Lewis Hamilton coasted to an eighth British Grand Prix victory yesterday, giving his Formula One title defence a boost in the process.
His victory came despite a 10-second penalty after he collided with Max Verstappen, knocking the championship leader out of the race.
Roared on by a crowd of more than 140,000, Hamilton attempted to overtake Verstappen on Copse corner on the first lap instead sending the Red Bull careening off the track and into the barrier. Charles Leclerc grabbed the lead but, despite having to add 10 seconds to a pit stop, Mercedes star Hamilton caught the Ferrari and overtook at Copse on lap 50 of the 52-lap race.
Verstappen, meanwhile, was taken to hospital “for further precautionary tests”, said Red Bull. I hope Lewis is very happy with himself,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. “That’s a hollow victory.”
Hamilton’s win ended Red Bull’s streak of five straight victories to cut Verstappen’s lead in the championship to eight points. Monegasque Leclerc was second, 3.81sec back to revive Ferrari’s season.
