Norris wins at his Silverstone, Hulkemberg and Binotto get first Swiss podium

However, there is already contact on the first lap between Gasly and Lawson and it is immediately virtual safety car. Shortly afterwards, Bortoleto slips and hits a wall, stopping at the edge of the track. With the asphalt wet, meanwhile, Verstappen gives everyone driving lessons, staging a 'traverse' coming out of a corner: a controlled skid at very high speed reminiscent of drivers of yesteryear. It is a spectacular manoeuvre, but one that destroys the intermediate tyres, because it consumes that very profile that is useful for eliminating water. For him, however, even if they become more 'slicks' for a few laps, it might make little difference, as the tyre change would have to be done soon anyway. But luck is not on his side today.

It began to rain again and on lap 11 Verstappen himself went long, on the same tyres he started on, losing a position on Norris after Piastri had already passed him: a poor strategy for Verstappen. But all three came back together and Norris had the misfortune of a long stop, forcing him to immediately give the position back to the reigning champion.

After Piastri, Verstappen and Norris had re-established their positions, it wasn't until lap fourteen of fifty-two in total that a 'precautionary' safety car came out, with the race director opting to avoid worse consequences after noticing Leclerc leaving the track. The latter, after yesterday's self-criticism, now complains about the visor that would have let water into his helmet, with discomfort and loss of visibility.

On lap eighteen the race resumes, but with extremely difficult visibility, especially at Copse corner. Needless to say, it is there that there is a notable 'bump' for the young up-and-comer Isaac Hadjar, who crashes into the car in front of him, that of Kimi Antonelli. The latter seems to get away with going wide: Hadjar had run into him because he saw him too late. A new safety car was immediately triggered and the driver did not immediately get out of the cockpit, delaying the restart of the race. For the Mercedes of the newly born Bolognese the blow to the rear is too strong, perhaps involving a suspension, and forces him to retire: it is the second consecutive one for the Italian.

In those few moments before the stop, there was a tussle between Ocon, Russell and Hamilton, who took the opportunity to move up to seventh place.

Three more neutralisation laps and another 'traverse', this time complete, by Verstappen, who delivers a second show even more spectacular than the first. But this time it is the consequence of someone else's 'nastiness': Piastri slows down too much to re-start the safety car, Verstappen swerves again and loses a lot of positions. Before the restart he cannot overtake and so is forced to chase. Piastri is penalised, but 'only' by ten seconds, while the Red Bull champion's race is now compromised. A great gift for Norris, who, by sticking with him, can limit himself to following him without accumulating too much of a gap.

Behind, meanwhile, slowly climbs Hamilton, who, with fifteen laps to go - thanks to the absence of the unfortunate Leclerc, who was even fighting with Sainz at the end - hopes to see the podium at his Silverstone. But another 'veteran' wants it just as much: it is the first time in his career for him too. And for Mattia Binotto, after years of criticism, waiting and adapting to the new team that - from next year - will become Audi's gateway to the FIA top series, it is a great satisfaction.

As the track dried it looked as if there would be no more twists and turns, but Russell surprises everyone with a spectacular manoeuvre, demonstrating the importance and safety of 'traditional' circuits as opposed to the horrible city tracks that are proliferating. After an optimistic entry into a fast counter-curve, taking advantage of the kerb under full acceleration, Russell stages a 'seven-twenty': a complete double spin at very high speed, without losing control and without going out. He resumed the race without damage to himself or the car. Luck, certainly, but also thanks to the design of Silverstone, a mythical and solid track.