Lando Norris started the 2025 F1 season in good vogue, topping all three qualifying classes to seize pole in Australia from team-mate Oscar Piastri as McLaren lastly confirmed their hand.
There had been claims from rival groups that McLaren, contemporary from their constructors’ win final 12 months, have been as much as a second faster than the remainder and had been sandbagging in pre-season. Whereas these claims could have been exaggerated, Norris was 0.4sec faster than Purple Bull’s Max Verstappen, the quickest non-McLaren automobile in P3.
Mercedes’ George Russell was subsequent quickest, half a second slower than Norris. However there was extreme disappointment for Ferrari. Having regarded aggressive in pre-season, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton – the latter making his long-awaited Ferrari debut – may solely take seventh and eighth on the grid, 0.7sec and 0.9sec off the tempo respectively.
That was behind each the Racing Bull of Yuki Tsunoda in fifth and the Williams of Alex Albon in sixth. Hamilton had earlier spun his automobile in Q2, attempting to match the tempo of his team-mate.
Norris, who fought Verstappen for final 12 months’s drivers’ title however in the end fell quick, had his first lap in Q3 deleted however was capable of ship underneath strain together with his second run.
He admitted he was delighted to have claimed the primary pole of the 12 months, describing it because the “good begin to the season”. However the 25-year-old added that he was not counting his chickens with heavy rain forecast on Sunday.
Norris’s title hopes have been infamously washed away in Brazil final 12 months, when Verstappen got here by way of from seventeenth on the grid to win the race whereas he went from pole again to sixth.
“I’m by no means going to get forward of myself, I’m not that type of man,” Norris stated. “I’m assured within the automobile however we all know how fast Max is within the rain. Let’s see.”
07:06 AM GMTRace begin time tomorrow
It’s an early one: 4am GMT. We might be again about an hour earlier than that.
06:58 AM GMTNorris on ‘Papaya guidelines’ and racing with team-mate Piastri
“We’re ready. We all know we’re going to have much more of this over the season. There are guidelines that we can not cross. We’re each opponents… we each wish to battle for wins and victories, that’s clear. We’re free to race… what helped us final 12 months with the constructors was… that there was order when there wanted to be.”
06:57 AM GMTChristian Horner speaks about Purple Bull’s efficiency
“That could be very first rate, to be trustworthy with you after Bahrain that’s what we noticed there. I believe we’ve obtained a stable platform from which to work from for the season forward. We’re not optimum with the automobile forward. Lap for lap they’re similar as much as flip 11 and we lose slightly bit within the final couple of corners. I believe we improved the automobile so much at the moment. With Max, that was a really robust efficiency.”
06:43 AM GMTWilliams might be delighted with that performanceTo view this content material, you will must replace your privateness settings. and look at the “Content material and social-media companions” setting to take action.
Alexander Albon might be happy not solely with sixth but in addition beating Carlos Sainz by just a few tenths. He’s talking to Sky Sports activities.
“The environment within the workforce is so totally different, by no means thoughts the efficiency of the automobile. Q3 the automobile was feeling nice. It has been a lot enjoyable to drive, I’ve been having fun with each lap I’ve been on the market. Driving-wise extra predictable, particularly on the rear of the automobile. There’s additionally simply the pure feeling of… we’ve obtained a correct replace program coming. I’ve seen the momentum constructing. The small print are making the distinction.”
It might be nice if Williams can problem for fifth within the standings with the likes of RB, Alpine and Aston Martin (if they’re that good).
06:34 AM GMTGeorge Russell speaks after an encouraging fourth
“I assumed it was going to be shut, to be trustworthy, with the three groups after McLaren and that’s the way it turned out to be. Q3 was a very tough session. McLaren is tremendous spectacular, we knew that however tomorrow is one other day and it’s going to be moist and all to play for.”
06:31 AM GMTLewis Hamilton reacts
“I usually really feel good. I had a very good time on the market at the moment. All the pieces has been a primary this weekend. It’s been numerous work to essentially adapt to this automobile. There may be a lot totally different right here to what I’ve skilled previously. I didn’t know that we’d be 9 tenths off or eight tenths off at the moment however there’s a lot to dissect.
“Charles has been on this workforce for seven years, he is aware of this automobile out and in… and all of the instruments. I’m nonetheless studying, to be that shut in my first qualifying session I’d positively take it. Tomorrow goes to be a problem, I’ve by no means pushed this automobile within the rain. I don’t even know the rain settings, so I’ve obtained to go and examine that tonight.”
