Kimi Antonelli denies Lewis Hamilton in action-packed British GP sprint race

Kimi Antonelli’s first win since last month’s Monaco Grand Prix stretched his standings lead to 43 points over his teammate, George Russell. Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton gave his all to the roars of the home crowd, but the valiant and determined British driver could not defy the laws of physics. The superior pace of Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes secured victory for the Italian teenager in the British Grand Prix sprint raceon Saturday.

Hamilton had not expected to be even in the chase given Ferrari’s power deficit to Mercedes, but their performance has surpassed expectations and Hamilton was back at the sharp end at his home race. He had claimed pole for the sprint and then held his lead for half of the 17-lap dash before Antonelli powered past for the lead on Hangar Straight.