The first sprint qualifying of the season reserved a few surprises. While some drivers are still struggling to find the limit of their cars, others thrive and perform as they were expected to do.
After only one free practice session, it was already time for the sprint qualifying. The first two rounds were to be made with medium tyres. The last one was with soft tyres. McLaren mostly dominated those qualifying. However, Lewis Hamilton was hungry for more.
Gabriel Bortoleto was the first one to do a lap time, but of course it was quickly outperformed. Lando Norris made a small mistake on his first lap, braking too late, which cost him at least 0.3 seconds. Yuki Tsunoda was hindered by George Russell, being on the trajectory in Turn 14. The incident has been noted. Oscar Piastri was the first reference time in 1:31.723. The second run by Norris was much better as he took first place away from his teammate. With the evolution of the track, Lewis Hamilton took first place. Pierre Gasly was hindered by a Racing Bulls that was leaving the pits.
Drivers out in SQ1 : Lawson, Hulkenberg, Ocon, Gasly and Doohan
While Charles Leclerc battled with his car at the first hairpin, Lando Norris put in three purple sectors and took first place in 1:31.174 with new tyres for his first lap. On the contrary, George Russell complained about the grip. Isack Hadjar made a mistake that cost him his place in SQ3. However, an amazing strategy from Racing Bulls was put in place, as the Frenchman gave a tow to his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. Ferrari asked Charles Leclerc to swap the car on track so Lewis Hamilton could go first, which surprised the Monégasque because he wasn’t sure to pass as well.
Drivers out in SQ2 : Hadjar (with no time), Bortoleto, Sainz, Bearman, Alonso
Crucial moment
Oscar Piastri was the first one to go below the 1:31 time. Lando Norris lost time at the last hairpin because he lost the back of his car. With only 2 min 30 sec remaining, Yuki Tsunoda was still in the pits, meaning he would only have one lap to set a time. Ferrari seemed to be in great form for the last run, matching Piastri’s time. Lando Norris pitted with a first sector in purple. He probably made a mistake in the last sector again. Lewis Hamilton took pole position with a 1:30.849 time. Max Verstappen is second, with only a 0.018 gap between him and Lewis. The British Ferrari driver was surprised to take the pole, and is grateful for the team : “We made some great changes. The team did a fantastic job to make the car ready.”