Live updates: F1 British GP qualifying at Silverstone

Qualifying Preview: British Grand Prix at Silverstone

The spotlight turns to Silverstone as drivers prepare for the qualifying session ahead of the British Grand Prix. Lando Norris of McLaren remains in close competition with teammate Oscar Piastri in the championship standings, trailing by just 15 points after securing victory in Austria last weekend.

Piastri, who could not prevent Norris from winning his home race in Melbourne earlier this year, will aim to respond with a strong performance. Meanwhile, other British contenders could also challenge for the top spot. George Russell claimed victory in Canada three weeks ago, while Lewis Hamilton, who took an emotional win here last season, looks to recapture that form.

Earlier on Saturday, final practice suggested a closely contested battle for pole position. Charles Leclerc led the session, narrowly outpacing Piastri by 0.068 seconds. Max Verstappen was third, with Norris in fourth. The top four drivers were separated by just over a tenth of a second.

Ferrari showed strong pace, building on their performance from Friday, where Hamilton had set the fastest time in the first session. However, a red flag cut short his final lap, leaving him 11th. Hamilton, a nine-time winner at Silverstone and last year’s victor in wet conditions, has an impressive record at this circuit, finishing in the top three in his last 11 appearances. George Russell finished eighth for Mercedes.

The session ended dramatically as Oliver Bearman spun into the wall at the pit lane entry. The incident followed an earlier red flag caused by Gabriel Bortoleto’s crash.