70th Anniversary Grand Prix 2020 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Max Verstappen delivered a stunning upset victory at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, ending Mercedes' winning streak by exploiting their tire degradation issues at Silverstone's second consecutive race. Starting from fourth on the grid behind pole-sitter Valtteri Bottas, Verstappen executed a brilliant two-stop strategy while both Mercedes drivers struggled with severe blistering on their front tires. The Dutchman's victory marked Red Bull's first win of the 2020 season and demonstrated that Mercedes' dominance was not entirely invincible.

The race unfolded as a strategic masterclass from Red Bull. While Mercedes attempted to one-stop, their tires degraded catastrophically in the hot conditions, forcing both Hamilton and Bottas to make second pit stops. Verstappen, running a more conservative two-stop strategy, picked off both Silver Arrows to claim a commanding victory. Hamilton salvaged second place after his late stop, setting the fastest lap in the process, while Bottas completed the podium in third. The Mercedes pair watched helplessly as their tires blistered and performance fell away, unable to match Red Bull's pace.

Pirelli's decision to bring softer tire compounds than the previous weekend, combined with Silverstone's high-speed corners, created the perfect storm for Mercedes' troubles. The result provided a rare glimmer of hope for Mercedes' rivals, suggesting that the championship fight might not be entirely one-sided. However, it would prove to be one of only two victories Red Bull would claim all season.