Still, the circus rocked up and put on a show. It didn't take long in Qualifying for Mazepin to lose his front wing. Despite this being a brand new circuit for every driver, there were no surprises in Q1. Both Alfa Romeos out, both Haas and Latifi in his Williams. So that was a pointless 15 minutes.
The Alpha Tauris and Alpines shook things up in Q2, running the soft tires and looking like they would easily get through to Q3. LeClerc felt he couldn't find any more time in the lap, sitting in last place with Norris, Perez and Ricciardo also with him. Ultimately, when the flag fell, Gasly finished second to Hamilton, Ocon was sixth, Tsunoda seventh and Alonso third! Meaning Stroll, LeClerc, Ricciardo and Russell were out with, shock of the session, Perez in 11th place.
Hamilton looked set to take pole position and was secured in that with Gasly getting a puncture and bringing out the yellow flag, obliging drivers to go slower (he still got 4th though). The puncture was caused by his front wing coming off on a curb, something to watch out for in the race. Vestappen split the Mercedes. I predict that they will end in that order too. Possibly with Bottas falling back.
Going into the race, everyone with an even number was going to have a poor start with a very dirty side of the track. Ricciardo suggested that he complain to the stewards about someone and have them penalised, so everyone move one place up the grid.
If you don't want to discuss sportswashing or dirty tracks or racing, the other main topic of conversation is rear wings and gaps and front loads. Perhaps someone will fail scrutineering over night?
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