06:27 AM GMTSome encouragement for Ferrari?
Simply wanting on the theoretical quickest lap by the Ferrari drivers, had Hamilton put his greatest three sectors collectively it could have been a 1:15.473, ok for third. Leclerc would have been a few tenths behind that.
The general theoretical greatest, the very best three sectors of any automobile put collectively, was a 1:15.014. So maybe the hole shouldn’t be as monumental. Nonetheless there are most likely the reason why they didn’t string the lap collectively that can have to be addressed.
06:19 AM GMTFour Britons on the grid this 12 months
Effectively, 5 for those who depend London-born Thai Alexander Albon, which we arguably ought to.
Two might be sad: Bearman and Hamilton. Three might be pleased: Norris, Russell (nearly) and Albon.
The sad ones are in Ferrari-powered automobiles, the others in Mercedes engines. Coincidence?
06:15 AM GMTNorris on his pole
“It’s the proper method tot begin the 12 months. Everybody at McLaren has achieved a tremendous job. To proceed from the place we have been on the finish of final season, to start out with a 1-2. Nevertheless it’s simply quali proper – let’s wait and see tomorrow. I do know it’s going to be a tough race however at the moment was the proper approach to begin.
“The automobile is extraordinarily fast and whenever you put it collectively it’s unbelievable. It’s simply tough to place it collectively. Particularly after my first lap the place I went off and obtained monitor limits, then I knew the second lap… you’re in a troublesome place. It’s essential to take lot of threat however you additionally must ensure you get the lap clear and never make any errors. It’s a tough mindset to enter that closing lap however managed to drag it off so I’m very pleased.
“I’m by no means going to get forward of myself, I’m not that type of man. I’m assured that the automobile is in an amazing place however we now have additionally by no means run within the moist. We all know how fast Max is and Purple Bull is within the rain so let’s wait and see.”
06:11 AM GMTPiastri on his entrance row
“Fairly pleased, it’s clearly nice to start out the 12 months on the entrance row. In all probability one place additional again than I’d have favored. No we reset and see what tomorrow has in retailer. Simply not fairly sufficient in Q3 nevertheless it’s the beginning of a protracted season. I’m fairly proud of a stable begin.
“I believe it’s most likely slightly bit in a few locations. Sector three, I misplaced slightly little bit of time in comparison with the lap earlier than from Q2. I additionally locked up there and went off within the first run of Q3, so I didn’t wish to do this twice. I’m simply pleased to be on the entrance row.”
06:09 AM GMTVerstappen reacts to 3rd
“It was good. I imply, yesterday was fairly robust so for us to be in P3 at the moment I’d take that. The quali laps have been very thrilling… plenty of good grip round right here and a few quick corners. For me it by no means felt like we nailed that bit [tyres at the end of the lap]. Dry or moist, within the moist there are at all times some loopy issues that may occur nevertheless it’s the identical for everybody so we are going to see what occurs tomorrow.”
06:05 AM GMTIs this the place the Hamilton and Ferrari hype practice ends?
Not but, however that’s worrying. Not that they’re in seventh and eighth as such, however that they’re there, a protracted, good distance off the McLarens and even the lead Purple Bull and Mercedes. And they’re behind one Racing Bull and one Williams.
06:04 AM GMTQ3 – Classification
NOR 1:15.096
PIA +0.084
VER +0.385
RUS +0.450
TSU +0.574
ALB +0.641
LEC +0.659
HAM +0.877
GAS +0.884
SAI +0.966
06:03 AM GMTLANDO NORRIS TAKES POLE FOR THE AUSTRALIAN GP!
Each he and Piastri needed to dig out laps underneath immense strain there and so they did it. Not a lot in it, although. A McLaren entrance row. Lower than a tenth, certainly. Effectively achieved to each males. They’d immense tempo within the closing sector. Verstappen was there or thereabouts with them after the primary two sectors however the McLarens completely blitzed it.
06:02 AM GMTQ3 – Tsunoda flying…
What can he do?! Fifth! Forward of the 2 Ferraris as nicely!
Norris won’t be dislodged.
06:01 AM GMTQ3 – Norris beats Piastri by simply 0.084sec!
Can Russell beat that? No. He’s third.
What can Verstappen do? Absolutely he can not match the ultimate sector time. He doesn’t, and is third!
