The first Sprint Qualifying session of 2026 in China delivered a fast-paced session and a dominating performance from George Russell, who claimed his first sprint pole of the season. As expected, the session was as close as it got, with Mercedes leading the grid. Meanwhile, Cadillac started the session without Sergio Pérez due to a failure that could not be repaired in time.
Under the sun of China, teams ran exclusively on slick tyres, Medium for SQ1 and SQ2, and Softs for SQ3. Mediums were the preferred choice, as they held for multiple push-laps on a track known for the tyre degradation.
Verstappen Raises Concerns with the Car in SQ1
As the first teams started setting their first fast laps, the gap between the top halves of the grid was tight. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton set an early pace, leading Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Less than a hundredth separated the top three.
However, in his first flying lap, George Russell went a tenth faster than the rest of the field, his teammate following suit, albeit with a smaller advantage. Despite several attempts, no driver could match Russell’s pace.
The first issue arose when Max Verstappen complained again at the end of the session about the gear shifts. The Red Bull driver already experienced issues during the Australian GP Qualifying session.
As the first phase of Sprint Qualifying reached its end, Russell led the grid ahead of both Ferrari and his teammate, Kimi Antonelli.
Eliminated in SQ1: Carlos Sainz, Alexander Albon, Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso, Valtteri Bottas, and Sergio Pérez.
George Russell Lights Up the Timesheets in SQ2
As all the drivers went out with a new set of Mediums, the times got faster as the track conditions evolved. In this phase, Leclerc set an early benchmark.
Mercedes was the last team to set their first laps, showing their true pace. Russell comfortably beat the fastest time, building a gap of a tenth.
As Norris was preparing for another flying lap, Antonelli was in the Brit’s way. That situation was noted by the stewards as it impeded the McLaren driver from starting his lap. A similar situation was noted between Pierre Gasly and Verstappen, as the Alpine was in the Dutch driver’s way.
After the incident, both McLarens set their laps as Verstappen pitted just before the Sprint Qualifying Q2 finished. Once again, Russell led the second
Eliminated in SQ2: Nico Hülkenberg, Esteban Ocon, Liam Lawson, Bortoleto, Arvid Lindblad, Franco Colapinto
Mercedes front-row lockout in SQ3
For the final segment, Charles Leclerc opted for a small change to his front wing, aiming to close the gap with the Mercedes. In an attempt to be more competitive, drivers changed to a soft tyre compound for the last phase of Sprint Qualifying.
Antonelli was the first car on track, followed by his teammate, who set a benchmark at 1:31.520. Meanwhile, after a small slip, Hamilton set himself on third and half a tenth behind the Mercedes.
With just two minutes to go, McLaren, Gasly, Bearman, and Hadjar were the last on track, fuelled for just one push lap. On his flying lap, Norris put himself in third, as Oscar Piastri finished in fifth between the Ferraris.
With his previous 1:31.520, George Russell secured the first sprint pole and the second Mercedes front row. Norris claimed his place ahead of Hamilton, while Piastri and Leclerc finished fifth and sixth. The rest of the top ten featured Pierre Gasly, Verstappen, Oliver Bearman, and Isack Hadjar.