By Mark Gero
Kimi Antonelli achieved an encore performance following his earlier sprint victory by taking pole for Sunday’s British Grand Prix, with a time of 1:28:111 ahead of the two Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
George Russell went into the gravel earlier in qualifying, but despite damaging his front wing, the Briton managed to loosen himself from the obstacle and return to the pits. Eventually, Russell returned with his car fixed and improved, finishing fourth in his Mercedes. Isack Hadjar started the qualifying off by taking the opening session in his Red Bull but fell to fifth by the end of the day. Lando Norris was sixth in the McLaren, with Max Verstappen seventh in the second Red Bull. Another McLaren, driven by Oscar Piastri was eighth, with the duo of Racing Bulls next with Arvid Lindblad ninth, ahead of teammate Laim Lawson in tenth.
The Italian and series leader took the second session and improved on it with a few minutes to go in the final period, where on his last lap, increased his time and with the others following him, could not manage to outscore the Mercedes driver.
But Antonelli did not like to come out first for the final session and admitted it was very aggravating.
“I was a bit stressed because I never really like going first for the last run,” stated Antonelli. “But yeah, the last lap was very tidy, I have to be honest. It all came together. It was very tricky with the wind because it was very gusty and unpredictable. But yeah, we built our way through Qualifying, and to bring home pole is very satisfying.”
As for the race, it will begin on Sunday at 1500 hours local time where Antonelli will try and increase his points lead.
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