Lewis Hamilton took a dominant pole in Belgium as Valtteri Bottas narrowly edged out Max Verstappen. Daniel Ricciardo starred in 4th while both Ferraris were knocked out in Q2.
Q1 Report:
Unsurprisingly, Haas made their way on to the track first, still trying to make up for the amount of time lost during the practice sessions. As the midfield teams squabbled for positions, Mercedes stamped their authority by going a second clear at the top. Almost every car came back out for a final run and the track became crowded as they started backing off attempting to find a tow. The Alpha Tauri cars managed to find slipstream and were boosted to 5th and 6th. All eyes turned to Ferrari as the timer reached zero. Incredibly, both just managed to escape elimination, but by the smallest of margins. Charles Leclerc managed 15th while Vettel took 13th. George Russell had another strong session, putting himself 12th, half a second ahead of Nicolas Latifi. However, the rest of the Ferrari powered cars did not fare as well, all being eliminated along with Latifi.
- 16th Raikkonen
- 17th Grosjean
- 18th Giovinazzi
- 19th Latifi
- 20th Magnussen
Q2 Report:
Strategy took charge as cars attempted to decide which tyres they wanted to start on. The softs were significantly faster, and quite a few drivers who had risked the mediums came in to change. Ferrari provisionally managed 13th and 14th but, despite improving their times, they would not improve their positions. George Russell temporarily leapfrogged the Ferraris, but would eventually fall back to 15th. Surprisingly, both Racing Points were in the elimination zone come their last laps, but both just managed to make it out along with the McLarens and the Renaults. Alexander Albon’s final lap confirmed that Red Bull would be starting the race tomorrow on different strategies. The Thai driver will start on the Soft tyre, while the Dutchman will utilising the Medium tyre. Despite finishing very strongly in the previous session, both Alpha Tauri’s were eliminated. However, this will give them free tyre choice for the race tomorrow.
- 11th Gasly
- 12th Kvyat
- 13th Leclerc
- 14th Vettel
- 15th Russell
Q3 Report:
Lewis Hamilton took provisional pole by 6 tenths as Valtteri Bottas stumbled on his opening lap. Daniel Ricciardo had a stunning lap, placing himself in 3rd ahead of the two Red Bull cars. While the fight for 1st was yet again between the Mercedes, it appeared that any of the Red Bulls, McLarens or Renaults could take 3rd. Hamilton further improved and finished half a second clear of Bottas, while Max Verstappen pipped Ricciardo to 3rd. Alex Albon qualified a solid 5th ahead of Esteban Ocon and Carlos Sainz. The Racing Points may be a bit baffled as to their lack of pace, finishing 8th and 9th, while Lando Norris finished 10th.
- Hamilton 1:41.252
- Bottas +0.511
- Verstappen +0.526
- Ricciardo +0.809
- Albon +1.012
- Ocon +1.144
- Sainz +1.186
- Perez +1.280
- Stroll +1.351
- Norris +1.405
Another Mercedes masterclass, particularly from Lewis Hamilton. The Briton dedicated his pole position to Chadwick Boseman, an actor who passed in the early hours of the morning. Less positive news for Valtteri Bottas, who only just managed to edge out Max Verstappen. He will need a strong start tomorrow to break the tow for the Red Bull behind. However, rain is predicted from 12:00 tomorrow at the Belgian racetrack, something all fans will have their fingers crossed for. If this is the case, Mercedes may see their advantage shrink, the tyre choices will be null and void and Ferrari may find a shot of redemption.
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