{"id":2029705,"date":"2026-07-06T13:31:38","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T10:31:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2029705"},"modified":"2026-07-06T13:31:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T10:31:38","slug":"i-didnt-become-a-bad-driver-how-charles-leclerc-cancelled-the-noise-with-bounce-back-f1-win-at-british-gp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2029705","title":{"rendered":"\u2018I didn\u2019t become a bad driver\u2019 &#8211; How Charles Leclerc cancelled the noise with bounce-back F1 win at British GP"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424474_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>\u2018I didn\u2019t become a bad driver\u2019 &#8211; How Charles Leclerc cancelled the noise with bounce-back F1 win at British GP<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc secured a much-needed bounce-back victory at the British Grand Prix to cancel the noise from his harshest F1 critics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Larkam <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-07-06T14:31:38+01:00\">06 Jul 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424474_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424474_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424474_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424474_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424474_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424474_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424474_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424474_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424474_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Leclerc celebrates his first F1 victory since 2024<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc shifted the recent negative narrative surrounding him as he returned to the top step of the Formula 1 podium at the British Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>Coming into the weekend at Silverstone, much of the talk centred around Leclerc\u2019s team-mate Lewis Hamilton\u2019s resurgence. Many expected Hamilton, a record nine-time victor of the British Grand Prix, to lead Ferrari\u2019s charge at his home race, particularly based on his recent form that had seen him rack up three straight podiums including a memorable win in Barcelona.<\/p>\n<p>That appeared to be the case on Friday when Hamilton, a master around Silverstone, topped practice, SQ1, SQ2 and SQ3 on his way to beating Mercedes\u2019 Andrea Kimi Antonelli to pole position for the sprint race. Hamilton was unable to convert his pole into sprint victory and the momentum at Ferrari shifted heading into regular grand prix qualifying.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Leclerc took the lead with a brilliant start<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It was during this session that Leclerc, who appeared to once again be on the backfoot, suddenly emerged as the faster Ferrari driver with an eye-catching performance to edge out Hamilton for a spot on the front row of the grid alongside Antonelli.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Leclerc overtook pole-sitter Antonelli to snatch the lead at the start, and led the opening exchanges. The 28-year-old Monegasque remained in the lead following the pit stops and ultimately clinched his ninth career victory when the race ended behind the safety car after Max Verstappen\u2019s late spin into the gravel at Stowe.<\/p>\n<p>For Leclerc, this much-needed win was a long time in the making. It was his first since the 2024 United States Grand Prix and brought an end to a rough patch of form and several bad weekends that had fuelled criticism from his doubters.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-3e9176413e65e12e35f60bee755966b4dcc1b1f05323a77697dd167b91bcc9b5\">  Norris wanted to replicate Schumacher\u2019s controversial British GP win   Lewis Hamilton explains error that led to costly jump start at British GP <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cFinally!\u201d a relieved Leclerc said over team radio after the race. &#8220;This one feels particularly good, even though I wished a bit of more normal ending, but, hard work paid off. Tough times never last, only tough people last!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Speaking in the post-race press conference, Leclerc continued: \u201cIt means a lot. It means a lot because when things get tough, and that&#8217;s literally the situation I&#8217;ve been in the last few races, obviously there&#8217;s a lot of negativity around me in general, with narratives being created, and it&#8217;s never a nice environment to work in.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut to keep our head down and to keep working very hard and get the result that we got today, I&#8217;m super proud of the whole team that have been pushing me and helping me to find that feeling again with the car.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-a605bd234d594977c620d0737d4be08be89ba5060bf0adff0c6b9038da5ecf21\">  Kimi Antonelli issues defiant reaction after disastrous end to Silverstone race   Silverstone F1 anti-climax highlights glaring Abu Dhabi 2021 injustice <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cAs I said, it&#8217;s only a first step and I&#8217;ve got to prove that on multiple track layouts. But on such a track where confidence is key, I wouldn&#8217;t have been able to do that without the feeling, and so that&#8217;s really good.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>It was Leclerc&#8217;s first British Grand Prix win<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Leclerc got a large slice of fortune en route to his victory, with the late safety car saving him from a charging Antonelli on much fresher tyres. But Leclerc had put himself in a position to capitalise on any drama with his most convincing performance of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n<p>Despite his bounce back win, Leclerc rejected the suggestion that recent negative noise had fuelled him to prove his critics wrong. Whether or not it acted as motivation, Leclerc successfully silenced those who questioned him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don&#8217;t know if it fuels me. Honestly, I think anybody that says that would lie. I think whenever there&#8217;s so much negativity around, it&#8217;s not something so nice to see. You try to cancel the noise as much as possible.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI try to not look at my phone and focus on what is relevant and in order to also have the right picture of the situation, because things are said and you go from hero to zero, from zero to hero, in like two days in this sport, and so it can influence then the way you see a situation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy job was really to just try and cancel that noise, to not look at anything, to not listen to anything. And I know that I didn&#8217;t become a bad driver from one day to the other.