Oscar Piastri celebrated his first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix pole position by outperforming George Russell in China.
Piastri, previously successful in Sprint qualifying, excelled in windy conditions at the Shanghai International Circuit, marking McLaren`s second pole position of the season.
The reigning constructors` champions initially seemed poised for a front-row lockout. However, Russell surprised by improving on his final lap in Q3, pushing Lando Norris to third place.
- Key Moments from Chinese GP Qualifying
- Top 10 Grid Positions
Max Verstappen from Red Bull finished fourth, while Lewis Hamilton secured fifth for Ferrari, ahead of his teammate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton`s placement followed his Sprint race victory earlier on Saturday.
Isack Hadjar delivered a strong performance for Racing Bulls, securing seventh place, just ahead of fellow rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes.
Yuki Tsunoda in the other Racing Bull claimed ninth, adding to the pressure on Liam Lawson, whose difficult start with Red Bull continued as he qualified last.
Alex Albon from Williams rounded out the top 10, while Carlos Sainz, Hamilton`s teammate, struggled to match pace and qualified 15th after being eliminated in Q2.
Chinese GP Qualifying: Top 10 Results
| Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1) Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:30.641 |
| 2) George Russell | Mercedes | +0.082 |
| 3) Lando Norris | McLaren | +0.152 |
| 4) Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +0.176 |
| 5) Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | +0.286 |
| 6) Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +0.380 |
| 7) Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | +0.438 |
| 8) Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | +0.462 |
| 9) Yuki Tsunoda | Racing Bulls | +0.997 |
| 10) Alex Albon | Williams | +1.065 |
| Knocked out in Q2 | ||
| 11) Esteban Ocon | Haas | 1:31.625 |
| 12) Nico Hulkenberg | Sauber | 1:31.632 |
| 13) Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:31.688 |
| 14) Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 1:31.773 |
| 15) Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1:31.840 |
| Knocked out in Q1 | ||
| 16) Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:31.992 |
| 17) Oliver Bearman | Haas | 1:32.018 |
| 18) Jack Doohan | Alpine | 1:32.092 |
| 19) Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber | 1:32.141 |
| 20) Liam Lawson | Red Bull | 1:32.174 |
Piastri `Comes Alive` to Secure Maiden Pole
McLaren was anticipated to perform strongly in China after a successful weekend in Melbourne. However, Ferrari`s Hamilton took Sprint pole, challenging predictions of McLaren`s dominance.
Despite McLaren`s clear pace in qualifying, Verstappen appeared to be a strong contender, with Norris leading in Q1 and Q2.
Piastri, who was more comfortable in the Sprint than Norris, initially struggled in qualifying. However, he found his form in Q3, leading after the first runs, just ahead of Norris.
In challenging conditions, improving lap times was difficult. Piastri, however, delivered an exceptional final sector to improve his time, setting a benchmark of 1:30.641 as rivals struggled.
Russell was a notable exception, improving significantly in the final moments to secure a front-row start for Mercedes.
Piastri commented, `I found significant pace in Q3. I was struggling in Q1 and Q2, but the car and I came alive in Q3.`
`The laps were a bit rough, but I`m thrilled to be on pole.`
Although this is Piastri`s first Grand Prix pole, he has previously won races. He is now a strong favorite for Sunday`s race.
Following a spin in the previous race, Piastri is looking to close the points gap to his teammate Norris in the championship standings.