Sainz set the fastest time of 1 minute 40.983 seconds late in Saturday's third qualifying session at the British grand prix to edge reigning Formula One champion Max Verstappen by just .072 seconds.

It was the seventh pole in 10 races for Ferrari this season, the previous six being claimed by teammate Charles Leclerc who was on pole prior to Sainz's surprise run.

"I didn't expect that one," Sainz told his team over the radio.

Leclerc will start third, ahead of Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull.

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton qualified fifth for his home race as Mercedes seemed to have made progress with its problems of bouncing at high speed. Compatriot Lando Norris was sixth but McLaren team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, of Australia, was 14th.

The umbrellas emerged just 10 minutes before qualifying was due to start, and while the rain eased in Q1, it returned with a vengeance midway through Q2.

"Can't see s***," said Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas, who finished 12th.

"Thanks everyone for staying out there in this rain," said Sainz. "Spaniards struggle with the rain, but you guys are used to it.

"I put together a lap, I did not think it was something special, but it was pole position and that came as a bit of a surprise.

"The pace has been there all weekend, but if I base myself on my practice pace, we should be in a good position to hold on to first."

Verstappen was booed by some in the crowd and said he could barely hear his on-track interview questions over the jeers.

"If they want to boo, they do that. For me, it's not going to change anything," he said. "Maybe some of them don't like me, but that's fine. They all have their own opinions. I don't care."

It is nearly seven months since the deeply controversial season-ending round in Abu Dhabi where Hamilton was denied a record eighth world championship.

"I think we are better than that and I definitely don't agree with the booing," said Hamilton.

"We should be here pushing everybody and it doesn't make any difference.

"But I do really appreciate the support I have. Maybe some of them are feeling the pain from last year. Either way, I appreciate it."

Hamilton's Mercedes boss Toto Wolff condemned the booing.

"That is unsportsmanlike," he said. "If you're not into the other guy, just remain silent. I don't think any of the drivers deserves booing, whatever happened last year. Being booed is abusive and there is a certain limit which we shouldn't overstep."

Sunday's race is expected to be largely dry.

Australian Associated Press