Five takeaways: British Grand Prix

Written by Elaina Russell, Edited by Meghana Sree

The 2025 British Grand Prix was a race for the history books: relentless weather, heartbreak for several frontrunners, and a home victory that lit up Silverstone. Between a decade-long dream fulfilled and controversy that may shape the rest of the season, Sunday left its mark in more ways than one.

Here are five key takeaways from a thrilling weekend at Silverstone:

Credit: Formula One | Nico Hülkenberg's champagne moment at the British Grand Prix

Some Podiums Just Mean More

After 15 years and 239 starts, Nico Hülkenberg finally stood on a Formula One podium—and the response was nothing short of unanimous celebration.

What began as a quiet, measured charge from 19th turned into one of the sport's most emotional moments of the year. Hülkenberg's third place finish sent social media into overdrive and drew support from across the paddock.

Lewis Hamilton reposted Hülkenberg 's celebration on his Instagram story, while Max Verstappen—who had his own struggles in the race—wrote: "Very tough and difficult race for me, but big congrats to Nico [Hülkenberg ] on his podium. Really happy for you."

Just seven days after teammate Gabriel Bortoleto scored his first points, Hülkenberg claimed his first podium in what felt like a passing of the torch moment—for the team and for the man himself.

For a driver who's spent much of his career as the sport's 'nearly man', it was a deserved triumph.

Ferrari's Mixed Fortunes Continue

Lewis Hamilton's first British Grand Prix in red ended just shy of the podium—but still marked a solid step forward for the Briton. Finishing fourth and scoring 12 points, it was yet another strong drive for the seven-time champion. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc struggled to even keep his SF-25 on the circuit.

Leclerc admitted: "One of the most difficult races for me, if not the most difficult of my career. I just struggled to keep the car on track from the first lap to the last."

He eventually finished a distant 14th, caught out by what he described as a potentially "extreme" set-up choice. A tale of two Ferraris—and a reminder that consistency remains elusive for Maranello.

McLaren's Title Tension Simmering

Another race, another McLaren 1-2. But the dynamic between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri is beginning to heat up.

Piastri lost the win in Silverstone after a controversial ten-second penalty, despite a commanding drive in the changing conditions. Remarking upon the race-damaging penalty, Piastri commented: “I’m not going to say too much–I’ll just get myself in trouble."

Norris, who was already reeling him in prior to the infringement, capitalised to take the top step on home soil. The margin between the two drivers in the championship? Just eight points.

It's clear McLaren are managing two title contenders—and both know it.

Norris, speaking before the Canadian Grand Prix, had already hinted this situation was inevitable: "I think Andrea [Stella, McLaren Team Principal] said it, it's not an 'if', it's a 'when' and we'll see when that time comes. But of course we'll try and avoid everything as much as possible but it's inevitable that it happens in racing."

Credit: Formula One | Lando Norris and team celebrate his maiden home race win

Racing Bulls, Racing Nowhere

After a breakout result for Liam Lawson in Austria, Racing Bulls endured a bruising return to the midfield with a double DNF at Silverstone—both cars out before the halfway mark.

Lawson's race ended at Turn 1 after contact with Haas’ Esteban Ocon in a racing incident. Just laps later, Isack Hadjar rear-ended Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli in low visibility conditions as the Safety Car peeled away. Both rookies were forced to retire.

It was a gutting end to a weekend that had started with quiet optimism. For a team still fighting to prove its worth in the midfield, a double DNF is a hard pill to swallow.

The Colapinto Paradox

In a weekend overflowing with drama, chaos, and emotion, it was easy to miss that Alpine's Franco Colapinto didn't even take the start.

A pre-race gearbox issue left his car stuck in gear. As the field launched off the line, Colapinto remained very much on it and was later wheeled back into the garage with no laps completed.

Colapinto is still yet to score a point this season—and with the team evaluating its long-term driver line-up, every lost opportunity adds pressure. On a weekend where storylines were everywhere, Colapinto's absence was quietly one of the most telling.

Credit: Formula One | Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps

Looking Ahead

From Silverstone, the paddock heads to another legendary venue: Spa-Francorchamps. With a Sprint format and unpredictable weather always in the mix, the Belgian Grand Prix promises even more movement in the standings.

The paddock now takes a brief breather before resuming racing in Belgium. The break may be short—but the stakes are undoubtedly rising.