Kmag Setting The Fastest Lap, Mclaren WCC, Ferrari Double Podium, Colapinto's Thank You To Williams,

there is aura

then there is whatever this is

Welcome back to another episode of What the hell is happening in Quali?

On today's episode:

- Alex Albon's crash in FP1 and Williams's lack of a spare chassis means Logan Sergeant will sit out this weekend, as his chassis will be given to Albon. So far, he's been knocked out of Q2 (P12), with the team choosing to save the softs for the race instead of getting a final lap in.

- Lewis Hamilton claims this week's FP2 was "one of [his] worst sessions" and that he's "used to [getting eliminated in Q2] now," just missing out and placing P11 for Sunday's race.

- Daniel Ricciardo was eliminated in Q1 for the first time after his time was deleted for exceeding track limits, an unfortunate situation considering it was the lap that could've gotten him into Q2. His teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, got into Q3 and will start an impressive P8 for the race.

- Carlos Sainz manages a P2 start for today, showing a a spectacular recovery from his surgery. His teammate Leclerc, is less lucky, citing a "strange feeling in FP3" that didn't go away in Quali. "[He] struggled quite a lot with the front tires until the last run of Q3." He will start P5.

- Sergio Perez was handed a 3 grid penalty for impeding Hulkenberg, meaning he will start from P6 instead of P3. Everyone from P6-4 (Norris, Leclerc, Piastri) will all move up a spot.

- Of course, Max Verstappen tops the times and will start from pole today.

Q2

Out: Gasly, Albon, Stroll, Ocon, Perez (P15-11)

Tsunoda goes third fastest, Daniel Ricciardo makes it into Q3 just barely (less than a tenth faster than Perez in P11, who had an unfortunate bump on the first chicane)

Verstappen and Leclerc exchange fastest time after fastest time

Imola GP Quali

Q1

Out: Sergeant, Alonso, Magnussen, Zhou, Bottas (P20 to P16)

Oscar Piastri investigated for impeding on Magnussen

Logan Sargeant's lap time deleted for track limits, drops from P17 to P20 :(

Hulkenberg goes third fastest

Both Williams and Alonso hit the gravel, turn 18 also almost caught out Verstappen and Norris

Both Alpines and RBs into Q2!!

Verstappen went fastest in Q1 in the last few seconds

daniel ricciardo in parc ferme after finishing p8 | 📍circuit gilles villeneuve, canadian grand prix, race day | 📸 rudy carezzevoli

Clearing up some stuff about Carlos Sainz and Ferrari

Of course, it's sad that Carlos is possibly out of a seat for 2025 because his contract wasn't renewed, but he wasn't dropped out of nowhere. Ferrari does not owe him a seat. His contract was expiring, and they made the choice to give his seat to Lewis Hamilton. It happens and, although unexpected, is not new. What was Ferrari supposed to do, turn down the chance to have a 7 time world champion as their driver? Replace Charles Leclerc? (Not his biggest fan, but the man lives and breathes Ferrari, they aren't going to get rid of him anytime soon)

I've also seen a bunch of videos circulating where people are mad at Ferrari for not congratulating him after Bahrain? It'd be sad if it was true, but people who were there have mentioned how they saw ferrari members in the crowd. They were just behind the red bull team and scattered about. The TV cameras didn't catch them due to the angle. There have been photos from attendees. Also, they were fully there to celebrate at the actual podium.

Fred Vasseur has also been saying things like "[in the race] he was very strong, very solid...I am more than happy with the job that he did." I'm aware it could just be PR but no team is going to be unhappy that their driver is doing well no matter who they favor or if the driver happens to be the one that's leaving. Carlos himself has said "[he] will give [his] absolute best for the Team" in the 2024 season, and has absolutely done so at Bahrain.

I understand that people aren't happy Ferrari decided to replace him, but it's not as big or as dramatic of a situation as it looks to be. Carlos is a good driver who will probably find a team for 2025, and Ferrari isn't actively praying on his downfall because that wouldn't really make any sense. Is he under-appreciated? Sure. But this has all blown wildly out of proportion.

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”- Oscar Wilde.

Albon and Ricciardo just crashed in Lap 1. A red flag was called, so clearly the FIA learnt from last week, but no updates on the damage to Albon's car.

Haas DRS train 2: Electric Boogaloo

Lets just stop qualifying now is a good grid for Sunday

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