Russell seizes pole in Barcelona by 0.064s from Hamilton as Antonelli starts third after Leclerc crash

Mercedes front row locked out, then broken

George Russell secured Mercedes' 150th pole position with a lap of 1:15.717, the fastest time of the qualifying session. Lewis Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, fell 0.064 seconds short, denying Mercedes a front-row lockout after Antonelli could only manage third, 0.319 seconds off the pace. It was the first time this season that Antonelli will start a grand prix outside the front two grid slots.

Hamilton's best Ferrari qualifying

Hamilton produced his best qualifying result since joining Ferrari at the start of 2025, beating his previous best of third place. The seven-time world champion had struggled in practice but found time by leaving the circuit between final practice and qualifying. "I left the track between P3 and qualifying, I went back to my motorhome, came back and was then first in Q1," Hamilton said. His effort set up the first all-British front row in Barcelona.

It just feels great to be up there. This weekend's been so difficult... in P2 I was over a second off... I didn't feel comfortable. In P3 I was easily 4/10ths, 5/10ths off and I was like: 'Where am I going to get that pace?'

Leclerc crash interrupts Q3

Charles Leclerc brought out a red flag in the final phase of qualifying after losing control at turn four and crashing into the tyre wall. The Monegasque driver emerged unhurt but will start 10th on the grid, pending any engine or gearbox changes. Leclerc said he felt "very ashamed" of the error, his third crash in eight days after incidents at his home Monaco Grand Prix.

Championship leader pushed back

Kimi Antonelli, 19, has won the last five grands prix and leads the drivers' standings with 156 points. The Italian admitted it had been a difficult weekend, lacking the feeling with the car. "I didn't really have the feeling with the car. Today, I've been lacking a little bit, but looking forward to tomorrow," he said. Hamilton is second on 90 points, with Russell third on 88, 68 behind his teammate after a run of poor luck.

Russell's relief

Russell described the pole as a morale boost after two races without scoring. "It's been a great weekend so far. I feel like my old self again where every lap I'm doing the job, always fighting in those top positions," he said. The 27-year-old added that he had come to Spain with a clean slate. Sunday's race will be his 100th grand prix for Mercedes.