Sainz qualifies on pole for British Grand Prix

July 2, 2022Updated: July 2, 2022 8:26 a.m.

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1of8Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz of Spain steers his car during the qualifying session for the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Saturday, July 2, 2022. The British F1 Grand Prix is held on Sunday July 3, 2022.Frank Augstein/APShow MoreShow Less 2of8Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz of Spain steers his car during the qualifying session for the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Saturday, July 2, 2022. The British F1 Grand Prix is held on Sunday July 3, 2022.Frank Augstein/APShow MoreShow Less 3of8 4of8In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz of Spain leaves pits during the third free practice at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Saturday, July 2, 2022. The British F1 Grand Prix is held on Sunday July 3, 2022.Matt Dunham/APShow MoreShow Less 5of8Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the qualifying session for the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Saturday, July 2, 2022. The British F1 Grand Prix is held on Sunday July 3, 2022.Frank Augstein/APShow MoreShow Less 6of8 7of8Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the qualifying session for the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Saturday, July 2, 2022. The British F1 Grand Prix is held on Sunday July 3, 2022.Frank Augstein/APShow MoreShow Less 8of8

SILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Carlos Sainz was fastest in the rain at the British Grand Prix to earn his first career pole position in his 150th start in Saturday qualifying.

Sainz set the fastest time of 1 minute 40.983 seconds late in the third qualifying session to edge reigning Formula One champion Max Verstappen by just .072 seconds. It was the seventh pole in 10 races for Ferrari this season, though it was Sainz teammate Charles Leclerc on pole prior to Sainz’s surprise run.

“I didn’t expect that one,” Sainz told his team over the radio.

Leclerc will start third, ahead of Sergio Pérez in the second Red Bull.

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton qualified fifth for his home race as Mercedes seemed to have made progress with its problems of bouncing at high speed. His teammate George Russell was eighth.

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