Silverstone, England — Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 champion, expressed gratitude towards Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli for a significant assist in securing pole position for the British Grand Prix. After qualifying at Silverstone, Verstappen credited Antonelli with providing a crucial tow that helped him achieve a fast lap time.
“He helped me a little bit out there,” Verstappen said in a post-qualifying interview. “Kimi gave me a bit of a tow, and we’re going to grab some pasta together later as a thank you.”
This moment of camaraderie contrasts sharply with their prior encounter at the Austrian Grand Prix, where both drivers were involved in a crash that derailed their respective races. During the early laps in Austria, Antonelli, struggling with his rear brakes, collided with Verstappen, forcing both to retire early from the race. Verstappen remained composed in his remarks following that incident, highlighting the inevitability of mistakes in racing.
Reflecting on the crash, Verstappen mentioned he first sought to understand what had happened, noting Antonelli was the only driver involved. After reviewing the footage later, he acknowledged that such mishaps are part and parcel of the sport. “Every driver has made a mistake like that in their careers, and Kimi is a very talented driver who will learn from it,” Verstappen said.
While Antonelli received a three-place grid penalty for his role in the earlier incident, he managed to repay Verstappen’s favor during qualifying. Starting from pole, Verstappen will be joined on the front row by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who qualified second. The second row features British drivers Lando Norris and George Russell, starting third and fourth, respectively.
Verstappen remarked on the challenging conditions during qualifying, stating that winds made it difficult to navigate the track effectively. “These cars are extremely sensitive to changes, and that final lap felt solid,” he commented. “This track demands full commitment, and it’s quite enjoyable to race here.”
With weather conditions potentially affecting the race, Verstappen remains optimistic. “We’ll see what tomorrow holds, especially with the possibility of rain. I’m pleased with how qualifying went—it gives a boost to the team, and I’m eager to race,” he stated.
Overall, Verstappen aims to capitalize on his pole position, looking to maintain his strong performance while enjoying the complexities of racing at Silverstone.