Q2 – Norris Leads, Hamilton and Antonelli Miss Out
As Q2 started, dark clouds hovered overhead, and a few drops of rain hit the track. The break between Q1 and Q2 gave marshals time to clear gravel from Turn 12, setting the stage for a tense session.
Drivers quickly pushed their limits to post times on the soft tires. Lando Norris set the fastest lap at 1 minute 14.890 seconds, followed closely by Oscar Piastri, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, Isack Hadjar, and Oliver Bearman.
Meanwhile, George Russell, Max Verstappen, Liam Lawson, and Charles Leclerc secured the remaining top-10 spots. Sadly, Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz faced early exits, unable to keep pace after Hamilton had a time deleted for crossing track limits at Turn 9.
In the second attempt, Alonso and Stroll tried to capitalize on the tricky conditions, creating a long queue of drivers waiting to exit the pits. However, Hamilton’s hopes faded as he finished 12th, expressing frustration on the radio, “Every time, every time.” Antonelli faced a similar fate, initially placing 11th but slipping to 15th after another track limits violation.
Despite not improving their times, Norris and Piastri held onto the top spots, followed by Stroll, Russell, Alonso, and Leclerc. Verstappen managed to scrape into Q3 in eighth place, just ahead of his teammates Hadjar and Lawson.
Overall, the session was filled with tension, unexpected drops, and a sense of urgency. The unpredictability of weather and track limits kept everyone on their toes.
In recent years, we’ve seen how small mistakes can have big consequences. In the 2021 season, track limits sparked controversy, leading to rule changes. This incident highlights how closely margins can shift in racing, a reminder of the ever-present challenge of mastering both speed and precision.
As fan reactions flood social media, many express shock over Hamilton’s exit. Most agree it’s a reflection of how competitive and unpredictable F1 has become. The thrill of racing isn’t just about speed—it’s also about strategy and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions.
For the latest updates and in-depth analysis, keep an eye on resources like Formula 1’s official website and other trusted news outlets that cover the sport closely.