶ Pulled off excellent pass on Stroll at Copse, then pitted for intermediates
▶ Ran behind Piastri before switching to softs
▲ Held off Stroll in closing laps to equal best result of season in sixth
Nico Hulkenberg undoubtedly had a very strong and memorable weekend at Silverstone, securing a fantastic sixth-place finish, which equaled his best result of the season. His performance was, however, slightly flattered by a few external factors. The upgrades brought by Haas for the weekend clearly had an instant and positive impact on the car’s competitiveness, although Kevin Magnussen’s early Q1 exit somewhat obscured the full picture. Hulkenberg also undeniably benefited from the struggles of front-running drivers like Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez, who were well out of contention for points. Despite losing multiple places through the chaotic opening corners of the race, he demonstrated superb racecraft, executing an excellent pass on Stroll at Copse before his intermediate stop. He then maintained a strong position behind Piastri before switching to softs. Crucially, he held his nerve admirably in the closing laps, fending off a charging Stroll to retain sixth place. While a brilliant drive and a great result, these mitigating factors mean he falls just short of an even higher mark, but it was nonetheless a stellar showing for the German driver and his team.
Kevin Magnussen – 6/10
Qualified: 17th (-11 places behind team mate, +0.976s)
Start: Held position
Strategy: Two-stop (M-I-S)
Finished: 12th (-6 places behind team mate)
▶ Stepped aside in first practice to allow Bearman to drive car
▶ Did not have latest car update
▼ Knocked out of Q1 after running off at Copse
▲ Overtook Ocon, Zhou, Ricciardo and Sargeant before pitting for intermediates
▶ Almost spun exiting Stowe in wet running behind Albon, then pitted for softs
▼ Lost time to Albon in pits, then passed by Sargeant, finishing 12th
Once again, Kevin Magnussen found himself significantly out-shone by his teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, during a Grand Prix weekend. His challenges began early, stepping aside in first practice for Oliver Bearman and racing with an older specification of the car compared to Hulkenberg’s upgraded version. A critical error in qualifying saw him run off at Copse, leading to his elimination in Q1 and a disappointing 17th place start. Despite this setback, Magnussen deserves credit for a series of determined overtakes in the race, making his way up the order by passing Ocon, Zhou, Ricciardo, and Sargeant before his intermediate tire stop. He showcased strong recovery drives, though an almost-spin exiting Stowe during the wet phase behind Albon highlighted the fine margins. However, he then lost valuable time to Albon during their pit stops and was subsequently re-passed by Sargeant in the closing stages, ultimately finishing 12th. While his recovery work was commendable, his initial qualifying blunder and later tire graining issues cost him a serious chance at points. For his persistent fightback, he nonetheless earns a passing grade, demonstrating resilience despite the overall challenges.
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