PADDOCK PASS: The drivers react to a thrilling debut qualifying session at Portimao

The Formula 1 drivers relished the challenge of their first ever qualifying session at the Algarve International Circuit, the uncertainties thrown up by a new racetrack and difficult conditions making for a thrilling qualifying hour ahead of Sunday's Portuguese Grand Prix.

Despite those uncertainties, the result on Saturday had a familiar look to it, with Lewis Hamilton claiming his 97th pole position from team mate Valtteri Bottas – who’d looked the stronger of the two Mercedes drivers leading up to qualifying – and the Red Bull of Max Verstappen.

READ MORE: Hamilton beats Bottas to Portuguese GP pole with final charging run at Portimao

Charles Leclerc was behind that trio, putting in an excellent performance to take his second consecutive P4 grid slot – with that performance thrown into even greater relief by the travails of team mate Sebastian Vettel, who could only take P15.

Check out all the reaction from the drivers in the video up top – or for a podcast version of our post-qualifying Paddock Pass episode, head over to Spotify.