Verstappen recorded the fastest lap during qualifying on Saturday, clinching his first pole position since Miami. The Dutchman was the last driver out on track and delivered a flying lap of 1:24.892 to edge out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, securing his third career pole at the home of British motorsport.

Piastri, the young Australian and current Drivers’ Championship leader, posted an equally impressive time of 1:24.995 – just ahead of his McLaren teammate Lando Norris.

Max Verstappen and the ‘Special One’ , José Mourinho. Photo: X

George Russell of Mercedes was the fourth-fastest qualifier at his home race, while fellow Briton and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was the quickest Ferrari driver. 

At one stage during free practice, Hamilton looked like a genuine contender for a record seventh pole at Silverstone. However, he had to settle for a time of 1:25.095, just ahead of his teammate Charles Leclerc.

Verstappen said that taking pole was a major confidence boost for both himself and the team. “Throughout the whole of qualifying, it was shifting around a bit, and around here with these cars they’re extremely sensitive to it,” said Verstappen.

Lewis Hamilton. Photo: X

“I just tried to tidy things up throughout qualifying, and that final lap was good enough. This is a proper qualifying circuit – you have to go flat-out through all these corners, you’ve got to be really committed, and that’s what makes it so enjoyable.

“Of course, we’ll have to wait and see what happens tomorrow, especially with the chance of rain. But I’m happy with how qualifying went. It’s a big boost for the team, and I’m just excited to go racing.”

Verstappen added that he will definitely be challenged by Piastri as well as Norris, but it’s also all about having fun out on the track.

Oscar Piastri. Photo: X

“It’s hard to predict, but we’ll give it our best. We’re going racing, we’re going to enjoy it, and we’ll do everything we can.”

Lights out for Sunday’s British Grand Prix – one of the highlight events of the season – is scheduled for 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg