Verstappen beats Britons to the punch with a shock pole

The special one was in town. Strolling with his usual swagger across the pit lane, Jose Mourinho was on ceremonial duties yesterday in handing over the Pirelli pole position award at a murky Silverstone circuit. However, rather appropriately,

- KIERAN JACKSON

Mourinho gifted the prize to F1’s very own special one, who gave a firm reminder as to what all the current fuss is about.

Max Verstappen, in typical 2025 fashion, expertly sprung from nowhere at the end of qualifying to take top spot in front of an ultimately disappointed British crowd. Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton had appeared genuine favourites beforehand, given their fine form in practice, but they will line up third and fifth. Oscar Piastri, the championship leader, starts in P2.

An image of Verstappen’s print media session on Thursday has been doing the rounds online in recent days, with throngs of journalists crowding around the Dutchman, sitting nonchalantly at a table in Red Bull’s “Energy Station” motorhome. Not an uncommon occurrence, but more notable than ever this week, given the speculation surrounding his future at Red Bull. Rumours he shut down a day later, insisting he has no intention of joining Mercedes in 2026.

However, with Toto Wolff refusing to categorically rule out a swoop for the four-time world champion, whether it be alongside or instead of arch-nemesis George Russell, qualifying for the British Grand Prix recapped why the Mercedes boss continues to lurk in the background. While others fell at the final post, Verstappen found his A-game to take pole by 0.103 seconds.