Overview

• Max Verstappen set a 1:18.792 to claim pole by 0.077 seconds over Lando Norris, with Oscar Piastri third.
• Pirelli projects a one-stop race on Medium–Hard due to low graining and stable long-run pace.
• Red Bull signals improved form and sees a win as feasible, though Verstappen warns the race could still be difficult.
• McLaren’s cornering strength was blunted by low top speed and low-downforce inefficiency, and Norris required a Q2 tow from Piastri to reach Q3.
• Overtaking is expected to be challenging with a modest DRS effect and a long run to Turn 1; Charles Leclerc starts fourth, and Lewis Hamilton falls to tenth after a grid penalty.