3 hours Ago
Strong recovery overshadowed by issues
Verstappen started seventh after qualifying showed Mercedes and Ferrari held the edge around Silverstone. He made an excellent beginning, overtaking Lando Norris at the start and passing teammate Isack Hadjar to move up to fifth. He then closed on George Russell and, despite reporting downshift problems to his crew, slipped past Russell on lap 17. An early pit stop surprised some, but Verstappen emerged back in contention and worked his way to third.
Late-race drama and retirement
A three-way fight for the final podium spot developed between Verstappen, Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Russell suffered a slow puncture but continued until he eventually pitted, leaving Verstappen and Hamilton to battle. Hamilton went ahead on lap 38, and Verstappen pitted shortly afterwards. He reclaimed third when Kimi Antonelli, who had been challenging at the front, had to stop with his own issue. Just as things looked to be going Verstappen's way, the rear of his car failed on lap 48, putting him off track and out of the race. "I'm stuck, mate, fuck this car. Fuck," he told his team immediately after the incident. The DNF compounds a frustrating season for Verstappen, who sits seventh in the championship standings.
What's next
Fans of Verstappen will likely turn up in large numbers at the next round, the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, where he will aim to bounce back after another disappointing afternoon.
