Malaysian GP qualifying quotes: Williams
Pastor Maldonado - 16th: We were unlucky with the timing of the rain in Q2 which meant we were forced to abort the lap. The car felt better on track and there was a chance we could have been fighting to get into Q3. We still have work to do to improve the car and close the gap, but we will work hard now to prepare for the race tomorrow
Valtteri Bottas - 18th: It was disappointing not to get through into Q2 today, especially after we felt the car had improved since last week. The prime tyre run felt good with the car responding well. We expected a much bigger gain from the medium compound but we didn't get any extra grip. The lap times were tight at the end so we just missed out on Q2, but our long-run pace will mean we will be aiming to gain some places from our grid position tomorrow.
Mike Coughlan, Technical Director: We feel we've made some small steps forward which we were able to show in FP3 this morning. However, we were unable to capitalise on this during qualifying with Valtteri narrowly missing out on a place in Q2 and finishing in 18th. Pastor made it through, but we were then caught out by the rain which came earlier than predicted and so he was unable to set a time.
Share Or Save This Story
Sainz yet to be "convinced" that F1 2026 will finish in the Middle East
The unpredictability to expect for F1's one-off return to Sepang in 2026
How Alonso scored ninth at Zandvoort - and how Albon lost a similar payday
Pryce pips McRae in final stage showdown to win British Rally Championship
Dakar Rally moves 2027 event out of Saudi Arabia; new location to be announced
How both Verstappen and Antonelli were “surprised” in United States GP qualifying
Inside COTA's Turn 1 clubhouse and its plans to build a second track
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments