British drivers have performed strongly in sprint races this season, with Lewis Hamilton (China) and Lando Norris (Miami) securing victories in the previous rounds. However, the possibility of another win today appears uncertain. Norris begins the race in third place, behind teammate Oscar Piastri, who starts first, and Max Verstappen. For Norris to match Piastri in the standings, he would need an unlikely victory while Piastri fails to score. Odds suggest Piastri will instead extend his lead ahead of today’s qualifying session.
Hamilton, meanwhile, starts in 18th after a mistake in yesterday’s sprint qualifying left him unable to advance past the first session. Oliver Bearman of Haas, qualifying seventh, stands a better chance than Hamilton of continuing Britain’s sprint success this season.
Past sprint races have not reliably hinted at qualifying or Grand Prix outcomes, making predictions difficult. Still, the session offers a glimpse of what’s to come. Yesterday’s qualifying showed McLaren’s strength in cornering, with Piastri and Norris outpacing Verstappen in the twistier sections. If Norris can improve on the straights, he could challenge the Red Bull.
Even so, the race may prove unpredictable. The truth will soon be revealed.
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