In an electrifying qualifying session at the Mexico City F1 Grand Prix, drivers showcased their skill and determination as they vied for optimal starting positions. While some experienced unexpected successes, others faced unforeseen setbacks. Let’s delve into the winners and losers of qualifying.
Winners: Daniel Ricciardo and AlphaTauri
Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo, armed with confidence and a strong car, delivered an impressive performance that surpassed expectations. Starting fourth on the grid, he surpassed his own projected placement and shared the second row with his former teammate Max Verstappen. Ricciardo attributes his success to a collaborative effort with his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who selflessly provided him with valuable tows during qualifying. Ricciardo acknowledges that securing a top-ten spot is a rare feat for his team, making this achievement even more meaningful.
Winners: Ferrari
Ferrari showcased their prowess in qualifying, propelling themselves closer to Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship battle. Thanks to the stellar performances of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr., Ferrari seized the front row of the grid. Leclerc secured pole position for the fourth time this season, further bolstering the team’s chances of narrowing the gap in championship standings. However, Team Principal Frederic Vasseur reminds us that the long stretch to Turn 1 on race day poses another challenging obstacle to overcome.
Loser: Lando Norris and McLaren
It was a mixed day for McLaren as they experienced both triumph and disappointment. While the team secured an impressive fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, Lando Norris found himself at the back of the field due to unfortunate circumstances during Q1. Despite facing setbacks, Norris remains optimistic, acknowledging the potential of his car and vowing to bounce back strongly in the race.
Winners: Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo demonstrated remarkable progress during qualifying, with both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu making their way into Q3 for only the second time this season. Their achievement in extracting the maximum potential from their cars indicates a strong starting point for the race. Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi commends their remarkable performance and believes the team has a real chance to earn valuable points in the Grand Prix.
Losers: Williams
Saturday proved to be a frustrating day for Williams as both Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant faced adversity. Albon’s impressive lap in Q2, which would have secured his advancement to Q3, was unfortunately nullified due to exceeding track limits. Sargeant encountered even more misfortune, failing to set a lap time in Q1, and consequently receiving a ten-place grid penalty for overtaking under a yellow flag. This setback may be particularly discouraging for Sargeant, who is still working to secure his place on the grid for the upcoming season.
Qualifying at the Mexico City Grand Prix encompassed a range of exhilarating moments and unexpected developments. While some drivers celebrated triumphs beyond their initial expectations, others faced adversity that presented unforeseen challenges. As the race day approaches, the grid is set for an intense battle where winners will aim to consolidate their positions, and losers will seek redemption.
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