2024 British Grand Prix preview: timings, how to watch, and more

Hot topics ahead of the 2024 British Grand Prix

The biggest point of discussion post-Spielberg has been the on-track rivalry between Verstappen and Norris, which reached a flashpoint in the closing stages in Austria. Since the Chinese Grand Prix, the pair have stood on the top two steps of the podium in every race except Monaco – where Verstappen had an off-weekend finishing in sixth, two places ahead of Norris, and now in Austria, where their battling lead to a collision and a DNF for Norris.

His total dominance over the last few seasons has given Verstappen no cause to closely compete with anyone up front. So this is the first time we’ve seen Verstappen really getting his elbows out since the three-time world champion was vying for his first with Lewis Hamilton in 2021. In front of a partisan British crowd, it will be intriguing to see how these two friends move forward from the incident this past weekend.

Speaking of the British crowd, there should be a lot for them to feel excited for, from Norris’ championship challenge to the upturn in form for Mercedes bringing improved results for its two British drivers. George Russell claimed the second grand prix win of his career in Austria, with Hamilton crossing the line in fourth. The Silver Arrows haven’t finished lower than fourth since Imola, standing on the podium in each of the last three races – a far cry from the lower points positions they were stuck with at the start of the season. Hamilton has an incredible record at Silverstone having stood on the podium there in every season since 2014 and after describing his performance in Austria as “pretty shocking,” the seven-time world champion is certain to be motivated to deliver an upturn in form for the home fans.

Elsewhere, this week contract extensions for Pierre Gasly at Alpine and Lance Stroll at Aston Martin were announced, as teams look to lock-in driver lineups for 2025 and beyond. For Carlos Sainz Jr., who came third in Austria to solidify his fourth-place standing in the drivers’ championship, chances for a competitive seat next year are dwindling. With Hamilton replacing him at Ferrari and Sergio Pérez secure at Red Bull, there are really only downwards moves open to him. Even these are closing, though, with Haas widely expected to announce F2 and Ferrari Academy driver Oliver Bearman for a 2025 seat at Silverstone.

When can I watch the 2024 British Grand Prix?

Action at Silverstone begins on Friday, with Free Practice 1 at 12:30 UK time, followed by Free Practice 2 at 16:00. Saturday starts off with Free Practice 3 at 11:30 ahead of qualifying for the grand prix at 15:00. Lights out for the British Grand Prix is at 15:00 on Sunday 7^th July.

How to watch the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix

Sky Sports retains exclusive rights to all live coverage of F1 in the UK. Every session of the British Grand Prix will be shown live and uninterrupted on Sky Sports F1.

US viewers can catch all the action on ESPN, and Australian audiences can watch on Kayo Sports. The F1 TV Pro app will also provide coverage of every F1 session across the weekend to several countries the world over.

Which series are supporting in Great Britain?

Formula 2 and Formula 3 will be competing in Great Britain this weekend. In Spielberg, it was Oliver Bearman who took the sprint victory and Gabriel Bortoleto with the feature race win, though this hasn’t changed the top of the standings, as Paul Aron remains top with an 11-point lead over Isack Hadjar. In F3, Luke Browning regained the lead of the drivers’ championship with a win in the feature race, while Nikola Tsolov took the chequered flag in the sprint.

F1 Academy, meanwhile, will be back in action in Zandvoort at the end of August.

Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.