Who are you/ your role: Ellie, F1 Operations Executive 

Your trip: British Grand Prix, 5th – 7th July 2024

What was your favourite part of the trip?

Walking around the track and seeing everything that was going on. There was so much to see, the British Grand Prix has the most activity around the track of any Grand Prix I have been to. 

How was the race? 

What a race! The excitement was high leading into the race on Sunday with a British 1-2-3 in qualifying on Saturday. With the threat of rain throughout the day, and Verstappen down in 4th, anything could happen. There was early heartbreak for George Russell who was forced to retire on the first lap due to a water system issue. The strategy became super important as the rain started to fall. Verstappen was the first to stop for intermediates, with Norris and Hamilton close behind. Piastri, who had made up some spaces, was left out for an extra lap which somewhat ruined his race. 

With 14 laps to go, Norris was leading the race, when Hamilton and Verstappen made the call to switch back to soft and hard tyres. McLaren left Norris out for an extra lap costing him the lead of the race. With Hamilton now in the lead you could feel the energy from the crowd. Verstappen went charging after Hamilton, but it was too little too late. Lewis Hamilton won the British Grand Prix for a record-breaking 9th time, his first win in 945 days. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Hamilton stepped onto the top step of the podium once more. An incredible race, topped off a brilliant weekend at Silverstone. 

What would you recommend doing in the city?

I would definitely recommend having a walk around the track, there is so much to see. There are lots of places to buy souvenirs throughout the grounds as well as very good food from gourmet burgers to pizzas. The fan zone is also well worth a visit, located on part of the old Silverstone track between Abbey and Brooklands - features a huge stage, Ferris wheel, food, and grass to picnic on.