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Leclerc is congratulated by Ferrari president John Elkann<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>What changed for Leclerc?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Having struggled to match Hamilton in sprint qualifying and finishing nearly 10 seconds behind him in the sprint race, Leclerc noticed something in Ferrari\u2019s data that prompted a change of approach.<\/p>\n<p>Leclerc ultimately switched to Hamilton&#8217;s set-up for the rest of the Silverstone weekend, and the decision paid dividends, helping him regain the qualifying \u201cfeeling\u201d he had been lacking in Ferrari\u2019s SF-26 for some time.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt was just a matter of finding that feeling with the car,\u201d Leclerc explained. \u201cThese cars are very specific, are very different to the way we&#8217;ve been driving since we started racing, and so it takes a bit more time to get used to it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was very strong for the first part of the season, then I lost a bit of feeling with the car. We changed quite a few things with the car and it took a bit more time than what I had wished to get back to the level I wanted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOn top of that, we&#8217;ve had some issues on the Sunday that cost me quite a lot of points. So altogether, it wasn&#8217;t a nice situation to be in, but I&#8217;m very happy to get out of this situation in this way. However, as I said, it&#8217;s still the beginning. It&#8217;s only one race and I must not get carried away thinking that the war is over.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe battle with this car has been quite a lot recently and I cannot take it for granted that now it&#8217;s behind me. So, I&#8217;ll keep working and try to get that feeling more often going ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>A set-up change proved key for Leclerc&#8217;s weekend<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Leclerc stressed his renewed confidence has come about through \u201csmall details that just fit my driving a little bit better in a particular phase of the corner.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s just a few things that I saw on the data on Friday night and I was like, &#8220;OK, that might be things that just don&#8217;t fit with my driving style,\u201d he added. \u201cWe changed those few things from sprint race to qualifying and that was a lot better.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was very proud of the work we&#8217;ve done to see that because I think this kind of change is not really so black and white. You just don&#8217;t look at data and say, &#8220;My God, OK, this is what we need to change.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s intuition mixed with feeling. Then we went for it and it was actually a very successful direction for me. I was very happy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked if Ferrari\u2019s performance gives him belief that he will be able to fight for the win once more at the Belgian Grand Prix in two weeks\u2019 time, Leclerc replied: \u201cPersonally, I don&#8217;t really focus on that.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think where I&#8217;ll be focusing on is just to try and get that feeling again in the car. If I have that feeling in the car, I&#8217;m confident that I will extract the maximum out of this car. If I don&#8217;t, then it might be more tricky.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOf course, we are pushing extremely hard as a team in order to fight and challenge Mercedes. We were expecting a very difficult weekend here in Silverstone. I think prior to this weekend, we were expecting even more of a difficult weekend in Spa.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cConsidering we obviously won today, maybe we are a bit closer than what we initially thought. But it&#8217;s still to be proven, and for that we also need to understand why was it an outstandingly good weekend compared to our expectations. So, we&#8217;ll focus on all that.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut personally, I won&#8217;t be focusing on just winning because that will be the wrong approach. I&#8217;ll just focus on the process in order to get the best feeling and to maximise this car.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Leclerc silenced his critics with his victory<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Charles Leclerc<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Ferrari<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Lewis Hamilton<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Lewis Hamilton explains error that led to costly jump start at British Grand Prix<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424581_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424581_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424581_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424581_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424581_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424581_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424581_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424581_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424581_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Why Lance Stroll was penalised three times in nine laps during nightmare F1 British GP<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/2284633843.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/2284633843.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/2284633843.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/2284633843.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/2284633843.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/2284633843.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/2284633843.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/2284633843.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/2284633843.