That’s far nearer than F1 has ever been—many longtime followers can bear in mind the times when the hole between first and second on the grid could be greater than a second. And the reason being additionally why overtaking has change into tougher, regardless of aerodynamic guidelines meant to make passing simpler.

Over time, F1’s technical guidelines have change into more and more prescriptive, and the present set is kind of inflexible when it comes to how a automotive should be designed. Even one thing like weight stability front-to-rear is tightly managed, and after 4 years of the identical rulebook, the groups have all gotten a adequate deal with on issues that the distinction comes right down to the best of margins.

These previous few milliseconds are present in clear air, nonetheless. Following in somebody’s wake is not something like the issue it was once when it comes to shedding entrance downforce, nevertheless it’s nonetheless worse than it was in 2022 or 2023.

Max obtained Maxxed, Lando obtained Lewised

All through follow, it appeared like McLaren’s automotive was a lot quicker than anybody else’s, however Piastri solely lined up second, and Norris needed to begin tenth after wrecking early in Q3. At flip 1, Piastri obtained alongside Verstappen, then made it cleanly to the apex. Somewhat than concede the place and keep throughout the monitor limits, Verstappen selected to run throughout the painted floor that is out of bounds, utilizing it to realize a second or extra on the orange automotive behind him.

Though lap 1, flip 1 incidents are handled extra leniently by the stewards than the remainder of the race, Verstappen’s actions (and his failure to yield the place again to Piastri) earned him a five-second penalty, which all however ensured Piastri the win after the necessary tire-changing pit stops had cycled by.