Max Verstappen secured pole position for Sunday’s British Grand Prix with a dazzling lap, finishing 0.103 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri. McLaren’s Lando Norris, Piastri’s team-mate and championship rival, qualified third, just 0.118 seconds off Verstappen’s pace. George Russell will start fourth for Mercedes, while Lewis Hamilton, despite high expectations in his new Ferrari, starts fifth.
Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari has yet to meet the hype. The seven-time world champion, who has won the British Grand Prix a record nine times, showed strong form by topping the times in Q2 and entering Q3 second fastest, right behind Piastri. The anticipation at Silverstone was palpable.
However, in the crucial final corner of Q3, Hamilton ran slightly wide, suffering understeer that cost him precious time and denied him a spot on the front row. The narrow margin – just two-tenths separated the top five – made this costly mistake even more disappointing.
READ MORE: Lando Norris Celebrates Emotional Victory with Mum After Winning British Grand Prix
READ MORE: City Centre Road Closures Set to Disrupt Wells as Gas Upgrade Moves Forward
“I just had understeer at Turn 16 and lost the time that I had. It probably cost me at least a second. The lap was really, really nice, it was just that last corner,” Hamilton explained. “I’m not sure if the kerb nudged me wide. It was just over a tenth but that would have put me on the front row. Understeer is something you get with this car when you’re pushing for extra time.”
Hamilton’s struggle to reach the podium this season continues; he has yet to finish in the top three after 11 races—the longest such streak in his career. Yet, he still holds a remarkable record of podium finishes at Silverstone since 2014 and has the chance to extend it. Additionally, he out-qualified Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc for only the fourth time this year, a positive note amid challenges.
“I’ve got four really fast cars in front of me,” Hamilton added. “I want to push forward and be in the fight.”
Starting his home race just 15 points behind Piastri, Norris knows he must overtake his teammate to reclaim ground in the championship standings. “I’m happy with third, though I would have loved to be at the top here at Silverstone,” Norris said. “It’s going to be a great battle tomorrow, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda had a tough qualifying session, placing only 12th on the grid.
With Verstappen leading the pack and fierce competition throughout, Sunday’s British Grand Prix promises an exhilarating race.