Piastri impresses in Spain as McLaren clinches first front row spot since 1998

BARCELONA, June 1 — Series leader Oscar Piastri wiped away “miserable” memories yesterday as he outpaced teammate Lando Norris to secure McLaren’s first front-row lockout at the Spanish Grand Prix since 1998.

The 24-year-old Australian, who holds a three-point lead over Norris in the drivers’ championship, posted a final lap time of 1 minute 11.546 seconds, beating Norris by two-tenths of a second—the largest pole-winning margin this season.

This marked Piastri’s fourth pole position of the year and of his career, setting up the two McLaren drivers as strong favourites for today’s race. Historically, 31 of the 34 Spanish Grands Prix have been won by a driver starting from the front row.

“It’s been a great weekend so far. It didn’t start well—we struggled a bit last night—but we found pace and the car has been fantastic,” Piastri said.

“I was able to put in some fast laps too. Thanks to the team for their hard work. This time last year was a pretty miserable scene, so turning it around like this feels amazing.”

Last year, Piastri started 10th after losing a qualifying lap due to running off into a gravel trap and finished seventh in the race.

“Oscar drove really well,” said Norris, who pushed hard in the final qualifying session.

“We definitely have the pace, just a few small mistakes. Oscar’s been strong all weekend. It’s a great result for the team and sets up an exciting race tomorrow.

“Hopefully, it will be a straightforward race for me. The long run into turn one is usually eventful. We’ve got plenty of fast drivers behind us, so we won’t underestimate anyone. But today’s result is solid.”

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

‘Tough to beat’

Charles Leclerc was seventh in the second Ferrari, followed by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Red Bull’s impressive rookie Isack Hadjar, and local favorite two-time champion Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin

“We lacked pace compared to McLaren all weekend but executed well, so third is about where we should be,” Verstappen said.

“It’s close behind as well, so it’s exciting to push the car to its limits here.

“I’ll give it my best. They’ll be tough to beat, but we’ll see what happens.”

The McLaren drivers dominated throughout qualifying, having topped all three practice sessions earlier.

After an early fast lap from Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll in Q1, the main contenders arrived in scorching heat with track temperatures reaching 50°C and air temperature at 29°C, tough conditions for the high-degradation tyres.

The session was briefly interrupted when Alpine’s Franco Colapinto stopped in the pit lane, causing a delay that led 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—recording his worst qualifying at his home race—in 18th, Esteban Ocon of Haas, and Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg.

For Tsunoda, it was a significant setback as Red Bull searches for a teammate capable of challenging Verstappen.

Eliminated in Q2 were Alex Albon of Williams, Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto, Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson, Stroll, and Haas’ Oliver Bearman, clearing the way for McLaren to shine under the Spanish sun. — AFP