Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the 2023 British Grand Prix – the least surprising result in a day full of surprises – led by McLaren’s Lando Norris claiming a first row spot alongside Verstappen. For a few seconds in the third and final qualifying session, Norris briefly held the pole position, but Verstappen nicked him in the end. Norris’ McLaren teammate, Australian Oscar Piastri, also benefited from McLaren’s recent upgrade and will start tomorrow’s race in third position on the grid.
Matters were more dire for Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, who provided the day’s first surprise – being eliminated in the first qualifying session after being caught out when a brief rain storm hit the track before the session began but faster times were being recorded as the track dried out toward the end of the session. Barring penalties to any other drivers ahead of him, Perez will start tomorrow’s race in 16th position on the grid.
Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas lost power toward the end of the first qualifying session and did not participate in the second qualifying session, meaning he could possibly be one of those starting behind Perez tomorrow.
2023 British Grand Prix top 10 Qualifiers
1] Max Verstappen Red Bull 1:26.720
2] Lando Norris McLaren 1:26.961
3] Oscar Piastri McLaren 1:27.092
4] Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:27.136
5] Carlos Sainz Jr. Ferrari 1:27.148
6] George Russell Mercedes 1:27.155
7] Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:27.211
8] Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 1:27.659
9] Pierre Gasly Alpine 1:27.689
10] Alexander Albon Williams 1:27.911