Hamilton solely sixth, greater than eight tenths down. Sainz in ninth! Albon is on a great lap… and he goes fifth! Forward of each Ferraris!
06:00 AM GMTQ3 – Piastri’s S1 time…
… is simply off Verstappen’s. Norris is forward of that mark by almost a tenth…
Piastri wanting regular right here. Norris nonetheless up after two sectors. Verstappen barely behind his earlier greatest time however remains to be in competition right here.
Piastri crosses the road with a mega closing sector to go onto provisonal pole!
05:57 AM GMTQ3 – So many errors at the moment
It’s good to see actually. F1 needs to be difficult for these drivers. Verstappen left a little bit of time on the desk, too, operating huge at flip 4. Not huge sufficient to have his lap deleted.
4 minutes stay. Out come the pack to start out their closing runs. A giant job for McLaren right here.
05:56 AM GMTQ3 – Order after the primary runs
VER 1:15.671
RUS +0.024
LEC +0.084
PIA +0.476
ALB +0.502
TSU +0.568
HAM +0.656
GAS +0.716
SAI +1.693
NOR (NO TIME)
A couple of of these occasions have been set on used tender tyres. In actual fact, everybody however the prime 4 set their occasions on used softs.
05:54 AM GMTQ3 – That’s poor from each McLaren drivers
The banker lap tactic backfired. Norris ran huge at flip 4 and had his lap deleted. He additionally ran huge onto the exit kerb at flip six and needs his flooring inspected. Piastri’s lap fell aside on the penultimate flip, dropping baggage of time. Ouch. They completely must get their closing laps collectively. Beneath big strain.
05:53 AM GMTQ3 – A mistake from Piastri
A 1:16.147 from Piastri which isn’t nice. Norris crosses the road forward by a few tenths however has his lap time deleted.
Leclerc goes quickest however is then crushed by Russell by 0.060sec!
However Verstappen beats all of them! Not by an enormous margin!
05:52 AM GMTQ3 – McLaren ship their drivers out early
Get a primary lap on the board, smart technique. 1:15.4 was the mark set by Norris in Q2.
Norris marginally the faster man in sector one however Russell and Leclerc are wanting good in the intervening time…
05:50 AM GMTQ3 begins!
10 drivers, 12 minutes and one pole place for the Australian Grand Prix. McLaren wanting favourites in the intervening time. It’s absolutely between Norris, Piastri after which Verstappen. Or will another person string a lap collectively?
05:49 AM GMTAntonelli on his Q1 elimination
“We knew medium tyre lap one possibly would haven’t been optimum however lap two usually the tyre improves however we determined to alter plan on the very finish. I believe in T6 that lot of gravel that was on the kerb actually broke the automobile as a result of the ground [was] massive harm afterwards. I may really feel it hanging, the automobile bottoming massively on the straight. With out the harm it could have been a distinct story.”
05:47 AM GMTRussell famous by the stewards for impeding Leclerc
I’ve solely seen a short clip of the 2 collectively on monitor and I’m not certain it was the identical incident he was famous for.
05:44 AM GMTQ2 – Classification
NOR 1:15.415
PIA +0.053
VER +0.150
RUS +0.383
LEC +0.412
HAM +0.504
SAI +0.516
TSU +0.594
ALB +0.602
GAS +0.697
ELIMINATED: HAD, ALO, STR, DOO, BOR
05:43 AM GMTQ2 – Norris improves his time to remain quickest
So does Verstappen, however he stays third.
What occurred to Hamilton, then? Misplaced the rear finish of the way in which in to show 11. A little bit of an odd second however these tyres have been previous and it was on the finish of the lap, so maybe not an unlimited shock.
To view this content material, you will must replace your privateness settings. and look at the “Content material and social-media companions” setting to take action.05:41 AM GMTQ2 – Doohan doesn’t enhance
thirteenth for the Aussie. Hadjar stays eleventh. Sainz strikes as much as seventh, Albon stays ninth. Quite a lot of drivers who would have needed to again out of their laps due to Hamilton’s spin.
Hamilton might be safely by way of after spinning. That may not have been the case had there been no yellow flags.
05:40 AM GMTQ2 – Huge second for Bortoleto
He manages an excellent save, although that can seemingly be the tip of his participation. He might be no higher than thirteenth.
Hadjar, Stroll, Alonso and Doohan the opposite 4 drivers within the elimination zone.
Now we have yellow flags… Hamilton has spun!
