Although everyone expected a battle between McLarens, Max Verstappen once again offered something that only he can do.
Q1 started as the whole weekend had: the two McLarens quickly took the lead and set the pace for the field. Sometimes Lando Norris, sometimes Oscar Piastri led the field, behind them the two Red Bulls were a relevant force. That's how we stood after the first timed laps, then Mercedes and Williams came into play, who did well in all three practices. In the end, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished in first place in this stage, while we said goodbye to Esteban Ocon, Nico Hülkenberg, Jack Doohan, as well as Lance Stroll and Gabriel Bortoletto.
Q2 didn't bring much change, Verstappen continued to fight with the two McLarens, and the sight of the Dutchman gives us more and more the feeling that he is taking time out of Red Bull that shouldn't be there. However, the real emotions were at the top 10 limit, as Alex Albon failed to advance, but, to everyone's surprise, Carlos Sainz succeeded, while the two Racing Bulls and Fernando Alonso, as well as Bearman, went out. The top 3 finally ended in the order of Norris, Verstappen, Piastri, from where the pole position will probably come out.
In Q3 we expected a big showdown, but Lando Norris came and ruined everything... Actually, that's not entirely true, because only the McLaren and his own qualifying time hit him against the wall, but he retired from the rest of the race. Red flag! After a short while, the fight continued, where Verstappen made an incredible lap, being followed by Piastrí by just a thousandth. But George Russell didn't hesitate, who made an even stronger lap than them. On the first attempt... Because Max Verstappen came and did magic again, he beat Oscar Piastrí and also beat George Russell, who was driving sensationally.
If tomorrow's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is even half as good, we'll sign off without hesitation...
Photo: Lat Images / F1