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-ef82758a3e861886f0ff94eb1c09052c6f08c630d86a3e2542fd65425d232bac\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Larkam<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-67fccf48dd708ba72171078fc3584b6238a28dbae758999ca96a9cfd484de8ba\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ferrari stands by decision to pit Hamilton before &#8216;surprise&#8217; safety car finish <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783279620\"> 19h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424562_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Hamilton congratulates Leclerc, despite the team losing a one-two result\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why Hamilton went unpunished over infringement he expected penalty for<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783275919\"> 20h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424342_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Hamilton avoided a penalty at Silverstone \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton avoids post-race penalty at British Grand Prix<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783269177\"> 22h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424303_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lewis Hamilton at the British Grand Prix\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Race Report <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Leclerc takes Silverstone win after late safety car confusion and Antonelli nightmare <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783266191\"> 23h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424257_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Leclerc celebrates his first win of F1 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How to watch the F1 Lego car drivers&#8217; parade at Silverstone<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783248779\"> 05\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/lego-hero-image.png?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lego cars will return for the British Grand Prix \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Wolff responds to &#8217;emotional&#8217; Vasseur after Ferrari upgrade comments<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783247841\"> 05\/07\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423754_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Wolff took aim at Ferrari&apos;s upgrade push \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>Latest News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-d8678e76f4dd24c4420d48b2ad530b3d072d51fecf066c3746b1373c2bcacbc4\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Norris wanted to replicate Schumacher\u2019s controversial British GP win<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783349760\"> 2m ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423338_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423338_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423338_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why Stroll earned triple F1 penalty during Silverstone nightmare<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783346864\"> 50m ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/2284633843.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/2284633843.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/2284633843.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton explains error that led to costly jump start at British GP<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783333352\"> 4h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424581_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424581_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424581_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jos Verstappen dubs Martin Brundle an &#8216;idiot&#8217; over Red Bull F1 comments<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783330348\"> 5h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/untitled-design-1.png?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/untitled-design-1.png?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/untitled-design-1.png?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Sainz\u2019s rare and unprecedented F1 British GP \u2018penalty lap\u2019 explained<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783328576\"> 5h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422903_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422903_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1422903_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>More News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-c72664f0a4d51db8748b29170c73f7e6f7492c8f1acdb4c6ad3d3f7e65af18ef\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Kimi Antonelli issues defiant reaction after disastrous end to Silverstone race<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783328345\"> 5h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423619_hires_0.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423619_hires_0.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423619_hires_0.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why Max Verstappen didn&#8217;t speak to Christian Horner at the British Grand Prix<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783324800\"> 6h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1318247_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1318247_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1318247_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ferrari stands by decision to pit Hamilton before &#8216;surprise&#8217; safety car finish <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783279620\"> 19h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424562_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424562_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424562_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Red Bull to investigate &#8220;super dangerous&#8221; wing issue that led to Max Verstappen crash<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783278000\"> 19h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424290_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why Hamilton went unpunished over infringement he expected penalty for<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1783275919\"> 20h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424342_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424342_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424342_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc secured a much-needed bounce-back victory at the British Grand Prix to cancel the noise from his harshest F1 critics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc shifted the recent negative narrative surrounding him as he returned to the top step of the Formula 1 podium at the British Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>Coming into the weekend at Silverstone, much of the talk centred around Leclerc\u2019s team-mate Lewis Hamilton\u2019s resurgence. Many expected Hamilton, a record nine-time victor of the British Grand Prix, to lead Ferrari\u2019s charge at his home race, particularly based on his recent form that had seen him rack up three straight podiums including a memorable win in Barcelona.<\/p>\n<p>That appeared to be the case on Friday when Hamilton, a master around Silverstone, topped practice, SQ1, SQ2 and SQ3 on his way to beating Mercedes\u2019 Andrea Kimi Antonelli to pole position for the sprint race. Hamilton was unable to convert his pole into sprint victory and the momentum at Ferrari shifted heading into regular grand prix qualifying.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Leclerc took the lead with a brilliant start<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It was during this session that Leclerc, who appeared to once again be on the backfoot, suddenly emerged as the faster Ferrari driver with an eye-catching performance to edge out Hamilton for a spot on the front row of the grid alongside Antonelli.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Leclerc overtook pole-sitter Antonelli to snatch the lead at the start, and led the opening exchanges. The 28-year-old Monegasque remained in the lead following the pit stops and ultimately clinched his ninth career victory when the race ended behind the safety car after Max Verstappen\u2019s late spin into the gravel at Stowe.<\/p>\n<p>For Leclerc, this much-needed win was a long time in the making. It was his first since the 2024 United States Grand Prix and brought an end to a rough patch of form and several bad weekends that had fuelled criticism from his doubters.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-3e9176413e65e12e35f60bee755966b4dcc1b1f05323a77697dd167b91bcc9b5\">  Norris wanted to replicate Schumacher\u2019s controversial British GP win   Lewis Hamilton explains error that led to costly jump start at British GP <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cFinally!\u201d a relieved Leclerc said over team radio after the race. &#8220;This one feels particularly good, even though I wished a bit of more normal ending, but, hard work paid off. Tough times never last, only tough people last!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Speaking in the post-race press conference, Leclerc continued: \u201cIt means a lot. It means a lot because when things get tough, and that&#8217;s literally the situation I&#8217;ve been in the last few races, obviously there&#8217;s a lot of negativity around me in general, with narratives being created, and it&#8217;s never a nice environment to work in.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut to keep our head down and to keep working very hard and get the result that we got today, I&#8217;m super proud of the whole team that have been pushing me and helping me to find that feeling again with the car.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-a605bd234d594977c620d0737d4be08be89ba5060bf0adff0c6b9038da5ecf21\">  Kimi Antonelli issues defiant reaction after disastrous end to Silverstone race   Silverstone F1 anti-climax highlights glaring Abu Dhabi 2021 injustice <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cAs I said, it&#8217;s only a first step and I&#8217;ve got to prove that on multiple track layouts. But on such a track where confidence is key, I wouldn&#8217;t have been able to do that without the feeling, and so that&#8217;s really good.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>It was Leclerc&#8217;s first British Grand Prix win<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Leclerc got a large slice of fortune en route to his victory, with the late safety car saving him from a charging Antonelli on much fresher tyres. But Leclerc had put himself in a position to capitalise on any drama with his most convincing performance of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n<p>Despite his bounce back win, Leclerc rejected the suggestion that recent negative noise had fuelled him to prove his critics wrong. Whether or not it acted as motivation, Leclerc successfully silenced those who questioned him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don&#8217;t know if it fuels me. Honestly, I think anybody that says that would lie. I think whenever there&#8217;s so much negativity around, it&#8217;s not something so nice to see. You try to cancel the noise as much as possible.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI try to not look at my phone and focus on what is relevant and in order to also have the right picture of the situation, because things are said and you go from hero to zero, from zero to hero, in like two days in this sport, and so it can influence then the way you see a situation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy job was really to just try and cancel that noise, to not look at anything, to not listen to anything. And I know that I didn&#8217;t become a bad driver from one day to the other.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Leclerc is congratulated by Ferrari president John Elkann<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>What changed for Leclerc?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Having struggled to match Hamilton in sprint qualifying and finishing nearly 10 seconds behind him in the sprint race, Leclerc noticed something in Ferrari\u2019s data that prompted a change of approach.<\/p>\n<p>Leclerc ultimately switched to Hamilton&#8217;s set-up for the rest of the Silverstone weekend, and the decision paid dividends, helping him regain the qualifying \u201cfeeling\u201d he had been lacking in Ferrari\u2019s SF-26 for some time.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt was just a matter of finding that feeling with the car,\u201d Leclerc explained. \u201cThese cars are very specific, are very different to the way we&#8217;ve been driving since we started racing, and so it takes a bit more time to get used to it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was very strong for the first part of the season, then I lost a bit of feeling with the car. We changed quite a few things with the car and it took a bit more time than what I had wished to get back to the level I wanted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOn top of that, we&#8217;ve had some issues on the Sunday that cost me quite a lot of points. So altogether, it wasn&#8217;t a nice situation to be in, but I&#8217;m very happy to get out of this situation in this way. However, as I said, it&#8217;s still the beginning. It&#8217;s only one race and I must not get carried away thinking that the war is over.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe battle with this car has been quite a lot recently and I cannot take it for granted that now it&#8217;s behind me. So, I&#8217;ll keep working and try to get that feeling more often going ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>A set-up change proved key for Leclerc&#8217;s weekend<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Leclerc stressed his renewed confidence has come about through \u201csmall details that just fit my driving a little bit better in a particular phase of the corner.