British GP: Verstappen takes home his sixth consecutive win as Norris and Hamilton battle for podium
Max Verstappen clinched his sixth consecutive victory in the 2023 F1 British GP, leading Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton to the finish line.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen delivered a solid performance to secure his sixth consecutive win in the 2023 F1 British Grand Prix. He led McLaren's Lando Norris and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton to the chequered flag.
Despite a promising start, Oscar Piastri missed out on a maiden podium due to a mid-race safety car.
Norris overtook pole-sitter Verstappen at the start, but the Dutchman quickly reclaimed the lead.
A DRS-powered surge down the Wellington straight allowed Verstappen to outpace Norris, taking the lead at Brooklands on the fifth lap.
Safety Car
Kevin Magnussen's engine failure on lap 32 triggered a full safety car period, shaking up the race.
Verstappen and Norris took advantage of the situation, pitting and returning to the track with fresh tyres.
The delay, however, cost Piastri his likely maiden podium finish.
Tyre selection for the second stint varied among the leaders. Verstappen and Hamilton opted for softs, while Norris chose hard tyres.
The difference in tyre strategy proved decisive as the race resumed on lap 39.
Verstappen managed to maintain his lead despite his initial discomfort with the soft tyres, lapping in the low 1:31s.
Norris and Hamilton fought wheel-to-wheel in a thrilling display of racing acumen.
Hamilton tried to overcome Norris twice but could not sustain the attack, allowing the young Briton to secure second place.
Meanwhile, Verstappen comfortably finished 3.7 seconds ahead, marking his sixth consecutive win in the 2023 season.
Notable Performances
Piastri showcased his potential, holding off George Russell's Mercedes at the restart.
Sergio Perez staged a recovery from his 15th-place start, gaining ground after the safety car period.
However, he could not benefit from the safety car stop and had to perform numerous overtakes.
Charles Leclerc's early-stop strategy was ruined by the safety car period, but he managed to fight back, finishing just behind Alex Albon.
Fernando Alonso ended seventh, followed by Albon and Leclerc.
Lance Stroll received a penalty after a collision with Pierre Gasly, relegating him to 14th. Gasly eventually retired due to the damage, along with Esteban Ocon who suffered a hydraulic issue.
Despite concerns about protests, the race went smoothly. Rain was a no-show after initial drizzle, while track limits once again became a contentious issue.
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