By Joe Murphy
Lando Norris enjoyed a very successful Friday as McLaren topped both sessions ahead of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. However, less than 24 hours later, it was a Mercedes one-two as George Russell claimed just his third career pole position, and his first at his home race.
On what promised to be a wet Saturday qualifying, the battle for Pole Position was more exciting than ever. The variable conditions opened the door to the Mercedes driver to surprise and take advantage.
With Oliver Bearman now confirmed to be taking over the Haas seat in around 6 months time for 2025, it will be interesting to see what pressure that puts on Kevin Magnussen, as the American constructor waits to decide whether to retain the Dane to partner the Ferrari academy prospect.
With Carlos Sainz, Guanyu Zhou and Estaban Ocon looking to be struggling to find seats next year, and with Liam Lawson waiting in the wings, pressure mounts at races like this for strong performances.
Max sits comfortably at top, but isn’t quite running away with it as he has done in the last couple of seasons. With lots of English drivers returning home this weekend, the crowd will be keen to see a native winner. With Lando looking the most likely option, and with the incident from last week’s Austrian Grand Prix very much still fresh in everyone’s minds, the next chapter in this rivalry is going to be unmissable.
What can Mercedes do? Can they keep Lando in third and Max in fourth behind them? It’s intriguing to say the least.
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