Bottas on pole by a breath in Portimão, Ocon 6th

The Mercedes driver snatched the best time in qualifying by 0”007 ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Published on 01/05/2021 à 17:15

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Bottas takes pole by one breath in Portimão, Ocon 6th

Valtteri Bottas deprives his teammate Mercedes Lewis Hamilton from his 100th career pole position for 7 thousandths (1’18”348 against 1’18”355). Instead, the Finn will start at the head of a Grand Prix of F1 for the 17th time in his journey, the 1st since the 2020 Sakhir GP.

Everything was decided during the first attempts in Q3 with the soft tires. For their second flying lap, the Mercedes opted for a surprising tire strategy by using Mediums, but neither Bottas nor Hamilton were able to improve their mark.

The W12s will leave on Sunday with the yellow envelopes, just like the Red Bull who will follow them on the grid. Max Verstappen had set a time (1'18''209) which would have earned him pole if this time had not been erased for non-compliance with the limits at turn 4 of the Portuguese track. The Dutchman was particularly angry with his rivals who were in a launch lap, accusing them of having hindered him. His teammate Sergio Pérez will be at his side after setting a solid 4th time.

Behind the leading quartet, let us highlight the fine performances of Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) and Esteban Ocon (Alpine), who will share the 3rd line. Lando Norris (McLaren) finished 7th, ahead Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), dominated by his teammate in qualifying for the first time this season.

Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri) and Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) complete the Top 10. The four-time German world champion makes his first entry into Q3 this season.

Russell close to the feat, disappointment for Alonso et Ricciardo

George Russell misses Q3 by one breath aboard his modest Williams. The English driver still holds a good 11th place on the grid, his team's best qualifying result since 2018. He is ahead of a solid Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo).

Disappointment for Alpine and Fernando Alonso, only 13th. The double world champion, who has never driven in Portimão in competition before this weekend, precedes the rookie Yuki tsunoda (AlphaTauri), who is also discovering the track, and veteran Kimi Räikkönen (Alfa Romeo).

Q1 held a big surprise with the elimination of Daniel Ricciardo, only 16th after the first 18 minutes of driving, more than a full second behind his teammate Norris. Disappointment also for Lance stroll, who remained on two consecutive appearances in Q3.

They are accompanied in the cart by regulars of early elimination: Nicholas latifi (Williams), and the pilots Haas, Mick Schumacher before Nikita mazepin.