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Formula One returns to the home of British motor racing this weekend when Silverstone hosts the British Grand Prix.
George Russell was the last shock winner in Austria when the Mercedes driver suffered a collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris late in the race. Norris was furious with Verstappen afterwards, setting up the rivalry nicely for Norris’ home race this weekend.
Verstappen leads the world championship with 81 points for Norris going into the British GP, a race he won last year. Russell, despite the victory, is still down in seventh place.
Lewis Hamilton won eight times at Silverstone and has finished on the podium in the last two years. Having not won since December 2021, the seven-time F1 world champion couldn’t be happier to be back on the podium in front of his adoring crowd.
Follow live updates from the British Grand Prix with The Independent
George Russell claimed pole as the sensational British trio broke 56-years in qualifying at Silverstone
Kieran Jackson at Silverstone
In conditions more akin to a dark day in November than the start of summer in July, the trio of British drivers led the way at Silverstone on Saturday afternoon. A qualifying session that started in drizzle ended with George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris storming to the top of the timesheets in the dry, leaving world championship leader Max Verstappen behind.
Needless to say, the 100,000-plus Britons – ponchos galore – were happy in the grandstands. It is the first time since 1968 that three British drivers have filled the top three places on the grid.
Russell, a week after his second F1 win in Austria, closed out the top spot with his most prestigious pole position to date, pipping eight-time British Grand Prix champion Hamilton by 0.141 seconds. It represents the Mercedes front-row lockout; a throwback to the glory years before Verstappen and Red Bull dominated the sport.
Kieran JacksonJuly 6, 2024 6:24 p.m
Max Verstappen in the qualifying session:
Kieran JacksonJuly 6, 2024 5:22 p.m
What is the starting box?
Kieran JacksonJuly 6, 2024 4:59 p.m
George Russell after claiming pole:
“It’s like this! At the beginning of the year, we couldn’t dream of pole here.
“The car feels great now, live in the quali. Riding this wave tomorrow, buzzing, we’ve got the race to win – it’s going to be tight with Lando, Max too, but we’re very excited now.
“I don’t think Silverstone can dream of three Brits in the front-three, we can’t wait for tomorrow’s race.”
Kieran JacksonJuly 6, 2024 4:42 p.m
Lewis Hamilton after qualifying P2:
“Many thanks to this amazing crowd. Three Brits in the top three is incredible. We didn’t expect to be on the front row this weekend but it’s massive for our team, everyone here deserves it.
“The treatment was really good. I think at the end of the day there’s still time left on the table that George can find, but I’m confident about tomorrow’s car, with the conditions we have, we can keep Lando.
Kieran JacksonJuly 6, 2024 4:33 p.m
Lando Norris after qualifying third:
“I’m happy with P3, three Brits in the top three here. Good laps by George and Lewis.
“I want it to rain again tomorrow, I’m excited! Bringing war to George and Lewis. We’re going to have some great battles!”
Kieran JacksonJuly 6, 2024 4:26 p.m
TOP-10 IN QUALIFYING THE UK GP:
1. George Russell – 1:25:819
2. Lewis Hamilton – +0.141
4. Max Verstappen – +0.384
5. Oscar Piastri – +0.418
6. Nico Hulkenberg – +0.519
10. Fernando Alonso – +1,098
Kieran JacksonJuly 6, 2024 4:20 p.m
George Russell:
“Yes, it is. Good team. Race to win tomorrow!”
Kieran JacksonJuly 6, 2024 4:12 p.m
George Russell in pole position for the British Grand Prix!
It’s a Mercedes one-two at Silverstone – and Toto Wolff is delighted!
Hamilton was a few seconds quicker to take pole – before Russell beat the team by 0.171 seconds!
Lando Norris third for all-England top-three!
4-10: Verstappen, Piastri, Hulkenberg, Sainz, Stroll, Albon, Alonso
Verstappen made a mistake on the lap in the last lap…
Kieran JacksonJuly 6, 2024 4:12 p.m
Who will be the pole?
Not since 1968 have we had three British drivers finish in the top three on the grid…
Kieran JacksonJuly 6, 2024 4:05 p.m
