It was a day of fresh faces, razor-thin margins, and a dash of family legacy as the British Formula 4 paddock roared to life at Knockhill on August 15, 2025. While the circuit’s twists and undulations have always promised drama, this Friday’s practice sessions delivered more than just speed—they showcased the sport’s next generation and paid tribute to legends, both in single-seaters and on two wheels.
Martin Molnar, the young Hungarian talent representing Virtuosi Racing, set the benchmark for the day, clocking a blistering 48.602 seconds in free practice. But the story wasn’t just about the stopwatch. With two new drivers—15-year-old Brit Joseph Smith and 15-year-old Pakistani Haarni Sadiq—making their British F4 debuts, and Israeli racer Guy Albag returning after his Silverstone appearance, the grid felt more international and competitive than ever. The influx of new talent is always a sign that the series remains a proving ground for tomorrow’s stars.
The opening practice (FP1) was scheduled for a full 45 minutes, but as is often the case at Knockhill, red flags interrupted the flow, cutting a third of the session. Still, the action was relentless. First place changed hands a staggering 15 times in just half an hour of green-flag running. Argenti Motorsport’s Ethan Jeff-Hall was the first to break the 50-second barrier, a psychological milestone for the field. Fortec Motorsports’ Ary Bansal briefly took charge, but Jeff-Hall wasn’t done—he kept finding more pace, especially after a red flag stoppage that bunched up the field and reset the tension.
But it was Hitech GP’s Fionn McLaughlin who fired the first real warning shot, going sub-49 seconds with a rapid 48.973. Ten drivers would eventually better that time, but none could hang onto the top spot for long. Molnar, showing the kind of incremental improvement that marks a champion in the making, posted a 48.911, then trimmed it to 48.648, and finally found an extra 0.046 seconds to cement his place at the top. Talk about squeezing every drop of performance from the car!
JHR’s Rowan Campbell-Pilling came closest to upsetting Molnar’s rhythm, finishing just 0.093 seconds behind. McLaughlin, whose best lap came ten circuits before the end, settled for third with a 48.771. The margins were eye-watering: Bansal trailed by just 0.28 seconds in fourth, only 0.01 seconds ahead of Hitech’s Thomas Bearman. Jeff-Hall, after his early heroics, ended up sixth, while Rodin Motorsport’s James Piszcyk and Adam Al Azhari both finished within 0.4 seconds of Molnar’s fastest time. Under half a second covered the top 13, and a single second separated the top 21—proof, if any was needed, that British F4 remains one of the most hotly contested junior series on the planet.
The second practice session (FP2) was even more chaotic, with four separate red flags eating up 18 minutes of track time. Yet, when the dust settled, Campbell-Pilling had set the pace with a 48.726, only 0.042 seconds ahead of Molnar. Bearman and Bansal were right there too, 0.079 and 0.089 seconds off the top, their improvements enough to place them fourth and fifth overall for the day. Xcel Motorsport’s Cole Hewetson rounded out the top five in FP2, just 0.133 seconds adrift, while his teammate Chase Fernandez matched McLaughlin’s pace in seventh. The field’s competitiveness was on full display, with half the drivers setting personal bests despite the interruptions.
The full free practice classification painted a vivid picture of the day’s balance of power. Molnar led the way for Virtuosi Racing, followed by Campbell-Pilling (JHR Developments), McLaughlin (Hitech GP), Bearman (Hitech GP), and Bansal (Fortec Motorsports). The rest of the top ten was a who’s who of aspiring stars: Hewetson, Jeff-Hall, Fernandez, Piszcyk, and Al Azhari, all within fractions of a second. Even further down, drivers like Ella Lloyd, August Raber, and Alba Hurup Larsen demonstrated the depth of talent on display. The debutants, meanwhile, acquitted themselves well—Smith and Sadiq both showed flashes of promise, while Albag continued his adaptation to the British F4 scene.
But motorsport isn’t just about the numbers. Friday at Knockhill was also a day for reflecting on the sport’s enduring family connections. Just as British F4 welcomed its new generation, another chapter was being written in the world of road racing. Michael Dunlop, fresh from receiving an MBE for his extraordinary road racing achievements, announced he would contest the Formula 1 Classic TT later this month aboard the iconic WizNorton WRS 588cc Norton Rotary. For Dunlop, the ride is deeply personal—his father, Robert, became synonymous with the Norton machine in its heyday, claiming podiums in the 1990 Formula 1 TT and 1992 Senior TT. The Rotary’s legend was cemented by Steve Hislop’s unforgettable 1992 Senior TT victory, a race-long duel with Carl Fogarty that remains etched in Isle of Man TT folklore.
Now, with 33 TT wins to his name, Michael Dunlop is poised to bring the story full circle. The 2025 Classic TT will not only honor his own achievements but also celebrate the legacy of his uncle, Joey Dunlop, another giant of the sport. As the event approaches on August 27, all eyes will be on Micky D as he seeks to add another chapter to the Dunlop family’s storied history on the Mountain Course. "Contesting this machine is a nod to my family’s legacy and a chance to write a new chapter for both names on the Mountain Course," Dunlop said, his words resonating with fans who know the emotional weight of the occasion.
Back at Knockhill, the British F4 paddock is already buzzing about what’s to come. With qualifying and racing yet to unfold, the stage is set for a weekend of unpredictable action. Will Molnar’s practice pace translate into pole position, or will Campbell-Pilling, McLaughlin, or one of the hungry newcomers spring a surprise? One thing’s certain: with margins this tight and talent this deep, anything can happen.
As the sun set on Friday’s sessions, the sense of anticipation was palpable. Whether you’re drawn in by the thrilling lap times, the emergence of new stars, or the enduring appeal of motorsport’s family dynasties, this weekend at Knockhill—and the upcoming Classic TT—promise stories that fans won’t soon forget.
