General
This is what the starting grid for GP Portugal looks like at the moment!
After qualifying for a Grand Prix, it is not always clear what the final starting grid will be for Sunday's race. Between having to install new parts and penalties, anything can happen. This is what the provisional starting grid for the Portuguese GP looks like now.
We have had three qualifying sessions in 2021 and now three different pole sitters. On Sunday, Valtteri Bottas will start from the first position on the grid, having beaten his teammate in the first run of Q3. In the second run, however, the wind gusts made it almost impossible for anyone to improve their time, making the first lap worth their weight in gold.
Threat from Red Bull and midfield
Mercedes can't cheer too soon though, as Red Bull Racing have Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez on the second row of the grid. The two top teams at the moment could also be surprised by drivers behind them, who will start the race on the soft tyre. It's clear that the gaps are very small in 2021, so a mistake could be punished.
Provisional starting grid GP Portimao
1. Valtteri Bottas
3. Max Verstappen
4. Sergio Perez
5. Carlos Sainz
6. Esteban Ocon
7. Lando Norris
9. Pierre Gasly
10. Sebastian Vettel
11. George Russell
13. Fernando Alonso
14. Yuki Tsunoda
15. Kimi Raikkonen
16. Daniel Ricciardo
17. Lance Stroll
18. Nicholas Latifi
19. Mick Schumacher
20. Nikita Mazepin
