Oscar Piastri achieved his first Grand Prix pole position in Formula 1, outqualifying George Russell in China.
Piastri, previously successful in Sprint qualifying, excelled in windy conditions at the Shanghai International Circuit, securing McLaren`s second pole position of the season.
The reigning constructors` champions initially seemed set for a front-row lockout, but Russell surprised by overtaking Lando Norris for second place.
Max Verstappen of Red Bull finished fourth, while Lewis Hamilton was fifth for Ferrari, ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, following Hamilton`s Sprint victory earlier on Saturday.
Isack Hadjar impressed by taking seventh for Racing Bulls, ahead of Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Yuki Tsunoda finished ninth for Racing Bull, while Liam Lawson qualified last, continuing his difficult start with Red Bull.
Alex Albon of Williams completed the top 10, while Carlos Sainz struggled and qualified 15th after being eliminated in Q2.
Chinese GP Qualifying: Top 10
- Oscar Piastri, McLaren
- George Russell, Mercedes
- Lando Norris, McLaren
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
- Yuki Tsunoda, Racing Bulls
- Alex Albon, Williams
Piastri `came alive` to snatch maiden pole
McLaren was expected to be strong in China after a successful weekend in Melbourne. However, Hamilton`s Sprint pole for Ferrari suggested McLaren`s dominance might be challenged.
While McLaren showed pace in qualifying, Verstappen appeared to be a strong contender, with Norris leading Q1 and Q2.
Piastri, who was faster than Norris in the Sprint but struggled in the early qualifying sessions, found his form in Q3.
He set the fastest first run in Q3, narrowly leading Norris. Despite challenging conditions making improvements difficult, Piastri delivered a strong final sector to set a time of 1:30.641.
Russell was a notable exception, improving in the final moments to secure a front-row start.
Piastri commented, `I found a lot of pace in Q3. I was struggling in Q1 and Q2, but the car and I improved in Q3.`
`The laps were a bit rough, but I`m thrilled to be on pole.`
Although this is Piastri`s first grand prix pole, he has won races before. He is now the favorite for Sunday`s race.
After losing points to Norris last weekend, Piastri has reduced the gap in the championship battle between the McLaren drivers.
Chinese GP Qualifying Timesheet
| Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1) Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:30.641 |
| 2) George Russell | Mercedes | +0.082 |
| 3) Lando Norris | McLaren | +0.152 |
| 4) Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +0.176 |
| 5) Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | +0.286 |
| 6) Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +0.380 |
| 7) Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | +0.438 |
| 8) Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | +0.462 |
| 9) Yuki Tsunoda | Racing Bulls | +0.997 |
| 10) Alex Albon | Williams | +1.065 |
| Knocked out in Q2 | ||
| 11) Esteban Ocon | Haas | 1:31.625 |
| 12) Nico Hulkenberg | Sauber | 1:31.632 |
| 13) Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:31.688 |
| 14) Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 1:31.773 |
| 15) Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1:31.840 |
| Knocked out in Q1 | ||
| 16) Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:31.992 |
| 17) Oliver Bearman | Haas | 1:32.018 |
| 18) Jack Doohan | Alpine | 1:32.092 |
| 19) Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber | 1:32.141 |
| 20) Liam Lawson | Red Bull | 1:32.174 |
Wesley Dunham 
Gilbert Pendleton