DRIVERS could face nightmare conditions at Silverstone this afternoon as weather threatens to cause havoc for the British Grand Prix.
Weather forecasts are showing stormy and wet conditions in the hours building up to lights out at 3pm, with rain pouring at the moment.
GettyWet weather has threatened to cause chaos at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix[/caption]
PARain has been hammering down at Silverstone all morning[/caption]
GettyFormula 3 cars have been kicking up spray during their early feature race[/caption]
PALewis Hamilton sheltered himself from the downpour[/caption]
EPAManchester United manager Ruben Amorim headed out on the grid[/caption]
GettySkateboarding legend Tony Hawk was also spotted at Silverstone[/caption]
A yellow warning for thunderstorms has been issued by the Met Office as a result of the incoming rain.
The warning, which is set to expire at 7pm, tells the public to take caution with driving conditions.
Meaning the 200mph+ speeds on the Silverstone track could be even more risky under the wet weather.
Fans and staff at the Silverstone track are already soaked since the heavens have opened this morning with rain continuing to pour.
However, there’s hope that things could clear up in time for the big race this afternoon with the forecast looking more dry by 3pm.
So far, the conditions haven’t stopped any of the F4. F3 or F2 feature races that were scheduled for the morning.
While the celebs that have made their way to Silverstone haven’t been put off by the damp surroundings either, with big-name stars spotted all over the grid.
Those have included the likes of Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, TV chef superstar Gordon Ramsay, Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and Spiderman himself Tom Holland.
GettyTom Holland kept himself dry thanks to a Soho House umbrella[/caption]
ReutersSinger Sam Ryder also tried to stop being caught in the rain[/caption]
GettyGordon Ramsay and his wife Tana Ramsay walk in the paddock[/caption]
ReutersOlympic superstar Adam Peaty with his partner Holly Ramsay were also present[/caption]
EPARace spectators tried to keep dry in the conditions using ponchos[/caption]
EPASome fans hid under umbrellas[/caption]
ReutersOthers had to run to try and stay dry[/caption]
GettyThe Silverstone track is already looking extremely wet[/caption]
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Those readying themselves for the main attraction later on will be hoping the clouds blow away and the rain dries up.
None more so than Max Verstappen, who will be hoping he can make the most of securing pole in yesterday’s qualifying.
The Red Bull driver is hoping to make up ground on McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the drivers standings.
It’s Piastri and Norris who followed behind Verstappen as second and third in qualification, as Mercedes’ George Russell took fourth.
Meanwhile Lewis Hamilton took fifth spot and will be hoping it will be enough for him to extend his record number of wins at Silverstone to double figures.
Charles Leclerc was less than impressed with his sixth placed finish, launching an X-rated rant at himself as a result.
On the team radio, Leclerc raged: “F*** f*** f*** f***! F*** that. I am so f***ing s***. I am so f***ing s***. That’s all I am. That’s all I am.”
It was a gutting result for the Monaco-born driver who was hunting for pole position after finishing Q2 so strongly.
The FIA has strict rules on swearing, but Leclerc will most likely avoid a fine – which would’ve been his second in under a year – as it was said on the team radio and not in a press conference.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem reduced the penalties for drivers swearing or blasting officials after a huge backlash from the grid.
The rule change was revealed before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in May, with the new document differentiating between offences committed in “controlled” and “uncontrolled” zones.
This differentiates between things drivers say and do while racing, and in forums such as news conferences, where adrenaline is not a big factor
ReutersIan Wright was also soaking up the pre-race atmosphere[/caption]
SplashPippa Middleton didn’t want to miss out on the action[/caption]
EPAJeremy Clarkson was another famous face spotted at Silverstone[/caption]
Charles Leclerc swore at himself NINE times as he was left disappointed with his qualifying performance at SIlverstone
Leclerc will start from sixth at the British Grand Prix on Sunday
Max Verstappen beat Oscar Piastri to pole position at Silverstone, with Lando Norris starting third on Sunday
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