18..518. The Mercedes driver’s time reinforced the team’s favourite‑role. Andrea Kimi Antonelli completed the front row for Mercedes by recording a second‑place time of 1:18.811.
Following the Mercedes pair, the third‑place spot went to Red Bull’s driver, who posted a strong debut and finished just ahead of Charles Leclerc, who was left satisfied with fourth place. The McLaren teammates occupied fifth and sixth positions, while Lewis Hamilton, driving Ferrari’s second car, finished seventh. Within the Racing Bulls squad, Liam Lawson won the internal battle against rookie Arvid Lindblad.
The session was not without incidents. A red flag was shown when a coolant part from Antonelli’s car lay on the track. Max Verstappen had to retire early after a crash in Turn 1. Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll were also unable to take part in qualifying due to technical problems, meaning they will start the race from the back of the grid.