Why Ivan Capelli believes Charles Leclerc wasn’t Silverstone’s biggest winner. George Russell's Silverstone podium could be bigger than Ferrari's victory, says Capelli.

The dramatic finish to the British Grand Prix has reshaped the psychological balance of the Formula 1 championship. George Russell turned what had looked like a disappointing Sunday into a hugely valuable second-place finish, benefiting from his team-mate’s retirement.

It was an unexpected result that could have a significant impact on the title fight.

Capelli’s analysis

Reflecting on George Russell’s remarkable turnaround, former Formula 1 driver Ivan Capelli highlighted the enormous psychological value of the Mercedes driver’s podium finish.

“When you go into a race without the pace, you’re running sixth while your team-mate is flying, but then you finish second and he retires, for Russell it’s almost like a victory,” Capelli said.

“This result will give him tremendous confidence in the championship battle. Everything seemed to be going wrong for him, yet he comes away as the real winner—perhaps even more so than Charles Leclerc.” – the former Ferrari driver concluded at the end of the British Grand Prix.