Most assumed it would be an easy McLaren 1-2 by the end of the qualifying, however it didn’t exactly pan out that way. Instead it was Charles Leclerc who topped the timesheets in Q3 at the last minute to take provisional pole away from Oscar Piastri and pushing Norris into the second row. Neither McLaren could improve their times, leaving the top three where they were. Below is the full qualifying report.
Q1 Report:
The first part of qualifying was somewhat calm, however there was some shockers as the Aston Martins both appeared very quick. Alonso ended Q1 second fastest, only behind the McLaren of Oscar Piastri. Gabriel Bortoleto was also impressing, as the rookie went sixth fastest while his teammate Nico Hulkenberg didn’t make it to Q2. Bearman was in a similar situation, as he put in a fast-enough lap to continue on while Esteban Ocon was eliminated.
All five drivers eliminated from Q1 are Yuki Tsunoda, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Nico Hulkenberg, and Alex Albon.
Q2 Report:
Q2 started with some light spots of rain appearing on the track, while it wasn’t anything too harsh. The drivers still went out to get some fast times on the board, with Norris fastest, ahead of Piastri, by the time the session finished. Both Racing Bulls also managed to continue on to Q3, as did Max Verstappen, though only just, after going eighth fastest. Bortoleto also will go to the top-ten shootout yet again, however Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli will both be disappointed with their qualifying as the Ferrari driver and Mercedes rookie were eliminated in Q2.
All five drivers eliminated from Q2 are Ollie Bearman, Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, Franco Colapinto, and Kimi Antonelli.
Q3 Report:
Q3 brought lots of excitement, as Piastri was the first man to set a time fast enough for provisional pole. Aston Martin seemed to on a roll, as Alonso went second fastest, and split the two McLarens, and Stroll went to fourth. But the session was not over yet, and Charles Leclerc was the one to put in a stellar flying lap to put himself on provisional pole, ahead of Piastri. The two McLarens were still coming out for one more run, however Lando Norris could only improve to third and Oscar failed to surpass the Ferrari.
Russell also managed to pass Alonso, which put the Mercedes driver on the second row just behind Norris in third. Alonso and Stroll are fifth and sixth respectively, a position that will leave Aston Martin optimistic about their results in the race. Gabriel Bortoleto will start from seventh, ahead of Max Verstappen, while the Racing Bulls of Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar round out the top ten.
