Writers Verdict: 2026 British Grand Prix

8th July 2026 0 By ApexMotorsports.co.uk

The British Grand Prix was an entertaining race, despite its underwhelming conclusion, with Ferrari proving it has the ability to challenge for race wins. Here are our writers’ verdicts of the Silverstone race.

Feature image credit: Pirelli

Sam Wye – Contributor

Despite an underwhelming finish and no rain to be seen for once, the 2026 British Grand Prix still delivered some season-defining moments and plenty of on-track action around Silverstone’s iconic 18 corners.

Perhaps the biggest moment of the race came at Stowe; the location of Lando Norris’s new 10,000-seater grandstand. However, it was the reigning world champion’s closest rival and friend, Max Verstappen, who created the headlines there. The Dutchman crashed his Red Bull into the barriers after a suspected rear wing failure.

It’s not the first time Max has been humiliated by car failures this season, and it will only put further into question his decision whether to remain at Red Bull and the sport entirely.

In contrast, a man who will certainly not be going anywhere soon is Charles Leclerc. His win this weekend will undoubtedly dispel the rumours that his time at Ferrari is running out and reignite his battle with Lewis Hamilton to be the Scuderia’s number 1. Despite the home favourite having the upper hand in the Sprint, Leclerc made it work during the main race and never looked back after snatching the lead from pole sitter Kimi Antonelli on lap one.

For the young Italian, it was a more difficult day, running into more technical issues with his Mercedes car, and losing another potential win or, at the very least, a podium. It is now just 15 points from 3 races for Antonelli, whose championship lead slips down to 25 points over teammate George Russell.

Elsewhere, it was another brilliant performance from Racing Bulls with a strong 6th and 7th finish, and Gabriel Bortoletto scored Audi’s best-ever result of 8th, to triple the team’s total points this season.

Once again, the atmosphere was amazing at Silverstone, as F1’s record attendance of 564,000 people certainly proved how far the sport has come.

‘I gave everything’ says Antonelli after British Grand Prix damage

Jamile Barcelos – Contributor

Silverstone offered plenty of talking points throughout Sunday’s race. Charles Leclerc ended his nearly two-year wait for victory, leading Ferrari to a double podium with Lewis Hamilton finishing third. The result comes at an important point in the season. Ferrari has shown competitive pace on several occasions this year, but converting that speed into victories has often proved difficult.

While one race alone does not redefine the championship picture, Silverstone suggested that the Scuderia is becoming increasingly capable of turning opportunities into results.

Another positive story came from Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad. Competing in his first home Grand Prix, the Briton scored valuable points despite deployment issues affecting both Racing Bulls cars. It was another composed performance from the young driver, who continues to impress in his rookie season.

Not every contender enjoyed the same outcome. Kimi Antonelli looked set to challenge near the front before a front-left wheel shield issue and a track limits penalty dropped him out of contention. Max Verstappen’s race also ended in disappointment after a rear-wing failure sent him into the gravel while fighting for a podium finish.

The late Safety Car ultimately prevented what promised to be an exciting fight to the finish, once again prompting discussion over whether Formula 1 should do more to avoid races finishing under Safety Car conditions.