Overview

• Russell set a 1:29.158 to top Q3 by 0.182s, with Verstappen abandoning his final lap after alleging he was impeded by Lando Norris.
• Oscar Piastri will start third ahead of Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, with Norris fifth as McLaren’s one‑lap pace fell short of expectations.
• Verstappen led final practice, while Liam Lawson’s crashes in FP2 and FP3 triggered red flags before the Racing Bulls driver qualified 14th.
• Lewis Hamilton was investigated for a potential red‑flag infringement after FP3, but stewards did not issue a grid penalty.
• The FIA’s Heat Hazard protocol is in force with optional cooling vests and a 0.5kg ballast for drivers who decline them, and McLaren can clinch the constructors’ title with 13 points on Sunday.