Russell continues 2026 domination in China as Red Bull struggles in Sprint Qualifying

In the battle behind Mercedes, Norris finished third, ahead of Lewis Hamilton, Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc.

Pierre Gasly impressed with finished seventh. Meanwhile, Red Bull had a difficult day. The Austrian team just made it through to SQ3, where Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar finished eighth and tenth respectively.

Oliver Bearman set the ninth quickest time.

The Red Bull drivers came closest to elimination among the frontrunners after finishing ninth and tenth. Verstappen also ran wide on his final attempt in the session.

Alongside the frontrunner teams, Pierre Gasly and Oliver Bearman qualified for the final session of the day.

After an impeding incident involving Antonelli and Norris, the Italian was under investigation by the stewards.

Sergio Perez was unable to compete for Cadillac due to a fuel system issue, automatically eliminating the Mexican before the session began.

Together with the Mexican, his teammate Valtteri Bottas, the two Williams and the two Aston Martins were knocked out.