Formula 1, British Grand Prix preview, 7 July 2024

The growing enmity between Max Vestappen and Lando Norris as title rivals will be the driving narrative for the 12th round of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship, the British Grand Prix, held at the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire on the afternoon of Sunday 7 July.

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The previous round in Austria was won by Mercedes' George Russell, but all the drama surrounded  Red Bull Racing's Verstappen and McLaren's Norris, as they collided on lap 64 while battling for the lead of the race and both sustained damage – the Dutchman managed to come home in fifth place, while the Englishman was forced to retire his car.

As a result, Verstappen extended his lead at the top of the Drivers' Championship to 81 points over Norris, though he was left having to defend his driving style after being penalised 10 seconds for his part in the contact with the McLaren driver.

"I need to look back at how or why we touched. Of course, we’ll talk about it. It’s unfortunate that it happened," said Verstappen.

The Red Bull driver added, "From the outside it’s hard to see when I brake. I know, in the past, it has always been a bit of a complaint. I always move my wheel before I brake. Then you brake in a straight line.

“It’s always easy to say, from the outside, that I am moving in the braking. I think the guy in the car knows best what he’s doing. Everyone can have their own opinion but I’m the one driving. I am best in control. It’s easy to judge and comment. But whatever."

Norris, meanwhile, was unflinching in his criticism of his rival: "I know what to expect. I expect aggression and pushing the limits and that kind of thing, but all three times he’s doing stuff that can easily cause an incident, and in the way it’s just a bit reckless.

“It seemed like a little bit desperate from his side, doesn’t need to be, he’s got plenty of wins, but a bit desperate to do what he could to not let me past. I know he’s going to be aggressive so I’m in a way not surprised. I just expected a tough, fair, respectful [but] on-the-edge bit of racing, and I don’t feel like that’s what I got."

Russell and Mercedes, meanwhile, were perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the Verstappen-Norris fallout and will be hoping to continue their improvement when the F1 circus heads to Silverstone.

The iconic circuit has been a happy hunting ground for Lewis Hamilton, who holds a record eight F1 race wins at the venue, while the last wto British Grands Prix have been won by Carlos Sainz Jr and Verstappen.

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British Grand Prix broadcast details, 5-7 July 2024

All times CAT

Friday 5 July

13:30: Practice 1 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1

17:00: Practice 2 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1

Saturday 6 July

12:30: Practice 3 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1

16:00: Qualifying – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1

Sunday 7 July

16:00: Race – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1