P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Verstappen on pole as both McLaren drivers penalised in Q3
Max Verstappen set the fastest lap time in qualifying, securing pole position for the race. George Russell will start alongside Verstappen on the front row. McLaren drivers had their lap times deleted in the frantic Q3 session. The qualifying session was challenging due to changing track conditions, with only one hour of practice earlier in the day. Verstappen initially had the advantage in Q1, but track limits, tire strategies, and track evolution played a role in the session. Hamilton had a difficult qualifying, while Norris and Piastri briefly went fastest in Q2. Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez were eliminated in Q2, and Bottas was the only driver to use fresh soft tires in Q3. Verstappen remained at the top of the timing boards after the first run in Q3.
Source: Motorsport Week
