2024 British Grand Prix: gates open to fans at Silverstone

The 2024 British Grand Prix sparked into life when gates officially opened at 11:00 BST on Thursday, 4 July. Silverstone welcomed its first F1 fans of the weekend to enjoy a variety of activities around the site, as anticipation for Sunday’s headline race gathered pace.

Each of the circuit’s various stages was in action on day one of the weekend, with expert panels, live episodes of motorsport podcasts, pit walks, the Sky F1 Show live on the Hamilton Straight and the spectacular opening concert all in full swing.

Drivers Inn Stage presented by eBay

Industry experts were the talk of the day at the Drivers Inn Stage presented by eBay. Guest panels of engineers, personal trainers, presenters, admins, communications specialists and sustainability experts were all on hand to discuss their unique perspectives on the industry.

Main Stage

Meanwhile, the Main Stage welcomed discussions on women in motorsport, future motorsport talent and interviews with this year’s Formula 3 and Formula 2 drivers. Kicking off the weekend’s opening concert was The Snuts, followed by Self Esteem, a surprise DJ set and a superb performance from Kings of Leon.

READ MORE: The 2024 British Grand Prix bucket list

Speaking at the driver’s press conference, George Russell commented on the potential of himself or Lando Norris winning their home race, and the special place Silverstone holds in the hearts of British F1 fans.

George Russell, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team driver:

"Winning any Grand Prix is an incredible feeling. We don’t have many to our name but to win your home race is the one you dream of. We’re so fortunate to have Silverstone as our home race because this weekend is really special for fans, they’re proper F1 enthusiasts. We came here when we were kids to watch racing, so it’ll always be special for us."

Also speaking to the media on Thursday, Lando Norris discussed McLaren’s chances at a circuit which highlighted the team’s new-found pace 12 months ago.

Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team driver:

"We’re on good form. We’ve been very close the last few weekends, but Mercedes was extremely quick in Austria as was Red Bull, so I’m expecting a close battle this weekend."

The McLaren driver was also asked how he’d feel about winning at Silverstone.

"It’s hard to know what you’re going to think and what you’re going to feel until the time arrives, but standing on the podium last year in second place was pretty amazing."

Lewis Hamilton, an eight-time winner of the British Grand Prix, spoke about Mercedes’ chances of following up its Austria win with victory at Silverstone.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team driver:

"On pure performance, I don’t think we’re in the same place, especially on these high-speed circuits, I think McLaren might be the quickest or Max maybe. But we’re not that far behind. We’ve seen some huge strides forward and it’s great to see we’re slowly getting closer to the front runners."