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1 hour ago
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Key events
Lando Norris is asked about the lack of pace, and agrees that the fact that last year McLaren had to focus on winning that title and not on developing the new model. “Yes, we’ve said that and we know it … That’s the reason why we’re a little bit behind – but certainly not what it is now, seven tenths, eight tenths. This is just [hesitates as he doesn’t want to sound too critical] quite poor.” He’s actually really pleased with how good he has been, P3 in the sprint, given the circs.
Arvid Lindblad and Racing Bulls will face the stewards over an unsafe release.
More from Antonelli: “It’s not going to be easy. I’ve got two Ferraris behind me and they are going to work together. Their pace is good but ours was strong in the sprint race, hopefully we can keep that tomorrow and hopefully we can do a good race.”
Now Hamilton, amid cheers: “Am I satisfied? Of course not, I’m P3. But I’m happy to be up here. Both these guys did a great job today, Charles has been making good improvements. We just didn’t have the pace unfortunately, of the Mercedes … But we are slowly closing the gap and it’s great to have both of us here … Maybe we can work as a team to try to topple them.”
Leclerc continues: “We’ve worked really, really well and I’m happy with that P2 but Kimi did an incredible lap.”
Leclerc’s turn: “I’m pleased. It’s been a few tough races … There has been a lot of hard work. It’s a good step in the right direction.”
Antonelli speaks: “I was a bit stressed but the last lap was very tidy … It was very tricky with the wind.”
We have a mixed-up top eight: Mercedes, Ferrari, Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Red Bull, McLaren
The top 10 times
Here’s how they finished:
1 Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 1:28.111
2 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.175
3 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari +0.347
4 George Russell Mercedes +0.635
5 Isack Hadjar Red Bull +0.635
6 Lando Norris McLaren +0.766
7 Max Verstappen Red Bull +0.872
8 Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.921
9 Arvid Lindblad Racing Bulls +1.194
10 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls +1.605
Antonelli takes pole!
Russell can’t beat Antonelli. Leclerc takes second, Hamilton third. Antonelli fastest by 0.175.
Norris P6 at best, Piastri seventh.
Antonelli comes through in 1:28.111!
“Why am I first?” Antonelli asks. Mercedes answered that they wanted to pre-empt the latest release … not sure that’s very clear …
Everyone back in the pits. Ted Kravitz points out that Hamilton’s sprint qualifying time has not been beaten.
Antonelli did a 1:28.385, with Russell 0.096 behind.
It’s Noah’s qualifying session so far: Mercedes x 2, Ferrari x 2, Red Bull x 2, McLaren x 2, Racing Bulls x 2.
Norris slower than Piastri. Both McLarens matching Q2. Verstappen goes fastest, then Leclerc does, then Hamilton does, then Antonelli – and Russell is second quickest. After that Q1 near disaster, Russell has almost a lap from nowhere.
Piastri the first to set a time. 1:29.231.
Q3 has started, not that anyone is in a hurry.
Zak Brown back on. “Both drivers are complaining about a lack of grip … Not much we can do … A couple of 10ths left to come.”
Zak Brown’s “famous last words” from earlier very nearly proved anti-prophetic. The McLarens are right down there.
Q2 eliminations
Out go Bortoleto, Gasly, Hulkenberg, Bearman, Sainz and Albon. Norris was safe; Antonelli was fastest right at the end.
Piastri up to seventh, Norris ninth – the world champion at risk.
Verstappen on new tyres can only make sixth, while Hadjar goes third. “Disaster … Unbelievable,” says the Dutchman.
In the drop zone: Piastri, Gasly, Bearman, Sainz, Albon and Hulkenberg.
And Antonelli goes straight on to come in third fastest. Piastri is down in 11th, Norris 9th.
Antonelli messes up like Russell in Q1 but without going off. He is 16th but has plenty of time.
Russell splits the Ferraris. Much more promising for the Briton.
Ferraris on new tyres. Leclerc goes fastest with a 1:29 but Hamilton does a 1:28.864.
Verstappen says the car is not responding how he’d expect, but he comes through in 1:29.308 with Hadjar then 1:29.183.
Q2 under way. Verstappen and Hadjar first out.
Q2 delayed, marshals busy getting gravel off the track.
Zak Brown believes the McLarens will be OK: “We’re not ninth and 11th – famous last words.” He reckons they will be faster by Hungary.
Hats off to Lawson who went second fastest, but plenty of drivers declared after their first quick times. Norris wound up in 11th … The Landostand will be restless.
Q1 eliminations
Ocon, Bottas, Colapinto, Perez, Stroll and Alonso go out.
Red Bull going nicely, Hadjar fastest and Verstappen splitting the Ferraris.
He had to use new tyres to be sure of avoiding the bottom six, and that could cost him later. Maybe he could gamble in Q2 in the way Verstappen did last week?
