There was also a major contrast in the performances of Mercedes' drivers, with Hamilton impressing as Russell struggled throughout.

Hamilton, Russell clash amid contrasting performances Verstappen's pace during practice suggested he will be equally dominant on Sunday, when he will be the clear favourite to extend Red Bull's streak of six wins to start the season, with his biggest threat likely to come from the weather once more. There was great contrast between the performance of Red Bull's drivers, with Verstappen perfectly positioned to extend his 39-point lead at the top of the world championship, as a third successive title for the Dutchman becomes more of an inevitability. The track was dry enough for slick tyres, but also damp and greasy enough to deliver a chaotic session.Īnthony Davidson was at the SkyPad to compare the laps of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz, with the Dutchman emerging victorious over the Ferrari driver to claim pole. *Gasly demoted six places for two impeding offences Leclerc, Perez out early as rain creates dramaĪfter heavy rain had fallen during final practice earlier on Saturday, Qualifying began with very light showers over the pit lane and paddock. George Russell also exited in Q2 amid struggles with tyre temperature, and was involved in a dangerous collision with Mercedes team-mate Hamilton.

Rain at the start of the session created challenging conditions, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc making a surprise exit in Q1, before Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez went out in Q2 as his world championship challenge continued to fade. Alpine's Pierre Gasly impeded Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen during P1, with Fernando Alonso calling for a three-place penalty over team radio!

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