Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz will start from pole position for the first time in Formula 1. Max Verstappen’s Red Bulls’ winning streak is in jeopardy at Silverstone.
For his 35th birthday, Sebastian Vettel would have wished for better prospects in the Formula 1 race at Silverstone.
The four-time world champion starts from 18th place at the British Grand Prix today (4 p.m. / RTL and Sky). Carlos Sainz starts a Grand Prix from the front for the first time.
Premiere on pole position
At his 150th Formula 1 appearance, Ferrari driver Sainz is allowed to start from position one. In the rainy qualification, the Spaniard surprisingly duped world champion Max Verstappen, who is considered an expert in adverse weather. “I didn’t think that the lap was anything special,” Sainz admitted after his drive to pole position. Now the 27-year-old is also hoping for his first victory in Formula 1. Most recently in Canada he rushed Verstappen on the final laps, but had to settle for second place.
series in jeopardy
The Red Bull team has won six World Championship races in a row. Does this run end on Sunday? “We have a good car, it really counts in the race,” said championship leader Verstappen. The Dutchman leads the overall standings by 46 points over team-mate Sergio Perez. Third is Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, 49 points behind. But beware: Verstappen came to Silverstone with a full cushion last year. A collision with Lewis Hamilton and a violent crash ended his race early – and made the World Championship really close again.
Britain’s hopes
Lewis Hamilton has won eight times in the “Home of British Motor Racing” – that’s a record. In view of the strength of the Ferrari and Red Bulls, the Mercedes superstar would have to surpass himself again to extend this record. Thanks to the improved Silver Arrow, the 37-year-old had expected a little more than fifth place on the grid. “I’ll try to pull something special out of the hat,” Hamilton promised. Teammate George Russell starts eighth. McLaren driver Lando Norris is also up front in sixth place.
Forced to catch up
Birthday child Vettel and compatriot Mick Schumacher struggled with their qualifying rounds. “We have to learn these lessons and understand where we are losing time. And improve next time, »admonished Vettel. Schumacher was also dissatisfied with his Haas team after 19th place. After all, the mechanics had adjusted the steering crookedly for him. So it will be difficult again on Sunday with the longed-for first points in Formula 1.
