Kimi Antonelli strengthened his grip on the Formula 1 championship by claiming victory in the British Grand Prix sprint race at Silverstone, beating home favourite Lewis Hamilton to take maximum points.
The 19-year-old Mercedes driver crossed the line 2.7 seconds clear of Ferrari's Hamilton after making his decisive move on lap eight of the 17-lap contest.
Hamilton had started from pole position and led the opening stages, delighting the home crowd, but was unable to keep Antonelli behind as the Italian swept into the lead and controlled the remainder of the race.
McLaren's Lando Norris completed the podium in third, while Antonelli's Mercedes team-mate and nearest title challenger George Russell finished fourth on a blustery afternoon at Silverstone.
The result further extends Antonelli's advantage at the top of the drivers' standings. With eight points awarded for a sprint victory, he now leads the championship on 179 points.
Russell remains second on 136 points, leaving Antonelli with a 43-point cushion heading into Sunday's British Grand Prix, while seven-time world champion Hamilton is third on 132 points.
Antonelli, in his first full Formula 1 season, has continued his remarkable rise with another composed and assured performance, underlining why Mercedes placed their faith in the teenager. After patiently shadowing Hamilton in the opening laps, he seized his opportunity before pulling comfortably clear to secure another important victory in his title challenge.
The sprint success also gives Antonelli momentum ahead of Sunday's main race, where he will again look to increase his championship lead as the battle with Russell and Hamilton continues.
