Bottas leads Hamilton in mixed FP1 conditions at Silverstone

Valtteri Bottas was a surprise 'pace-setter' during first practice for the British Grand Prix as he posted the quickest time in a wet/dry session.

Rain hit the Silverstone Circuit in the build-up to the opening session and ensured all drivers headed out of the pits on Intermediate tyres – which the majority stuck with.

Despite a window of improved conditions around halfway through the hour, further brief showers put an end to hopes of the track fully drying up.

Bottas set the standard with his effort of 1:42.249 on the Intermediate tyres, half a second clear of former teammate Lewis Hamilton, who made a late switch to slicks in his Mercedes.

Hamilton had threatened to go quickest on the Soft rubber, but was held back by a considerably wetter second sector of the lap.

Stroll causes some late drama with a spin

The only moment of drama came in the closing minutes when Lance Stroll beached his Aston Martin in the gravel at Copse.

With marshals quickly on the scene, and a recovery truck following, the red flag was waved – preventing any further improvements from Bottas and Hamilton.

Ferrari pair Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc - who occupied the top two spots early on - wound up third and fourth after the improvements from Bottas and Hamilton.

Only six more drivers posted times across the session, with teams unwilling to take too many risks in the tricky conditions.

Red Bull were one of the teams to effectively sit out proceedings, with World Championship leader Max Verstappen limited to three laps.