Racing Lines
THE LATEST STORIES FROM THE PADDOCK
MERCEDES
RUSSELL EXPECTS TO STAY AT MERCEDES AMONGST CONTRACT GOSSIP
George Russell has dismissed growing speculation about his Formula 1 future, making clear his commitment to Mercedes ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
With no contract extension yet confirmed, Russell said: “No [contract] updates since last time we spoke. I’m just focused on the driving, my home race, my favourite race of the year. I want to give it all my focus and attention to try and win. Temperatures look more favourable compared to Austria last week.”
The 27-year-old also addressed outside interest in his services. “There hasn’t been a lack of interest, but I am loyal to Mercedes,” he stated, before adding firmly, “I don’t think I will be going anywhere.”
Russell arrives at Silverstone aiming to build on a quiet outing in Austria and is hoping for a positive performance in front of his home crowd as Mercedes continue their push to close the gap to McLaren.
FERARRI
LERCLERC HOPEFUL FOR MORE SUCCESS AT SILVERSTONE
Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari are steadily closing the gap to frontrunners McLaren as they head into this weekend’s British Grand Prix. While acknowledging that there’s still work to do, the Monegasque driver is encouraged by the team’s recent progress.
“I think we are quite satisfied, we are improving step by step,” said Leclerc. “We cannot be fully satisfied as the end target is to try and win races.”
Despite last year's dissapointing result, Silverstone has historically been a strong venue for Ferrari, and Leclerc is hopeful they can challenge for top honours again - although he knows it won’t be easy.
“[Silverstone] is a race where we’ve been pretty competitive,” he added. “And Lewis is exceptional here, so yeah, I hope we have a shot at victory.”
Hamilton adds, "[We] take a lot of positives from Austria, I'm hopeful we'll be in a similar position to last week. I think if it is a dry day, McLaren will go off into the distance but you never know here with the wind and the rain, and the crowd make a massive difference."
HAAS
BEARMAN READY FOR SPECIAL SILVERSTONE DEBUT
Oliver Bearman is set to experience a dream come true this weekend as he prepares to race at Silverstone for the first time in Formula 1.
The 20-year-old Haas driver, who has had an impressive start to his rookie season, will now take to the track in front of a home crowd - something he’s long dreamed of.
“I mean, I’m just starting so I don’t know how it feels to be racing at home yet,” Bearman admitted. “I came here in 2015, so ten years ago, and I was in the crowd cheering - and now I’ll be on track. I’m really proud to be racing. I was cheering for Vettel!”
With the team very much in the mix of an exciting mid-table battle, Bearman will be eager to score valuable team points in front of his home fans.
red bull
TSUNODA WORKING TO REBUILD CONFIDENCE IN THE RB21
Yuki Tsunoda is staying positive amid a tough stretch of form in his 2025 Formula 1 campaign, as he works to rebuild confidence and adapt his driving style.
The Japanese driver admitted he’s still searching for the right feel in the car: “I’ll find a way - there are a couple of driver styles I haven’t tried. In terms of confidence, when it is always in the conversation, I’m taking a bit more time [to set up the car] than at [Racing Bulls], which I don’t think is the wrong approach.”
Speaking after a frustrating race in Austria, Tsunoda acknowledged the criticism from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko but values the support.
“He wasn’t happy with my race in Austria, but he still wants to help and support me,” Tsunoda said. “Helmut, he’s just a direct guy… but I appreciate the support.”
Tsunoda remains determined to prove himself and deliver stronger performances in the second half of the season.
TYRES
WHAT TYRES WILL THE TEAMS HAVE FOR THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX?
Pirelli have opted for a softer tyre range at this year’s British Grand Prix, selecting the C2 (hard), C3 (medium), and C4 (soft) compounds.
The change aims to offer greater strategic variety, after limited use of the soft tyre in 2023. Drivers receive two hards, three mediums, and eight softs, plus intermediates and wets if needed. An extra soft is allocated for Q3, and at least two slick compounds must be used in a dry race.
Silverstone’s medium-low abrasiveness offers good grip from the start, but unpredictable British weather could again influence tyre strategy throughout the weekend.
