Leclerc takes the front row by a thousandth as Hamilton misses out on a tow

One thousandth of a second separates Charles Leclerc from Oscar Piastri. The Ferrari driver secured second place, but his feelings remain mixed: the position is encouraging, the gap of more than eight tenths to Russell much less so. Leclerc also stresses that straight-line speed is not his car’s strength, although the early long runs give him more hope for the race.

The tow played a part in the comparison between the Ferraris. Leclerc benefited from Hamilton running a few seconds ahead. Hamilton, for his part, says a change of plan in Q3 left him a long way behind the preceding car, without a useful tow for his final lap. He finished sixth. That is his account of the session, not evidence of an intention to sacrifice him.

McLaren ultimately placed Piastri third and Norris fifth. Norris locked up on his final attempt and could not improve. Both cars are therefore well positioned for the race, although qualifying alone does not establish that all their difficulties have been resolved.