Sainz Triumphs Over Albon in Qualifying as Stroll Struggles Again

Carlos Sainz Jnr secured a significant victory in the qualifying battle against his teammate Alexander Albon, marking the first time in three rounds that Sainz out-qualified Albon. This result effectively ended Albon’s chances of at least tying their intra-team contest as the Formula 1 season edges closer to its conclusion.

Sainz’s performance came during a crucial qualifying session, where he demonstrated a competitive edge that had eluded him in recent rounds. The session also witnessed notable performances from other drivers, including Yuki Tsunoda, who achieved his first win against reigning champion Max Verstappen in the sprint race qualifying session on Friday. Although Tsunoda could not replicate this success on Saturday, he managed to clock a time just three-tenths of a second slower than Verstappen.

Stroll’s Q1 Exits Raise Concerns

Another significant story from the qualifying rounds was Lance Stroll’s continued struggles. Stroll exited in Q1 for the 15th time this season, a record that no other driver can match in the final qualifying round. Esteban Ocon follows closely behind with 13 Q1 exits, while Sauber drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have each faced elimination in the first round 12 times. Despite the challenges, it is evident that Stroll had the potential to perform better given the capabilities of his vehicle.

In stark contrast, Fernando Alonso reached Q3 for the 12th time this season, a testament to his consistent performance. Interestingly, he has exited in Q1 only twice, which is the same number of times Stroll has advanced to Q3 this year.

The qualifying session also highlighted the rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who now boasts more Q3 appearances than Lewis Hamilton, with 16 compared to Hamilton’s 15. Hamilton, currently navigating his first season at Ferrari, has faced a challenging year, further compounded by another disappointing qualifying result.

As the 2025 season approaches its finale, the dynamics within teams continue to unfold. Each qualifying session not only influences the championship standings but also shapes the narrative for teams and drivers looking to establish their legacy in the sport. With only one qualifying session remaining, the stakes are higher than ever, promising an exciting conclusion to the season.