F1 British GP live updates: Kimi Antonelli on pole for today’s race at Silverstone

While Verstappen was despondent about the new cars, Hamilton was happier than he’d expected to be coming into the weekend, regarding how the new engines quickly run out of electrical energy at such a high-speed track.

After the sprint race, Hamilton said the feeling inside his Ferrari was “not as bad as coming into the weekend” as he had feared, when he joined many drivers in predicting their cars would feel strange going through corners that with the previous F1 cars were flat-out blasts.

“I mean, the engine does cut off and it’s still not ideal, but it still feels good going through Copse and through Maggots, Becketts,” Hamilton added.

Hamilton also said “I think we’ve all been surprised, it’s really a lot better than we anticipated” when The Athletic asked how he’d enjoyed driving across the two qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday.

“It’s still really great fun to drive this track. For me, it’s my favorite circuit. I think it just is incredible with the wind, the whole set-up.

“I think Silverstone’s just done an exceptional job in building up this place over the years and creating a home for the British crowd. Every morning when you make your way here, you see people here so enthusiastic. It’s the best energy that you see anywhere and not just supporting one driver. It’s covering the whole grid. That’s great to see.”