Russell Takes China Sprint Pole!

George Russell secured his first career Sprint Pole, continuing Mercedes’ impressive start to the 2026 season. Russell led teammate Kimi Antonelli and McLaren’s Lando Norris, making them your top three in qualifying.

The story of the session centered on finding clean laps and bringing the tires into the optimal window. Antonelli and Pierre Gasly were both noted for impeding other drivers, and we now await the stewards’ decisions on potential grid penalties. Russell set the pace in all three qualifying segments on his way to pole position.

Q1 Recap

Both Williams drivers, both Cadillacs, and both Aston Martins failed to advance to Q2, with Sergio Perez not setting a time at all. Lance Stroll also had a lap time deleted for exceeding track limits.

Q2 Recap

Eliminated in Q2 were both Audis, both Racing Bulls, Franco Colapinto, and Esteban Ocon. Max Verstappen and Gabriel Bortoleto each took a trip through the gravel at the final corner. Antonelli was noted for blocking Norris during a push lap and appears likely to face a grid penalty.

Q3 Recap

Mercedes locked out the front row, while Norris managed to jump one Ferrari. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, split the Ferraris on the timesheets. Charles Leclerc struggled and was out-qualified by Lewis Hamilton. Red Bull endured a difficult session, with four-time World Champion Verstappen managing only eighth place. Gasly delivered a strong lap to put his Alpine seventh.

Sprint Qualifying Top 10

P1: George Russell – Mercedes

P2: Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes

P3: Lando Norris – McLaren

P4: Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari

P5: Oscar Piastri – McLaren

P6: Charles Leclerc – Ferrari

P7: Pierre Gasly – Alpine

P8: Max Verstappen – Red Bull

P9: Oliver Bearman – Haas

P10: Isack Hadjar – Red Bull

The lights go out for the Sprint Race at 11 PM EST on Saturday!