Norris was lucky, Piastri was better driver – British GP Up/Down

What a difference 30psi makes. That was the margin apparently between George Russell braking (at 30psi) under the safety car while leading in Canada to Oscar Piastri’s Silverstone indiscretion (60psi).

The latter was slapped with a 10sec penalty which derailed an otherwise brilliant performance. Like the football team that dominates then concedes a last-minute winner, it completely changed the complexion of the day.

Aside from that misdemeanour, Piastri bossed most of the race. Once dispensing with Max Verstappen early on, the Australian kept Norris at arm’s length throughout – the Brit was never in the same league as his McLaren colleague.

This followed an Austrian GP where apparently Norris is king, but found himself desperately fending off Piastri for most of the Sunday afternoon.

If that’s what it’s like at apparently Norris’s best track, what’s it going to be like at the rest of them this year?

All it indicates is that Piastri is likely to reassert himself even more strongly in 2025 from here onwards.

Going Up – Angry Piastri

Piastri was full of rage after being demoted to second in a British GP he felt should have rightfully been his.

When it was put to him by Sky that he had driven brilliantly, he simply replied: “Yep, I know,” through a strained smile.

If he’s that good when he’s chilled out, what’ll be like when he’s angry? We can’t wait to see.

Going Up – Old timers

Nico Hülkenberg seems to just be getting better with age, and showed it again by putting a rubbish, snot-green Sauber on to the podium.

He’s always had class. You don’t win Le Mans by accident.

Going Down – Stroll radio

If there’s one thing you can rely on in F1, it’s Lance Stroll being completely miserable even on a good day, after finishing seventh. Just listen to that charming radio message below.

He’s on course for is third-best season (out of nine!) Not that you’d expect Lawrence Jr to be happy about it.

Stroll after the race:

Engineer: “Yeah. Crazy car to drive, amazing finish.”

Stroll: “Yeah ‘crazy’ is an understatement, I mean it’s the worst piece of shit I have ever driven in my life to be honest.”

“But it’s ok. 7th.” pic.twitter.com/UxnWjusbqF

— Ferran West (@FerranWest) July 6, 2025

Going Up – Ferrari position

Ferrari (slightly) consolidated second in the constructors’ championship after Lewis Hamilton put in a decent, steady drive to fourth in what looked like a difficult car, as Mercedes and Red Bull flapped again.

This was emphasised by Charles Leclerc having a complete nightmare to come home 14th. Imagine if the roles had been reversed? We’d never hear the end of it.

Going Down – Raging Bulls

Not a weekend to remember for the RB juniors, both drivers smashing up their motors. Decisions on Red Bull’s future line-up looks to be getting more difficult by the race.

Going Down – Don’t cry for me…

Colapinto might have had his worst weekend yet after his car died in the pits on lap one. How much long can he survive the piranha club?

Going Up – Gas man

Meanwhile Colapinto’s team-mate Pierre Gasly showed again what an asset he is to Enstone. Despite probably having the worst car on the grid, he still finished sixth.

You wonder where Alpine would be without him.

Going Down – Growing pains

While Mercedes had a bad weekend all round, it was particularly miserable for Kimi Antonelli, whose rear-ending by Isack Hadjar destroyed his diffuser.

The up-shot was a fourth retirement in six races. Not a good run.