As the Sprint Race qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix began, the ten remaining drivers took to the track on intermediate tires due to the rain in Shanghai. Wet conditions immediately proved challenging as Charles Leclerc spun off the track early in SQ3. The driver who would claim pole in these conditions would show mastery of wet weather driving.
“This is pure driving talent on show,” commented Alex Jacques in the F1TV commentary booth.
When the checkered flag fell, Lando Norris, followed by former champion Lewis Hamilton, secured the front row positions. Norris’ lap time initially landed him in pole position, but it was briefly deleted for surpassing track limits. However, race officials later reinstated his time, confirming him on pole position.
Norris expressed his relief after the session, stating, “It was tricky! You are always nervous going into a session like this and even before qualifying when you know it is going to rain. The last lap was all or nothing.”
Teammate Oscar Piastri also advanced to SQ3, securing P8 on the grid for the Sprint Race.
On the whole, McLaren had a strong performance on Friday, surpassing expectations set for them ahead of the weekend. Their improved pace in the lower-speed corners of the Shanghai International Circuit showed promise for the upcoming races.
Piastri acknowledged the team’s improved performance, saying, “I’m pleased for Lando and I think overall, we’re more promising here than we were expecting to be, but the pace in general is tough to judge.”
McLaren’s strong start indicates potential for further success, suggesting an unexpected positive turn for the team.
Here are the full qualifying results for the Sprint Race, along with notable winners and losers:
Winners: Sauber
The crowd at the Shanghai International Circuit cheered as the rain arrived during SQ2, notably for hometown hero.
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, the hometown favorite, secured top ten positions and advanced to SQ3 amid challenging conditions.
Sauber faced a difficult start to the season but showed promising pace on Friday, highlighting potential for points in the Sprint Race.
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