By Alan Baldwin SILVERSTONE, England (Reuters) -Runaway leaders McLaren expect old rivals Ferrari to be fighting them for victory at the British Grand Prix after a strong showing by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in Friday practice.

McLaren's Zak Brown thought his drivers would be competing against the Ferrari drivers for pole after their great pace in Free Practice, but instead, it was Max Verstappen taking pole position from the field for the 44th time in his career.

SILVERSTONE, England - Red Bull's Max Verstappen timed his final lap perfectly to seize pole position at the British Grand Prix on Saturday with McLaren's Formula One leader Oscar Piastri alongside on the front row.