Even though everyone expected a McLaren duel from qualifying, Max Verstappen once again showed something that only he can do.
Q1 started as it did all weekend: The two McLarens quickly took the lead and set the pace of the field. Sometimes Lando Norris led, sometimes Oscar Piastri, and behind them the two Red Bulls were still a relevant force. That was how we were after the first timed laps, and then Mercedes and Williams also entered the race, having performed well in all three practice sessions. In the end, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished in the top three places in this stage, while we said goodbye to Esteban Ocon, Nico Hülkenberg, Jack Doohan, Lance Stroll and Gabriel Bortoletta early.
Q2 also did not bring much change, Verstappen was still competing with two McLarens, looking at the Dutchman we increasingly feel that he is driving times that are not even supposed to be in that car. However, the real excitement came at the top 10, because Alex Albon did not advance, but surprisingly Carlos Sainz managed to do so, then two Racing Bulls, Fernando Alonso and Bearman dropped out. The top 3 finally ended in the order of Norris, Verstappen, Piastra, from where the pole position will probably come.
In Q3 we expected a big fight, but Lando Norris came and chopped it all up... Well, that's not entirely true, because he just hit the wall with the McLaren and his time, which knocked him out of the race. Red flag! After a short time, the race started again, where Verstappen performed an incredible lap, which Piastri followed to a single thousandth. However, George Russell also did not hold back and put together an even stronger lap. For the first time... Because Max Verstappen came and did magic again, beating Oscar Piastri and also a great George Russell.
If tomorrow's Saudi Grand Prix is half as good, we'll happily sign it...
Photo: Lat Images / F1
