British Grand Prix 2022 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Carlos Sainz claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory in dramatic fashion at the British Grand Prix, holding off a charging Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton to secure Ferrari's first win since the season opener. The Spanish driver benefited from a late Safety Car to take fresh tires and hunt down race leader Charles Leclerc, only for his teammate to spin out of the lead while under pressure. Perez finished second for Red Bull, with Hamilton completing the podium at his home race to the delight of the British crowd.

The race exploded into life on the opening lap when Zhou Guanyu's Alfa Romeo was launched into a terrifying airborne accident at Abbey, flipping upside down and sliding into the barriers before ending up wedged between the tire wall and catch fencing. The Chinese driver miraculously walked away unharmed thanks to F1's halo safety device and modern chassis design. The red flag period allowed repairs and strategic resets, with the race restarting after a lengthy delay.

Leclerc had controlled the race after the restart and appeared destined for victory until a late Safety Car triggered by Esteban Ocon's stranded Alpine. Ferrari kept Leclerc out on old tires while bringing Sainz in for fresh softs, setting up a thrilling finale. Under pressure from Sainz's charge, Leclerc lost the rear of his Ferrari at Copse and spun into the gravel on lap 52, handing victory to his teammate. Sainz's emotional first win came in his 150th Grand Prix start, while Lewis Hamilton set the fastest lap. Max Verstappen's championship lead was cut to 34 points after he could only manage seventh following first-lap damage from contact.