For only the second time this Formula 1 season, a non-Mercedes driver crossed the checkered flag in front once again, as Monegasque racer Charles Leclerc seized Ferrari’s second victory of 2026 at the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone Circuit on Sunday.
Starting the contest in second place on the grid and trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli, Leclerc quickly overtook the Italian driver for first place in the opening moments of the race. He then remained poised in all 52 laps despite losing the lead on multiple occasions.
“It feels incredible, unfortunately the end was maybe not the one I would have dreamt of, but to win after the last few weekends that have been particularly difficult… I’m just so incredibly happy,” Leclerc said postrace.
Leclerc Seizes First Win in Two Years
The victory is Leclerc’s first overall win since the USA Grand Prix in October 2024, where he also won at Monza and his home country of Monaco.
With the 2026 season still being dominated by Mercedes, Ferrari remains the only other team to have captured a victory this year, as British driver Lewis Hamilton—who finished the British tilt in third—also won in Barcelona.
With Hamilton’s podium finish, the seven-time world champion now trails the leading Antonelli by only 32 points. Meanwhile, the Constructors’ Championship still holds a sizable gap, as Mercedes leads Ferrari by a wide margin, 333-255.
Kimi Antonelli Slips Late as Max Verstappen Crashes Out
It was another nightmarish finish for Antonelli, as the 19-year-old standout faltered late once again when a front wheel shield failure broke his car’s race balance in the 41st lap. Despite getting it replaced, the sophomore racer lost all momentum, finishing in 16th place.
Despite the huge blow, his teammate George Russell notched Mercedes’ lone positive in the rollercoaster match, seizing a podium spot at P2 after a safety car finish in the dying laps sealed all drivers in place.
Meanwhile, four-time champion Max Verstappen continues to search for his first victory this year, as a sudden oversteer during the 48th lap sent the Dutch driver to the gravel, finishing with a DNF.
The grid returns to action at the iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, July 19.
