In a turbulent Formula 1 race, McLaren was able to celebrate a double victory and Nico Hülkenberg, despite punishment in Silverstone.
After two virutal Safety car phases immediately after the start of shooters because of the competition in not completely dry conditions, the World Cup leading Oscar Piatri passed in round eight on Sunday (July 6th, 2025) in round eight, but had to hand in the lead to his teammate Lando Norris due to a time penalty, with his second victory in the World Cup driver rating continued to make the ground on Piatri well.
Verstappen lost contact with the top group after Piatri caused by Piatri. The world champion finished fifth in the end. Nico Hülkenberg, on the other hand, worked with clever racing decisions and luck in the hot phases from the penultimate to the starting point to third place and sensationally landed in the kick with the podium place in the 239th racing the best result of his Formula 1 career. Until then, he had been four times since his debut in 2010.
Piatri collects Verstappen early
After the start in Silverstone went happily, Liam Lawson turned shortly afterwards and ensured the first virtual safety car phase. And just when the race was released in round six, the field was braked again by the yellow flag and then the virtual safety car. During the release, Piatri was on the spot directly behind Verstappen, was allowed to lower his rear wing and passed the Dutch with the DRS support.
The World Cup leader immediately laid a few seconds between himself and the Red Bull. But the useful, heavy rain and another safety car phase brought the field together again in the 14th round. When the route was drier again and the race was released, Isack Hadjar rushed directly to Kim Antonellis Mercedes and off the track. In the 19th round it was said again: Safety Car.
Piatri brakes and is punished
The next time it starts, it became dramatic: the leading Piatri delayed output of the straight line. In the subsequent acceleration, Verstappen briefly lost control and turned. As a result, the Dutch lost eight places. The racing commission examined the process and decided that Piatri had deliberately slowed down the race and expressed a 10-second penalty against the leader.
While Piatri did not get away from Norris and threatened to lose his leadership with the punishment, Hülkenberg drove a very strong race almost unnoticed. In the previous chaos, the German raced to Lance Stroll in third place in round 35. The clean pilot had to defend it hard against Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari over the last 17 rounds.
Norris patience is rewarded – Hülkenberg celebrates
The expected change of management was in round 44 when Piatri came into the box and served his 10-second penalty. Eight laps before the end was Norris ahead of Piatri – and Hülkenberg was still in third after his last pit stop. The 37-year-old actually really claimed it to the target flag.
Next, the Formula 1 circus is going to Spa. At the Grand Prix of Belgium on July 27, the weather could play a crucial role again.