Racetrack weather conditions have greatly influenced recent European races, including the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Unlike other circuits experiencing high heat, Silverstone faced rain, which added excitement. The circuit is a former WWII airbase, exposing drivers to gusty winds. Lewis Hamilton demonstrated improved performance during practice sessions, while Max Verstappen secured pole position for the race. Young drivers faced penalties affecting their grid positions but showcased competitiveness. Team strategies were adjusted due to both weather and track conditions, resulting in varied performances among competitors.
The heat dome that has been oppressing much of Europe seems to have largely ignored the British Isles. Not a drop of rain marred the 24 hour races at Le Mans, the Nürburgring, or Spa-Francorchamps, held unusually over consecutive weekends this June. Similarly, last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix took place under scorching skies that were baking the Tyrolean mountains.
Like many British race circuits, Silverstone was a former World War II airbase. Originally home to Wellington Bombers, it's very exposed to the wind, which was gusting at times during practice and qualifying, making life complicated for the drivers.
Lewis Hamilton made the home crowd smile by topping the time charts during FP1. Hamilton has struggled to get to grips with his new Ferrari for much of this season, but at Silverstone he looked much more comfortable, finishing FP2 less than a 10th of a second behind his teammate, Charles Leclerc.
On Saturday, it was Red Bull's Max Verstappen who rose to the top, snatching pole position from the McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Norris by about a 10th of a second.
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