Silverstone: Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari avoided all of the British Grand Prix carnage and claimed his first ever victory here ahead of local favourite Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes in a thrilling race, Sunday. The win extends Vettel’s championship lead over Hamilton to eight points in what was a wild finish to the race. Vettel’s teammate Kimi Raikkonen finished third ahead of another Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas.
It all got underway on the opening lap when Hamilton botched his start off of the line and was swamped by Vettel and his own teammate Bottas.
As he went to go around the outside of turn two he was clipped by Raikkonen and was spun around. He quickly turned his car around but found himself last on the grid. Raikkonen was handed a 10-second penalty for causing the incident.
Later, Sauber driver Marcus Ericsson lost control on lap 32 at one of the quickest corners and skidded across the gravel before thundering into the barriers. The monstrous impact brought about the safety car. Unfortunately not even a lap into the restart, the safety car was called again as Romain Grosjean and Carlos Sainz crashed out following a collision.
Vettel began his attack on race leader Bottas straight away and he finally went past Bottas with six laps remaining to run away with the victory.
FI open to offers
Silverstone: Force India’s (FI) shareholders would consider serious offers for the British-based team, according to co-owner and principal Vijay Mallya. Mallya, who has a 42.5 per cent stake, said there was a possibility of main sponsor BWT getting more involved and changing the team’s name. “If somebody comes along with an attractive price, you have to think about it commercially, not emotionally,” Mallya said at the British Grand Prix.
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Moment to cherish: Sebastian Vettel kisses the winner’s trophy at Silverstone, Sunday