Emotional Norris wins epic rain-hit British Grand Prix

SILVERSTONE, UK: An emotional Lando Norris boosted his world title bid in memorable fashion on Sunday when he drove to a commanding rain-splashed victory ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in a chaotic British Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old Briton made the most of series leader Piastri’s mid-race misfortune, when he was given a 10-second penalty for slowing excessively while leading behind the safety car, to finish 6.8112 seconds clear.

It was his first home win, his fourth win of the year and the eighth of his career, lifting him within eight points of the Australian.

“Thank you, McLaren, thanks everyone,” said Norris.

“This is beautiful. Winning at home. This is a dream.”

Nico Hulkenberg finished a stirring third for Sauber to claim the first podium appearance of his long career after 239 races.

“It feels good,” the veteran German said.

“A long time coming! But we had it in us and I had it in me somewhere. It’s pretty surreal. All a bit crazy now.”

Piastri was careful not to express his disappointment at the time penalty verdict.

“I want to congratulate Nico,” he said.

“That’s the best story of the day — but I don’t want to say much else to avoid getting into trouble.”

Norris became the 13th different home winner of the British race.

Lewis Hamilton took fourth for Ferrari ahead of Red Bull’s four-time champion Max Verstappen.

In an epic event run in extreme and changeable weather conditions, Pierre Gasly was sixth for Alpine, ahead of Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, Williams’ Alex Albon, two-time champion Fernando Alonso in the second Aston Martin and Mercedes’ George Russell.

On a cool and wet summer’s day in central England, the race began as the sun slanted through the clouds following torrential