George Russell, Sir Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, icons of the current British sporting landscape, shone at the British Grand Prix, qualifying to secure the first ever British top 3 in F1 qualifying at Silverstone.

The result is the first British top three in qualifying anywhere since the 1968 South African GP in 1968 when Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart started at the front of the pack.

On the eve of National Motorsport Week, running from 11-21 July, the success of the British trio demonstrates Britain’s global pre-eminence in motorsport. Motorsport remains at the beating heart of Britain’s sporting psyche, with events from grassroot level upwards celebrated across the country on an almost weekly basis, rain or shine.

And this was what Russell alluded to in the post-qualification press conference when asked about why the Brits are so good at Silverstone. “Grassroots in the UK is the most advanced in motorsport,” commented Russell. “We’re so fortunate to have so many great drivers who push each other through that journey and so many great British drivers in the past have inspired so many to get into racing.”

Having set the initial pace during the first runs of Q3, Russell improved further on his final effort by pumping in a time of 1m 25.819s, putting him 0.171s clear of Hamilton, while Lando Norris followed in third for McLaren to complete an all-British top three.

More to follow.