British Grand Prix: 5 highlights that define the historic Silverstone circuit

Back to Silverstone! After Spain and Austria, Formula 1 ends its triple-header in Great Britain with a race that almost always provides a memorable spectacle. Here are five highlights that prove it.

1987: legendary duel between Mansell and Piquet In 1987, the Silverstone Grand Prix was the scene of an unforgettable clash between Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet, teammates at Williams-Honda. The race kept fans on the edge of their seats. Mansell, the local hero, and Piquet, the calculating Brazilian, fought tooth and nail for victory. Their rivalry within the team reached its peak at Silverstone. Piquet took the lead from the start, but the cheers of the British crowd spurred Mansell on to a frantic chase, which ultimately allowed him to overtake his teammate in the final laps—a moment that has become iconic in Grand Prix history.

1998: Michael Schumacher's controversial victory The 1998 Silverstone Grand Prix was the scene of controversy surrounding Michael Schumacher. The German star, already highly controversial in Formula 1, won the race in disputed circumstances that sparked debate among fans, experts, and FIA officials. Schumacher had been handed a ten-second penalty for impeding Jacques Villeneuve during qualifying, but he crossed the finish line via the pit lane on the final lap to serve his penalty. The legality of this maneuver was questioned, and the FIA's decision to confirm the victory was criticized for setting a controversial precedent in the application of penalties, a pattern that would be repeated in subsequent years.

2008: Lewis Hamilton's mastery in the rain The 2008 Silverstone Grand Prix is considered one of the most exciting races in recent years, largely due to the incessant rain that turned the circuit into a slippery track. Lewis Hamilton, driving his McLaren, showed extraordinary skill in the pouring rain. Starting from pole position, he took the lead from the start and held it despite the difficult conditions. The race was marked by daring overtaking maneuvers, strategic tire changes, and several spectacular incidents, but Hamilton not only defended his position but also widened the gap, setting blistering lap times in the downpour. His victory is a testament to his talent and composure as the weather conditions worked against everyone.

2013: A series of spectacular punctures The 2013 Silverstone Grand Prix was marked by a series of high-profile punctures that shook up the field and reignited the debate about tire safety in Formula 1. Leading drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa, Jean-Éric Vergne, and Sergio Pérez, all suffered sudden punctures that ruined their chances. The Pirelli tires used that season were heavily criticized for their durability in difficult conditions. Despite the chaos, Nico Rosberg, driving his Mercedes, took the victory. The race sparked extensive discussions about tire construction and led to regulatory changes aimed at improving their reliability. 2020: Lewis Hamilton's spectacular victory on three wheels To end on a high note, the 2020 British Grand Prix offered a breathtaking finish, with Lewis Hamilton taking the win on just three wheels. On the final lap, a front-left puncture caused by excessive tire wear caused the wheel of his Mercedes to fly off. Hamilton nevertheless managed to control his car and cross the finish line first, turning a potentially disastrous situation into a legendary moment in his career. This feat was widely hailed as another extraordinary example of his ability to triumph in extremely difficult conditions.