Leclerc ends two-year win drought with British GP victory as Antonelli falters
Charles Leclerc secured his first Formula 1 victory since October 2024, capitalising on mechanical trouble for championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli to win the British Grand Prix ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Leclerc's long-awaited return to the top step
Charles Leclerc claimed his ninth career win at Silverstone, ending a barren run of 37 Grands Prix without victory. The Monegasque driver, who started second on the grid, seized the lead at the first corner and never looked back. His last win had come at the 2024 United States Grand Prix, nearly two years ago. The result delivered a double podium for Ferrari, with teammate Lewis Hamilton finishing third.
Antonelli's race unravels
Pole-sitter Andrea Kimi Antonelli appeared set to challenge Leclerc in the closing laps after divergent strategies set up a late duel. Instead, the Mercedes driver was betrayed by his car, slowing on track and making multiple pit stops. A late penalty then pushed him out of the points entirely, a costly blow for the championship leader.
Verstappen crash triggers safety car finish
Max Verstappen was running third with fewer than five laps remaining when he slid off the circuit. The incident brought out the safety car, and the race was never restarted due to what Le Parisien described as a "couac chez la FIA" (a glitch at the FIA). Hamilton, who had been running second, lost the position after pitting under the safety car, promoting George Russell to the runner-up spot.
- Leclerc takes the lead from second on the grid into the first corner.
- Championship leader Antonelli suffers mechanical issues, makes multiple pit stops.
- Verstappen runs off track from third place with fewer than five laps remaining.
- Safety car deployed; Hamilton pits and loses second place to Russell.
- Race finishes under safety car after an FIA issue prevents a restart.
French drivers in the points
Isack Hadjar took fifth place for Red Bull, finishing just behind Lando Norris in fourth. Pierre Gasly claimed the final point in tenth, while Esteban Ocon crossed the line a distant fourteenth.
Championship tightens
Antonelli's pointless afternoon allowed Russell to close to within five points of the championship lead. Hamilton retained third place in the standings, and Leclerc climbed to fourth, just off the podium positions.
