Formula 1: Grand Prix of Great Britain (qualifying sprint) – results – F1 2021

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today 18:04
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Dutchman Max Verstappen triumphed at the Red Bull in Saturday’s qualifying sprint ahead of the UK Grand Prix. With the first place in the premiere of this discipline, he gained not only 3 points in the overall standings, but also pole position in Sunday’s race. He was followed by Mercedes monoposts with the British Brit Lewis Hamilton (2 points) and the Finn Valtter Bottas (1). The race is on the program on Sunday from 16.00 CEST.

Friday’s qualifying, which took place in the standard way, was not followed by a proper race, but a qualifying sprint, which F1 introduced as a novelty in an effort to make the competition weekend more attractive. The competitors started it in the order they achieved in the qualification.

Hamilton started from the most advantageous position on a track with a length of 17 laps (approximately 100 km), but the emphatic Verstappen overtook him at the beginning. The Dutchman then resisted the attack by Hamilton with a strong ride. Alonso also had an excellent start, finishing from 11th to 7th place. Unlike the race, the racers were not obliged to take a stop to change the tires and in the end only Mexican Sergio Pérez from Red Bull went to the pits. It happened after he did not keep a monopost on the track in one of the turns and very narrowly avoided hitting the barrier. He also attracted Russian contact Nikita Mazepin with his Haas teammate Mick Schumacher, but both eventually continued.

In the end, Verstappen guarded the first place without any major problems and gained his 8th pole position in his career. “It was a good battle with Lewis in the first round. We both pushed the saw. I’m happy for these three points. It’s an interesting way to get pole position. We were able to be fast in corners because we had less fuel in the tank. I think that we have quality races ahead of us, “ said Verstappen, who has won the past three Grands Prix and is the ongoing leader in the overall classification.

Behind him is the 7-time world champion Hamilton, whose deficit has grown by another point after the sprint. “I put everything into it. It’s great to see so many fans here. I can’t even properly describe the energy they give me. I wanted to please them with victory, but tomorrow we have another chance. It’s not good to lose first place, but we will have a loss in the race it tastes bigger, “ Hamilton remarked.