To view this content material, you will must replace your privateness settings. and look at the “Content material and social-media companions” setting to take action.05:38 AM GMTQ2 – Hamilton stays out
The remainder of the sector are rising from the pit lane. Hamilton simply on a preparation lap. Leclerc has come into the pit lane however has simply joined the tip of the queue, which is slightly odd.
05:37 AM GMTQ2 – Leclerc stays fifth
Loses baggage of time, three tenths, within the closing sector. Hamilton does likewise and so they keep fifth and sixth. That’s not excellent news for Ferrari. Each drivers dropping a constant and related period of time within the closing sector suggests an issue with the automobile’s behaviour itself. Virtually definitely the way it treats its tyres.
05:35 AM GMTQ2 – Jack Doohan has a lap deleted
Hadjar, Stroll, Bortoleto, Alonso and Doohan within the drop zone.
Leclerc begins one other flying lap on contemporary tender tyres. Hamilton not too far behind him by distance and a smidgen forward of him after the primary sector by time.
Leclerc 0.057sec off Piastri after two sectors, Hamilton a couple of tenth down. It’s shut between these two. How will their closing sectors go?
05:34 AM GMTQ2 – Alonso ran huge on the high-speed chicane
Bumped into the gravel and closely over the kerbs in order that misplaced him time and necessitates an inspection, I’m certain.
To view this content material, you will must replace your privateness settings. and look at the “Content material and social-media companions” setting to take action.05:33 AM GMTQ2 – Order because it stands
PIA
NOR +0.088
VER +0.220
RUS +0.330
LEC +0.370
ALB +0.551
HAM +0.605
GAS +0.644
SAI +0.650
HAD +0.977
05:31 AM GMTQ2 – Russell into second, forward of each Ferraris
Sainz into fifth, however solely simply behind the person who changed him at Ferrari. Sainz’s Williams team-mate Albon although splits the Ferraris to go fifth.
Piastri, although, strikes into first however Norris can not beat that. He’s inside a tenth, although.
Alonso pits on the finish of his first flying lap for some purpose.
05:29 AM GMTQ2 – Verstappen crosses the road…
…it’s a 1:15.688. He had a little bit of a second within the high-speed chicane however that’s an honest lap. Leclerc is slower by a tenth and a half. Purple Bull within the arms of Verstappen wanting in fine condition.
Hamilton units the quickest closing sector time however is 0.385sec behind Verstappen. That may be a honest chunk of time.
05:28 AM GMTBib harm for teenager Antonelli, say Mercedes
Six tenths from Lando Norris in P1 right down to Nico Hulkenberg in P17. There have been occasions lately when it wasn’t such a catastrophe for those who have been half a second off your team-mate.
Kimi Antonelli has simply came upon in his first qualifying session that it may be the distinction between getting by way of to Q2 or going out in Q1. Thoughts you, Mercedes are already claiming the teenage Italian driver was compromised. “We noticed bib harm on Kimi’s automobile throughout his second run. That induced a lack of efficiency for his closing two laps sadly.”
05:27 AM GMTQ2 begins
There may be hazard of some massive names being eradicated right here.
05:27 AM GMTLawson speaks
“We anticipated the beginning of quali to be robust. To be trustworthy, the primary laps have been anticipated to be off… going off on that second lap put every part out of the water slightly bit. I shouldn’t be going off in quali.”
He says his final lap was good earlier than the ultimate sector.
05:24 AM GMTThat is a good pack there
From Hamilton in sixth to Stroll in 14th there may be simply 0.156sec.
“I had no tyres within the lap,” is what Liam Lawson says after his elimination.
05:22 AM GMTQ1 ends – Norris quickest
Right here is the way it completed:
NOR 1:15.912
RUS +0.059
VER +0.106
LEC +0.117
PIA +0.150
HAM +0.301
TSU +0.313
ALB +0.333
ALO +0.376
DOO +0.403
GAS +0.416
HAD +0.442
SAI +0.448
STR +0.457
BOR +0.604
ELIMINATED: ANT, HUL, LAW, OCO, BEA
05:20 AM GMTQ1 – Hamilton will get a little bit of reverse lock within the closing sector
His lap time is nice sufficient for sixth, which ought to see him by way of. Three tenths off Norris’s greatest time.
Antonelli in sixteenth as Bortoleto jumps into fifteenth! Antonelli is out! That’s the finish of his qualifying session.
And so is Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg… nice effort from the Brazilian rookie.
