Overview

• Franco Colapinto was eliminated in Q1 and will start 16th after missing the cut by a narrow margin in a tightly bunched session.
• The Argentine reported being impeded by Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman in the final sector of his last lap, which he said cost crucial time.
• His Saturday downturn followed a promising Friday that featured ninth in FP2 after 18th in FP1, then a step back to 20th in FP3.
• Flavio Briatore questioned whether Colapinto was ready for F1, while James Vowles publicly defended the rookie and highlighted the impact of pressure on young drivers.
• McLaren locked out the front row with Oscar Piastri on pole ahead of Lando Norris, with Max Verstappen third and Isack Hadjar fourth, increasing the challenge of recovering from 16th on a circuit where qualifying position is often decisive.