F2 Silverstone News: Championship contenders crash out in WILD Silverstone race

Hadjar during FP1 at Silverstone — Photo: © IMAGO

British Grand Prix

Championship contenders crash out in WILD Silverstone race

Wet weather has brought chaos to the British Grand Prix

Originally written by Sheona Mountford. This version is a translation.

Sunday 7 July 2024 00:00

Two championship contenders have crashed out after a chaotic race in wet weather conditions at Silverstone.

Saturday at Silverstone displayed a typical British day of weather, with every session of the day impacted by rain.

Article continues under video

F3’s morning sprint race was postponed until the evening, and the final F1 practice session was blighted by slippery conditions.

In addition, F2’s sprint race was hit by extreme weather conditions bringing out a red flag and safety car, whilst majorly impacting the championship standings.

It has been a wet Saturday at Silverstone so far

Championship leaders out of F2 Silverstone sprint

After a twenty-minute interlude, the race was resumed with Mercedes star Kimi Andrea Antonelli in the lead.

However, the race had barely begun before the wet conditions caused further chaos, impacting those at the sharp end of the championship.

Pepe Marti crashed into the rear of championship leader Paul Aron, both out of the race and prompting a safety car.

In a separate incident, Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar found himself in the gravel at Copse corner ending his sprint race.

Isack Hadjar replaced Sergio Perez in the Red Bull during FP1

Hadjar replaced Sergio Perez for FP1 on Friday at Silverstone, however the Frenchman nearly caused a collision with Lando Norris as he slowed down into the corner.

The sprint race was also a nightmare for F1 bound, Ollie Bearman, who found himself in the gravel at Copse, and failed to finish.

His team-mate Antonelli claimed a stunning first victory of the season, despite pressure mounting to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

Mercedes Hamilton Silverstone F2