F1: Max Verstappen describes 'strange' sprint as he claims British GP pole

World championship leader ahead of Lewis Hamilton again after inaugural new race

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen clinched pole position for the British Grand Prix after he first ever sprint session for qualifying in Silverstone on Saturday, July 17, 2021.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen during the first-ever sprint at Silverstone on Saturday.

Drivers prepare for the start of sprint session for the British Grand Prix.

Fans watch the action during the sprint race for the British GP on Saturday.

Pierre Gasly of AlphaTauri prepare before the sprint session.

Spectators wait for the start of the sprint session in Silverstone.

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during sprint.

World championship leader Max Verstappen won Formula One's inaugural sprint race to take pole position for the British Grand Prix but admitted it had been a "strange" experience.

The Red Bull driver finished the 100km dash around Silverstone ahead of defending world champion Lewis Hamilton with Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes in third place.

Verstappen now has a 33-point lead over seven-time champion Hamilton who is hoping to capture an eighth British Grand Prix triumph on Sunday.

"We were pushing each other hard as the tyres were blistering a lot," said Verstappen who collected three points for his win after seeing off his rival by 1.4secs.

Hamilton took two and Bottas one.

"When I crossed the line after this race and I was told: 'Good job, you have pole position'. It was a bit strange," added the Dutch star as he reflected on the new Saturday format.

"What was great is that you start with less fuel, so the cars are faster and a little more lively" to complete the 17 laps rather than the 52 they will have to cover for the "real" race.

Hamilton started the 17-lap sprint at the front of the grid having topped qualifying on Friday but was immediately passed by Verstappen.

He admitted he will face a battle to secure a 99th career win in front of around 90,000 fans.

"It's nice for the fans to have more races," said Hamilton who believes the weekend racing schedule needs a rethink.

He wants to see action only on Saturdays and Sundays.

"Removing one day - 23 days over the season of driving less which, obviously, would be better in ecological terms," he said.

On Saturday's sprint in particular, he added: "It was pretty much the same as the last races -- you had to follow Max."

Bottas shared Hamilton's lack of optimism for Sunday.

"We tried to do something different and the target was to try and get Verstappen in the first lap. It didn't happen," said the Finn.

"Today shows that tomorrow is not going to be easy. If it's going to be a bit warmer, then we might see more issues."