After narrowly missing out on pole position in Qualifying, Mercedes driver and Championship leader Kimi Antonelli claimed victory in the 2026 F1 British GP Sprint Race after a battle with Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.
The Championship leader felt like he left room for improvement on his last lap in SQ3 and was eager to challenge Lewis Hamilton for the win in the British GP Sprint Race. After the start, the young Italian initially slotted in behind Hamilton, but kept it close until, on Lap 8, he passed the 7-time Champion for the lead and the eventual win of the Sprint Race.
Antonelli on battle with Hamilton in 2026 F1 British GP Sprint Race
Interviewed after the session, Antonelli expressed excitement over his battle with Hamilton in the opening stages of the 2026 F1 British GP Sprint Race. Upon claiming the lead, the Mercedes driver settled into a “rhythm” to claim his maiden victory at the Silverstone Circuit.
“It was a very fun first ten laps with Lewis [Hamilton]. We were both pushing very hard, and when I got into overtake, I knew my chance was coming.
“And then out of [Turn] four that lap I was very close that I went alongside in Brooklands. He used the boost, and I decided to wait, and then obviously, going into Stowe, I used everything I had, and then I was able to overtake.
“And from that point on, I just tried to get into my rhythm, and you know, just try to break the you know the overtake that he had, and then just try to bring it home.”
Antonelli has to work to keep “momentum” going
Antonelli has shown impressive form this season, already recording 5 GP wins, with the victory in the 2026 F1 British GP Sprint Race marking his maiden sprint win. Asked about his form, the Mercedes driver lauded the team’s work in maintaining his “momentum.” Aware that the competition is continuously improving, Antonelli notes that he has to keep working to stay on top.
“I mean, obviously, the momentum is there, and we’re doing a great job together with the team. But, of course, we can’t let our guard down because Lewis and Ferrari are doing an incredible job, and Red Bull and McLaren are coming.
“And obviously, George is super quick, so we just need to keep raising that bar and you know keep delivering performances.”
