SILVERSTONE (AP) — Sebastian Vettel cursed into the pit radio after Silverstone’s rain disappointment, with Mick Schumacher shrugging his shoulders after an early end to the day.
On a wet track, two German Formula 1 drivers failed in the first qualifying round for the British Grand Prix on Saturday. “Not again,” Vettel sighed when his race engineer reported 18th place. Recently in Canada, the Hessian did not survive the first run in the rain in his Aston Martin.
Schumacher: “We had a problem with the car”
In vain compatriot Schumacher defended himself against a quick finish. “We had a problem with the car, which of course didn’t help at all,” the 23-year-old revealed on Sky TV channel. Incorrectly adjusted steering made his Haas difficult to drive. From 19th on, it will be difficult for Schumacher to finally get the first World Cup points for Sunday (4pm/RTL & Sky). “Hopefully we can fix the problem. If not, it’s going to be a tough race,” he said.
The first drops of gray clouds fell from the sky just minutes before the hunt for the starting position began. All the knowledge gained in training on the previously dry track was no longer valid. The Aston Martin team was based a short walk from the track, and Haas apparently had the biggest difficulties with it. In addition to Vettel and Schumacher, his stablemates Lance Stroll and Kevin Magnussen were also dropped.
“I’m not just a little disappointed. We were just too slow,” admitted Vettel. The new parts for his company car didn’t bring the expected jump in performance. The four-time world champion, who turns 35 on Sunday, Said, “It will be difficult when you are so far behind.”
Sainz: “It was a good lap”
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz was very much in the mood for the party, taking pole position for the first time in his career in his 150th Grand Prix. The Spaniard pushed world champion Max Verstappen to second place at Red Bull in the last minute. “It was a good lap, but I had a lot of problems with all the water on the track,” Sainz said.
The 27-year-old was 72,000 faster than the world championship leader Verstappen, who had previously slipped several times in risky chases. “It’s always a third round lottery. It’s good for us to be on the front lines,” said the Dutchman. Two weeks ago in Montreal, Verstappen and Sainz fought a close duel for victory on the final laps.
Before the tenth round of the season, defending champion Verstappen is 46 points ahead at the top of the overall standings. The 24-year-old has won six of the nine races of the season so far. In second place in the world championship is his Red Bull teammate Sergio Pérez, ahead of Ferrari star Charles Leclerc. Monegasse is already 49 points behind Verstappen and will start in third place on Sunday.
Most of the 140,000 fans who attended the course expected more from superstar Lewis Hamilton and his British colleagues. “We are in the game,” Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff had previously assured. But then eight-time Silverstone winner Hamilton had to be content with fifth place. Stable rival George Russell finished eighth. Lando Norris finished eighth at McLaren.
