Leclerc wins British Grand Prix as F1 leader Antonelli hits more trouble

SILVERSTONE, England — Charles Leclerc took his first Formula 1 win in nearly two years at the British Grand Prix on Sunday after standings leader Kimi Antonelli’s challenge was derailed by damage to his car.

Leclerc surged past Antonelli at the start as the Mercedes driver dropped to third but the Italian was chasing Leclerc down in the final laps when he reported a steering problem.

A pit stop didn’t help, and Antonelli dropped back through the field. After Antonelli’s problems, a spectacular spin into the gravel from third by Max Verstappen shook up the race again.

Antonelli’s Mercedes teammate and title rival George Russell went on to second to deny Ferrari a one-two finish, staying out when Lewis Hamilton came into the pits.

Hamilton had fresh tires but couldn’t use them because the race finished behind the safety car. He crossed the line third.

Leclerc’s last Grand Prix victory was at the United States Grand Prix in October 2024.