Particularly difficult qualifying session to predict due to constantly changing values during the FP3. The asphalt is hotter than in the third practice session, 56 degrees. Leclerc snatches pole from Verstappen, but Red Bull will be in full attack mode being able to count on two points against one only from Ferrari.
Leclerc is back in pole position, Sainz is a great team player
Charles Leclerc sign the first half thanks to a perfect lap, the stopwatch shows 1:30.872. The contribution by Comrade Sainz it was a great added value to the Monegasque's lap, even if given the three-tenths gap on Verstappen, pole probably would have been in his hands even without the slipstream. The Madrid he waited and slipstreamed his team-mate on the Mistral straight until after the Signes corner, which is covered in full. Pinpoint teamwork. Very smart Ferrari, a must if you aim for both titles.
Carlos Sainz, despite will start in 19th position due to the penalty, battled with Magnussen, also penalized, not to start from the last box. The Spanish seemed very comfortable, closing Q2 with a time that left everyone speechless. number 55 seems to have feeling, e all the requirements for a great comeback seem to be there.
The Scuderia visibly improved the set-up compared to FP3, a session in which the redhead, especially Leclerc's, he struggled and not a little with the rear. In qualifying, the F1-75 needed very few corrections to perform at its best, a sign that the technicians have found a road that seemed lost.
To help the F1-75 express themselves better, of course, there is also the use of a more powerful mapping. The engine was kept in a more conservative mode during free practice to protect its durability due to still immature reliability.
Verstappen and Perez chasing Leclerc
Max Verstappen closed a first attempt with an excellent time. In the second attempt, however, the Dutch failed to improve, having to give up the start at the pole. The world champion will be able to count on a two-pronged attack, having a partner Perez just behind, in third position.
The RB18 seemed more on the ball on the flying lap than in free practice, e if he pays for this in terms of race pace, we'll find out for sure tomorrow. In the long runs of FP3 the Red Bull it seemed to pay something towards Ferrari, but at the slightest change in conditions the values could get messed up.
Mercedes: there is no awakening. The rest of the top10
The three-pointed star team arrived at Paul Ricard with the most optimistic expectations, but, at least on the flying lap, still pays a significant margin. Hamilton sign the fourth time, almost nine tenths from pole, while Russell, behind a fantastic Norris on his McLaren, closes sixth one second and two from Leclerc. Lots of work to do and lots of decisions to make in the Stuttgart company. They also amaze Fernando Alonso (seventh) e Yuki tsunoda (eighth), who despite the lack of entry into Q3 of his teammates, sign some noteworthy times.
Zhou's mistake and Schumacher's canceled time
Those excluded in the first round are Latifs, who will start 18th due to the penalties of Sainz and Magnussen; Schumacher who will start 17th, the German was classified in Q2 but time has been cleared for him track limits. Zhou he will start 16th due to a double violent correction which cost him Q2; Stroll 15th and Gasly 14th.
Albon does everything possible, disappointment Ocon and Ricciardo
P15 for Albon, who manages to bring a Williams more promising than usual in Q2. Hag closes with the 14th time, struggling with aAston Martin which continues to give little satisfaction. Bottas is 13th, while Or with 12th. The first of the excluded is Ricciardo, just outside the top10.
