So often the setting for high drama, Silverstone presented the ecstasy of a never-to-be-forgotten moment for Carlos Sainz as he claimed his first pole. Yet alongside it was agony for Lewis Hamilton, who admitted he was gutted at not being able to deliver more for a fervent home crowd at the British Grand Prix. Those fans with a suitably theatrical flourish treated Max Verstappen, who was second, to a round of booing as he emerged from his car.
For Sainz, claiming the first pole of his Formula One career after 151 meetings with a superb lap at Silverstone in extremely tricky conditions was a moment to savour. “Obviously it’s very special, especially to do it in Silverstone in the wet,” he said. “My confidence is high, I can hold on to the lead and do my own race. I have led a few races in F1 and it felt great, the target is to do it again.”
