Spain- Qualifying

The third race of the triple-header took Formula One to the beautiful Barcelona. This race weekend was one that many people eagerly awaited. With rule changes and car upgrades, rumours circulated that this could be the weekend to shake up the pecking order. But was it? Or did the top of the leaderboard remain just as it has been? 

The beginning of Q1 was rather slow. Most cars waited for track conditions to improve and did not appear on track until only 10 minutes were left in the session. When they did drive out, the McLarens quickly showed that the rumours of them losing their spot at the top were greatly exaggerated. They ended their runs in P1 and P3, separated only by the Red Bull of Max Verstappen. As the drivers prepared for their second attempts, a line formed in the pit lane. It was quickly revealed that the man standing at the front, Franco Colapinto, had an issue with his Alpine. His opponents had to drive around him to make their way onto the track, and the Argentinian did not make it out of the elimination zone. Neither did Nico Hulkenberg, Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz, and Yuki Tsunoda. 

When the top 15 returned to the track after a short break, the McLarens once again easily slipped into the leading positions. They were followed by Verstappen, Russell, and the two Ferraris. While the top contenders finished improving their times with a few minutes to spare, the real fight for survival began when the clock was running low on time. Try as hard as they might have, Alex Albon, Gabriel Bortoleto, Liam Lawson, Lance Stroll, and Oliver Bearman couldn't achieve times quick enough to move through into the last session of the day.

It quickly became clear that the fight for pole would happen between the two McLarens. Oscar Piastri began Q3 with a great first lap, and Lando Norris only improved upon his time. None of the other drivers could come close to their efforts. With all the focus on him, Noris began his second attempt. He set a pace that allowed him to improve upon his previously set time and take the provisional pole. Unfortunately for him, Piastri was even quicker and, in the end, the pole belonged to him. 

For now, it seems like the order has not changed nearly as much as some people predicted it would. But, of course, the points are only scored during the race itself. It remains to be seen whether the McLarens will be able to keep their blistering pace during Sunday's Grand Prix. 

Order of the grid:

1. Oscar Piastri

2. Lando Norris

3. Max Verstappen

4. George Russell

5. Lewis Hamilton

6. Kimi Antonelli

7. Charles Leclerc

8. Pierre Gasly

9. Isack Hadjar

10. Fernando Alonso

11. Alex Albon

12. Gabriel Bortoleto

13. Liam Lawson

14. Lance Stroll

15. Oliver Bearman

16, Nico Hulkenberg

17. Esteban Ocon

18. Carlos Sainz

19. Franco Colapinto

20. Yuki Tsunoda