It continued to all be very leisurely first session until Gasly had to pull over as his car had stopped. This was in the last minute, so out went Bortoleto, Stroll, Colapinto, Ocon and Gasly. No shocks there. Hamilton and Russell were the two fastest cars. Stroll's lap wasn't great; I wonder when they will announce if he has signed his contract for next year?
There were quite a few drivers either all having a bad day or too tightly packed together in the second session and they all jostled for positions 7-15. The McLarens did not look strong on the track, whereas the works team, Mercedes, were doing well. Out went Hulkenberg, Albon, Sainz, Lawson and Tsunoda (back to regular form in the second Red Bull). Russell, Verstappen and Antonelli were the top three.
Again, they were close and they were pushing in the third session and drivers were routinely brushing the wall. Several drivers were pushing for pole: Russell, Verstappen, Hamilton, Piastri. It was George who got it though followed by Verstappen, Piastri, Antonelli, Norris, Hamilton, LeClerc, Hadjar, Bearman and Alonso. It was a good job from those last three drivers but they weren't mentioned at all.
The Williams' rear wing was investigated after the session and it was too tall somewhere, so both drivers were disqualified and will start from the back of the grid.
Everyone was sweating once Qualifying was finished, it must have been gruelling and Norris admitted that he was ill too. Unless there is a dramatic change of conditions, the race was going to be tough. I wonder if there will be any in-helmet vomiting?
