Chinese GP Qualifying: Piastri Takes Pole, Russell Second in Shanghai

Oscar Piastri has claimed his first ever Grand Prix pole position in Formula 1, outqualifying George Russell in China.

Piastri, who had previously topped Sprint qualifying sessions twice, excelled in windy conditions at the Shanghai International Circuit. This marks the second pole position of the season for McLaren.

The reigning constructors` champions initially seemed poised for a front-row lockout, as pole contenders struggled to improve on their second Q3 runs. However, Russell surprised by moving up to second, pushing Lando Norris to third.

Max Verstappen finished fourth for Red Bull, while Lewis Hamilton was fifth, ahead of his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton`s result follows his victory in the Sprint earlier on Saturday.

Isack Hadjar delivered an impressive performance to secure seventh for Racing Bulls, ahead of fellow rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes.

Yuki Tsunoda was ninth in the other Racing Bull, adding to the pressure on Liam Lawson, who had a difficult start to his Red Bull career and qualified last.

Alex Albon completed the top 10 for Williams. Carlos Sainz struggled, qualifying only 15th after being eliminated in Q2.

Chinese GP Qualifying Top 10

Piastri “Came Alive” to Grab Maiden Pole

McLaren was expected to be strong in China following a successful weekend in Melbourne. However, Ferrari`s Hamilton took Sprint pole, suggesting McLaren`s dominance might be challenged.

While McLaren showed pace in qualifying, Verstappen appeared to be a strong contender, with Norris topping Q1 and Q2.

Piastri, despite a less comfortable Sprint compared to Norris, found his form in Q3. He set the fastest time on the first runs, slightly ahead of Norris.

Conditions made improvements difficult on the second runs, but Piastri delivered a strong final sector, setting a time of 1:30.641. Russell was the exception, moving to the front row in the final moments.

Piastri commented that he “found a lot of pace in Q3” after struggling earlier in qualifying. He expressed his excitement about achieving his first pole position.

Although this is Piastri`s first grand prix pole, he has won races before and is now the favorite for Sunday`s race.

After losing points to Norris due to a spin in the previous race, Piastri has now gained points back and is in a good position for the race.

Chinese GP Qualifying Timesheet