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McLaren Dominates Qualifying: Piastri on Pole for Spanish GP

The excitement is building ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, following an electrifying qualifying session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. As the ninth round of this year’s championship, tensions were high—and McLaren delivered a masterclass, securing a sensational front-row lockout.

Piastri Grabs Pole, Norris Joins Him Up Front

Oscar Piastri stole the spotlight on Saturday, securing pole position after a flawless lap that capped off an impressive qualifying run. The young Australian has consistently impressed this season, and this latest achievement puts him in the perfect position to extend his championship lead. Historically, Barcelona has favored pole-sitters—24 of the last 34 races here were won from the front—so Piastri will be brimming with confidence heading into Sunday’s showdown.

Joining him on the front row is teammate Lando Norris, who sealed second place to complete McLaren’s first front-row lockout of 2025. With both cars at the front, McLaren has a golden opportunity to rake in massive points and shake up the Constructors’ Championship standings.

Red Bull and Mercedes in Hot Pursuit

Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, will start from third on the grid. The Red Bull driver has enjoyed previous success at this track and will be aiming to disrupt the McLaren 1-2 early in the race.

Just behind him is George Russell of Mercedes, who bounced back strongly after a difficult weekend in Monaco. His fourth-place result is a welcome boost for the team and sets up an exciting battle heading into Turn 1.

Hamilton Edges Leclerc as Antonelli Impresses

In a notable intra-team result, Lewis Hamilton, now racing for Ferrari, qualified fifth—beating teammate Charles Leclerc, who will start seventh. Splitting the red cars is Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, continuing to show maturity and pace in what’s been an impressive debut season.

Midfield Action: Gasly, Hadjar, and Home Hero Alonso

Pierre Gasly placed his Alpine in eighth, while Isack Hadjar kept up his promising rookie campaign by qualifying ninth for Racing Bulls. Rounding out the top ten is Fernando Alonso, who will no doubt be fired up racing in front of his home crowd at Aston Martin.

The Rest of the Grid

Just outside the top ten is Alex Albon in 11th for Williams, followed by Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) and Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls). Lance Stroll lines up 14th, ahead of Ollie Bearman and Nico Hulkenberg.

Esteban Ocon will start 17th, while it was a shocker for Carlos Sainz, who could only manage 18th in the second Williams. Bringing up the rear are Franco Colapinto (Alpine) in 19th and Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) in 20th, both struggling to find pace.

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✅ Full Starting Grid – 2025 Spanish GP

1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

2. Lando Norris (McLaren)

3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

4. George Russell (Mercedes)

5. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

6. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

7. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

8. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

9. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)

10. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)

11. Alex Albon (Williams)

12. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)

13. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)

14. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)

15. Ollie Bearman (Haas)

16. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)

17. Esteban Ocon (Haas)

18. Carlos Sainz (Williams)

19. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)

20. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)

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 Race Day Details

The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix gets underway at 3:00 PM local time on Sunday, June 1. With both McLaren drivers leading the charge and the championship heating up, this race promises to be one for the history books. Don’t miss it!