'The feeling was back where it needs to be' – Ferrari's Leclerc reflects on impressive British Grand Prix victory

Charles Leclerc believes "the feeling was back where it needs to be" after taking victory in the British Grand Prix, which was the Ferrari driver's first win since 2024.

The Monegasque driver claimed victory in Sunday's 52-lap race after an impressive performance at Silverstone, having taken the lead at the start from polesitter Kimi Antonelli.

Leclerc extended his advantage, initially over team mate Lewis Hamilton and then Antonelli, and only lost the lead after making his sole pit stop before moving back to the front when Antonelli also pitted.

The Mercedes driver began to cut the gap on 10-lap newer tyres, before a car issue meant Antonelli dropped back, with a late Safety Car ensuring Leclerc took his first win since the 2024 United States Grand Prix.

"It feels incredible. Unfortunately the end was maybe not the one I will have dreamt of, but to win after the last few weekends that have been particularly difficult, all the work that we put into trying to get the feeling back in the car," said the Ferrari driver.

"I felt like I had found something yesterday between the Sprint and Qualifying but I had to confirm that today. And today, the feeling was back where it needs to be. I'm so incredibly happy."

Leclerc had endured a difficult 2026 season ahead of this weekend, having not reached the podium since Japan back in March, as well as suffering crashes in both Monaco and Barcelona and being outpaced by Hamilton.

The Ferrari driver admitted that it would have been difficult to keep Antonelli behind in the closing stages of the British Grand Prix, and that he was glad the race finished behind the Safety Car.

"With Kimi it would have been close. He was very fast when he was coming towards me, so it would have been very difficult to keep that first place," said Leclerc.

"Then I heard he had a problem, so I was like 'okay, I have quite a big gap, it should be straightforward'. But then the Safety Car at the end, and then for whatever reason, I think some back markers had to pass us so I did all the Safety Car at 100, 120kph.

"My tyres were completely cold. So I was sceptical about the restart. It's not great for the fans that are here at the track, but in the helmet I was happy that there was not a restart to keep that win. It feels really good."