Cover Image Credit: Sir Daniel David (@SirDanJets) – Charles LeClerc at The Monaco GP
Charles Leclerc claimed a dramatic victory for Ferrari at the 2026 British Grand Prix, surviving a late Safety Car to take the checkered flag at Silverstone ahead of George Russell and team-mate Lewis Hamilton. The Monégasque driver made the decisive move at the start, sweeping past Mercedes pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli into Turn 1. Hamilton also launched strongly from third on the grid, briefly giving Ferrari a one-two at the front as Antonelli dropped to third.
Leclerc then settled into a controlled rhythm at the head of the field. Although Antonelli recovered to pass Hamilton and keep Mercedes in contention, Ferrari’s race leader maintained a measured advantage through the early stages. The strategy battle intensified when Leclerc made his first pit stop and temporarily handed the lead to Antonelli. Mercedes extended Antonelli’s opening stint in an attempt to give the Italian fresher tires for a late charge, while Leclerc returned to the circuit ready to defend his advantage.
Image Credit: Sir Daniel David (@SirDanJets) – Charles LeClerc at The Miami GP
Antonelli pitted on lap 36 and rejoined behind Leclerc, with the gap just under eight seconds. His fresher tires initially appeared to give him a chance to close in on the Ferrari, but his challenge unravelled five laps later when he reported a problem with his car. Mercedes identified an issue related to Antonelli’s left-front wheel shield. The Italian was forced to make two further pit stops and fell down the order, ending what had looked like a potential fight for victory.
That setback left Leclerc in control, with Hamilton seemingly on course to complete a Ferrari one-two. But the race changed again with six laps remaining when Max Verstappen spun off at Stowe and became stuck in the gravel.
The resulting Safety Car prompted a late round of pit stops. Russell, who had already lost time earlier in the race after a slow puncture, chose to remain on track on medium tires The decision moved the Mercedes driver into second place ahead of Hamilton.
The Safety Car was initially expected to return to the pits before the final lap, but the race instead finished under caution and under much controversy. Leclerc crossed the line after 52 laps to secure his first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season and the ninth Grand Prix win of his career.
Russell finished 0.427 seconds behind Leclerc, with Hamilton a further 0.345 seconds back in third. Lando Norris took fourth for McLaren, while Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar completed the top five.
For Ferrari, the result provided a major lift after a difficult opening phase of the season. Leclerc had shown speed at several rounds but had been unable to turn that pace into a victory before Silverstone.
The win was also significant for Hamilton, who returned to the British Grand Prix podium in his first season as Leclerc’s Ferrari team-mate.
The seven-time world champion had been investigated after the race for a yellow-flag infringement, but retained third place after receiving a reprimand.
Oscar Piastri finished outside the points in 11th after early damage forced him into an opening-lap pit stop. Verstappen was classified 20th after his late crash, while Alex Albon and Nico Hulkenberg were the other retirements.
Leclerc’s victory reshaped the mood at Ferrari and delivered one of the season’s most eventful races at Silverstone.
