Lewis Hamilton took pole at the last possible moment in Portugal, denying Valtteri Bottas. Max Verstappen took 3rd, despite showing strong pace throughout the session.
Qualifying was delayed by 30 mins as numerous track marshals cemented loose drain covers around the track.
Q1
Qualifying was delayed by 30 mins as numerous track marshals cemented loose drain covers around the track.
Numerous drivers had their efforts wiped as the cars attempted their first flying laps. Verstappen showed strong pace from the start and briefly led the session. As Bottas eventually took the fastest time, Verstappen did manage to split the Mercedes, while Gasly finished an impressive 4th.
The usual eliminations took place, including both Haas cars and both Alfa Romeos. But, as the counter reached 0, Russell had one last opportunity to make it it Q2. 3 green sectors later and Russell had just made it through for the 7th time, by 0.2s. This continues the Briton’s impressive performance in qualifying, further extenuated by comparison with his team-mate, who finished dead last.
Eliminated:
- 16th Raikkonen
- 17th Giovinazzi
- 18th Grosjean
- 19th Magnussen
- 20th Latifi
Q2
Hamilton’s first lap was hampered with a huge lock up and the reigning champion placed the blame squarely on the Ferrari in front. His second lap was not perfect and he trailed Bottas by almost half a second.
The Renaults were struggling as they finished the session and Ricciardo spun off in the dying moments. Despite light contact with the barrier he was able to drive away. He kept 10th, but this destroyed his team-mate’s last attempt and he was eliminated. Stroll’s poor weekend continued with 12th, just in front of Kvyat. Shockingly, Russell managed to outpace the Ferrari of Vettel, another feather in the cap for ‘Mr Saturday’.
Eliminated:
- 11th Ocon
- 12th Stroll
- 13th Kvyat
- 14th Russell
- 15th Vettel
Q3
Bottas set the pace with the first round of final laps, but was only 0.047 ahead of Hamilton. Verstappen was immediately behind, only 1 tenth away. Bizarrely, both Mercedes went out on the Medium tyre for their second runs. This was an inspired decision however, and both drivers were able to improve. Hamilton initially took provisional pole, but Bottas performed a stunning lap to take pole back. This was before Verstappen managed to split the Mercedes. The drama wasn’t over yet though, as Hamilton, unsighted, managed one more lap around Portimao. This lap took him to an outstanding pole position, a crushing end of the session for both Verstappen and Bottas.
Leclerc took a very impressive 4th ahead of Perez. Albon looked set for 4th until dropping back to 6th. The McLaren duo took 7th and 8th with Sainz winning out between them. Gasly finished a very respectable 9th, while Ricciardo didn’t make it back out.
- Hamilton
- Bottas
- Verstappen
- Leclerc
- Perez
- Albon
- Sainz
- Norris
- Gasly
- Ricciardo
Verstappen will have smelt blood going into tomorrow’s session, while Bottas has it all to do. Hamilton is in his element for the start tomorrow, and 2020 has been a devastating lesson for the Finn. Portimao looks set to provide a perfect performance from Hamilton.
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