Spanish driver Carlos Sainz defeated Max Verstappen by just 13 thousandths of a second on the day after his 29th birthday. Charles Leclerc finished 67 thousandths behind.
For the reigning champion Sainz, this was his fourth pole position in his career and the first of the season. The Madrid native continued his impressive performance from practice sessions, where he won two of them and finished second once. He is now aiming for his second career victory in the race, having previously triumphed only in last year’s British Grand Prix.
Starting in fourth place will be George Russell with Mercedes, while Red Bull driver Sergio Perez finished fifth. Right behind him was Alexander Albon from Williams, who had a strong performance.
On the other hand, the Alpine drivers failed to make it out of the first part of qualifying. Esteban Ocon finished in 18th place, while Pierre Gasly, who finished third in the last race in the Netherlands, took 17th place.
Verstappen, the dominant leader of the season, currently holds a massive 138-point lead over his teammate Sergio Perez and is chasing his third world championship title.
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Spanish driver Carlos Sainz emerged victorious over Max Verstappen by the tiniest of margins, a mere 13 thousandths of a second, just one day after celebrating his 29th birthday. Charles Leclerc trailed closely behind, finishing a mere 67 thousandths of a second slower.
This win marked Sainz’s fourth pole position in his career and his first of the season, a remarkable accomplishment for the reigning champion. His exceptional performance in practice sessions, where he secured victory in two of them and claimed second place once, set the stage for his triumphant display.
Now, Sainz has set his sights on securing his second career victory in the race, having previously tasted triumph in last year’s British Grand Prix.
In fourth place on the starting grid is George Russell, representing Mercedes, while Red Bull driver Sergio Perez concluded qualifying in fifth position. Just behind Perez was Alexander Albon from Williams, who displayed an impressive performance.
In a disappointing turn of events, both Alpine drivers failed to progress beyond the first part of qualifying. Esteban Ocon settled for 18th place, while Pierre Gasly, who secured a commendable third-place finish in the previous race in the Netherlands, could only manage 17th place.
As for Verstappen, the current season’s dominant force, he boasts a commanding 138-point lead over his teammate Sergio Perez and is fervently pursuing his third world championship title.
Wow, what a fierce battle between these two young talents! Congrats to Carlos Sainz for securing the pole position, can’t wait to see them push each other to the limit in the race. #excitementoverload
Carlos Sainz really showed his skill and determination out on the track, beating a formidable opponent in Max Verstappen. This pole position sets him up for a thrilling race, and I’m excited to see what unfolds. #teamSainz