The first F1 sprint qualifying of the 2025 season delivered stunning results for Ferrari, with Lewis Hamilton setting a new lap record at the Shanghai International Circuit for the Chinese GP.
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Green Flag And Surprise Exits
While Max Verstappen was just 0.018 seconds shy of securing pole position, his Red Bull teammate Liam Lawson could not manage to gain similar momentum and will begin the sprint from the back of the grid. After sliding wide on curbs, his struggle for grip continues his rough start to his full-time Formula One career.
Among those who didn’t progress through SQ1 were the Haas of Esteban Ocon and the Kick Sauber of Hulkenberg, Alpine rounded off the eliminations, with rookie Doohan just skating ahead of his teammate Gasly. The temperature of the track and lack of pace seemed a critical concern in being able to produce competitive lap times.
Two impeding incidents were noted between George Russell and Yuki Tsunoda, and Oliver Bearman and Lance Stroll giving keeping the stewards busy during SQ1. However, while noted, no penalties were handed out.
Struggles During SQ2
A tough session plagued some of the rookies during Sprint Qualifying with Bearman, Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar failing to set lap times competitive enough to continue into SQ3 finishing 12th, 14th and 15th respectively. The latter had issues with oversteer which forced him to abandon his lap. He did however opt to give a tow to teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who advanced to SQ3.
Carlos Sainz was left in just 13th position, but remains hopeful that learning the ropes on the FW47 will bring the team improved results as the weekend, and season, progresses.
Veteran driver Alonso was also eliminated, out-qualified by teammate Stroll and rounded out eliminations in SQ2, claiming 11th.
SQ3 – Top Ten Shootout
Both McLarens looked promising during the beginning of SQ3, but a double error and an aborted lap saw Lando Norris qualify only in sixth. This was a significant difference in performance since winning the Australian Grand Prix last Sunday. Oscar Piastri was able to find more pace during the session, earning him a third-place grid start.
Mercedes driver and rookie Kimi Antonelli slid into turns one and two with just three minutes of the session to go, dropping from fourth to seventh as his teammate George Russell planted his car in the top five.
The outliers of the session, Tsunoda and Albon, managed to qualify eighth and ninth, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness of the midfield teams this season.
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari took the grid by surprise by scoring their first Pole position together. McLaren’s mistakes during Sprint Qualifying certainly helped the 7 time world champion claim his pole position. Charles Leclerc wasn’t so lucky, citing Hamilton’s unmatchable speed and struggles on his side of the garage as critical factors in qualifying fourth.
As Ferrari celebrates, they are also focused on the race pace of Verstappen and both Mclarens going into the sprint tomorrow. They will be hoping to claim the maiden sprint victory of the season.
F1 Sprint Qualifying Chinese GP 2025 featured image courtesy of EverythingF1