Jeremy Clarkson revealed that he 'likes 17 of the F1 drivers' on the current grid, suggesting that three of the sport's stars are not in his good books. This surprised Sky Sports F1 pundit and co-commentator Martin Brundle, who opted not to follow up on the former Top Gear presenter's intriguing comments.

"Honestly, I don't think anyone could predict today. Wet start, probably won't rain afterwards. I mean they're so close, aren't they, and I like... there's 20 drivers on the grid and I like 17 of them, so I don't really mind who wins." Brundle was taken aback by Clarkson's comment and chuckled as he walked away. "I'm not going to ask [who are] the three you don't like," he said with a laugh.

While Clarkson was unwilling to nail his colours to the mast, F1 legend Nigel Mansell predicted a 10th British GP triumph for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The Brit broke his race win drought at Silverstone in 2024 with a remarkable performance.

"I think he's gaining momentum," Mansell told Brundle. "He could win here today; he's got an outside chance. Lando [Norris] is doing a fantastic job, Oscar is too, George Russell... and don't forget Max Verstappen, what a fantastic pole it was yesterday."

Brundle also spoke with a number of other celebrities, including football legend Ian Wright, who was full of excitement for the race ahead. TV icons Idris Elba and Hannah Waddingham were also part of the Sky broadcaster's tour of the grid.

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When the race did start, there was immediate chaos. A number of drivers, including George Russell, came into the pit lane on the formation lap to bolt on soft compound tyres. This left them in a treacherous position with the final series of corners still wet.

On the intermediate tyres, Max Verstappen held the lead ahead of Oscar Piastri. There were crashes to report, too. Liam Lawson pinched Esteban Ocon on the inside of Village corner, sending him off the track and out of the race.

The virtual safety car was deployed, and when the cars returned to racing speed, the yellow flags waved once again. Gabriel Bortoleto, who was nursing his Sauber car around the circuit on slick tyres, lost control under throttle and ended up beached in the gravel.