F1 Qualifying Performance Analysis: Team-Mate Battles Overview

In Formula 1, qualifying sessions serve as a significant indicator of a team’s performance, offering insights into the competitiveness of each driver within their respective teams. This article delves into the qualifying records of various teams, highlighting the head-to-head statistics between team-mates across the season. The analysis focuses on driver performance, taking into account the unique circumstances of each session, including any technical issues or incidents that may have affected lap times.

McLaren: Team Dynamics and Performance

Oscar Piastri vs. Lando Norris

The McLaren team has demonstrated a competitive spirit throughout the qualifying sessions, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris battling closely on the grid. Their qualifying record stands at 11-6, favoring Piastri. Notably, when excluding sprint races from the equation, the record is 8-6, indicating a slight edge for the Australian rookie.

• Australian GP: Norris managed to edge out Piastri by a mere 0.084 seconds in Q3, showcasing the tight competition between the two.
• Chinese GP Sprint: Piastri secured the upper hand, finishing 1st, while Norris followed in 3rd place with a time that was 0.464 seconds slower in SQ3.
• Bahrain GP: Norris had a strong performance in Q3, finishing 6th, but Piastri’s 2nd place finish highlighted his growing prowess.
• Saudi Arabian GP: A challenging session for Norris, who crashed and recorded no lap time, while Piastri finished 2nd.

This competitive dynamic between Piastri and Norris illustrates not only their individual skills but also how team dynamics can influence overall performance.

Ferrari: The Battle of Champions

Charles Leclerc vs. Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari’s qualifying sessions have been marked by intense competition, particularly between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. The current record stands at 12-5 in favor of Leclerc, who has shown remarkable consistency. When sprint races are excluded, the record adjusts to 10-4.

• Australia GP: Leclerc’s performance was strong, finishing 4th while Hamilton trailed with an 8th place finish, a difference of 0.218 seconds in Q3.
• China GP: In the sprint, Leclerc secured 1st, while Hamilton finished 6th, showcasing Ferrari’s dominance in this session.
• Japanese GP: Both drivers faced challenges, but Leclerc managed to secure 4th place, while Hamilton was hindered, finishing lower due to a lack of pace.

The rivalry between Leclerc and Hamilton not only highlights their skills as drivers but also the strategic decisions made by Ferrari that can significantly impact qualifying results.

Red Bull: A Show of Dominance

Max Verstappen vs. Liam Lawson

Red Bull has consistently showcased its dominance in the qualifying rounds, particularly through the performances of Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson. The record between these two drivers stands at 3-0, with Verstappen leading the charge.

• Australian GP: Verstappen’s prowess was evident as he finished 1st, while Lawson struggled, finishing 18th.
• China GP Sprint: Another strong performance from Verstappen, who secured 4th place in the sprint, while Lawson finished lower than expected, reinforcing Verstappen’s lead.
• Japan: Verstappen continued his streak, finishing 1st, while Lawson faced difficulties in Q1, impacting his overall qualifying position.

Verstappen’s ability to consistently outperform his team-mate illustrates the strong performance capabilities of Red Bull, making them a formidable contender in each qualifying session.

Mercedes: The Evolution of Performance

George Russell vs. Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes has seen a shift in performance dynamics this season, especially with George Russell and newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Their qualifying record is impressive, currently standing at 15-2. When sprint races are disregarded, the record becomes 13-1.

• Australian GP: Russell finished 4th, while Antonelli faced challenges, finishing 16th with car damage.
• Chinese GP Sprint: Russell continued to shine, finishing 2nd, while Antonelli held strong with an 8th place finish.
• Miami GP: Russell’s performance peaked as he finished 1st, demonstrating the team’s strategic improvements and the potential of Antonelli as a future star.

The contrasting performances of Russell and Antonelli highlight the evolving landscape of Mercedes, as they work to reclaim their status as a top team in Formula 1.

Aston Martin: The Struggle for Supremacy

Lance Stroll vs. Fernando Alonso

Aston Martin has faced challenges this season, particularly in the qualifying rounds, where Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso have shown a stark contrast in performance. The current record stands at 1-16 in favor of Alonso, highlighting the latter’s experience and skill.

