The top 3 is separated by a few thousandths of a second after the qualifying session
The end of the qualifying was uncertain. Max Verstappen and the Ferrari drivers are neck and neck.
Not even 60 thousandths. That’s the gap separating poleman Max Verstappen from third-placed Carlos Sainz. With the provisional fastest time after the first practice session, the Dutchman could have been overtaken by the Ferrari drivers.
Charles Leclerc, having achieved a perfect second sector, made a mistake in the final zone of the circuit and finished just a few thousandths behind his rival. Carlos Sainz also narrowly missed out on another pole position, by just a few centimeters.
This tiny gap between these three men is causing frustration for the Ferrari clan, who could have complicated the affairs of the reigning world champion in his quest for a new title.
« It’s a very delicate turn here because every time you are fast in the first sector, you lose in the last sector », explains Charles Leclerc.
« It was a good race, it was clean until the last chicane. But I probably overheated the tires too much and it cost me quite a bit of time. I’m a bit tired of being half a tenth of a second off pole », added Carlos Sainz.
These two tire overheating issues have therefore benefited Max Verstappen, who will have a free field at the start tomorrow morning. As a reminder, the Red Bull driver needs to score 6 points more than his teammate and 8 more than his rival Charles Leclerc to secure his second crown.
