Qualifying for Saturday's sprint race was won by Valtteri Bottas. The Mercedes driver kept Lewis Hamilton behind, as did competitor Max Verstappen. The McLarens' are in good shape with fourth and fifth places ahead of Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo respectively.
Sergio Perez disappointed and will again be unable to play a significant role at the front of the field. Verstappen will therefore have to try on his own to overtake two Mercedes'.