British GP: Hamilton dashes off Max, wins race
In a controversy filled British GP, Hamilton causes a first lap collision, throwing Max out of the race and then goes on to win the race.
The fight between Mercedes and Red Bull has gone to the next level. The gloves are off. Accusations and counter-accusations are flying far and wide.
Hamilton touches Max on first lap of British GP
Silverstone saw a new and different format. Qualifying was won by Hamilton. Then Max pipped Lewis to win the Sprint Race.
As the light went out at the British GP, Hamilton got a better start and was almost at the same level as Max. However Max was aggressive and cut him off. They kept fighting each other at subsequent turns, and were just inches apart. It was a racing spectacle to watch for, exactly what the fans want from the two top guns of Formula 1. However a clash seemed inevitable and it happened at Copse. Max was ahead of Hamilton and he wanted to keep his racing line. Lewis was on the inside and as Max tried to cover him off, the front wing of Hamilton clipped Max’s rear-right tire, hurtling him towards the barriers at speed in excess of 250kmph. It was a 51G crash. Max was immediately taken to the medical center and then to a hospital. He is doing fine and was discharged later at night.
Hamilton was given only a 10 second penalty which has easily covered as almost the entire race was left. Red Bull and Max were clearly not happy with this.
That Hamilton went to win the race when Max couldn’t score a single point just rubbed salt to the wound. This controversy will rage on for many days and weeks.
Superb drive by Charles
Charles LeClerc had a great race. Starting from P4, he overtook Valtteri at the start. Then after the clash between Hamilton and Max he was P1 and pretty much lead the entire right till the end when Lewis eventually overtook him to win the race. Still Ferrari would be very happy with his performance.
Valtteri played the perfect second driver. Checo not so much
While Valtteri couldn’t catch up to Charles, embarrassingly, he held on to his position and made way for Hamilton when the team orders were given. He eventually finished P3, earning good points for himself and the team.
Checo had a weekend to forget. After starting from the pitlane, he quickly made up places but couldn’t go beyond P9 and P10. He started on Hards but still had to pit early as he got caught in a DRS train again and again. His struggles brought back memories of Gasly and Albon in the second Red Bull seat. Hope he does better moving forward. The only saving grace was that he denied Hamilton one point for the fastest lap.
McLaren boys doing well
Lando Norris consistent as ever finished P4. Daniel Ricciardo must be very pleased with his P5 finish.
Carlos had a great race too, starting from the back and finally finishing P6. He was in the DRS zone of Daniel for quite some time but couldn’t overtake the Honey Badger. Alonso and Ocon both finished in points and Alpine would be mighty pleased with it. While Vettel spun and eventually had to retire, Stroll did well starting from P14 and finishing P8. Tsunoda finishing put the points place at P10.
The British GP will be remembered for the clash between Max and Hamilton
