Formula One

Verstappen on pole, Perez and Leclerc out of position in F1 Spanish Grand Prix qualifying

Andrew Rickert

Jun 4, 2023 — 3 min read

Max Verstappen set an incredible lap around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as the difficult conditions mixed up the rest of the grid behind him.

Max Verstappen was unbeatable on track in Barcelona. *(Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool)*

Verstappen was simply unbeatable with his lap time of 1:12.272 in Q3, setting the time on his first attempt and backing off once it was clear he was guaranteed pole position for Sunday’s grand prix.

“The car was really good,” said Verstappen.

“Qualifying started off a bit tricky with the weather, but by Q3 the car was on rails.”

“Going into Q3 I knew there was good potential left in the car so I could finally push it to the limit. The first run was really quick, then of course we went out again for the second run, that would have been even better, but I was told to abort the lap to save the tyres.”

“Looking ahead to tomorrow, we’ll need to watch out for the tyre wear but going into that last corner brings a smile to my face because that’s where an F1 car really comes to life.”

“It was very enjoyable to drive today. I love the track, I love the fans and I have some great memories here.”

Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Carlos Sainz were the top three in qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix. *(Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool)*

With rain still falling but the track drying after the Formula 2 sprint race, the field began qualifying in extremely difficult conditions, with six drivers spinning as they tested the limits of the circuit.

With Valtteri Bottas and Alex Albon both off the track at different positions, a red flag neutralised the session but both drivers were able to exit the gravel under their own power.

The shock departure in Q1 was Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, who complained of issues with his rear axle and could only beat the Williams of Logan Sargeant to qualify 19th for the grand prix.

In Q2 it was Red Bull driver Sergio Perez who struggled, knocked out in P11 as Verstappen was able to confidently progress off just one attempt.

A bizarre moment saw both Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton attempt to start a lap at the same time, with Hamilton unsighted behind his teammate and the pair making contact into turn one.

Russell had to abort his lap and was out in P12.

Verstappen set his fastest lap on the first run in Q3, unbeaten despite a flurry of fast laps in the final minutes which put Carlos Sainz on the front row and McLaren driver Lando Norris into third on the grid.

Aussie Oscar Piastri was tenth after showing supreme talent in the drying conditions to progress to Q3.

The Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix is underway 11pm on Sunday (AEST).

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2023 FIA Formula One World Championship - Round 8 Spain Qualifying