Antonelli on pole as Silverstone home hopes face a difficult route

Kimi Antonelli is the driver to beat at Silverstone after taking pole for the British Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc joining him on the front row. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will start behind their team-mates, making a home win possible but far from straightforward.

Close to 180,000 fans are expected at Sunday’s race, with much of the attention on Hamilton, Russell and Lando Norris. Hamilton is chasing a 10th British Grand Prix win, Russell is still seeking a first home podium, and Norris arrives as world champion and last year’s Silverstone winner.

Hamilton’s concern is Mercedes’ race pace. After Antonelli passed him in Saturday’s sprint following an early Hamilton lead, the Ferrari driver suggested that stopping the pole-sitter quickly may be essential if anyone hopes to keep him within reach.

Russell was 0.370 seconds off Antonelli in qualifying and pointed to a straight-line speed deficit. McLaren’s outlook also appears difficult, with Norris describing broad weaknesses in efficiency, downforce and drag, while team principal Andrea Stella said upgrades are expected from Hungary and beyond as the team tries to close a development gap.