Friday’s two follow classes on the Method 1 British Grand Prix noticed a well-recognized orange shade atop the timing sheets. After ending second in FP1 Lando Norris topped the desk in FP2, whereas teammate Oscar Piastri completed third within the first session and fourth within the second.
However proper behind them was some crimson, within the type of Ferrari’s duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton, whose emotional win at Silverstone a 12 months in the past was maybe probably the most memorable second of the 2024 F1 season, topped the timing sheets in FP1 and was third in FP2. As for Leclerc whereas he completed fourth within the early session, he was second behind solely Norris in FP2.
Each Norris and Piastri took be aware of Ferrari’s tempo after the session.
“Typically the Ferraris have been very, very fast as we speak and so they shall be tomorrow,” Norris mentioned to the official F1 channel after the second follow session. “So I believe we’ve a bit of labor to do, to be trustworthy.
“It regarded perhaps a bit ‘too good’ as we speak. Ferrari at all times catch up into [FP3] like they did final weekend. So I’d say I’m happy with as we speak, however nothing to be too proud about simply but.”
“[Ferrari] regarded good, each within the qualifying runs and the longer runs as properly,” mentioned Piastri. “So I believe they’re within the battle this weekend which is attention-grabbing to see.”
Ferrari introduced an upgraded ground for the SF-25 to final week’s Austrian Grand Prix, which paid quick dividends for the crew. Leclerc completed third whereas Hamilton completed fourth, as they pulled forward of Mercedes by a single level within the Constructors’ Championship standings.
After the session, Leclerc recognized Ferrari’s race tempo as a power heading into the weekend.
“At this time went fairly properly, the sensation within the cockpit was good, however we nonetheless have some work to do on the automobile,” mentioned Leclerc within the crew’s media report.
“In our qualifying trim, we nonetheless appear to be a bit on the again foot, whereas we’re extra comfortable with our race tempo. I actually get pleasure from driving on this observe and I stay up for tomorrow.”
On the opposite facet of the storage, Hamilton was relatively upbeat, each with the efficiency and the environment at Silverstone as he makes his British Grand Prix debut in Ferrari crimson.
“It’s been a extremely thrilling day. Fairly unbelievable to be out on observe at Silverstone in a Ferrari for the primary time,” added Hamilton. “The automobile felt good in each classes, though I hit some site visitors on my quickest lap in FP2, so there’s positively time to search out. It’s at all times superb to be again right here.
“That is the best circuit on the planet and positively my favorite. Nice to see so many individuals already right here on a Friday. The environment is simply unbelievable.”
At different races this season Ferrari began on the entrance, however pale as Friday gave option to the weekend. We’ll see if that pattern continues, or if the Scuderia can construct on as we speak’s momentum and ship a powerful efficiency on the British Grand Prix.