Qualifying was a trip into the unknown for everyone after Friday’s events. Teams were hampered first of all by a fuel spill on Thursday night delaying FP1 and wet weather in the afternoon everyone needed a clean FP3.
FP3 was the only unhindered session until Carlos Sainz crashed out. The accident happened after damaged to the suspension causing him to lose control sending him along the wall and into the barrier at the end.
It appears he is fit barring further medical checks in the morning before being cleared, but that would be standard practice in the circumstances. The fact that he was able to talk on team radio was good.
There were no surprises in which team topped qualifying but it was that Nico Rosberg was able to beat Hamilton. Maybe the interruptions yesterday and in FP3 which affected Hamilton?
Williams must be a bit baffled after Valtteri Bottas was fourth and his team-mate well down. But they need to keep getting good results to stay third in the championship however it looks unlikely that they will be caught by Red Bull.
It was a disappointment for Red Bull that Daniil Kvyat wasn’t the result he wanted and will have a lot to do tomorrow. Also the team were out qualified by Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen.
Romain Grosjean out qualifying Pastor Maldondo will give Haas hope when he joins them next season. Maldondo you have to question why and how he is still in F1? Would he be there without PSVDA backing as there isn’t consistency with his talent.
Related