Lando Norris produced a sensational final lap to defeat Max Verstappen and claim his second Formula 1 pole position in thrilling and competitive qualifying for the Spanish GP.
In a session that highlighted McLaren’s growing strength and ever-increasing competition at the top of F1 after two seasons of sustained Verstappen-Red Bull dominance, Norris delivered under pressure when it counted at the Circuit de Barcelona -Catalonia with what he described as a “perfect” Final Lap of 1:11.383.
Verstappen held provisional pole after the opening laps of Q3 and improved by two tenths more on his final attempt, but Norris made the difference moments later to claim his second career Grand Prix pole – three years after its premiere at the 2021 Russian GP – by just 0.020s.
Mercedes, meanwhile, will start from a second-row lockout after their own improvement continued during an hour of competition where they were a factor throughout.
For only the second time in 10 races this season, Lewis Hamilton has outperformed his teammate George Russell and will start a third-best finish of the season.
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George Russell was unhappy with teammate Lewis Hamilton’s pace during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix.
Mercedes moved ahead of Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc and local favorite Carlos Sainz starting fifth and sixth respectively.
Incredibly, only 0.035 seconds separated these four cars.
Pierre Gasly finished seventh in a morale-boosting weekend for Alpine, which also saw Esteban Ocon reach Q3 in ninth position.
Sergio Perez, who towed Verstappen on his final lap on the track’s main straight in an attempt to help his teammate win pole, was only eighth and will drop to 11th on Sunday due to a penalty three places postponed. From Canada.
More soon…
Sky Spanish GP schedule live from Sports F1
Sunday June 23
7:45 a.m.: Race 2 of the F1 Academy
9 a.m.: F3 featured race
10:30 a.m.: F2 featured race
12:30 p.m.: Grand Prix Sunday: preparation for the Spanish GP
2:00 p.m.: The SPANISH GRAND PRIX
4 p.m.: Checkered flag: reaction from the Spanish GP
Formula 1 returns to Europe as the championship moves to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix and the start of a tripleheader. Watch every session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month subscription – No contracts, cancel anytime
