British Grand Prix 2018 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Sebastian Vettel produced a masterful recovery drive to win the British Grand Prix at Silverstone after Lewis Hamilton crashed out from the lead on the opening lap. The Ferrari driver's victory from pole position extended his championship advantage in dramatic circumstances, though the manner of Hamilton's retirement sparked intense debate.

Hamilton started second on the grid but made a lightning start to briefly take the lead into Turn 1. However, on the run to Turn 3, Kimi Raikkonen attempted an optimistic move that resulted in contact with Hamilton's Mercedes, sending the British driver spinning to the back of the field with a damaged car. Hamilton recovered brilliantly to finish second after dropping to last place, producing one of the drives of his career to battle through the field and limit the championship damage. Raikkonen completed an all-Ferrari podium in third, while Vettel set the fastest lap to cap a perfect day.

The incident between Raikkonen and Hamilton was ruled a racing incident by the stewards, though Hamilton and Mercedes felt differently. The home crowd witnessed their hero's remarkable comeback drive, as Hamilton carved through the field with a series of aggressive overtakes. Despite finishing second, Hamilton left Silverstone eight points behind Vettel in the championship standings. The result represented a crucial moment in the title fight, with Ferrari appearing to have the upper hand as the season reached its halfway point.