Kimi Antonelli built on the momentum of his earlier Sprint win to claim pole position for Sunday’s showpiece British Grand Prix.
The world championship leader, who increased his title lead to 43 points by winning the 17-lap Sprint, saw off the challenge from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to take his fifth career pole by 0.175s with a best lap of 1:28.111.
Silverstone specialist Hamilton had beaten Antonelli to the head of the grid in the Sprint format on Friday but had to settle for third for the main race after losing out on the second front-row berth to Ferrari team-mate Leclerc.
George Russell was a provisional second going into the final laps but was leapfrogged by the Ferraris, consigning Antonelli’s nearest title challenger to fourth in the second Mercedes.
But it could have been far worse for Russell, whose Mercedes required repairs in Q1 after he broke its front wing against the barriers after sliding off the road at Luffield.
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George Russell CRASHES in Q1 at the British Grand Prix.
Isack Hadjar produced arguably the best qualifying showing of his short Red Bull career so far to take fifth, two places ahead of four-time world champion team-mate Max Verstappen.
World champions McLaren were never a factor in the fight for pole a year after dominating their home race and wound up sixth and eighth with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri respectively.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s British GP schedule
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments throughout the years at the British Grand Prix
Sunday July 5
8.20am: F3 Feature Race*
9.55am: F1 Academy Race 2*
11.10am: F2 Feature Race*
12.55pm: Grand Prix Sunday: British GP build-up*
3pm: THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX*
5pm: Chequered Flag: British GP reaction
6pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is in Silverstone for a Sprint weekend at the British Grand Prix – live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky One – with Sunday’s race at 3pm. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
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