Max Verstappen had begun to lay the groundwork for the final result as early as Q1, but then before his last useful attempt in Q3 in Silverstone qualifying he informed his track engineer that his Red Bull was a difficult car to drive. It was all a strategic ploy to distract his rivals however since at the checkered flag the Dutchman slammed in a 1'24.892 to spoil the party for McLaren which was already preparing to monopolize the front row.
Coming in behind the four-time world champion, now on his 44th career pole, were in fact Oscar Piastri, who will start with him from the front row, and Lando Norris, in row two with a gap of less than two tenths.
Fourth place for George Russell (Mercedes), while the Ferraris, closely watched from the pit box by CEO Benedetto Vigna, disappointed. Able to put themselves in the limelight in the three free practice sessions, the two Rosse missed out just when they should have made a big splash. Lewis Hamilton fifth and Charles Leclerc sixth, however, contained the gap within two tenths and preceded the Silver Arrow of Andrea Antonelli who, tomorrow, will start tenth due to the penalty received in Austria following the collision with Mad Max.
Oliver Bearman's performance was excellent, bringing his Haas to eighth place. For the young Englishman, however, the race won't be as smooth having suffered a 10-place grid penalty for a red flag infraction in Free Practice 3. Eighth at the end of the session put him behind Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Pierre Gasly (Alpine). Even worse was the other Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda, only 12th.
"It was tricky because of the wind. This is a real track and if you want to go to the maximum you have to be super focused. In the straights we are strong and this result gives morale to the team. Tomorrow I will try to do my best," was the poleman's comment.
"The first lap was great unlike the final one, but since the beginning of the weekend we have all been close. I expect an exciting GP, with many battles between us, Max, the Ferraris and George," was Oscar's declaration.
"Third place doesn't satisfy me, but Verstappen did a great job. Today the details made all the difference, and even the weather conditions did not help," was Lando's reflection.
For a full report and details here is the link to Motorsport.com.
