Piastri: There will be a few opportunities [to win]

Piastri was on provisional pole after his first lap in Q3 of qualifying, while Verstappen was over two tenths behind him at that point.

But then the reigning Formula 1 champion turned the tables in the final run and found over three tenths to beat Piastri to pole, the latter unable to improve on his final attempt.

It was a major turnaround by Verstappen, who was struggling with his car up until that point of the weekend.

"I think Max looked quick all day, and we didn't quite have enough in the end," Piastri commented. "The last lap of qualifying was a little bit scrappy, which is a shame, but the first one was very good.

"There's always would-haves, should-haves, and could-haves, but I honestly think I did a good job. Max and Red Bull have done a good job as well.

"I will move on and see how we can try and win tomorrow," the McLaren driver maintained.

Before Verstappen, Ferrari emerged as the main threat for McLaren's prospects at Silverstone, but the Red Cars could not compete for a front row on Saturday afternoon.

Piastri commented: "Ferrari had a strong day yesterday and this morning looked very competitive. In the start of qualifying, they looked like they were struggling a little bit.

"This is the kind of track we would expect Red Bull to be quick on. Max did a good job, but it's not a big surprise."

As for the race, the winner of seven grands prix is not giving up, claiming there will be many factors that would allow him to beat Verstappen due to different car setups, with the Red Bull running on low downforce, not to mention the tricky English weather, as rain is always a possibility.

Piastri said: "There's a few opportunities [to win]. Obviously the start is the main one, but the downforce levels we are running are very different to Max so there are opportunities both ways.

"Also the tyres. Yesterday they were tricky to look after, so we'll see what kind of challenges they bring. I think there will be a few opportunities. Of course, we are in England, so the weather is never far away," he concluded.

Piastri leads the F1 drivers' championship by 15 points from teammate Lando Norris in second. He is 61 points ahead of Verstappen, who is third.

(Quotes from Sky Sports F1)