McLaren's Piastri Outdoes Norris To Take Pole In Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying

In yet another battle of the McLaren brothers, Oscar Piastri outpaced his title rival and team-mate Lando Norris in the final minute of a gripping qualifying session on Saturday to secure pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The championship leader clocked a near-flawless final lap of one minute and 11.546 seconds, beating Norris by 0.209 seconds as McLaren claimed a dominant one-two, having topped all three practice sessions.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was third for Red Bull, followed by Mercedes’ George Russell, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari, and Kimi Antonelli in the second Mercedes.

Charles Leclerc took seventh in the second Ferrari, followed by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Racing Bulls’ impressive rookie Isack Hadjar, and local hero, two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin.

It was Piastri’s fourth pole of the season and career as he aims to extend his three-point lead over Norris in the drivers’ championship.

“Nice work, very nicely done, everyone," said the composed 24-year-old Australian on team radio. “That’s quite some turnaround from last year. Well done everyone. Let’s have some fun tomorrow!"

He added, “I’m very glad to be on pole here and now I just need a good start. It’s a long run to the first corner!"

Norris commented, “Oscar has driven really well and he deserved it. But it is a great result for the team."

Piastri’s two-second advantage is the biggest this season between pole and second place.

The session was briefly stalled when Alpine’s Franco Colapinto stopped in the pit lane, causing a delay and forcing other drivers to overtake him, leading to a frantic final two minutes.

Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull was eliminated in 20th and last place, along with Colapinto, Williams’ Carlos Sainz—his worst qualifying result at his home event—in 18th, Esteban Ocon of Haas, and Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg.

For Tsunoda, it was a significant setback as he sought to address Red Bull’s challenge in finding a partner to push Verstappen.

Cloud cover affected conditions for the second runs as both McLaren drivers fought for pole, with the Australian prevailing.

It was McLaren’s first front-row lockout in Spain since 1998.