Formula 1 in Great Britain: British trio in front at home race in Silverstone

The Brit boys have struck: led by Spielberg winner George Russell, Silverstone specialist Lewis Hamilton and world champion challenger Lando Norris have decided on the three best starting positions between themselves. “What a feeling, what a feeling,” enthused Russell to thunderous applause from the British Formula 1 fans. “Three Brits in the top three is unbelievable,” said Hamilton.

Russell secured the third pole of his career with a lead of 0.171 seconds over his Mercedes team-mate Hamilton. The 39-year-old Brit has already started from pole position seven times in the “Home of British Motor Racing” and won the race eight times. Ironically, defending champion Max Verstappen’s buddy Norris also pushed ahead of fourth-placed defending champion Max Verstappen on Saturday.

The two, who had a serious collision in the race in Spielberg, will now start the twelfth race of the season next to each other this Sunday (4 p.m. CEST/Sky) at the British Grand Prix. In the World Championship standings, Verstappen is 81 points ahead of Norris, who is in second place.

Wolff: Temperatures with sweaters and jackets are good for us

According to the Red Bull bosses, Verstappen damaged the underbody of his car during the knockout rounds when he rode through the gravel. “I was there at the wrong moment,” he said. After the incident, fourth place was much better than expected, said the 26-year-old, who seemed quite calm and confident for the race he won last year. Nico Hülkenberg in the Haas came in a strong sixth place in the thrilling qualification.

It had become clear that the chances of three Brits in the top three places, as in 1962 at Silverstone, were not so small. Norris had dominated both training sessions on Friday, and on the last practice laps before the hunt for the starting position on Saturday, the two Mercedes drivers had been the fastest on the wet track – ahead of Norris. Verstappen could not keep up with the pace at the front in all three sessions.

Would the Brits really settle it among themselves? A look at the sky above Silverstone suggested that qualifying would also be a game of chance with the weather. Almost autumnal 13 degrees, with dark clouds. “The temperatures where you need a sweater and a jacket are good for us,” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

Verstappen colleague Pérez under pressure – and in the gravel bed

Under these conditions, Sergio Pérez was caught out on the soft slicks. As if his situation wasn’t critical enough despite his new contract with Red Bull, the Mexican got stuck in the gravel. He was unable to get the Red Bull back on the track under his own power and climbed out of his car, completely disappointed. “Of course it’s designed for performance and no one is exempt,” emphasised motorsport advisor Helmut Marko on Sky before qualifying.

When the track was reopened, Verstappen suddenly rolled through the gravel, damaged the underbody and slipped dangerously down the time table. 15th place – if he had been 16th he would have been out after the first qualifying section. But then there was a sigh of relief at the Red Bull command post: Verstappen’s next lap was enough to advance. It wasn’t convincing. But at the front: Hamilton ahead of Russell.

British fans get their money’s worth

Second run: This time Norris was the fastest. Verstappen had to fight again to get into the top ten. For Charles Leclerc, however, qualifying for Ferrari ended prematurely. “Are we out?” he asked his command post. Answer: “Yes, we’re out.” Only eleventh place.

Now it was all about pole and Verstappen, who was the first to attempt a race and only found himself in first place for a short time: Russell, Norris, Hamilton and Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren were better. The British fans, who had to pay a lot of pounds for their tickets, got their money’s worth when the final starting order was formed.