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s just a few things that I saw on the data on Friday night and I was like, &#8220;OK, that might be things that just don&#8217;t fit with my driving style,\u201d he added. \u201cWe changed those few things from sprint race to qualifying and that was a lot better.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was very proud of the work we&#8217;ve done to see that because I think this kind of change is not really so black and white. You just don&#8217;t look at data and say, &#8220;My God, OK, this is what we need to change.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s intuition mixed with feeling. Then we went for it and it was actually a very successful direction for me. I was very happy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked if Ferrari\u2019s performance gives him belief that he will be able to fight for the win once more at the Belgian Grand Prix in two weeks\u2019 time, Leclerc replied: \u201cPersonally, I don&#8217;t really focus on that.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think where I&#8217;ll be focusing on is just to try and get that feeling again in the car. If I have that feeling in the car, I&#8217;m confident that I will extract the maximum out of this car. If I don&#8217;t, then it might be more tricky.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOf course, we are pushing extremely hard as a team in order to fight and challenge Mercedes. We were expecting a very difficult weekend here in Silverstone. I think prior to this weekend, we were expecting even more of a difficult weekend in Spa.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cConsidering we obviously won today, maybe we are a bit closer than what we initially thought. But it&#8217;s still to be proven, and for that we also need to understand why was it an outstandingly good weekend compared to our expectations. So, we&#8217;ll focus on all that.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut personally, I won&#8217;t be focusing on just winning because that will be the wrong approach. I&#8217;ll just focus on the process in order to get the best feeling and to maximise this car.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Leclerc silenced his critics with his victory<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc shifted the recent negative narrative surrounding him as he returned to the top step of the Formula 1 podium at the British Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>Coming into the weekend at Silverstone, much of the talk centred around Leclerc\u2019s team-mate Lewis Hamilton\u2019s resurgence. Many expected Hamilton, a record nine-time victor of the British Grand Prix, to lead Ferrari\u2019s charge at his home race, particularly based on his recent form that had seen him rack up three straight podiums including a memorable win in Barcelona.<\/p>\n<p>That appeared to be the case on Friday when Hamilton, a master around Silverstone, topped practice, SQ1, SQ2 and SQ3 on his way to beating Mercedes\u2019 Andrea Kimi Antonelli to pole position for the sprint race. Hamilton was unable to convert his pole into sprint victory and the momentum at Ferrari shifted heading into regular grand prix qualifying.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424377_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Leclerc took the lead with a brilliant start<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It was during this session that Leclerc, who appeared to once again be on the backfoot, suddenly emerged as the faster Ferrari driver with an eye-catching performance to edge out Hamilton for a spot on the front row of the grid alongside Antonelli.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Leclerc overtook pole-sitter Antonelli to snatch the lead at the start, and led the opening exchanges. The 28-year-old Monegasque remained in the lead following the pit stops and ultimately clinched his ninth career victory when the race ended behind the safety car after Max Verstappen\u2019s late spin into the gravel at Stowe.<\/p>\n<p>For Leclerc, this much-needed win was a long time in the making. It was his first since the 2024 United States Grand Prix and brought an end to a rough patch of form and several bad weekends that had fuelled criticism from his doubters.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-3e9176413e65e12e35f60bee755966b4dcc1b1f05323a77697dd167b91bcc9b5\">  Norris wanted to replicate Schumacher\u2019s controversial British GP win   Lewis Hamilton explains error that led to costly jump start at British GP <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cFinally!\u201d a relieved Leclerc said over team radio after the race. &#8220;This one feels particularly good, even though I wished a bit of more normal ending, but, hard work paid off. Tough times never last, only tough people last!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Speaking in the post-race press conference, Leclerc continued: \u201cIt means a lot. It means a lot because when things get tough, and that&#8217;s literally the situation I&#8217;ve been in the last few races, obviously there&#8217;s a lot of negativity around me in general, with narratives being created, and it&#8217;s never a nice environment to work in.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut to keep our head down and to keep working very hard and get the result that we got today, I&#8217;m super proud of the whole team that have been pushing me and helping me to find that feeling again with the car.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-a605bd234d594977c620d0737d4be08be89ba5060bf0adff0c6b9038da5ecf21\">  Kimi Antonelli issues defiant reaction after disastrous end to Silverstone race   Silverstone F1 anti-climax highlights glaring Abu Dhabi 2021 injustice <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cAs I said, it&#8217;s only a first step and I&#8217;ve got to prove that on multiple track layouts. But on such a track where confidence is key, I wouldn&#8217;t have been able to do that without the feeling, and so that&#8217;s really good.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424583_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>It was Leclerc&#8217;s first British Grand Prix win<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Leclerc got a large slice of fortune en route to his victory, with the late safety car saving him from a charging Antonelli on much fresher tyres. But Leclerc had put himself in a position to capitalise on any drama with his most convincing performance of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n<p>Despite his bounce back win, Leclerc rejected the suggestion that recent negative noise had fuelled him to prove his critics wrong. Whether or not it acted as motivation, Leclerc successfully silenced those who questioned him.