Although everyone was expecting the McLaren duel in qualifying, Max Verstappen once again delivered something that only Max Verstappen can do.
Q1 began as it had all weekend so far: the two McLarens quickly moved up to the front, setting the pace for the field. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took turns leading the group, while the two Red Bulls also proved to be a relevant force. This is how we found ourselves after the first timed laps, then the Mercedes and Williams, which had performed well in all three practice sessions, also joined the battle. Ultimately, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri finished at the top of this segment, while we said our goodbyes prematurely to Esteban Ocon, Nico Hülkenberg, Jack Doohan, as well as Lance Stroll and Gabriel Bortoletto.
Q2 didn't bring any major changes, Verstappen continued to battle with the two McLarens, and seeing the Dutchman, we increasingly get the impression that he's coming out of the Red Bull times that aren't even in that car. However, the real excitement developed at the edge of the top 10, as Alex Albon failed to qualify, but surprisingly, Carlos Sainz succeeded, while the two Racing Bulls, Fernando Alonso and Bearman, were eliminated. The top 3 finally finished in the order of Norris, Verstappen, Piastri, from where the pole position will probably emerge.
We were expecting a big battle in Q3, but Lando Norris arrived and turned everything upside down... Well, that's not entirely true, as he only hit the wall with the McLaren and his own timer, but it also eliminated him from the race. Red flag! Shortly after, the fight resumed, where Verstappen put out an incredible lap, closely followed by Piastri. George Russell, meanwhile, didn't hang around either, putting in an even stronger lap than theirs. For the first time... Because Max Verstappen arrived and once again worked wonders, beating Oscar Piastri and the sensational George Russell.
If tomorrow's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is even half as good, we'll sign it without hesitation...
Photo: Lat Images / F1
