When I said we were in for an interesting quali, I had no idea it was going to be this good. It had everything a chaotic F1 qualifying session has- A big crash (or two), stewards taking ungodly amounts of time to make a decision, drivers missing out on setting their best times, midfield in unexpected positions… and more.
Just a few minutes into Q1, Yuki spun into the Villeneuve. While it didn’t seem like a big incident at first but the replays showed how scary the crash exactly was. Thanks to the numerous advancements in the safety department, He remained unharmed and could get out of the car and walk away. Colapinto too returned to his 2024 ways and crashed near the end of Q1, but managed to qualify having set a good time already. Though, the crash meant he would not be able to take part in Q2 thus confirming P15 on the starting grid. This crash also resulted in the Bearman not getting through, as the red flag just came around the time Ollie finished his lap. There was a half an hour delay to determine if he finished his lap (putting him in P12) before the red flag was shown. We don’t know if the right decision was made or not, but it was Bortoleto who drove out to the pit exit.
Q2 was sad for the Italians, we saw both the Ferrari’s and Antonelli’s Merc eliminated at 11th, 12th and 13th positions respectively. Aston using the mediums managed to get both its cars into Q3 and managed lockout the 3rd row on the starting grid. Sainz ended up topping Q2 with an impressive lap, He went all out to get a purple in the first sector and then made the best of whatever the tires could offer for the rest. Verstappen also used the same strategy to get a P2 in Q3.
Norris once again fumbled his qualifying will be starting P4 behind Russell, who gambled and went out on mediums. Piastri was clinical and was extremely fast, got P1 in spite of getting in some traffic at the end. Verstappen tried but his tires fell off hard and could only put that Red Bull on P2.
What to expect from the race?
Pia, Ver, Rus at start means we are going to see some action into turn one. These three are amazing at maintaining their composure, and most likely would be at each other’s necks to have the lead in turn one. It would be crucial as the track is not easy to overtake on.
Despite of the horrible qualifying, Ferrari is expected to make headway into the points. Hadjar and Gasly would have to work hard if they want to finish in top 10. Making the right strategy is going to be very crucial as the margin of error is low. You have to time your stops just right, keeping in mind the possibilities of safety car.
Aston Martin have a good position and if they manage to keep the pace they will have a good weekend. Albon is in a good form and Sainz too is making get progress in understanding the car. Williams will be in a heated battle with Ferrari and might just be able to hold them off.
Tsunoda has got a 20-place grid penalty and will be starting from the pit lane. Colapinto too has received 1-place grid penalty for an unsafe release.
