Leclerc crowned 'King of Silverstone' as international media react to chaotic British GP

The race, which began with Kimi Antonelli on pole position, quickly unravelled for the Mercedes youngster as he lost the lead to the fast-starting Leclerc off the line. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, was found guilty of a race-start infringement and was subsequently handed a five-second penalty.

Max Verstappen enjoyed a strong start in his Red Bull and appeared to be making steady progress through the field. The Dutchman looked on course for a podium finish, particularly after benefitting from a cheap pit stop under the Virtual Safety Car triggered by Nico Hulkenberg's retirement. However, his hopes came to an abrupt end when he found himself in the gravel, seemingly suffering a rear-wing-related issue similar to the one that plagued him during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.

If Verstappen's afternoon was plagued by misfortune, Antonelli endured even worse luck. Damage to the front-left wheel cover of his Mercedes resulted in the youngster recording his second possible race win in the last three races, slipping out of his hands. While misfortune struck both Verstappen and Antonelli, Leclerc was the beneficiary of good fortune, as the late Safety Car prompted by Verstappen's crash led the field to the chequered flag, securing the Ferrari driver's first victory since the 2024 United States Grand Prix.

The Italian outlet led with the headline: "Leclerc is the king of Silverstone! He beats Russell and Hamilton." It also highlighted that the Ferrari driver had secured his first victory since 2024 and had done so on Hamilton's home turf.

The Spanish outlet focused on the dramatic manner in which the race concluded and how it ultimately handed victory to Leclerc. It also noted the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Antonelli's retirement and the impact on the championship battle.

"A ruined end that Leclerc celebrates. The Ferrari driver emerged victorious from a race that ended with a safety car period after Verstappen's retirement. A dramatic end for Antonelli: he went home empty-handed, and Russell closed the gap. Hamilton secured third place. Sainz finished twelfth and Alonso eighteenth."

The German publication largely focused on Mercedes' misfortune, noting how Antonelli once again lost crucial points in the championship fight despite looking well placed for victory.

RMC Sport

The French outlet primarily centred its attention on Leclerc's victory before touching on the technical issue that brought Antonelli's race to a premature end.