Lando Norris Faces Challenge in Bahrain Grand Prix After Disappointing Qualifying Session
Championship leader Lando Norris will start the Bahrain Grand Prix in sixth position on the grid, following a disappointing qualifying session. Norris was outpaced by his teammate Oscar Piastri, who secured pole position with a brilliant late lap. Max Verstappen, Norris’ title rival, will start seventh, just one spot behind the McLaren driver.
Qualifying Results
The qualifying session was marked by a stunning performance from Oscar Piastri, who snatched pole position away from George Russell. However, Russell and his teammate Kimi Antonelli were handed a late grid penalty due to a major pit-lane blunder, dropping them down to third and fifth positions respectively.
Final Qualifying Results
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:29.841sec
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +0.334sec
- George Russell (Mercedes) – +0.168sec (dropped to P3 due to grid penalty)
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – +0.375sec
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +0.372sec (dropped to P5 due to grid penalty)
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – +0.426sec
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +0.582sec
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +0.839sec
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +0.931sec
- Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – +1.462sec
Eliminated Drivers
The following drivers were eliminated in Q2:
- Jack Doohan (Alpine)
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- Alex Albon (Williams) (eliminated at the last second)
The following drivers were eliminated in Q1:
- Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
- Ollie Bearman (Haas)
How F1 Qualifying Works
The F1 qualifying session is a three-part process that determines the starting grid for the Grand Prix. The session is divided into three segments: Q1, Q2, and Q3.
In Q1, all drivers compete, and the slowest five drivers are eliminated. The remaining drivers then move on to Q2, where another five drivers are eliminated.
The top 10 drivers then compete in Q3, where they battle for pole position and the top spots on the grid. The driver with the fastest lap time in Q3 secures pole position, while the others line up behind in order of their lap times.
The qualifying session is a crucial part of the Grand Prix weekend, as it sets the stage for the race on Sunday. Drivers and teams must carefully strategize and balance their car’s performance to secure a good starting position and maximize their chances of success in the race.
