Russell takes Spanish GP pole, Hamilton second, as Alonso's 42-race qualifying streak ends and Aston Martin crisis deepens

Qualifying results

George Russell secured his third pole position of the 2026 season at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with a lap of 1:14.679. He will start Sunday's race ahead of Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) and championship leader Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes). Hamilton's front-row start continues an upward trend as the European phase begins. Carlos Sainz, driving for Williams, used an extra set of tyres to reach Q2 but could only set the 16th fastest time.

Alonso's streak ends

Fernando Alonso qualified 22nd and last for his home Spanish Grand Prix. He was beaten by Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll by 53 thousandths of a second, snapping a streak of 42 consecutive races in which he had outqualified the Canadian since Silverstone 2024. Alonso said he tried to manage his pace in the first sector but came up short. Both Aston Martins filled the back row, exposing the car's deep performance deficit.

Aston Martin's AMR26 crisis

Alonso described the AMR26 as having "the worst car and the worst engine" and confirmed that a new car and engine are scheduled for the second half of the year. The Montmeló layout, with its demanding mix of corners and need for aerodynamic efficiency, revealed weaknesses in engine power, energy deployment, chassis rigidity and gearbox reliability. Team principal Mike Krack said the team must shield the drivers from negativity. The first major upgrade package is expected after the summer break.

“The worst car and the worst engine. We have been very clear, in the second part of the year a new car and a new engine arrive.”

Alonso's future remains open

The two-time champion had already hinted that this could be his last season. He told reporters that choosing when to retire is difficult when teams always promise better things the following year. He criticised the 2026 technical regulations and the 24-race calendar, noting that only seven races take place in Europe. Despite the frustration, Alonso said he still feels fast and has not decided whether to stop this year, next year or in three. He will reassess after the mid-season car update.

“I have driven things more fun than the F1 cars of this year, regardless of the result.”

“I feel fast. When I stop, I haven't decided, but I don't know if it will be this year, next year or in three, I'll try to make it the best moment, though you never know which one it is.”

Pérez shows respect

Sergio Pérez, now racing for Cadillac after a year away, said Alonso is "an inspiration for everyone". The Mexican driver noted how Alonso fights for 18th place with the same motivation as for a championship at age 44. Pérez, who finished 10th in Monaco but was penalised, said he is driving at his best and wants to leave Formula One on his own terms.

“Fernando is an inspiration for all of us, I respect him a lot. You see him fighting for 18th place just as motivated as if he were fighting for the World Championship, and you say: look, someone who has won everything and stays this motivated at 44.”