Piastri third, Verstappen takes pole with Norris second

But it is Verstappen who goes on the attack. “Let’s go!” he joyfully declared on the radio as he celebrated pole position.

Previously, Piastri had finished only fifth in final practice; Norris was second and Verstappen was third after George Russell.

Mercedes driver Russell finished qualifying in fourth place, ahead of Charles Leclerc; His ailing Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton had another frustrating day, crashing in final practice and being eliminated in Q1, meaning he will start from 16th on Sunday.

“I’m so sorry every time, mate,” Hamilton said on the radio after Leclerc outqualified him for the 19th time in 24 games this season.

AAP