• Australian GP: Stroll finished 13th, while Alonso secured a respectable 12th place despite the team’s ongoing struggles.
• Chinese GP Sprint: Alonso’s experience came into play as he finished 10th, while Stroll finished lower, struggling to keep pace.
• Bahrain GP: Both drivers faced hurdles, with Alonso managing to secure 13th, while Stroll finished 19th, showcasing the team’s need for improvement.

The performance gap between Stroll and Alonso underscores the challenges faced by Aston Martin as they seek to enhance their competitiveness in future qualifying sessions.

Alpine: A Competitive Edge

Pierre Gasly vs. Jack Doohan

Alpine’s qualifying sessions have been marked by fierce competition, particularly between Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan. The current record stands at 6-2, with Gasly leading the charge. Excluding sprint races, the record remains favorable at 5-1.

• Australian GP: Gasly finished 9th, while Doohan struggled to find his rhythm, finishing 14th.
• Chinese GP Sprint: Both drivers faced challenges, but Gasly managed to finish ahead, reinforcing his position as the lead driver.
• Bahrain GP: Gasly continued to demonstrate his skills, finishing 5th, while Doohan’s performance lagged behind, indicating the need for development.

Gasly’s ability to consistently outperform his team-mate showcases Alpine’s potential for growth in the highly competitive landscape of Formula 1.

Haas: The Quest for Improvement

Esteban Ocon vs. Oliver Bearman

Haas has faced challenges in their qualifying sessions, particularly with the performances of Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman. The current record stands at 9-8, indicating a closely contested battle. When sprint races are excluded, the record is 7-7.

• Australian GP: Ocon faced a technical issue, finishing 19th, while Bearman finished higher at 18th.
• Chinese GP Sprint: Ocon managed to secure a better position, finishing 12th, while Bearman continued to struggle.
• Bahrain GP: Both drivers faced difficulties, highlighting the need for Haas to refine their qualifying strategies.

The close battle between Ocon and Bearman illustrates the potential for growth within Haas as they work to improve their performance on the grid.

Racing Bulls: Emerging Talents

Isack Hadjar vs. Yuki Tsunoda

In the Racing Bulls team, Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda have showcased a competitive spirit. The current record stands at 1-2 for Hadjar, with both drivers pushing each other in qualifying sessions.

• Australian GP: Hadjar finished 11th, while Tsunoda secured a 5th place finish, demonstrating the competitive nature of their team.
• Chinese GP Sprint: Hadjar faced challenges but managed to perform well, while Tsunoda completed the sprint successfully.
• Japan: Hadjar’s performance was commendable, but Tsunoda outshone him, securing a better position, reflecting the ongoing rivalry.

This emerging rivalry indicates the potential for both drivers to develop and grow within the Racing Bulls team as they strive for better qualifying results.

Williams: A New Era

Alexander Albon vs. Carlos Sainz

The battle between Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz has showcased Williams’ potential in the qualifying rounds. Currently, the record stands at 10-7 in favor of Albon, with a closer look at the performance showing that excluding sprint races leads to a record of 8-6.

• Australian GP: Albon finished 6th, while Sainz struggled in 10th place, highlighting the competitive edge of Williams.
• Chinese GP Sprint: Albon’s performance continued to impress with a 13th place finish, while Sainz finished lower than expected.
• Bahrain GP: Albon faced challenges but managed to secure a better position compared to Sainz, reinforcing his lead in their internal battle.

The performances of Albon against Sainz illustrate the potential for Williams to make strides in future qualifying sessions, showcasing their growth as a competitive team in Formula 1.

Sauber: Navigating Challenges

Nico Hulkenberg vs. Gabriel Bortoleto

Sauber has faced its share of difficulties in the qualifying sessions, particularly with the performances of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. The current record is 7-10, indicating a competitive edge for Hulkenberg.

• Australian GP: Hulkenberg finished 17th, while Bortoleto managed to secure a 15