Silverstone 2026 British Grand Prix ends under safety car after Verstappen rear‑wing failure

Max Verstappen retired on the final laps of the 2026 British Grand Prix at Silverstone when a rear‑wing defect caused a crash, a problem Red Bull acknowledged as similar to a failure in Austria. The incident forced the deployment of the safety car and, because the mandatory unlapping procedure was initiated so late, the race concluded behind the safety car with Charles Leclerc taking the win.

Lewis Hamilton, who had pitted after the safety‑car period on team orders, said he would not have stopped had he known he would lose positions, while Ferrari’s strategy was criticised. Team principal Toto Wolff welcomed the FIA’s strict application of the rules, contrasting the finish with the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi race. George Russell defended the same procedural consistency, noting that races ending under the safety car are rare.

Red Bull team director Laurent Mekies apologised for the rear‑wing issue, stating that the car’s balance and top‑speed had been compromised throughout the weekend. The race’s conclusion sparked boos from spectators and renewed debate over potential rule changes for race‑ending procedures.