Firstly, do we need to address the fact that we are racing the Bahrain race at a different circuit that is not in that country? I think we're all over it and it's nice to be somewhere different. It's nice to see drivers tackle a triple-header too. My favourite Malaysia memory is Kimi Raikkonen having a Magnum after he crashed out one year.
Secondly, Alonso had confirmed that he will be racing next year for Aston Martin in a record-breaking 79 year career. He will be the brain in a jar racing in the future. The Aston Martins were going well at this circuit and their performance has gone from dire to on-again, off-again, which is progress at least. Both drivers were through in the first session. Verstappen looked to be completely in control at the track and held fastest place throughout. Hulkenberg, Bearman, Ocon, Albon, Bottas and Perez went out. Hulkenberg and Albon were massively out-qualified by their team mates. Albon's season really hasn't gone well and I think it's lucky he has already resigned for next year because if I was Vowles I would be tempted to do away with loyalty and go with someone newer and fresher, like Williams used to do.
The second session was trickier for several drivers who had their first times deleted: three drivers had to go and make their last lap count. Verstappen again dominated the session. Out went Lawson, Alonso, Sainz, Stroll, Colapinto and Linblad.
Predictably, even though there were some competitive lap times at the end of the session, Verstappen was on pole. Of the others, it was Hamilton who pulled something out of the bag to join him on the front row. The top ten was completed by Hadjar (who will take a five place grid drop for a change of power unit), Antonelli, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri (the McLarens struggling at this circuit), Russell (struggling in comparison to his team mate), Gasly and Bortoleto.
Verstappen feels he should win from pole and I think he probably will. Hadjar feels he has a good enough car to come back from eighth to make up places, I'm not sure he will. Brundle thought it was an exciting Qualifying session. I disagree and I am worried that this will be repeated in the race.
