Kimi Antonelli claimed victory in the British Grand Prix Sprint at Silverstone on Saturday, overtaking polesitter Lewis Hamilton after the Ferrari driver's battery de-rated on a straight. The Mercedes driver won by 2.7 seconds, setting the fastest lap on the final lap.
Hamilton loses lead after strong start
Lewis Hamilton started from pole and initially held off Kimi Antonelli, who attempted a move up the inside at the first corner but was blocked by the seven-time world champion. Max Verstappen had a poor start, dropping to sixth, while Lando Norris briefly took second but could not sustain the position.
Battery deployment varied widely between teams, leading to frequent position changes early on. Hamilton and Antonelli quickly pulled away, building a lead of over six seconds over the rest of the field by the time Antonelli began to challenge for the lead.
Battery de-rate decides the race
Hamilton defended well for several laps, but the decisive moment came when the battery in his Ferrari suddenly de-rated on a long straight, allowing Antonelli to sweep past with ease. From there, Antonelli cruised to the finish, extending his lead and setting the fastest lap of the entire Sprint on the final lap.
Hamilton could not match Antonelli's pace in the closing stages, finishing 2.7 seconds behind. Lando Norris completed the podium in third.
Full Sprint race result
- Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
- Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
- Lando Norris - McLaren
- George Russell - Mercedes
- Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
- Max Verstappen - Red Bull
- Oscar Piastri - McLaren
- Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls
- Isack Hadjar - Red Bull
- Arvid Lindblad - Racing Bulls
- Pierre Gasly - Alpine
- Franco Colapinto - Alpine
- Nico Hulkenberg - Audi
- Gabriel Bortoleto - Audi
- Oliver Bearman - Haas
- Esteban Ocon - Haas
- Carlos Sainz - Williams
- Alex Albon - Williams
- Valtteri Bottas - Cadillac
- Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
- Lance Stroll - Aston Martin
- Sergio Perez - Cadillac
