SQ1 offered only 12 minutes to eliminate the bottom five drivers. Max Verstappen, showing incredible pace, opted for just one run, setting a blistering time of 1:35.997, putting him three tenths ahead of the competition.
The remaining 19 drivers either chose to stay out on the same set of tires to cool them down or rushed back to the pits for a second set of mediums, their last chance to secure a spot in SQ2.
In a thrilling finish to SQ1, the Williams of Alex Albon claimed the third-fastest time, while the McLarens faced challenges in getting the most out of their medium tires. Oscar Piastri managed to scrape through in 14th, and Daniel Ricciardo secured his spot in 15th, narrowly ahead of the Haas duo of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.
