Norris wins in his Silverstone, Hulkemberg and Binotto get the first red-cross podium

However, there is already contact between Gasly and Lawson on the first lap and it is immediately a virtual safety car. Shortly after, Bortoleto slips and hits a wall, stopping at the edge of the track. With the asphalt wet, in the meantime, Verstappen gives driving lessons to everyone, putting on a “side-slip” on the exit of the curve: a controlled skid at very high speed that recalls the drivers of other times. A spectacular maneuver but one that destroys the intermediate tires, because it consumes precisely that profile useful for eliminating water. For him, however, even if they become more 'slick' for a few laps, it could make little difference, given that the tire change would have to be done soon anyway. But luck is not on his side today.

It starts raining again and on lap 11 Verstappen himself goes wide, on the same tyres he started with, losing a position to Norris after Piastri had already passed him: a strategy that doesn't pay off for Verstappen. But all three come back in together and Norris is unlucky with a long stop, which forces him to immediately give the position back to the reigning champion.

After having re-established the positions with Piastri, Verstappen and Norris, only on lap fourteen of fifty-two in total a 'preventive' safety car comes out, with the race director choosing to avoid worse consequences after noticing an exit from the track by Leclerc. The latter, after yesterday's self-criticism, is now complaining about the visor that would have let water enter his helmet, causing discomfort and loss of visibility.

On lap eighteen the race resumes, but with extremely difficult visibility, especially at the Copse curve. Needless to say, right there there is a notable 'hit' for the young promise Isaac Hadjar, who hits the car in front of him, that of Kimi Antonelli. The latter seems to get away with it by going wide: Hadjar had slammed into him because he saw him too late. A new safety car is immediately deployed and the driver does not immediately get out of the cockpit, delaying the resumption of the race. For the Mercedes of the newly graduated Bolognese driver, the hit to the rear is too strong, perhaps involving a suspension, and forces him to retire: it is the second consecutive for the Italian.

In those few moments before the stop, there was a brawl between Ocon, Russell and Hamilton, who took advantage of the opportunity to move back up to seventh place.

Three more laps of neutralization and a new 'drift', this time complete, by Verstappen, who gives a second show even more spectacular than the first. But this time it is the consequence of 'other people's malice': Piastri slows down too much to relaunch the safety car, Verstappen skids again and loses a lot of positions. Before the restart he cannot overtake and so is forced to chase. Piastri is penalized, but 'only' by ten seconds, while the Red Bull champion's race is now compromised. A great gift for Norris, who, staying glued, can limit himself to following him without accumulating too much of a gap.

Behind, meanwhile, Hamilton is slowly climbing back up, and with fifteen laps to go – thanks to the absence of the unfortunate Leclerc, who was even busy battling with Sainz towards the end – he hopes to see the podium in his Silverstone. But another 'veteran' wants it equally: it's the first time in his career for him too. And for Mattia Binotto, after years of criticism, waiting and adapting to the new team that – starting next year – will become the gateway for Audi to the top FIA series, it's a great satisfaction.

As the track dried out it seemed that there would be no more twists and turns, but Russell surprised everyone with a spectacular maneuver, demonstrating the importance and safety of 'traditional' circuits compared to the horrible street circuits that are multiplying. After an optimistic entry into a fast counter bend, taking advantage of the kerb in full acceleration, Russell staged a 'seven-twenty': a complete double spin at very high speed, without losing control and without going out. He resumed the race without damage, neither to himself nor to the car. Luck, of course, but also credit to the design of Silverstone, a legendary and solid track.