Overview
- Nando Norris, who set a 1:27.869 in Friday’s SQ3, beat Kimi Antonelli by 0.222 seconds to end Mercedes’ 2026 qualifying streak.
- Oscar Piastri qualified third in the overhauled McLaren, with Charles Leclerc fourth after topping practice and Max Verstappen fifth in an updated Red Bull.
- Sprint qualifying ran under new FIA limits on battery use and energy recovery that aim to cut dangerous straight‑line speed swings and let drivers push more.
- Mercedes reported power unit and turbo concerns in practice, leaving George Russell sixth and raising near‑term pace doubts for the points leaders.
- A five‑week gap after Middle East cancellations let teams roll out major upgrades, with Ferrari quick in the extended FP1 and Aston Martin still slowed by Honda power unit vibrations.