14:47
That was an...interesting version of the anthem. And for anyone in any way musical, that final note was painfully out of tune. Can we get Sam Ryder back, please?
Leclerc celebrates
© XPB Images
LIVE
F1 Silverstone LIVE: Leclerc wins as Russell jumps Hamilton in safety car chaos at the British GP
Live coverage of Sunday at the F1 British Grand Prix
KEY MOMENTS
- Gravel and chaos strike Lego parade lap
- Antonelli starts from pole after winning the sprint race
- Leclerc and Hamilton in position to challenge for victory
The ninth round of the 2026 Formula 1 season takes place at the British Grand Prix.
Silverstone hosted the first official F1 Grand Prix in 1950 and continues to be a firm favourite of both drivers and fans in the modern era.
On Thursday, drivers were vocal in their concerns about how energy-starved the layout could be, with few heavy braking zones to recover energy into the batteries. However, when the action got underway on Friday, the issue was far less intrusive than had been feared.
A bizarre dispute is also taking place in regard to Sunday's parade lap, which will take place in Lego go-karts, with each driver having their own vehicle. Whilst some are all for it and are eager to get going, such as Lando Norris and Valtteri Bottas, there are others who are less excited about the prospect, with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen both voicing concern, and the former suggesting he does not intend to take part.
However, when the lap took place, the drivers all appeared to be enjoying the chaos, with Fernando Alonso, Bottas, and Esteban Ocon battling it out for the unofficial victory.
Fresh off the back of his victory at the Red Bull Ring, George Russell is keen to add to his points haul with a first win on home soil, but starts from fourth place after a disappointing qualifying.
Charles Leclerc and Hamilton follow Antonelli on the grid in second and third, and are hoping to use strategy to overcome Mercedes for a second time this year.
2026 British Grand Prix Sunday schedule
Grand Prix: 15:00pm BST - 17:00pm BST
05 Jul 2026
14:43
"Never say never," says former Red Bull boss Christian Horner, when asked if he will be back on the grid for 2027.
14:41
The grid walk is chaotic as ever, with Nigel Mansell voicing what a lot of drivers and fans are thinking, 'I just wish the drivers had a bit more power'. Preach, Nige'.
14:38
F1 2026 British Grand Prix: Full starting grid after two drivers hit with penalties
F1 2026 British Grand Prix: Full starting grid after two drivers hit with penalties
This is the full starting grid for the F1 British Grand Prix.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli will line up from the very front of the grid for Sunday's British Grand Prix after taking an impressive pole position at Silverstone.
Antonelli maintained Mercedes' unbeaten Grand Prix qualifying streak in 2026
14:37
Christian Horner's first words as he returns to F1 paddock for first time since Red Bull sacking
Christian Horner's first words as he returns to F1 paddock for first time since Red Bull sacking
Christian Horner has made a return to the Formula 1 paddock for the first time since his Red Bull sacking at the British Grand Prix.
The 52-year-old Briton was relieved from his duties as Red Bull team principal and CEO following last year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Horner was sacked last July by Red Bull
14:32
Less than half an hour to go before the race begins, and all 22 cars are now on a packed grid with celebrity faces all over the place.
14:29
Aston Martin head to the grid, but after Alonso won the Lego 'race', we can't help but wonder whether it might be better for them to use the Lego version instead!
14:26
A free place grid penalty for Gasly for impeding in qualifying, while Stroll has been handed a 10-place drop - one place in reality - for taking a new power unit for the race.
14:25
16,000 fans in the Landostand. What a sight that must be for Norris.
14:22
Pit lane opens
The pit lane has opened, and drivers are beginning to complete a series of sighter laps before heading to the grid. Let's hope no Lego remnants are lying around waiting to give someone a puncture!
14:17
Ferrari x Lego
This was chaos and, despite not sounding keen on Thursday, even Hamilton cracked a smile from time to time.
14:12
However, it is the second row that holds interest for the home fans, with Hamilton and Russell alongside one another. Hamilton was second in yesterday's sprint race, but can he go one better and add a tenth British Grand Prix victory to his haul today?
Equally, Russell has never stood on the Silverstone podium, and will be hoping to right that wrong in a few hours.
14:11
Kimi Antonelli will start from pole with Charles Leclerc on the front row alongside him.
14:03
Good afternoon!
Good afternoon and welcome to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. The sprint race yesterday provided a thrilling appetiser, and we can't wait to get going for the main event of the weekend!