The action for qualifying was all in the first and last sessions. In Q1, Williams failed to get either driver out of the session with a problem on Felipe Massa's car that was rectified but both drivers were still unable to progress. Force India nearly went out with lap times improving rapidly, but they made it through leaving Sauber in the drop zone instead.

The top ten saw two dramatic shoot-outs. Vettel swept to pole position, beating both Red Bull drivers to the bunch, despite the confidence of both Ricciardo and Verstappen. Meanwhile, Mercedes had to settle further down the grid, with the cars being more off the pace than either of the drivers expected.