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Russell Takes Shanghai Sprint Pole as Mercedes Lock Out Front Row

A stewards' review of Antonelli highlights an unsettled order under the 2026 power/energy rules.

Overview

  • George Russell topped the only practice session and then all three segments of sprint qualifying to secure pole, with Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli provisionally second by 0.289s.
  • Antonelli is under investigation for allegedly impeding Lando Norris in SQ2, leaving a potential grid change pending the stewards' decision.
  • McLaren and Ferrari led the chase: Norris qualified third ahead of Lewis Hamilton, with Oscar Piastri fifth and Charles Leclerc sixth.
  • Red Bull struggled for pace and drivability, as Max Verstappen qualified eighth after complaining about his RB22’s handling and rookie Isack Hadjar took 10th.
  • Cadillac’s Sergio Pérez did not take part in sprint qualifying due to a fuel/technical fault, while Ferrari abandoned its experimental rotating rear wing after practice under the new regulations.