Oscar Piastri secured his first career pole position ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, securing a front-row start alongside George Russell with team-mate Lando Norris just behind him. The Australian racer broke the Shanghai International Circuit lap record in the process after Lewis Hamilton did the same on Friday.

Heavy wind caused chaos at Turns One and Two in Q1, and some of the rookies struggled to handle the tricky conditions. Jack Doohan was the first to suffer, spinning on his first flying lap at the Shanghai International Circuit. Liam Lawson was the true victim of the first part of the event, though. The New Zealander was slowest of all, making it three consecutive Q1 eliminations across the Grand Prix and sprint qualifying sessions.

Norris struggled during the first part of qualifying, but the Brit got the car hooked up for his first Q2 run and punched in a statement lap time. The 25-year-old’s first effort was over four-tenths faster than second-placed Piastri.

Unfortunately for Ferrari, Hamilton and Charles Leclerc struggled to showcase the pure pace in the second part of qualifying that led the seven-time world champion to sprint race pole and a first victory with his new team on Saturday.