Charles Leclerc is set to commence the Belgian Grand Prix from the prime spot, ahead of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes, following a one-hour three-part qualifying session. Five cars were eliminated in both Q1 and Q2, before the final 10-car showdown in Q3.
Since it is a sprint weekend format, these sessions determine the line-up for Sunday’s race without affecting Saturday’s sprint event.
A five-place grid penalty was imposed on Max Verstappen due to a fifth gearbox change.
Also Noteworthy:
Verstappen Outruns Leclerc by 0.8 in Belgian GP Qualifying
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Belgian GP Qualifying Results: Leclerc Secures Pole over Perez
Qualifying took place after a 10-minute delay to let the track dry, starting in clear sunshine with all drivers on intermediate tyres. The session was initiated by Carlos Sainz’s pace-setting 2m00.536s, followed by Verstappen and Hamilton’s attempts to claim the top spot, which was ultimately won by Leclerc with 1m58.300s.
Lando Norris of McLaren managed to escape unscathed after veering off into the gravel trap at Stavelot exit.
First hurdle fallouts included Alex Albon, Zhou Guanyu, Logan Sargeant, Daniel Ricciardo, and Nico Hulkenberg, who faced hydraulic problems leading to missing his final lap.
What happened in Belgian GP Q2?
The round commenced with Verstappen setting the pace on intermediate tyres at 1m55.535s, which switched to slicks for the concluding laps. The P1 position constantly changed hands as the track rapidly dried, nearly resulting in Verstappen’s elimination when he ran off track at Turn 9.
Eliminated at this stage were Tsunoda, who dropped from P1 to P11 in a little over 90 seconds, Pierre Gasly, Kevin Magnussen, Valtteri Bottas, and Esteban Ocon, who hit the wall, damaging his front wing after sliding off at Jacky Ickx Corner.
What happened in Belgian GP Q3?
Leclerc started off leading the pace at 1m47.931s, just 0.128s faster than Verstappen, during the first runs on a track now dry enough for DRS.
In the final runs, Leclerc improved his time to 1m476.988s while Verstappen outdid everyone with 1m46.168s, faster by 0.82s. However, he will be moved back to start from the third row of the grid due to his penalty.
The line-up will therefore be Leclerc leading, followed by Perez, Hamilton, Sainz, Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, Russell, and the Aston Martins driven by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.
In other news:
Carlos Sainz Records Fastest Time in First Rain-Impacted Practice of Belgian GP
Szafnauer Exits Alpine F1 Team Principal Position
Alpine’s F1 Goals not in Line with Szafnauer’s Timeline Expectations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying
Who took pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix?
Charles Leclerc secured the pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix.
Who are the top three starters for the Belgian GP?
The top three starters for the Belgian GP are Charles Leclerc, Sergio Perez, and Lewis Hamilton.
Why did Max Verstappen get a five-place grid penalty?
Max Verstappen received a five-place grid penalty for taking a fifth gearbox.
What impact does the qualifying session have on the sprint event on Saturday?
The qualifying sessions set the grid for Sunday’s race and have no impact on Saturday’s sprint event.
Who set the initial pace in Q2 of the Belgian GP qualifying?
Max Verstappen set the initial pace in Q2 of the Belgian GP qualifying on intermediate tyres at 1m55.535s.
Who were knocked out in the Q1 of the Belgian GP?
Alex Albon (Williams), Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo), Logan Sargeant (Williams), Daniel Ricciardo (AlphaTauri), and Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) were knocked out in Q1 of the Belgian GP.
More about Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying
- F1 Official Website
- Detailed Results from the Belgian GP Qualifying
- Overview of F1 Qualifying Procedure
- F1 Belgian Grand Prix News
7 comments
These sprint weekends r shaking things up. Quali results not reflecting on Saturday’s event, its getting spicy!
Great job by Leclerc but dont forget Perez. Second place is nothing to scoff at. Big props to Red Bull.
Lewis in third, not too shabby, but would’ve loved to see him on pole. Here’s hoping for a strong race performance!
Still cant believe Ricciardo was out in Q1. Tough break, hope he does better next time.
whats with verstappen and gearboxes? another penalty, really?
Wow, didn’t see that comin’! Leclerc takin pole, that’s some good driving right there.
whos excited for the main race tomorrow? Hoping for some top class racing action.