Verstappen spoils the big motorsport party for the Brits

The two-time Formula 1 world champion did not allow himself to be deterred by a weak start and achieved his sixth triumph in a row and his eighth victory of the season overall at the British Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Dutchman relegated Lando Norris from McLaren and record world champion Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes to second and third place in the two Englishmen's home race. In the standings, Verstappen expanded his lead on the way to the title hat-trick to an unbelievable 99 points over his still weakening teammate Sergio Pérez. The Mexican only finished sixth.

Verstappen turned the Silverstone days into the next demonstration of power. According to official figures, 480.000 spectators came to the Grand Prix days and this time the so-called Orange Army - Verstappen's fans - were not in the majority. The feared delays caused by protest actions by climate activists like a year ago did not initially occur. The responsible police had increased the number of personnel again.

Brad Pitt is impressed After a thrilling qualification on Saturday, when Verstappen snatched pole position from Norris in the last seconds, the Formula 1 spectators were treated to their British driver's spectacular counterattack right at the start of the race. In the buddy duel, Norris passed Verstappen on the inside. The fans' cheering could be heard as far away as London, around 110 kilometers away. Brad Pitt, who, like his fellow actor Damson Idris, lined up for the British national anthem while filming a Formula 1 Hollywood film, also experienced the goosebumps atmosphere live.

Brad Pitt (r.) with Max Verstappen (l.). © ANSA / CHRISTIAN BRUNA

At least Verstappen was able to fend off the attack from Norris' teammate Oscar Piastri and set off in a film-like pursuit of Norris, his self-described "best friend" in the paddock. And it didn't take long for Verstappen to grab his rebellious rival. On the fifth lap, the two-time world champion passed, making up for his weak start after his fifth pole in a row. After 14 of 52 laps he was already three seconds ahead of Norris and just under five seconds ahead of Piastri.

Tactically, Verstappen was on his own against the McLaren duo. Pérez did not make it into the top ten in the knockout round for the fifth time; he was thrown out in the first round. From 15th on the grid, the Mexican had to work his way up and ultimately came sixth.

Ferrari disappointed Others benefited more from a safety phase following a defect on Kevin Magnussen's Haas, such as Hamilton, who was in third place when the race was reopened. And the seven-time champion had the softer tires. “Well, wonderful,” commented Norris, who was worried about his chances in the direct duel, but was ultimately able to hold his own, while Ferrari once again had nothing to gain. Carlos Sainz, last year's winner, only made it to tenth place, while teammate Charles Leclerc ended up just one place higher.

By the time Leclerc crossed the finish line, Verstappen was already celebrating again. He also controlled this race; during the safety car phase, like Norris, he had the tires changed quickly. Everything calm, everything controlled. At the restart he once again defended his lead. He also made this victory his own sporting entertainment after his counterattack against Norris.

Verstappen achieved eight of his 43 racing victories this season alone; he had to admit defeat to Pérez twice. There has not yet been a winner other than Red Bull in 2023. Verstappen's third world title in a row is becoming more and more a mere formality this year. In just two weeks he can distance himself further from his pursuers in Hungary and a week later at his almost home game, before he can get in the mood for the rest of the season with his full home game in Zandvoort after the summer break.

Twitter/F1

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Hockey

Tennis

Winter sports

Learn More

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Verstappen spoils the big motorsport party for the Brits

Max Verstappen didn't begrudge the well over 150.000 spectators the big home winner's party and also triumphed in Silverstone in front of a British duo.

Comments (0)