05:19 AM GMTQ1 – Antonelli improves to P10
Hadjar into ninth. The Racing Bulls automobile appears to be like good. Hamilton is slipping in direction of the drop zone… however absolutely he ought to have sufficient tempo. 14th now he’s. No room for a mistake.
05:18 AM GMTQ1 – Norris stays quickest
Hamilton up into eighth, splitting the Williams automobiles. Lawson has to attend some time to get on the facility at flip 10. He ought to enhance this lap however… no, he locks up on the penultimate flip and runs onto the grass earlier than going straight into the pit lane.
To view this content material, you will must replace your privateness settings. and look at the “Content material and social-media companions” setting to take action.
Russell strikes second, inside a tenth of Norris. Quickest center sector for the Mercedes driver. Antonelli nonetheless in 14th, although the rear of the Mercedes was unnaturally low and regarded like an issue.
05:14 AM GMTQ1 – 4 minutes stay
We had a short flutter of yellow flags. Lawson locked up and went into the gravel at flip three however retains it out of the wall and carries on. Unsure he’s making it out of Q1 right here, although I don’t assume we needs to be too harsh on him given his lack of operating.
To view this content material, you will must replace your privateness settings. and look at the “Content material and social-media companions” setting to take action.
Antonelli attempting to get out of the underside 5. Does he? Sure. Nearly. 14th. The issue for the rookies within the prime groups and certainly all of them, is that the sector is so shut that you simply can not depend on the automobile to get you up the grid.
He bumped into the gravel on the exit of flip six. Martin Brundle on Sky Sports activities has famous how low the entrance of the Mercedes appears to be like.
Doesn’t seem like Bearman is getting out any time quickly.
05:11 AM GMTQ1 – Russell completes one other flying lap
It’s fourth: 0.292sec off Piastri. The digicam pans to Sir Jim Ratcliffe within the Mercedes storage. A well-travelled man.
High 10 because it stands:
NOR
VER
LEC
PIA
ALO
RUS
SAI
ALB
HAD
DOO
Hamilton eleventh. Hulkenberg, Lawson, Ocon, Antonelli and Bearman within the drop zone.
05:09 AM GMTQ1 – Verstappen into second within the Purple Bull
Simply 0.015sec behind Norris and round 0.140sec forward of Piastri in third. Norris went into the gravel barely at flip six, although it could not have misplaced him a substantial amount of time. Have Purple Bull mounted that instability that plagued them on Friday?
05:07 AM GMTQ1 – Norris strikes quickest
Leclerc held that place beforehand however Norris beats it by 0.450sec. Alonso is inside a tenth of Leclerc, which is a little bit of a shock to me. It could be the identical for Aston Martin.
05:05 AM GMTQ1 – Ocon with the primary lap of the session
It’s a 1:17.210. His team-mate Jack Doohan might be crossing the road shortly. A reasonably regular lap from the onboard however in reality it’s quicker than Russell and his team-mate. That stated, Hulkenberg beats all of them. Russell on the medium tyres whereas everybody else on the tender tyres.
05:03 AM GMTQ1 – Extra issues for Bearman
He has not had a lot operating this weekend, completely of his personal doing. He has been despatched out early on by Haas right here, presumably simply to get as a lot monitor time as he can. Nevertheless, he complains that he can not shift to fourth and comes straight again into the pit lane.
05:00 AM GMTGREEN LIGHT!
Q1 begins and the actual, aggressive motion is underneath method!
To view this content material, you will must replace your privateness settings. and look at the “Content material and social-media companions” setting to take action.04:58 AM GMTWe are almost able to go
Mercedes could possibly be within the battle for pole place. They have been very proud of their tempo on the tender tyres however have been higher on the others. Did they kind that in FP3? McLaren are proud of their long-run efficiency however not so happy with their uncooked tempo over one lap.
And what about Ferrari? I believe they are going to be difficult the entrance row. The Purple Bull regarded like a handful however you’ll again Verstappen to get one thing from the RB21.
04:54 AM GMTDrivers upset at Netflix?
Numerous paddock chatter as ever. Listening to the brand new Concorde Settlement could possibly be introduced imminently (though solely between groups and F1, slightly than the FIA). There’s additionally a little bit of a row brewing over Netflix with varied drivers upset at among the selective slicing/narratives created.
04:50 AM GMTChristian Horner speaks about Liam Lawson’s hopes
He had an influence unit difficulty which meant he didn’t run in FP3.
