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Why did Prussia ally with Great Britain before the Seven Years’ War?

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Seven Years' War: Battle of Zorndorf — Seven Years’ War Frederick II leading his Prussian troops against Russians at the Battle of Zorndorf during the Seven Years' War, August 25, 1758.

The alliance between Prussia and Great Britain, formalized in the Convention of Westminster on January 16, 1756, was driven by mutual strategic concerns rather than long-standing friendship.

For Frederick the Great, the alliance was a defensive reaction to the shifting diplomatic landscape. He was deeply alarmed by the prospect of a hostile Austro-Russian coalition, which was being bolstered by British subsidies. Fearing that these powers intended to destroy Prussia, Frederick sought the agreement with Britain to neutralize Germany and prevent his country from being caught in a pincer movement between his enemies.12

Conversely, Great Britain sought the alliance primarily to protect Hanover, the Continental possession of the British ruling dynasty, from the threat of a French takeover. As Britain prepared for colonial conflict with France, it needed to secure its interests in Germany. When negotiations with Austria failed to provide the military support Britain required, it turned to Prussia to ensure the security of Hanover against potential French or Prussian aggression.314