During Q2, the excitement kicked off with Verstappen leading the pack on medium tires, while the rest of the drivers went for the softer compounds. He set a solid time of 1m 11.638s, edging out Norris by just 0.038 seconds and placing Piastri third ahead of the Ferrari duo, Leclerc and Hamilton.
Midway through the session, drivers like Colapinto, Hadjar, Ocon, Hulkenberg, and Albon found themselves in a tight spot, facing elimination. Meanwhile, Ocon drew attention for not adhering to the Race Director’s instructions, prompting an investigation.
As time dwindled, Leclerc briefly snatched the top spot with a time on the C6 compound, but Russell soon reclaimed first place with a quick 1m 11.570s on the C5 tires.
Tension rose when Russell passed Tsunoda near the pit lane, leading Tsunoda to demand a penalty. Tsunoda then found himself in hot water again after overtaking Leclerc just as the Ferrari driver was gearing up for his flying lap.
When the chequered flag waved, Tsunoda ended the session in P11. However, due to a 10-place grid penalty from a red flag infringement during FP3, he would start even further back in the race. Also eliminated in Q2 were Colapinto (P12), Hulkenberg (P13), and the Haas drivers Bearman and Ocon in P14 and P15.
This session highlighted the strategy involved in tire choices and the intense pressure drivers face as they fight for positioning on the track. As motorsports continue to evolve, understanding these dynamics can deepen appreciation for the sport.
For more insights on tire strategies in Formula 1, check this in-depth analysis from Formula 1’s official site.