Russell gave almost 1 second to the second place in a lap here while Verstappen struggled a lot in the Q3 to get no more than 8th place in the starting grid. Personally I am happy I trusted my gut to put Russell in Tier 1 as this guy looks like put all of his frustration accumulated during races away here by doing a crazy lap of 1.42.5 when all othere above 1.43 or more. I am also happy for trusting my gut as 3 out of my choices are starting like they should although here tomorrow no one knows what can happen.
When he had 0.5 seconds after first attempt, it already looked huge, but over 0.8 is something what you won't see often. Yeah, there was yellow flag and not everyone were able to complete their fast laps at full throttle, but it doesn't looks that it was factor which decided pole today, Russel was just from different league.
Antonelli is gonna make another mighty comeback?.
Despite it i cant believe how a yellow flag can destroy a magnificent lap for anyone, i dont really like that rule, but is very difficult to change it, if you ask me they have to allow you to have another lap when that happens and you come with records in the mini sectors.(my comment is ab out when Leclerc was with a very good lap and because Colapinto just went wide in a turn the yellow flag appears).
Yeah, big comenack is possible, this track is good for overtaking.
About yellow flag on qualifying, I don't think that there is need to change rules, but even if they would do it, I have no idea how exactly they should change. Giving another attempt when time is already over would be unfair IMO. These unexpected yellow/red falgs on qualifying is what makes it less predictable, you never know when someone will crash out.