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don&#8217;t know if it fuels me. Honestly, I think anybody that says that would lie. I think whenever there&#8217;s so much negativity around, it&#8217;s not something so nice to see. You try to cancel the noise as much as possible.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI try to not look at my phone and focus on what is relevant and in order to also have the right picture of the situation, because things are said and you go from hero to zero, from zero to hero, in like two days in this sport, and so it can influence then the way you see a situation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy job was really to just try and cancel that noise, to not look at anything, to not listen to anything. And I know that I didn&#8217;t become a bad driver from one day to the other.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424608_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Leclerc is congratulated by Ferrari president John Elkann<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>What changed for Leclerc?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Having struggled to match Hamilton in sprint qualifying and finishing nearly 10 seconds behind him in the sprint race, Leclerc noticed something in Ferrari\u2019s data that prompted a change of approach.<\/p>\n<p>Leclerc ultimately switched to Hamilton&#8217;s set-up for the rest of the Silverstone weekend, and the decision paid dividends, helping him regain the qualifying \u201cfeeling\u201d he had been lacking in Ferrari\u2019s SF-26 for some time.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt was just a matter of finding that feeling with the car,\u201d Leclerc explained. \u201cThese cars are very specific, are very different to the way we&#8217;ve been driving since we started racing, and so it takes a bit more time to get used to it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was very strong for the first part of the season, then I lost a bit of feeling with the car. We changed quite a few things with the car and it took a bit more time than what I had wished to get back to the level I wanted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOn top of that, we&#8217;ve had some issues on the Sunday that cost me quite a lot of points. So altogether, it wasn&#8217;t a nice situation to be in, but I&#8217;m very happy to get out of this situation in this way. However, as I said, it&#8217;s still the beginning. It&#8217;s only one race and I must not get carried away thinking that the war is over.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe battle with this car has been quite a lot recently and I cannot take it for granted that now it&#8217;s behind me. So, I&#8217;ll keep working and try to get that feeling more often going ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1423681_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>A set-up change proved key for Leclerc&#8217;s weekend<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Leclerc stressed his renewed confidence has come about through \u201csmall details that just fit my driving a little bit better in a particular phase of the corner.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s just a few things that I saw on the data on Friday night and I was like, &#8220;OK, that might be things that just don&#8217;t fit with my driving style,\u201d he added. \u201cWe changed those few things from sprint race to qualifying and that was a lot better.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was very proud of the work we&#8217;ve done to see that because I think this kind of change is not really so black and white. You just don&#8217;t look at data and say, &#8220;My God, OK, this is what we need to change.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s intuition mixed with feeling. Then we went for it and it was actually a very successful direction for me. I was very happy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked if Ferrari\u2019s performance gives him belief that he will be able to fight for the win once more at the Belgian Grand Prix in two weeks\u2019 time, Leclerc replied: \u201cPersonally, I don&#8217;t really focus on that.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI think where I&#8217;ll be focusing on is just to try and get that feeling again in the car. If I have that feeling in the car, I&#8217;m confident that I will extract the maximum out of this car. If I don&#8217;t, then it might be more tricky.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOf course, we are pushing extremely hard as a team in order to fight and challenge Mercedes. We were expecting a very difficult weekend here in Silverstone. I think prior to this weekend, we were expecting even more of a difficult weekend in Spa.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cConsidering we obviously won today, maybe we are a bit closer than what we initially thought. But it&#8217;s still to be proven, and for that we also need to understand why was it an outstandingly good weekend compared to our expectations. So, we&#8217;ll focus on all that.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut personally, I won&#8217;t be focusing on just winning because that will be the wrong approach. I&#8217;ll just focus on the process in order to get the best feeling and to maximise this car.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424273_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Leclerc silenced his critics with his victory<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/feature\/1100386\/1\/i-didnt-become-bad-driver-how-charles-leclerc-cancelled-noise-bounce-back-f1&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-07\/xpb_1424474_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] \u2018I didn\u2019t become a bad driver\u2019 &#8211; How Charles Leclerc cancelled the noise with bounce-back F1 win at British GP Charles Leclerc secured a much-needed bounce-back victory at the British Grand Prix to cancel the noise from his harshest F1 critics. Lewis Larkam 06 Jul 2026 Share Leclerc celebrates his first F1 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-2029705","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2029705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2029705"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2029705\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2029705"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2029705"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2029705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}