The Mexican sun was the backdrop for today's qualifying. The thermometer resting on the asphalt scored 50 ° degrees, the heat of the track put tire management to the test in the flying lap. The improvement on the track was clear compared to free trials. Max Verstappen snatched the pole, despite the forecasts had not taken the Dutchman's departure from the post for granted. Russell and Hamilton dream in second and third position.
Verstappen wakes up Mercedes from pole dream
The world champion started the first round of qualifying complaining on the radio a boring slip. Despite the initial difficulties, Verstappen set a chilling time even under the Mexican sun: 1:17.775, leaving a three tenths the first tracker. The local idol Sergio Perez has to settle for fourth position, seeing the chances of success diminish on the home track.
Russell loses pole but scrutinizes the prey Verstappen
George had hoped for it Russell, on the ball since Friday practice, but he had to settle for second place after an error on the last lap. Not a small result given the tormented year that the Brakley team is going through. The 'newbie' from Mercedes knows that he will have the first opportunity at the start, being able to count on very long trail that leads up to turn 1; but he is also aware of the fact that the mate, third at just five thousandths, may not be watching.
Ferrari is not keeping up on the Mexican weekend
After an ideal Friday for the reds, Mexico looks like a disappointing weekend for Ferrari. Sainz is the best of the Ferraristi, managing to get only the fifth time. Leclerc, with more effort, it must settle for the seventh pitch. Definitely there worst qualifying of the year for the team from Maranello.
The technicians opted for aloaded wing, after having focused on a more relaxed setup in the third free practice session, with the rear wing used in Bahrain. The opinion of the pilot also influenced the decision: Charles Leclerc, in fact, complained lots of understeer in the FP3. Evident the fact that the changes didn't work properly, and to testify it is the margin of more than half a second which the first Ferrari driver lacks to reach Verstappen's time. All that remains is for the team to instill all hope on the race pace, in order to undermine Mercedes and limit the damage.
Who seals the top ten positions?
Valtteri makes a great impression Bottas, that, like a fury, marks the sixth time giving Alfa Romeo the opportunity to score a fair amount of loot in the race. It doesn't disappoint Norris, which this time, due to Bottas, is 'second among the others'. McLaren's English is eighth, ahead of the two Alpines of Alonso and Ocon.
Outside the top ten are…
Missing access to the last round of qualifying are both Alpha Tauri, XNUMX Gasly 14th behind tsunoda. French was not held on the radio, still complaining i brake problems who have been haunting his single-seater for a few races. To the 15esimo there is place Magnussen, just in front of the partner. Zhou does not pass the cut unlike the partner and is satisfied with 12esimo time. To usher in the second half of the grid there is Ricciardo, 11esimo.
During the first round of qualifying they were excluding both Williams drivers. Too bad for Albon, that after an excellent tenth time in FP3 he must be satisfied with leaving 19esimo in front of the partner. The two Aston Martin they stand in front of Williams, XNUMX Hag before Stroll. The four-time world champion signed the same time as compatriot Mick Schumacher, who, looking for a reappointment for 2023, regrets having to stand behind his partner Magnussen (15esimo).
