Entertainment

Sir Brian May among stars watching as Lewis Hamilton wins British Grand Prix

The Queen guitarist waved the chequered flag as Hamilton claimed his first win in 945 days and took a record-extending ninth podium at Silverstone.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Queen guitarist Sir Brian May and actor Rowan Atkinson were among the British stars watching on as Lewis Hamilton clinched victory at the British Grand Prix.

Sir Brian waved the chequered flag as Hamilton claimed his first win in 945 days and took a record-extending ninth podium at Silverstone following a dramatic home race.

His Mercedes teammate and fellow Briton George Russell started the race in pole position but had to retire his car following a water system failure.

Queen guitarist Sir Brian May at Silverstone Circuit
Queen guitarist Sir Brian May at Silverstone Circuit (Matthew Vincent/PA)

McLaren driver Lando Norris nearly secured second place but Red Bull’s Max Verstappen overtook him towards the end of the 52-lap race, moving Norris back to third.

Blackadder actor Atkinson was spotted watching the drivers battle through the sunshine and showers in the Mercedes garage alongside tense team members.

Meanwhile, Ferrari shared pictures of Game Of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke taking a tour around their garage and meeting drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who finished fifth and 14th respectively.

Brad Pitt was also in attendance on Sunday as the Hollywood star has been filming scenes of him racing an adapted Formula Two car in between practice sessions this weekend for his upcoming Formula One blockbuster, titled F1.

Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, Olympic champion runner Sir Mo Farah, Olympic champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, Saturdays singer Mollie King and her husband cricketer Stuart Broad were also spotted at Silverstone ahead of the race.

Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham performed the national anthem before the big race on Sunday.

Brad Pitt and his partner Ines De Ramon arrive at Silverstone Circuit
Brad Pitt and his partner Ines De Ramon arrive at Silverstone Circuit (David Davies/PA)

The actress and singer, 49, previously said she felt “deeply privileged” to sing at Silverstone as she is “immensely proud” of her British roots.

After performances by DJ Jordss and rapper Ghetts on Friday, Stormzy closed the show with a selection of his hits including Vossi Bop, Shut Up and Crown.

On Saturday, fans could tune into DJ Pete Tong playing his Ibiza Classics with Jules Buckley and the Essential Orchestra.

Drum and bass act Rudimental were closing the weekend with a live performance.