F1 | Ferrari, Carlos Sainz wins the first pole: "I will never forget this day"

It was a tiring start for Sainz: not only for the Silverstone qualifying, but for the entire championship. The Spaniard has always been one step behind teammate Charles Leclerc, naturally destined and already ready to fight against the reigning world champion for the 2022 title. There have been moments of crisis, consecutive errors and heavy retirements, but the wheels are starting to turn for Carlos Sainz, who since the Monaco Grand Prix (apart from the technical retreat in Azerbaijan) has always been ready to fight. The deal for pole position has always been between Verstappen and Leclerc, but never like today, at Silverstone, Q3 saw too many different names alternating at the top at each lap. Carlos' qualifying didn't start off in the right gear, with the Spaniard often finding himself in the lower part of the standings, almost having more difficulty finding the right lap that would take him at least into the top five. In the chaos of Q3, with the rain looming at every moment, the attention was on the usual two, on the Mercedes, on the outsider Alonso, last to take the flag and who could therefore have taken advantage of the improvements on the track. Chance, however, wanted to be on Carlos' side: the Spaniard did a perfect lap, taking provisional pole, while Max and Charles were waiting at the finish line, but everyone after him made mistakes on the track. After ten years a Spaniard will start from first place again in a Formula 1 race: the last time Fernando Alonso in Germany, also dressed in red. Thus, Carlos finally conquers his first pole position on a wet and unpredictable Silverstone, and his emotion in the radio team at the end of the session is palpable, but the real work begins now: behind him, tomorrow, Verstappen and Leclerc, followed from Perez in fourth, and keeping that pole will be difficult, but not impossible.

"I'm very happy! Winning my first pole position here at Silverstone and in the wet to boot is truly special: I will never forget this day. The whole qualifying was extremely tricky and every lap was an adventure as the track conditions were constantly changing – explained the pole man – finding grip and traction was the most demanding challenge and on the last attempt I managed to put together a good lap, which was enough for pole. Looking ahead to tomorrow, I am confident and hope that we will be able to repeat Friday's pace in the race. I expect a good battle with our direct opponents, I feel ready and I'm sure we can fight for victory. I can't wait".