Ferrari had a solid start to the F1 British GP, with Lewis Hamilton topping the timing sheets in FP1 but having to concede to Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc in FP2.
Fresh from their seasonal best result at the Austrian GP, Ferrari continued the positive trend in Friday practice sessions for the British GP.
With Qualifying still being a bit of an Achilles’ heel for Ferrari, Hamilton and Leclerc focused on their one-lap pace throughout both practice sessions.
Their pace looked promising, highlighted by Hamilton setting the fastest time, a 1:26.892, in FP1. Leclerc finished the first practice session in P4 behind the McLarens.
In FP2, the Ferrari duo lined up behind the McLaren of Lando Norris, with Leclerc in P2 and Hamilton in P3.
Throughout Friday, the Ferrari duo completed 110 laps, running their programs without any issues while showing encouraging signs of progress after introducing their latest upgrades during the last round in Austria.
Hamilton on his first day of practice on home soil
After a great start to the British GP weekend, local hero Lewis Hamilton gave a positive resume when speaking to the media after the conclusion of today’s running.
“It was a really good day, great to see the crowd, amazing to be out on track in a Ferrari here at Silverstone. It’s been pretty incredible.
“And also with the Red Bull and McLaren had an upgrade, so for us to be in the mix still, given that they’ve had a step today, it’s really positive.”
Compared to other weekends this season, Hamilton looked quick right from the start and across different tyre compounds.
The Briton reckons it has to do with him feeling a lot more comfortable with the car.
Hamilton was unable to replicate his FP1 result in FP2 but noted that he and the team had already identified what needed to be done in preparation for the next session.
“I’m progressing a lot now with the car, and much more comfortable in knowing where it needs to be.
“I think by P2, we still weren’t where we needed to be, so in P2, we definitely struggled a little bit more, but we know the changes that we need to make for the next session.
Hamilton is preparing to deliver a strong result.
With Hamilton taking victory during last year’s British GP and Ferrari looking to be in the mix this time around, the 7-time Champion is looking for another strong result on home soil.
To achieve that goal, Hamilton and Ferrari will have to prepare for all eventualities, especially with the forecast of rain.
“Definitely feel that we can dream of having a strong weekend, for sure.
“Executing and putting it all together and extracting it is another thing, but I think I’ll prepare myself the best I can to make sure we get the best result.
“I think tomorrow there’s rain potentially coming, and also on Sunday as well, so just going to try our hardest to make sure we’re ready for that.”
Leclerc is optimistic about race pace
Charles Leclerc shared similar positive feedback with his Ferrari teammate, Lewis Hamilton, when speaking to the media after the end of FP2 for the British GP.
Leclerc was particularly encouraged by Ferrari’s race pace, even if it might not be enough to beat McLaren.
While the race pace looks strong, the Monegasque notes that the team still has to make a step forward in Qualifying.
“The day was good, we’ve been pretty strong so far, so it’s positive.
“I think we still need to find some pace in qualifying.
“McLaren is once again probably the car to beat at the moment, but in race pace, I was happy.
“I’m finding my way.
“I mean, I’m changing quite a lot the car in weekends recently to try and find some pace in qualifying.
“For now, I don’t seem to find a way for that, but in the race, I’m really happy with where we are.
“I think we are very strong in the race, but we’ve got to do a step forward in qualifying.”
Rain poses a question mark at F1 British GP
Questioned about the prospect of rain, Leclerc noted that he would prefer a dry race given the pace the car has shown and Ferrari’s past struggles in the wet.
“I mean, it’s a big question mark.
“I don’t really know. We haven’t run that much in the rain this year, so I don’t know how it will affect things.
“Historically, we’ve been struggling a little bit in the rain, without a car, so we’ll see how it goes if the rain comes.
“But for now, I’m hoping for a dry weekend, because it seems that the pace is there.
“So that’s a good thing.”
