Russell secures pole in Barcelona, Hamilton just 64 thousandths behind

World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was already over three tenths off his teammate and has to make do with third in the second row of the grid. The Italian leads the drivers' standings with 66 points ahead of Hamilton; Russell follows just two points behind Hamilton. Antonelli is aiming for his sixth consecutive Grand Prix victory, which he will look to attack from third on the grid.

Right behind the Italian, Lando Norris (McLaren) will start the race. The reigning world champion qualified in fourth place, 0.322 seconds behind Russell. Max Verstappen was fifth, 0.342 seconds back, followed by Isack Hadjar in the Red Bull in sixth. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) took seventh ahead of Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls).

Leclerc Crash Halts Qualifying

Nico Hülkenberg secured ninth on the grid ahead of unlucky man Leclerc. He made it into the final qualifying segment for the first time in 2026 and therefore lines up for Audi from a strong starting position. Gabriel Bortoleto was knocked out in Q2, but as 12th he is lurking, ready to pounce for a points finish on Sunday.

Charles Leclerc dropped out in the decisive Q3 after a crash and was unable to set a time. The Monegasque, who had already had an accident a week ago at the Monaco GP, went off the track in a right-hand bend in Q3 for reasons that are still unclear. He barrelled through the gravel bed and slammed his Ferrari nose-first into the barriers.

Leclerc climbed out of his damaged car on his own and left the track on foot, apparently uninjured. He was taken to the medical centre for checks. Qualifying could only be resumed after a brief 15-minute pause, before the remaining drivers were able to complete their laps.

Eliminated in Q1 and Q2

In Q1, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were among those eliminated, taking 21st and 22nd for Aston Martin. Alonso, now 44 years old, had started last year's season opener weekend with the team's first point, but experienced a disappointing qualifying on home soil. The Cadillac drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, as well as Esteban Ocon and Alexander Albon, also failed to make it into Q2.

In Q2, Carlos Sainz Jr., Oliver Bearman, Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto, Arvid Lindblad and Gabriel Bortoleto had to bow out. Bortoleto will try to drive into the points from 12th on Sunday. Mercedes has won every race so far this season and heads into race day from a dominant position.

Outlook for Sunday's Race

The Spanish Grand Prix starts on Sunday at 15:00 and will be broadcast live on ORF 1 and Sky. A few months later, in September, Formula 1 will visit Spain once again in Madrid – the first race there ever.

The situation promises a duel at the front between the two Britons: Russell, who is back in top form after a brief dry spell, against Hamilton, who missed pole in his Ferrari by the narrowest of margins. Lurking behind them is Antonelli, who can attack at ease with his points cushion in the world championship.