It was another lively qualifying session in the second round of the 2021 Formula One season. The competition between Mercedes and Red Bull has intensified and the mid pack is even closer. It’s likely that some tweaks in the Mercedes power unit to increase driveabilty has created an even tighter grid. Here’s the 5 key moments from all the action.
1. Yuki Tsunoda’s Smash up
It was a tragic start to qualifying for the Japanese driver after crashing out in the first few minutes of Q1. Unable to catch an error meant that Tsunoda hit the wall and did massive damage to the rear end of the car. Tsunoda admitted he was pushing too hard from excitement of being in the car, and apologised to the team who are set to have a very long night.
2. Sainz Out In Q2
The Ferraris surprised many with a strong performance in Bahrain, leading some to believe their troubles may be in the past. But Carlos Sainz was unable to pull a lap together in order to get out of Q2 this week He was audibly frustrated with the result, however this will give him tyre choice going into the race tomorrow. If the Ferrari race pace is good tomorrow this could work to his advantage.
3. Lando Norris was on the front row… for 30 seconds
Things really heated up as the session progressed into Q3 and right at the climax of the session Lando Norris pulled out a corker of a lap that had him in P2. However, the lap was deleted for exceeding track limits. It’s likely Lando will be very disappointed with this result as that McLaren deserved to be higher up the grid. The positives to be taken out of this though, is that the McLaren really looks like it could remain the number 3 car this year, if this speed can be sustained over the season.
4. Perez Starts on the Front Row of the Grid.
It was a fantastic session for Mexican driver Sergio Perez who put his Red Bull in P2, importantly ahead of his team mate Max Verstappen in P3. This was a crucial result for Perez as he proves himself against the much celebrated Verstappen. Many have assumed that Perez would very much be a second to his teammate after struggling to adjust to the car in testing. In Bahrain he finished P5, after a very troubled race. It seem Max has a real challenger in his pit, and it will be interesting to see how this partnership will evolve this year.
5. Lewis Hamilton is on Pole for the 99th Time.
Lewis was able to make it happen this Saturday afternoon. He lines up in pole position for the 99th time in his career tomorrow and the at the 30th different track. The records keep piling on for the current world champ as he seeks down an eight world title. Hamilton greatly overshadowed his team mate Valtteri Bottas who could only manage P8 today. This could hurt Hamilton off the line as both Red Bulls will be breathing down his neck from the offset with no teammate to provide a buffer.
Notable exclusions from this list are BOTH Williams making it into Q2, Pierre Gasly starting in P5 and Fernando Alonso starting only in P15. It would seem we are in for another exciting race tomorrow with a few key players out of their regular position.
