Overview

• Oscar Piastri edged Lando Norris by 0.012 seconds for pole in a McLaren one-two, setting the stage for a team‑mate duel on a track where starting first is highly advantageous.
• Max Verstappen kept third after stewards reviewed telemetry and accepted his explanation for a slow in‑lap under yellow flags, ending the probe with no action.
• Rookie Isack Hadjar delivered a standout P4 for Racing Bulls, with George Russell fifth for Mercedes and the Ferrari pair slotting in behind.
• Nico Hülkenberg exited in Q1 in P17, extending a run of qualifying defeats to Sauber teammate Gabriel Bortoleto and underscoring Sauber’s recent Saturday struggles.
• Cadillac confirmed Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for its 2026 debut, drawing mixed reactions as Flavio Briatore called Alpine’s role “a bit of marketing,” and Toto Wolff said Bottas remains Mercedes’ reserve this season with leeway for Cadillac duties.