Red Bull’s Max Verstappen takes pole position for 2021 Belgian Grand Prix in chaotic wet conditions ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Max said: “Spa’s an amazing track to drive but very tricky in the wet. Super happy to have a qualifying like this, to take pole, after the summer break. When we switched to the intermediate – they couldn’t handle a lot of water so it was quite tricky.”
It was George Russell who took provisional pole position from Lewis Hamilton after his only flying lap in the Q3, Lewis Hamilton failed to beat Russell’s time with his final effort but Heartbreak for Russell came in the final seconds, who was pipped by the Dutchman by three tenths of second. But it is a second front row start for Russell, but this time for Williams. An unbelievable qualifying result.
Man of the hour and Mr. Saturday, Geroge Russell said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. Tomorrow’s the important one but it’s been mega today. I’m delighted for everyone. If the weather is the same and it’s there for the taking tomorrow, we’ll go for it.”
Lewis set fastest time after first flying lap in Q3, he was nearly 1.3 seconds up on the field. But impressive Russell and eventual pole sitter Max wiped out all the lead to demote him to P3. Hamilton did improve his time with the final flying lap but it was not good enough dethrone his fellow countryman and championship rival.
Lewis said: “It was tough out there for everyone. The conditions tested us to the limit. Congratulations to Max for getting on pole, and to George as well. Tomorrow is another day and we’ll wait and see how the conditions are.”
Else where Daniel Ricciardo comes home is P4 pipping Sebastian Vettel in P5 during the final seconds. Pierre Gasly once again solid with his P6 finish ahead of Red Bull man Sergio Perez in P7.
Valtteri Bottas comes home in disappointing eighth position, but the Fin will start the race from P13 on the Grid due to five place grid penalty handed to him for causing collision in 2021 Hungarian GP.
Ocon was ninth, as he levelled the head-to-head 6-6 with Alpine team mate Fernando Alonso, with Norris completing the top 10, though it’s likely the McLaren driver will start from the pit lane because of the significant damage incurred in his crash.
Norris escaped without Major Injuries
Lando Norris finished both Q1 & Q2 on top and he was looked like man on mission to take pole in wet conditions. But his hopes are dashed when he came out of the pits during Q3.
The Brit was the first man to come out of the pits and immediately recognized there were lots of water on the track and called for Red flag along with Sebastian Vettel.
But it was too late, he lost control of his car before crashing at Eau Rouge and causing Red Flag stoppage. Luckily he walked away without any major injuries, thanks to F1 safety standards.
Eliminated in Q2: Leclerc, Latifi, Sainz, Alonso, Stroll
Ferrari man Charles Leclerc qualifies in P11 ahead of Williams’ Latifi in P12. Leclerc’s team mate Sainz comes home in P13 ahead of his hero Fernando Alonso in P14.
Lance Stroll qualifies in disappointing P15, who set to start the race back of the grid due to five place penalty received for causing collision in Hungarian GP.
Eliminated in Q1: Giovinazzi, Tsunoda, Schumacher, Raikkonen, Mazepin
The usual dropouts from Q1 are , Yuki Tsunoda, Alfa Romeo duo and Haas duo. Giovinazzi qualifies in P16 ahead of Japanese teenager Tsunoda in P17.
Mick Schumacher out qualifies his team mate once again, The German is in P18 ahead of Kimi Raikkonen in P19 and Mazepin in P20.
