Who are the favourites for the 2026 British Grand Prix? Five drivers to watch for at Silverstone
01 July 2026The Formula 1 paddock has arrived at Silverstone for the 2026 British Grand Prix, which is set to deliver another intriguing chapter in this year's championship battle.
Mercedes has been the quickest out of the blocks, emerging with the fastest package on the grid, and Ferrari has had its best start to a season in years, while Red Bull and McLaren continue to show flashes of race-winning pace.
Throw in the unique challenge of Silverstone, one of the fastest circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, and predicting a winner becomes anything but a foregone conclusion.
So, who are the favourites heading into the 2026 British Grand Prix?
Kimi Antonelli arrives as championship leader
Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers' Championship after an outstanding start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, including an incredible run of five consecutive victories that established him as the man to beat.
Mercedes has been the fastest team this season on almost every occasion, so the young Italian’s W17 will undoubtedly be in the running again this weekend.
However, last season, Antonelli had a less-than-ideal British Grand Prix weekend, qualifying 10th, before his race ended early after contact with Isack Hadjar on the opening lap.
While Silverstone wasn’t exactly kind to him last season, Antonelli’s current form makes him one of the clear favourites to change that this weekend.
George Russell returns to Silverstone full of confidence
George Russell heads into his home race with renewed momentum after claiming victory at the Austrian Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver has reclaimed second in the standings and has consistently been among the fastest qualifiers throughout the season, taking three pole positions so far in 2026.
Silverstone has already shown it suits Russell's driving style in the past, as he secured pole position for the 2024 British Grand Prix.
With the fastest car underneath him and confidence restored after Austria, Russell will have his sights set on victory in front of his home crowd.
Lewis Hamilton can never be discounted at Silverstone
Writing off Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone is never a wise idea. The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion is the most successful driver in British Grand Prix history with nine victories around the Northamptonshire circuit, a record that underlines just how comfortable he is on home soil.
Then there’s his recent form to consider. Hamilton’s second season in red has seen him look like his old self again, with back-to-back runner-up finishes in Monaco and Montreal followed by victory in Barcelona, the 106th Grand Prix win of his career and his first for the Scuderia.
Despite there being some struggles for Ferrari in Austria, the team appears to have found a much stronger balance in 2026. If it can unearth a bit more of the magic they found in Barcelona, Hamilton has every chance of fighting for a record-extending 10th British Grand Prix victory.
Max Verstappen is closing the gap
Max Verstappen finished second in Austria after challenging for victory and also collected a podium finish in Montreal as Red Bull continues to unlock pace from the RB22.
Silverstone has also been a happy hunting ground for the Dutchman in the past. He won the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix in 2020 before notching victory at the British Grand Prix in 2023.
If Verstappen can replicate his pace from the Red Bull Ring last time out, he could be firmly in contention once again at Silverstone.
Can Lando Norris repeat his Silverstone success?
Lando Norris delivered one of the defining moments of his 2025 championship season when he won his home race at Silverstone, becoming the latest British driver to triumph in front of a packed grandstand.
Although McLaren has endured a more inconsistent campaign so far in 2026, there have been encouraging signs with podium finishes in Miami and Barcelona demonstrating the potential of the MCL40 when everything comes together, and in the United States in particular, Norris looked capable of challenging for victory.
If McLaren can extract performance from its package at Silverstone, another home podium, or even back-to-back British Grand Prix victories, cannot be ruled out.
FAQs
Who is favourite to win the British Grand Prix?
On current form, Mercedes enters Silverstone with the strongest package, making Kimi Antonelli and George Russell the drivers many will be looking to beat.
However, Hamilton's unrivalled record at the British Grand Prix means he also remains a genuine contender whenever he’s on British soil. Then, there’s Verstappen and reigning champion Norris, who also have every opportunity to challenge if things fall their way.
Who won the British Grand Prix in 2025?
Lando Norris claimed victory at Silverstone in 2025, securing his first home win in Formula 1.
Who has won the most British Grands Prix?
Lewis Hamilton holds the record with nine British Grand Prix victories.
