Lewis Hamilton has just made history. Having trailed his teammate throughout free practice, Hamilton put together a sensational final lap to take his 105th career pole. Not only is this Hamilton’s first Grand Prix pole as a Ferrari driver, at 41 years, nine months and 24 days old, Hamilton has also become the oldest polesitter since Mario Andretti at Monza in 1982. Having endured his fair share of ups and downs in 2026, a first pole in red is an emphatic statement from the most successful driver ever.
Behind him, George Russell was surprised to take second. After struggling to find a rhythm all weekend, Russell saved his best lap for the end of Q3—a fine result given his recent poor form.
Charles Leclerc was disappointed to miss out on pole but is well placed to mount a challenge during the 830-meter dash down towards turn one on race day.
A late lock-up ended Max Verstappen’s hopes of a front row start. The four-time world champion was forced to settle for fourth. Having incurred a one-place grid penalty after tangling with Liam Lawson in FP2, Verstappen will start the race fifth, one place behind Kimi Antonelli. Failing to match his teammate will have done little to dampen Antonelli’s spirits. Starting fourth, the Mercedes driver is very well placed to secure the two points he needs to become the youngest ever world champion.
Lando Norris’ free practice pace did not carry over into qualifying. The reigning world champion had to make do with sixth, just ahead of a frustrated Isack Hadjar who was openly critical of his Q3 efforts.
It was a good day for Racing Bulls as Liam Lawson took eighth just ahead of his teammate Arvid Lindblad. Pierre Gasly snuck into Q3 and secured tenth ahead of Nico Hulkenberg and Franco Colapinto. Oscar Piastri shocked everyone by failing to get out of Q2; the McLaren driver cited a lack of rear grip but couldn't explain the root cause.
Gabriel Bortoleto took 14th ahead of Ollie Bearman, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. Fernando Alonso coasted to a halt with a technical issue in Q1 and will start 18th ahead of Haas debutant Ryo Hirakawa, Lance Stroll, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
