Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli caught and overtook Lewis Hamilton to win the action-packed sprint race at the British Grand Prix.
While McLaren’s Lando Norris, Mercedes’ George Russell and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen created a frantic battle as they swapped places in the opening laps at Silverstone, Antonelli bided his time before targeting Hamilton at the front.
After Hamilton fended off Antonelli’s short attack at the start, the 19-year-old Italian allowed the race to settle down before racing past the Ferrari at Hangar Straight on lap eight, strategically conserving battery power.
Hamilton held on bravely but could do nothing to stop Antonelli further extending his championship lead to 43 points over Russell.
“The first 10 laps with Lewis were a lot of fun,” Antonelli said. “We both tried really hard. As I went into overtaking mode, I knew my chance was coming.
“I got a good shot out of (the) fourth. He went a little wide of the net and I think he used the boost to defend and I just waited and then used it from (Move) 13, everything I had, and made the move.”