George Russell led a home one-two-three in British Grand Prix qualifying from Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton and McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Russell beat H.amilton to pole position by 0.171 seconds with Norris, second to Russell after the first laps in the final session, 0.211secs off the pace after failing to complete his second lap.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was fourth fastest, struggling with a car damaged by a run through the Copse gravel trap in the wet first session.
Hamilton said: “Three Brits in the top three is incredible. George did such a great job. We didn’t expect to be on the front row this weekend. This is huge for our team.
“The car felt great, it was just about getting a tyre temperatures in the right place.
“There was still time left on the table, which George managed to find, but with the conditions we can work together to keep Lando behind.”
Norris admitted he had made a mistake which forced him to abort his final lap – he was in the pits when Russell and Hamilton secured the front row.
Norris said: “I’m happy with P3. Three Brits lock out the top three, so pretty cool here. Good laps by George and Lewis both. They did an excellent job.
“A little mistake on my part at the end but P3 is still good.”
A British win – or Verstappen revival?
Norris said he was confident he could challenge the Mercedes drivers for the win.
“It’s going to rain again tomorrow,” he said. “I am excited. We’re quick. I can bring the fight to George and Lewis.”
Russell said: “The car is feeling so, so good. What a joy to drive in qualifying. We’re riding this wave but eyes on tomorrow. We’ve got to beat Lando. Max is going to be fast as well.”
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was fifth, from Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll was eighth fastest, with Williams driver Alex Albon and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso completing the top 10.
