Norris delivers superb home race drive as Verstappen reigns

Max Verstappen reigned victorious at Silverstone, fending off an impressive challenge from a revived McLaren.  

Driving brilliantly, Lando Norris held off seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and challenged double world champion Verstappen, ultimately bringing home second place for McLaren. Without the safety car, rookie teammate Oscar Piastri’s strong run likely would’ve secured a double podium for the British-based team.   

Though Verstappen is charging away with the Championship titles, the upgrade cycle has been providing excitement within the standings. McLaren’s leap forward in progress is the latest development. With the second fastest car in the British Grand Prix, they earned more points in one race than in the rest of the season combined and moved up to fifth in the Constructors’ standings.   

While McLaren were battling the Red Bulls, the upgraded Williams was battling Ferraris. An eighth-place finish from Alex Albon during Williams’ 800th Grand Prix, ahead of both Ferraris and just 0.6 seconds behind Fernando Alonso, signifies a strong improvement for the team in their home race.   

It was a great weekend for British teams, drivers, and fans. 480,000 spectators gathered at the former airfield in Northamptonshire to watch three Brits finish in the top five. Norris and Hamilton kept the crowd on the edge of their seats in an excellent battle for second in the final few laps, ultimately placing second and third respectively.   

While McLaren’s successful race came after a superb qualifying, it was another poor session for Sergio Pérez. Out in Q1, this marks the fifth consecutive qualifying in which Perez hasn't made Q3. Meanwhile, Red Bull teammate Verstappen placed his car firmly on pole and carried Red Bull to a record-equalling 11 consecutive race wins, matching McLaren’s 1988 record.   

The question now is whether the McLarens can maintain their newfound pace and put an end to Red Bull’s charge before their record is broken.   

Unless someone can pose a serious threat, Verstappen looks to have a firm grip on the 2023 Drivers’ Championship. Ten races in, he no longer needs a win to secure his championship; finishing second in every race for the rest of the season would be enough.