Antonelli wins Silverstone sprint and takes pole, stretching F1 lead to 43 points

Sprint race

Antonelli started second behind Lewis Hamilton, who had taken sprint pole for Ferrari. Hamilton held the lead until lap eight of 17, when Antonelli used his car's electric power to overtake. The Italian then pulled away to win by a comfortable margin. Hamilton finished second, and Lando Norris took third for McLaren after a multi-car battle with George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc.

The first 10 laps were very fun with Lewis; we were both pushing very hard. Obviously the momentum is there and we are doing a great job together with the team.

I was pushing as hard as I could, I gave it absolutely everything. We have a bit of work to do to try to close that gap.

Qualifying

Later on Saturday, Antonelli secured his fifth pole position of the season. He expressed frustration over the radio when Mercedes sent him out first for his final run, asking "Why are you sending me out first?" but delivered a lap quick enough to top the timesheets. Charles Leclerc and Hamilton followed, while Russell again struggled for pace.

I was a bit stressed. I don't like going out first on the last lap, but everything went well. It was difficult with the wind, but finishing with pole is very satisfying.

Championship picture

With the sprint victory, Antonelli moved to 179 points in the drivers' standings. Russell sits second on 136 points, and Hamilton third on 132. The gap of 43 points is the widest margin of the season so far.

Spanish drivers' difficulties

Fernando Alonso finished last in qualifying with Aston Martin, while Carlos Sainz managed only 14th for Williams. In the sprint, Alonso was 20th after a collision with Sergio Pérez, who received a 10-second penalty. Sainz ended the short race in 17th, unable to progress.