2023-06-03 15:43:00
In qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix in Montmelo, the world champion drove his Red Bull to his 24th career pole without any problems. Behind the Dutchman, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris in the McLaren completed the top three. Some of the top drivers had their problems on Saturday.
Record world champion Lewis Hamilton was only fifth in the end, although the Briton seems to be coping better with the revised Mercedes than his teammate George Russell. The 25-year-old did not get past twelfth place. A brief contact between the two Mercedes cars on the track caused a stir, and Russell must have simply overlooked Hamilton roaring behind him.
Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez also missed the final section of Q3 in eleventh place following driving into the gravel trap. Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso had to settle for ninth place with a damaged underbody. To cheer for him and his Spanish compatriot Sainz, thousands of fans made the pilgrimage to the racetrack, which is located regarding 20 kilometers north of Barcelona.
Charles Leclerc, who put the Ferrari on pole position last year, didn’t even get past 19th place. Only Williams driver Logan Sargeant was slower than the Monegasse in Q1. Leclerc hadn’t got stuck in the first qualifying segment since 2019.
“car was really good”
“The car was really good. Qualifying started a bit difficult because of the weather, but in Q3 the car felt like it was on rails,” said Verstappen, who celebrated his first win on the spot in 2016 as a 17-year-old. “It was a lot of fun driving today. I love the track and the fans. I have some great memories here.”
Sainz recapitulated that it was very complicated. “Doing a good lap in Q3 on just one set of tires – that was one of the most difficult qualifying sessions I can remember. I felt like I drove very well. I gave everything and I have nothing on today leave it on the table,” said the Spaniard.
Norris himself was “surprised to be here, but I did a great job. It’s a home race for Carlos, so I thought I’d give him a tenth,” joked the Briton. “I’m very happy. It was a difficult qualifying session, but we always seem to be good in these difficult qualifying sessions.”
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