P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The shocking F1 stat that proves qualifying doesn’t matter
F1 fans often hear the phrase ‘the points are earned on Sunday’, typically uttered by drivers after a disappointing qualifying session or by team principals in denial of poor performance.
For Fernando Alonso, this phrase may feel like a taunt as he has only scored points in four races in 2025, despite strong qualifying showings.
Although Alonso consistently outperforms his teammate Lance Stroll in qualifying, he lags behind in the drivers’ standings—a surprising situation given his championship-winning history.
The importance of F1 qualifying is subjective; success can vary depending on the driver and team dynamics.
While pole positions can greatly benefit drivers like Norris and Piastri, for others like Verstappen or Russell, qualifying advantages may not always translate to race success.
The significance of qualifying can vary from one track to another, with some circuits like Monaco placing more emphasis on grid position, while tracks like Imola highlight the challenges of overtaking.
Ultimately, while a strong qualifying performance is crucial, factors like team strategy and race-day conditions can significantly impact the outcome, showcasing the unpredictable nature of F1.
