A big weekend for the Brits

British drivers produced some headline results during the weekend of the Monaco Grand Prix, and success wasn’t limited to the principality, either. Back in the UK and in the world of two-wheeled motorsport, British riders and drivers took to the rostrum and brought home silverware.

Formula 1

Although Lando Norris’ three-podium streak ended at the Monaco Grand Prix, it was still a strong showing for the British contingent in the F1 paddock. After a chaotic start, Lando managed to maintain his fourth-place starting position until the chequered flag, but that didn’t tell the full story; the nature of the Monaco circuit kept him from utilising his race-winning pace for the third weekend in succession.

The Mercedes team, meanwhile, had its strongest showing of the 2024 season to date. George Russell finished one place behind his compatriot in fifth, ahead of both Red Bulls, on merit. Likewise, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton showed promising pace throughout the weekend – most notably in topping the first practice session – eventually finishing in seventh, just behind Max Verstappen.

Formula 2

Round 5 of the FIA Formula 2 Championship was perhaps the most fruitful category of the weekend for British competitors. AIX Racing driver Taylor Barnard started from reverse grid pole in the Sprint Race, and at a track notoriously difficult to overtake on, that is half the battle. But there was still the small matter of navigating Monaco’s intimidating barriers while fending off reigning Formula 3 champion Gabriel Bortoleto for 29 laps. Taylor did just that, remaining calm and composed, even when restarting the race after a red flag period, to claim a breakthrough win in the series.

Then came the Feature Race, and yet more success for British drivers. Zak O’Sullivan stood atop the podium after a dramatic end to the race in which a Virtual Safety Car enabled him to pit without losing position. Having started 15th on the grid, Zak held out as long as he could before pitting, and luck was with him at the end of Lap 40 to make it two debutant winners from two races in Monaco. Oliver Bearman also put in an impressive performance in the Feature Race; his blistering pace during the pit window enough to vault him from 12th on the grid to fourth at the flag.

Formula 3

The FIA Formula 3 Championship joined F1 and F2 on the Monaco bill and featured a total of six British drivers. In the Feature race, Luke Browning picked up a podium in addition to the fastest lap – leaving him just four points off the top of the standings – while Arvid Lindblad finished just behind him in fourth.

Joseph Loake recorded his best weekend in the category thus far, scoring points in both the Sprint Race and the Feature Race, meanwhile James Hedley made his F3 debut.

TICKETS: Watch all of the British protagonists of F1, F2 and F3 at the British Grand Prix

Moto2

As the sole British representative in the category, Jake Dixon carries the hopes of British fans in the world of two-wheeled motorsport, and after a challenging start to the season disrupted by injury as well as starting from 12th on the grid, that responsibility weighed even heavier on his shoulders at the Spanish Grand Prix. During a chaotic start, he held position, but it wasn’t long before he began his march towards the front. In the following two laps, he climbed three positions, before settling into a rhythm for the ensuing 10 laps.

The second half of the race was one of attrition, with several riders further up the road heading for the run-off area. As the lap count ticked down to four, Jake scythed past Alonso López to claim third. From then on it was plain sailing and he crossed the line to claim his first podium of the season and mark an incredible comeback.

TICKETS: Don't miss Jake Dixon in action at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix MotoGP

British GT

In British GT, it was Alex Martin and Sandy Mitchell who secured their second victory of the season, and with it, the championship lead. But the weekend had one final debut podium finisher in store, this time in the form of Jess Hawkins who took a well-deserved third in class in challenging conditions at Donington Park, alongside Beechdean AMR team-mate Andrew Howard.