F1 Spanish GP: Norris Secures Third Pole Position of the Season, Antonelli and Verstappen Second and Third

Beijing time (CEST) on September 12, the qualifying session for the F1 Spanish Grand Prix has concluded. Norris made a surprising breakthrough on his final lap, securing his third pole position of the season with an advantage of 1.1 seconds. Antonelli and Verstappen finished second and third respectively. Both Ferraris claimed fourth and fifth place. Russell finished sixth.

Qualifying Highlights

The Madrid street circuit, recently signed to a long-term deal with F1 as the new Spanish Grand Prix venue, hosted today's session with track temperatures reaching 53°C.

Q1 began, with Hamilton's car repaired after suffering an accident in FP3 before the qualifying session.

Continuing his strong form, Antonelli posted the first purple sector with a time of 1:33.6.

At 1:33.316, Lawson took the lead with red-marked tires! Verstappen and both Ferraris set times with yellow-marked tires.

Russell returned to the pits to check his suspension system. Radio: I hit the wall.

Bearman's FP3 accident was severe, and he was unable to participate in qualifying. He did not leave the pit and set a time before the Q1 clock expired.

Q1 ended with Russell taking the lead in the final seconds. Sainz, Alonso, Perez, Bottas, Bearman, and Stroll were eliminated; Albon barely made it through by five thousandths of a second.

Q2 began with both Mercedes cars heading out early.

Antonelli was the first to post a purple sector with 1:32.6, leading the field. Verstappen moved to the top with 1:32.5, both using fresh red-marked tires.

Both Ferraris stayed out for another lap, with Hamilton and Leclerc moving to third and fourth; Colapinto nearly lost control at the Monument corner.

Q2 ended with Hülkenberg, Bortoleto, Ocon, Gasly, Tsunoda, and Albon eliminated; Colapinto advanced to Q3. Gasly's radio: No grip, feels like a completely different car compared to FP3.

Q3 began with Mercedes heading out early, and all four major teams switching to fresh red-marked tires.

On an excellent lap, Hamilton took the lead with 1:32.0, with Antonelli close behind.

Cutting another 0.2 seconds, Antonelli led the field with 1:31.8.

In a final push, Norris, who had been quiet throughout all three practice sessions, posted a purple sector on his final lap with an advantage of 1.1 seconds, taking the lead.