Max Verstappen has stated that every lap behind the wheel of his Red Bull car is “survival” after enduring a difficult day in Shanghai.
The four-time champion could climb no higher than eighth place during qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix, ending the session one-second down on pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen details Red Bull horror show: 'Every lap is survival'
2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix - Qualifying results
Kimi Antonelli made F1 history by becoming the youngest pole-sitter in the sport.
Aged 19, six months and 18 days, the Mercedes driver secured his first pole in his second season, beating the record previously held by Sebastian Vettel in the 2008 Italian Grand Prix when the German was aged 21 years, two months and 11 days.
Lewis Hamilton reveals what 'killed' China Sprint victory hopes after George Russell battle
Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he "killed" his left-front tyre while fighting George Russell for the lead of the China Sprint, ending any hope of victory.
The seven-time world champion started third at the Shanghai International Circuit but was second by the end of the first corner following a strong move on Lando Norris.
Charles Leclerc to start 'snowball fight' to topple Mercedes
Charles Leclerc is looking to a “snowball effect” fight against Mercedes on Sunday as Ferrari looks to interrupt the Brackley-based squad's strong run of form.
Mercedes secured another front-row lockout on Saturday for the Chinese Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli taking his first career pole position.
READ MORE: Charles Leclerc to start 'snowball fight' to topple Mercedes
Toto Wolff shuts down Kimi Antonelli criticism after critical F1 breakthrough
Toto Wolff has shut down criticism of Mercedes' decision to promote Kimi Antonelli straight into F1 after he became the youngest pole-sitter in history.
Eyebrows were raised in late 2024 when then 18-year-old Antonelli was tasked with filling the void created by seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton's exit to Ferrari.
READ MORE: Toto Wolff shuts down Kimi Antonelli criticism after critical F1 breakthrough
Lando Norris rubbishes stunning Lewis Hamilton Mercedes claim
Lando Norris has rubbished Lewis Hamilton's claims that Mercedes is running a "party mode" in its F1 power unit.
Following a third-place finish in the Sprint race on Saturday morning, Hamilton claimed that his former team were once again using a "party mode" in qualifying to extract performance, one which his current Ferrari outfit does not have.
READ MORE: Lando Norris rubbishes stunning Lewis Hamilton Mercedes claim
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