Oscar Piastri claimed the first Grand Prix pole of his Formula 1 career by edging out George Russell in China.
Piastri, who has twice previously topped Sprint qualifying sessions, came out on top in challenging windy conditions at the Shanghai International Circuit to make it two poles from two for McLaren to start the season.
The reigning constructors’ champions looked set to secure a front-row lockout as the pole contenders struggled to improve on their second runs in Q3, but Russell sprung a surprise to push Lando Norris down to third.
Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull, while Lewis Hamilton could only manage fifth – a place ahead of his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc – following the seven-time world champion’s maiden Ferrari victory in the Sprint earlier on Saturday.
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A frustrated Liam Lawson said he needs to get a handle on the Red Bull after finishing last in Chinese GP qualifying
Isack Hadjar drove superbly to take seventh for Racing Bulls, edging out the Mercedes of fellow rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Yuki Tsunoda was ninth in the other Racing Bull, further increasing the rapidly-growing pressure on Liam Lawson, whose nightmare start to his Red Bull career continued as he qualified last.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s live Chinese GP schedule
Sunday March 23
- 2.40am: F1 Academy Race 2
- 5.30am: Chinese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
- 7am: THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX*
- 9am: Chinese GP reaction: Chequered flag*
- 10am: Ted’s Notebook*
*Also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is in Shanghai this week for the first Sprint weekend of the season at the Chinese GP, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
