F1 Today | Antonelli dominates Saturday with sprint win and pole as Verstappen falls behind

Kimi Antonelli converted his front-row start into Sprint victory at Silverstone after passing Lewis Hamilton in the opening stages of the race. Although Hamilton held onto the lead at Turn 1 despite Antonelli's strong launch, the Mercedes driver remained within striking distance before completing a decisive overtake on the Hangar Straight to move into first place.

Behind the leading duo, Max Verstappen endured another difficult start, immediately losing several positions before slipping further down the order as the Sprint unfolded. Lando Norris briefly moved into second on the opening lap before Antonelli reclaimed the position, while George Russell and Charles Leclerc also made their way past the Dutchman during the race.

Once in clean air, Antonelli steadily extended his advantage and managed the remainder of the Sprint without coming under serious pressure from Hamilton. Norris crossed the line in third, with Russell and Leclerc completing the top five after an eventful battle behind the leaders.

Qualifying at Silverstone got underway with an early scare for George Russell, who ran wide at Turn 6 and brushed the barriers before returning to the pits for precautionary checks. The Mercedes driver was able to rejoin the session and comfortably progressed to Q2. Isack Hadjar set the pace in the opening segment ahead of Liam Lawson and Charles Leclerc, while Nico Hulkenberg and Max Verstappen completed the top five. Lewis Hamilton finished sixth, with Kimi Antonelli eighth and Russell 10th. Esteban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas, Franco Colapinto, Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso were all eliminated.

Antonelli took control in Q2 by setting the fastest lap, finishing a tenth clear of Leclerc and three tenths ahead of Hamilton. Russell followed in fourth, with Hadjar completing the top five. Verstappen advanced in sixth, while Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Liam Lawson also secured places in the final shootout. Gabriel Bortoleto, Pierre Gasly, Nico Hulkenberg, Oliver Bearman, Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon were knocked out.

The battle for pole came down to Antonelli, who had already gone quickest after the opening Q3 runs before finding even more pace on his final attempt. A 1:28.111 secured the Mercedes driver pole position for the British Grand Prix. Leclerc improved to second, just under two tenths behind, while Hamilton completed the top three. Russell was unable to improve and slipped to fourth, with Verstappen ending the session down in seventh.