Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli secures pole position for the British Grand Prix, outperforming Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and teammate George Russell.
New Delhi, India Jul 5, 2026 ALN: Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli took pole position for the British Grand Prix with another impressive performance to beat the Ferraris and team-mate George Russell.
The Italian, who won the sprint race at Silverstone earlier on Saturday, was faster than Ferrari's Charles Leclerc by 0.175 seconds. This achievement not only showcases Antonelli's growing prowess in the but also highlights Mercedes' competitive edge in the current season.
Lewis Hamilton was third in the second Ferrari, ahead of George Russell, who was 0.370 seconds slower than his 19-year-old team-mate. This qualifying session at Silverstone is significant, as it is one of the most iconic circuits in the 1 calendar, known for its high-speed corners and passionate fans. The British Grand Prix has a rich history, and the performance of drivers here can often be indicative of their form for the rest of the season.
Isack Hadjar took fifth, beating Max Verstappen for only the second time all year when both finished qualifying, with the Dutchman split from the Frenchman by McLaren's Lando Norris. McLaren's Oscar Piastri led the Racing Bulls of 18-year-old British rookie Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson to complete the top 10.
Antonelli's pole, from a driver looking comfortable and confident around the fast sweeps of Silverstone, dealt Russell another blow in their title fight. The dynamic between the two Mercedes drivers has been closely watched this season, especially as they vie for supremacy within the team. Antonelli's ability to consistently perform at a high level places him in a strong position not only in the race but also in the championship standings.
He had already extended his championship lead with victory in the sprint, and their starting positions give Russell an uphill struggle as he seeks to take his first win at his home race. The pressure is particularly intense for Russell, who is eager to secure a victory in front of his home crowd, and this qualifying result complicates his aspirations.
Leaving the pits for his final lap, Antonelli expressed concern about being the first driver to run, a position that can often lead to uncertainty regarding track conditions. However, he need not have worried. He beat his previous time by nearly 0.3 seconds to put himself well out of reach of his rivals. "I was a bit stressed because I never really like going first for the last run but the last lap was very tidy. It came all together," Antonelli said. His statement reflects the mental challenges drivers face during qualifying, where every fraction of a second counts.
"It was very tricky with the winds because it was very gusty, unpredictable, and to build the car to pole was very satisfying," he added. The weather conditions at Silverstone can be notoriously variable, and drivers must adapt quickly to maintain performance, making Antonelli's achievement even more commendable.
Leclerc's second place was the first time he had beaten Hamilton in qualifying since the Miami Grand Prix in early May, and it brings to an end a run of races in which he has been struggling for confidence in the car. The relationship between Leclerc and Hamilton has been a focal point of the season, as both drivers are known for their competitive spirit and desire for victory.
"I am pleased," Leclerc said. "It has been a few tough races when the feeling was not quite right, struggling to put everything together. There has been so much work behind the scenes to get back that feeling. This was the first time I had it back; I have struggled to be consistent but it is a good start." Leclerc's statement underscores the importance of mental and emotional resilience in 1, as drivers must navigate not only the physical demands of racing but also the psychological pressures of performance.
Hamilton, who was passed by Antonelli on the Mercedes driver's run to victory in the sprint, expressed his dissatisfaction with his third-place finish. "Of course I'm not satisfied. I'm third. Both these guys did a great job today. Charles has been doing good improvements and we just didn't have the pace of the Mercedes but we are slowly closing the gap and to have both of us here is good for the team." Hamilton's acknowledgment of his competitors reflects the camaraderie and respect that often exists among drivers, even amidst fierce competition.
Russell had a difficult start to qualifying when he crashed on his first lap after locking up on the entry to the long Luffield right-hander. This incident not only hampered his qualifying performance but also added to the pressure he faces as one of the leading drivers for Mercedes. Although the incident broke his front wing, he was able to return to the pits for repairs and get back out to qualify for the second session.
However, he lagged behind Antonelli throughout, and although there was less than 0.1 seconds separating the Mercedes drivers after their first runs, the gap opened when Russell did not improve and Antonelli lopped 0.274 seconds off his time. Russell's frustration was palpable as he reflected on the challenges he faced during qualifying. "Yesterday I was confused, but looking at the data we realised I was losing all my speed on the straight," he explained.
"Yesterday it was a couple of tenths. We thought we'd found the issue in the morning, but it turned out to be a bit of a bum read and same again today. Just looking at the speed traps I was about 6km/h down in the last sector, 3km/h down in the mid-sector. Not just to Kimi, to all the Mercedes-powered cars. We don't know what's going on. The team are working hard to find out what it is but it makes it frustrating. At the moment we don't know what the issue is or how we're going to resolve it." Russell's comments highlight the technical complexities of 1, where even minor issues can have significant impacts on performance.
Verstappen, a two-time world champion, also expressed his frustrations regarding a mystery straight-line speed issue. "Two things, the whole session: Of course not a good balance but at the same time terribly slow on the straight for whatever reason, even compared to the other car," he said. This statement illustrates the competitive nature of the , where even the top drivers can encounter unforeseen challenges that affect their performance.
"We couldn't fix it from the first run to the end. When you are slow on the straight here, you are more full throttle, you burn more battery and it is just like a spiral and it gets worse and worse to the end of the lap. It's like a double whammy. It's very painful. It's something we need to understand for tomorrow," Verstappen added, emphasizing the need for teams to analyze data and make adjustments to improve performance in subsequent sessions.
Overall, Antonelli's performance sets the stage for an exciting race at Silverstone, with several drivers eager to prove themselves on the track. The British Grand Prix is not just a race; it is an event steeped in tradition and history, and the atmosphere is electric with anticipation. Fans from around the world converge at Silverstone to witness the spectacle of speed, skill, and strategy that 1 offers. As the drivers prepare for the race, the implications of this qualifying session will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the Grand Prix.
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