Max Verstappen dominated the rainy Silverstone, but was unable to secure pole position for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix - which went to Carlos Sainz for the first time in his career. After making successive errors in Q3, the reigning world champion was hampered by Charles Leclerc's mistake on his final lap.

After the Monegasque spun, the race direction brought out the yellow flag in the last sector of the track and killed any chance Verstappen had to fight for the first position on the grid. Red Bull boss Christian Horner admitted that the Dutchman would probably get pole position and revealed how much time the reigning world champion was forced to give up.

Max Verstappen em Silvestone: prejuízo grande (Foto: AFP) — Max Verstappen at Silvestone: big loss (Photo: AFP)

"Charles (Leclerc) had what looked like half a 'spin'. Max took his foot off because of the yellow flag, and I think he gave up three or four tenths for that," Horner said, before congratulating Sainz and praising the Taurus' performance at Silverstone.

"But look, congratulations to Carlos (Sainz). He has always been a demon in wet track conditions. When he was our base driver, he always proved very strong in the rain. I'm happy we're on the front row, with 'Checo' on top as well, on the second row," he added.

Horner also recalled Verstappen's first mistake in Q3, when the Red Bull driver spun on the track, managed to regain control of his RB18 and returned to the track without major problems. According to the Taurine boss, this happened because the Dutchman "likes to find the limit" - playing with danger constantly, so to speak.

"He didn't lose any laps, but there was a moment when he did a 180. In the end he only lost two seconds because of that as he crossed the finish line. It seemed under control, but it wasn't part of the plan. Max likes to find the limit - it was just a shame that he couldn't fit the last lap in. Still, finishing on the front row after a tough practice session is a good place to be," Horner concluded.