“Sure, it’ll be prepared. It places him sadly on the again foot as a result of he was the one driver who hadn’t pushed at this circuit beforehand. He’s remarkably chilled, he’s obtained a tough hand to take care of however I’m assured he’ll discover the tempo. He’s simply obtained to construct as much as it.”
04:48 AM GMT‘Albert Park is buzzing’
Simply been down within the paddock. Air temp 32.2C in the intervening time. Environment hotting up as nicely, significantly outdoors the Ferrari paddock house the place the Hamilton issue could be very obvious.
I a lot desire Australia as the primary race of the season, not least as a result of it takes two days to get right here so that you may as nicely make it really matter. Only a higher environment. Walked in by way of the north entrance of Albert Park this morning, by way of all of the fan zones, and it was buzzing.
04:45 AM GMTFernando not in an interesting temper
Final 12 months was a battle for Aston Martin however Alonso largely obtained every part out of it. You do really feel that he’s simply ready for 2026, although. It definitely explains his bitter temper.
To view this content material, you will must replace your privateness settings. and look at the “Content material and social-media companions” setting to take action.04:43 AM GMTF1 2025 predictions: Verstappen will lose title and Hamilton to trump Leclerc
We at Telegraph Sport had a go at predicting what guarantees to be (hopefully) an unpredictable season in a number of classes.
Who will win the drivers’ title?
Who will win the constructors’ title?
Will Hamilton beat Leclerc?
Largest shock of the season
Disappointment of the season
High three within the championship
You , Tom Cary, Frankie Christou and myself. And, in fact, chip in with your individual predictions.
04:33 AM GMTAnd a reminder of how the 2025 calendar appears to be like
24 races is so much.
04:29 AM GMTA reminder of how the 2025 grid looks04:24 AM GMTLiam Lawson additionally didn’t set a time in FP3To view this content material, you will must replace your privateness settings. and look at the “Content material and social-media companions” setting to take action.
Once more, removed from superb for a person in a brand new automobile that has by no means pushed this monitor earlier than.
04:21 AM GMTWatch: Bearman spins into the gravelTo view this content material, you will must replace your privateness settings. and look at the “Content material and social-media companions” setting to take action.04:17 AM GMTTimes after FP3
PIA 1:15.921
RUS +0.039
VER +0.081
LEC +0.267
ANT +0.285
SAI +0.331
ALB +0.337
HAM +0.457
TSU +0.534
NOR +0.676
BOR +0.786
GAS +0.798
HAD +0.811
STR +1.027
DOO +1.072
HUL +1.225
ALO +1.349
OCO +1.452
BEA (NO TIME)
LAW (NO TIME)
04:07 AM GMTGood morning
Right now is the day, then. For all of pre-season and even in the course of the first three observe classes we now have had right here up to now, the mantra has been “we’ll see after qualifying in Melbourne”. That’s that no matter groups have been holding again or not, there isn’t a place to cover in the case of the primary session that units the grid for 2025.
Loads of the massive questions might be answered. Although, with such a protracted season and such a detailed battle anticipated, they is probably not answered definitively. Will Purple Bull be aggressive? Have Ferrari constructed Lewis Hamilton a automobile that may problem for the championship. Are McLaren the workforce to beat or are their one-lap struggles over tempo actual?
So we now have had solely hints. I’m not certain that closing observe, which came about earlier at the moment, tells us an amazing deal however here’s what occurred anyway. Residence hero Oscar Piastri was quickest for McLaren, a smidgen forward of Mercedes’ George Russell with Max Verstappen lower than a tenth behind each of them. Charles Leclerc within the Ferrari was almost two-tenths slower than Verstappen however that did make it 4 groups within the prime 4.
Hamilton was down in eighth, round 4 tenths off the tempo while Norris – who didn’t get in a clear lap – was tenth. It was a robust exhibiting for Williams, who’re potential candidates to steer the midfield at first of the season. Carlos Sainz was sixth and Alexander Albon seventh, with simply 0.006sec between them. Sainz’s time was round three-tenths off Piastri’s quickest of the session.
There was hassle for 2 of the rookies, although. Oliver Bearman adopted up his crash on Friday with one other spin, ending up within the gravel at flip 11 and leaving him with simply two laps to his identify. He didn’t run in second observe yesterday and has now wasted greater than two hours of operating on an unfamiliar monitor.
Anyway, qualifying will get underneath method at 5am GMT and we might be right here for all the build-up, updates and response from it. I can not wait.