It was Norris’ first pole since Las Vegas last year, three races from the end of his championship season, and a suggestion – at the very least – that Mercedes may not have things all their own way this year, after all.
Italian Antonelli salvaged a good result for Mercedes after a difficult session.
The Mercedes car has often struggled in the heat, and the 32C temperatures did not seem to do it any favours.
But after not looking competitive for most of the session, Antonelli ensured he was the very last car to set a time in the final session, when the track would be at its grippiest, and it paid off.
Russell took the opposite route, running first and he ended up 0.4secs back from his team-mate, not an ideal result given he already has to make up nine points on Antonelli in the championship.
Ferrari and Red Bull also have major upgrade packages this weekend, and Red Bull’s seem the more effective so far.
Fifth on the grid and 0.592secs from pole – even if it is a McLaren and not a Mercedes – counts as a good result in the context of a difficult start to the season.
Hamilton, who has started the season well, was 0.379secs off Leclerc in the final reckoning.