Race preview: British Grand Prix

Get the low-down on Alex’s upcoming visit to Silverstone…

Published

03 JUL 2025

Est. reading time

4 min

The British GP is always a highlight of the F1 calendar for Alex — and he’ll be wanting to mark Atlassian Williams Racing’s home event with points at Silverstone this weekend.

After a sensational start to the season, things have been somewhat tougher for our Thai racer in recent weeks, following a trio of DNFs in Rounds 9 to 11.

But a trip to the home of British motorsport offers Albono and the team a great opportunity to put that period behind them and break back into the top 10.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the upcoming action in the United Kingdom…

Previous stints at Silverstone

Alex has enjoyed a number of successful visits to Silverstone in the past, scoring points on four separate occasions.

Two of those came during back-to-back British GP’s in 2020, when AA23 placed 8th and 5th while driving for Red Bull Racing.

His second stint at the iconic circuit with Williams in 2023 also yielded a P8 finish — and last season’s display on the borders of Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire saw him end the day in P9.

That was especially pleasing after suffering damage to the FW46’s front wing in the race’s early stages, as Alex alluded to after the chequered flag:

“We made contact in Turn 3 and more in Turn 4, also losing a chunk of the front wing, so I was a bit worried at the beginning,” he explained.

“After that, everything mostly fell into place, and I was happy. I knew the rain would come, and there would be a second chance, so I just had to stay patient and wait for the opportunities to arise.

“We made the right calls for the most part, boxing at the right time for the right tyres. We did lose some time on the pit stops and I think without the damage, we could’ve scored more points, but I’m still happy.

“It’s a weekend where we really needed to deliver for the team, so to do it at our home Grand Prix always makes it more special.”

Track guide

Silverstone is one of Formula 1’s most historic venues, having hosted the first-ever world championship race back in 1950.

The track has undergone plenty of modifications since then, of course, but there has been no let-up in the excitement it has generated over the years.

Speed and bravery are required to maximise Silverstone’s high-speed layout and fast corners, across 5.891 km (3.661 miles) and 18 turns.

Things will kick off with a twisting Sector 1, before the Wellington Straight typically precedes wheel-to-wheel racing at the start of Sector 2.

A series of fast direction changes will take us into Sector 3, where a lap concludes with further overtaking opportunities at Hangar Straight, Stowe Corner and Vale-Chapel.

Alex’s thoughts

Looking ahead to this weekend, Alex said:

“The last few races have been a challenge for us as a team, but we're positive ahead of our home Grand Prix, where we'll look to bounce back.

“We're usually strong at Silverstone and have scored points in the last two years here.

“We should have a good car, and our focus is to iron out the issues we’ve been struggling with and return to good form.

“The fans make this weekend one of the best of the year, and I can't wait to see the support from the stands!”

Stay in the loop

The AA23 website and app are the places to be if you want to stay up to date with Alex’s progress at the British GP.

Our live blog will cover all three days of racing, from FP1 through to Sunday’s main event.

Free Practice 1 gets under way at 12.30pm local time (BST) on Friday, before FP2 at 4pm.

Saturday’s action then starts with FP3 at 11.30am, ahead of Qualifying at 3pm that afternoon.

Finally, the Grand Prix itself takes place at 3pm BST on Sunday.

Enjoy all the action in the United Kingdom — and don’t forget to download our latest Fan Passport stamp via the link below, while Albono is putting the FW47 through its paces at Silverstone!