Lewis Hamilton once again showed why he is the king of Silverstone. The British driver achieved pole position for the sprint race of the British Grand Prix, beating Kimi Antonelli by just 0.011 seconds. Max Verstappen came third, followed by Charles Leclerc.
But this pole has a special nuance. Hamilton achieved the fastest time on a circuit that, in his own words, “is completely different” this year due to changes in the energy management of Formula 1 cars.
The new Silverstone formula
The cars of the 2026 season depend more on the battery, and Silverstone, with its fast corners and long straights, complicates recharging. Hamilton explained that the drivers have had to adjust their style: they now have to lift their foot in areas where they previously went full throttle to recharge energy.
“Normally the engine is howling when you enter Copse… This year, the engine will coast. Maggotts and Becketts just aren’t going to feel the same,” he declared.
The seven-time champion acknowledged that this could be a setback for him and Ferrari, although time on the track demonstrated his ability to adapt.
The streak of home races
So far this year, no driver has scored points in their local Grand Prix. The best position was Antonelli’s ninth place in Italy last September. Piastri did not start in Australia and Leclerc abandoned in Monaco.
However, Great Britain bucks the trend. Hamilton has nine victories here, Norris is the defending champion and Russell is coming off a win in Austria. Additionally, last month they achieved the first all-British podium since 1968.
Hamilton was emotional after qualifying: “I love this place, I love this crowd and I can’t express how big of a dream it is.”
Sunday’s race promises to be a different spectacle, but with the same protagonist: a Hamilton who continues writing history at home.
