Loading
F1 ACADEMY arrives at Silverstone for the first time during the Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix 2026, bringing Round 3 of its season into one of the busiest weekends on the racing calendar. For long-time followers of the championship, and for fans discovering it for the first time, the Silverstone debut is being built around both on-track competition and direct paddock access.
The weekend runs from July 3-5, with practice, qualifying and two races scheduled across three days. For a broader performance-focused look at the event, our preview of what to expect from F1 ACADEMY Round 3 at Silverstone sets the scene for the seriesâ first visit to the circuit.
Track action begins early on Friday with Free Practice from 07:45 to 08:25 local time (UTC+1). The competitive shape of the weekend will then be defined by Qualifying from 18:00 to 18:30, a 30-minute session that decides the key order for the races.
Saturdayâs programme features the Reverse Grid Race from 18:05 to 18:35, with the top eight drivers from Qualifying reversed. The weekend then concludes on Grand Prix Sunday with the Feature Race from 10:00 to 10:30.
Qualifying and both races will be available to watch free on the F1 ACADEMY YouTube channel. All sessions can also be followed via F1TV, selected international broadcasters and the seriesâ Live Timing page.
The F1 ACADEMY paddock will be positioned near the National Pit Straight and Support Series paddocks, but access is restricted to ticket holders with inner track access. The area will include an immersive activation from Wella Professionals.
Paddock opening times are Friday 10:30-16:30, Saturday 10:30-16:00 and Sunday 12:00-15:00.
Fans will also have three opportunities to attend driver autograph sessions in the paddock: Friday 11:30-12:00, Saturday 11:00-11:30 and Sunday 12:00-12:30. Places are limited and will operate on a first come, first served basis, with access again limited to ticket holders with inner track access.
On Thursday, several 2026 season drivers will appear on the F1 Fanstage from 14:20 to 14:50. The line-up includes home drivers Megan Bruce, Ella Lloyd, Alisha Palmowski, Rachel Robertson and Ella Stevens, alongside Silverstone Wild Card Chiara BĂ€ttig.
Further fan opportunities will take place at the Fan Forecourt, located at the F1 Paddock entrance. Drivers from the grid are scheduled to appear on Friday 10:15-10:45, Saturday 10:15-10:45 and Sunday 12:15-12:45, giving spectators another chance for autographs and selfies during a landmark weekend for the series at Silverstone.
Ciara is a Dublin native, award-winning film producer, podcaster and writer with 20 years of storytelling experience. A lifelong Leinster and Ireland rugby fan, she turned her attention to the grid after moving to Berlin and co-founding Formula Live Pulse. Now, she applies her producerâs brain to Formula 1, navigating the highs of Oscar Piastriâs rise and the unique stress of being an adopted Ferrari fan. She loves talking and talking about F1, if you give her the chance!