Overview
- Red Bull’s risky setup overhaul backfired, with both Verstappen and Tsunoda knocked out in Q1 for the team’s worst qualifying since 2006.
- Overnight drivetrain changes that breached parc fermé rules forced Verstappen to a pit‑lane start, and he recovered to third after a rapid climb.
- Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli finished second for a career‑best result, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri ended fifth after a 10‑second penalty.
- Piastri’s restart lunge sent Antonelli into Charles Leclerc, causing the Ferrari’s retirement and a major early race reshuffle.
- Sauber’s Nico Hülkenberg finished ninth to secure valuable points as the championship heads to Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi with Norris 24 clear of Piastri and Verstappen 49 back.