Verstappen Secures Pole Position at British GP Amid Setup Challenges
Silverstone, UK – Max Verstappen delivered a commanding performance in qualifying for the British Grand Prix, clinching pole position for Red Bull Racing after a challenging Friday practice.
Verstappen faced significant understeer during practice, prompting the team to adjust the car’s setup overnight, specifically opting for a lower downforce rear wing to enhance balance. This modification proved effective, leading to a stunning final lap in Q3 that secured his fourth pole of the 2025 season.
He outpaced McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by 0.103 seconds, while Lando Norris followed closely, just 0.188 seconds behind. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari finished sixth, within 0.229 seconds of pole, highlighting the competitiveness of the session.
Reflecting on the team’s turnaround, Verstappen stated, "We looked a bit slow yesterday on the other wing… I had to try and reduce that understeer, and it seemed to work." He emphasized that the adjustments allowed him to push harder, yielding a successful result.
Team principal Christian Horner praised both Verstappen and the engineering team’s efforts, noting, "The engineering team has done a great job overnight… all credit to Milton Keynes." He acknowledged the difficult weather conditions yet commended Verstappen’s flawless execution.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko expressed confidence in their Friday data. "We were expecting to be on the front row… the balance improved step by step," he remarked, alluding to the team’s effective strategy and Verstappen’s exceptional driving.
This qualification sets the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive race day at Silverstone.
