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Thrills, spills, red flags, and one deeply disappointed seven-time world champion – qualifying had it all.

We’ll be back for tomorrow’s race bright and early – make sure you don’t miss out.

Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrates after taking pole position during the qualifying session for the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai on April 20, 2024. (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP) (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)

15:40


Fernando pays tribute to the Chinese fans

It’s safe to say the Spaniard is an enormous fan favourite in Shanghai, and he gives the crowd a shout-out in his post-qualification remarks.

Very sweetly, he also thanked them in Mandarin.

15:35


Christian Horner speaks to Sky Sports

It’s been a really good Saturday for us. As you say, 100 poles in 15 years, and the first one here 15 years ago.

On Perez’s near-miss in Q1:

The track was evolving quickly, and in hindsight we should have run another set of tyres.

We got a little bit lucky to make sure he was within the cut.

On whether Red Bull are resting on their laurels:

You’ve got to keep your head down, got to keep pushing forward. There’s a lot of season left to go. A lot of men and women in Milton Keynes working very hard.

Things can change very quickly, so we can’t afford to be complacent.

SHANGHAI, CHINA - APRIL 20: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talk in the garage prior to qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on April 20, 2024 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

15:30


Can anyone shatter Red Bull’s dominance?

The question it seems like we’ll never tire of asking, as Verstappen romps to yet another pole after another matchless qualifying session.

The Dutchman is unbelievably the first driver of the 21st century to claim pole in all of the opening five races of the season with his latest triumph.

15:25


Qualifying classification: in full

    Max Verstappen
    Sergio Perez
    Fernando Alonso
    Lando Norris
    Oscar Piastri
    Charles Leclerc
    Carlos Sainz
    George Russell
    Nico Hulkenberg
    Valtteri Bottas
    Lance Stroll
    Daniel Ricciardo
    Esteban Ocon
    Alex Albon
    Pierre Gasly
    Zhou Guanyu
    Kevin Magnussen
    Lewis Hamilton
    Yuki Tsunoda
    Logan Sargeant

15:21


Max Verstappen speaks after claiming Red Bull’s historic pole

After the Sprint race, it gave us a few more ideas for the car and I think the car worked even better in Qualifying.

Definitely very happy with how the whole of Qualifying went. The car was really nice to drive and also in Q3, that final lap felt pretty decent.

I’m also very happy to drive here in the dry. The conditions were pretty good, so it was a lot of fun.

On track evolution:

Yesterday we had a bit of rain, we had extra tyres, we could practice a little more. I think the track evolution wasn’t massive, but it’s fine.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands reacts after taking pole position following qualifying at the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai, China, Saturday, April 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

15:17


Q3 standings: in full

    VER
    PER
    ALO
    NOR
    PIA
    LEC
    SAI
    RUS
    HUL
    BOT