F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix result: Max Verstappen pulls off upset victory to beat Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas
Max Verstappen sprung the surprise of the season by beating Lewis Hamilton to win the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver struck the sweetspot at Silverstone to cross the line 11.3 seconds clear of Hamilton with Valtteri Bottas third.
Mercedes had been expected to cruise to their fifth win from as many rounds this season.
But both Hamilton and Bottas struggled with their tyres to clear the way for Verstappen to take an unlikely win.
Indeed, the Dutchman had been a 12/1 outsider to take the chequered flag ahead of Sunday's race.
Charles Leclerc finished fourth for Ferrari ahead of Alexander Albon, while Racing Point's Lance Stroll was sixth.
Hamilton will head to next week's Spanish Grand Prix with an extended 34-point championship lead over Bottas.
As Verstappen cruised to the flag, Nico Hulkenberg finished seventh for Racing Point, while Sebastian Vettel was outside the points in 12th following an opening-lap spin.
"I didn't see it coming but after the first stint it seemed we were really good on tyres," said Verstappen after his ninth career win.
"We had a lot of pace in the car. I didn't have any tyre issues and we kept pushing.
"It was an incredible result to win, so everything worked out well and I am very happy."
PA
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