McLaren dominated the Austrian GP as they secured a one-two finish at the Red Bull Ring. Charles Leclerc was their nearest competitor but finished twenty seconds behind the winner, Lando Norris.
However, following the Friday practice sessions, Ferrari looks to have closed the gap to McLaren. Lewis Hamilton was fastest in FP1, while Charles Leclerc was fast on the race runs in FP2. This has not gone unnoticed by the McLaren drivers, who fear Ferrari could give them a run for their money.
McLaren drivers fear the fast Ferrari at the British GP
During FP1, Lewis Hamilton clocked the fastest time, beating Lando Norris by 0.023 seconds. The Scuderia kept the pace in FP2 with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton following Norris, but finishing ahead of Oscar Piastri. Leclerc also looked fast on the long runs.
This is a concern for McLaren, which was unchallenged last week in Austria. Despite being quick in qualifying, Ferrari dropped back on race pace, but the early indication this weekend is that Ferrari could be strong in race trim. This has the McLaren drivers worried.
🟠Lando Norris shows his hand and leads the field by just over two tenths.
This is the top 10 from FP2 👇#F1 #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/rtV3kwkHZH
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) July 4, 2025
Championship leader Oscar Piastri claimed Ferraris were quick, but he still has more time in the tank. The Aussie said: “Ferrari have looked very competitive, but I think we looked alright.”
“FP2, the soft tyre was a little bit messy for me, but I think the potential is definitely there and the long runs look pretty solid as well. So yeah, an interesting first day and I think a lot of competition.”
Lando Norris echoed Piastri’s take, claiming: “In general, the Ferraris have been very, very quick today and they shall be tomorrow. So I think we have a bit of work to do. To be honest, it looks maybe a bit too good today.
“Like always, Ferrari catch up into P3 like they did last weekend. So, yeah, I was pleased with today, but nothing to be too proud about just yet.”
Ferrari has improved the SF-25 with a new floor. They can run the floor lower to the ground, maximising downforce. This also helps with the handling of the car. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has also noticed the improvement of the Scuderia, adding: “The two Ferraris have our eyebrows raised at the moment.”
Lewis Hamilton has a great record around the Northamptonshire circuit. He has won nine races around the iconic track and has always finished on the podium since the 2014 season. The seven-time world champion said Silverstone would be a “special place” for his first Ferrari podium, but even with an improved SF-25, will he for a twelfth time in a row?
