\n<\/p>\n
It was Norris’ first pole since Las Vegas last year, three races from the end of his championship season, and a suggestion – at the very least – that Mercedes may not have things all their own way this year, after all.<\/p>\n
Italian Antonelli salvaged a good result for Mercedes after a difficult session.<\/p>\n
The Mercedes car has often struggled in the heat, and the 32C temperatures did not seem to do it any favours.<\/p>\n
But after not looking competitive for most of the session, Antonelli ensured he was the very last car to set a time in the final session, when the track would be at its grippiest, and it paid off.<\/p>\n
Russell took the opposite route, running first and he ended up 0.4secs back from his team-mate, not an ideal result given he already has to make up nine points on Antonelli in the championship.<\/p>\n
Ferrari and Red Bull also have major upgrade packages this weekend, and Red Bull’s seem the more effective so far.<\/p>\n
Fifth on the grid and 0.592secs from pole – even if it is a McLaren and not a Mercedes – counts as a good result in the context of a difficult start to the season.<\/p>\n
Hamilton, who has started the season well, was 0.379secs off Leclerc in the final reckoning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n