Charles Leclerc won a chaotic British Grand Prix for Ferrari as Kimi Antonelli’s world championship lead was dramatically reduced after a technical issue left him outside the points.
Antonelli appeared to be on course for victory as he closed in on Leclerc with significantly fresher tyres, but the Italian’s front-left wheel shield failed, forcing him to twice come into the pits.
Antonelli desperately attempted to finish the race to secure some points but was struggling to keep his car on track with hampered steering, and despite taking the chequered flag in ninth, was demoted to 16th after serving a five-second penalty for breaching the circuit’s limits too many times.
Russell struggled for pace throughout the weekend but claimed an unlikely second place after Ferrari made an error by pitting Lewis Hamilton under a late Safety Car caused by Max Verstappen crashing out with four laps remaining.
Hamilton emerged just behind the Mercedes, and didn’t get the chance to use his fresher tyres to reclaim second as the Safety Car stayed out until the final lap, pulling in only for the final few corners, through which overtaking was not allowed.
Hamilton’s afternoon has the potential to take a further negative turn, with the seven-time world champion under investigation for a yellow-flag infringement that occurred after Verstappen’s crash.
Max Verstappen hits the gravel at the British Grand Prix, bringing out a late safety car
Reigning world champion Lando Norris ensured there were three British drivers in the top four at the chequered flag by taking fourth for McLaren.
More to follow…
Formula 1’s summer run continues with the Belgian Grand Prix at legendary Spa-Francorchamps on July 17-19, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
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