Free Practice 1 at the Silverstone Circuit concluded with an excellent performance from Scuderia Ferrari, which topped the timesheets and impressed from the start. In this analysis, we take a closer look at the comparison between Ferrari and McLaren by examining the FP1 telemetry data in greater detail.
The battle between Scuderia Ferrari and McLaren is already heating up in the opening practice session of the 2025 Formula 1 British Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton finishing in first place and Lando Norris just 0.023 seconds behind. Although the Maranello-based team started the weekend in the best possible way, the telemetry data reveals that there is still additional performance that can be extracted from the SF-25. Let’s delve into the sector-by-sector analysis to better understand the picture emerging from FP1 at Silverstone.
First sector
The opening part of the lap reveals an area where the Ferrari SF-25 still needs to improve: the first two corners. The dynamic response of the Maranello car in these rapid direction changes is less efficient compared to the McLaren MCL39, resulting in a lower cornering speed. This issue was also highlighted by Charles Leclerc over the team radio. Consequently, Lewis Hamilton reaches the braking zone of Turn 3 with a one-tenth deficit.
However, it is in the next two corners that the exceptional driving skills of the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion make the difference. Lewis Hamilton brakes earlier than usual into both Turn 3 and the following turn in order to get back on the throttle sooner. This technique allows him to gain significant time on the straight that follows. It is also worth noting the excellent mechanical grip and overall balance of the car, both during low-speed cornering and combined traction phases — as seen from the data related to the smoothness of the throttle input. This advantage enables Lewis Hamilton to gain over two tenths of a second.
Second sector
At Turn 6, the McLaren demonstrates superior performance, thanks to an optimal combination of aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip. This allows Lando Norris to carry 14 kilometers per hour more speed through the corner.
However, upon reaching Copse corner, Lewis Hamilton impresses again by nearly taking it flat out, maintaining 96% throttle input. In contrast, Lando Norris lifts off significantly more, down to 76%. This results in the Ferrari gaining an additional 7 kph through the corner.
The SF-25 single-seater continues to shine at high speeds through the legendary Maggots and Becketts sequence, with car number 44 — Lewis Hamilton — keeping the throttle more open than Norris throughout this section. However, he slightly loses time on the exit from Chapel corner as they head onto the Hangar Straight. Despite that, Hamilton finishes the second sector with a lead of approximately two and a half tenths of a second.
Third sector
The final sector is where the Ferrari SF-25 loses most of its advantage to the McLaren MCL39. At the Stowe corner, the McLaren is able to carry more speed through the apex and exit, gaining over a tenth of a second in that single turn. An additional small mistake by the Ferrari driver in the final chicane further reduces the gap, ultimately resulting in the final difference of just 23 thousandths of a second between the top two.
Now all eyes are on how the teams will optimize their cars in the upcoming practice sessions, and how this tight battle between Scuderia Ferrari and McLaren will evolve as the weekend continues at Silverstone.
And you? What do you think about how the Ferrari SF-25 car performed in the first practice session on Friday? Let us know with a comment at the end of the article or on our social media channels: Facebook Group / Facebook Page / Instagram / X (former Twitter)
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