George Russell topped the opening sprint qualifying session. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in their Ferraris were closer than previously seen, with Hamilton 0.118 seconds behind the Mercedes and Leclerc 0.164 seconds off in third.
Verstappen’s Driveability Issues
Max Verstappen finished in 11th place and was unhappy with his Red Bull. Verstappen said, “Someone check this driveability, it’s horrendous,” as he returned to the Red Bull garage.
Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar also reported issues with his car in SQ1. It could be a difficult weekend for the team.
SQ1 and SQ2 Highlights
Oliver Bearman was quickest early in SQ2, accompanied by dust from the final corner. SQ2 requires all drivers to use a brand new set of medium tyres.
Isack Hadjar initially set the pace in SQ1 with a time of 1:34.447 on medium tyres. Max Verstappen then took second position, with the two drivers trading fastest sectors. Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad moved into the top four for Racing Bulls.
Both Williams cars were eliminated in SQ1, while Audi and Alpine had cars in the top 10. Carlos Sainz dropped into the elimination zone, potentially sending two Williams cars out in Shanghai. Oliver Bearman had a moment but remained safe in 12th place.
Mercedes and Ferrari Show Pace
Kimi Antonelli briefly put his Mercedes ahead of Lewis Hamilton. George Russell’s time was a 1:33.030.
The Ferraris improved, with Hamilton second quickest, approximately a tenth behind Russell, and Charles Leclerc third, 0.393 seconds behind the Mercedes. Nico Hulkenberg in the Audi moved into second place behind Hamilton, pushing Leclerc down the order.
Oscar Piastri attempted to beat Lewis Hamilton’s time but only managed second. Lando Norris, also in a McLaren, found more pace but remained behind Hamilton.
Eliminated Drivers
With Sergio Perez out, only five drivers were eliminated instead of six. Ales Albon was in the danger zone for Williams, along with Franco Colapinto in the Alpine and both Aston Martins.
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are 19th and 20th respectively. Valtteri Bottas in his Cadillac was also in trouble.
Pierre Gasly moved to seventh place. Cadillac is participating in its first sprint race.