British hopes on a high for Silverstone weekend

SILVERSTONE, England, July 1 : George Russell heads to Silverstone on a high and hoping to give British Formula One fans a home winner at Silverstone for the third year in a row after Lewis Hamilton in 2024 and Lando Norris last July.

The chance of all three standing on the podium - a Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren combination in whatever order - is real after the trio provided the first British one-two-three since 1968 in Barcelona last month.

"I’m sure it’s going to be great," said Russell of the return to Silverstone after winning in the heat of Austria last weekend and trimming Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli's championship lead to 40 points.

Compatriot Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion, said Russell was in a good place.

"There's nothing in the back of his mind thinking 'Oh, Kimi's quicker than me'," he told reporters.

"All the pieces of the puzzle are together and he's ready to rock."

FIRST HOME RACE AS CHAMPION FOR NORRIS

Norris will be racing at home for the first time as world champion, chasing a first win of the season more in hope than expectation after two podiums so far in 2026.

"We go to Silverstone as champions... and we go realistically, in condition to hopefully fight for podiums," said McLaren team boss Andrea Stella. "But the victory will be difficult."   

Button reckoned Russell and seven-times world champion Hamilton both had a good chance, with the Ferrari driver boasting an exceptional history at Silverstone as a record nine-times winner there.

"I don't think Mercedes can have it all their own way, you know, the Ferrari is very good in high-speed corners, change of direction," added the Briton on a call for ticket resale company Viagogo.

"It is going to be hot, which is their only downfall... I expect we're