Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid

Madrid, May 31: Oscar Piastri secured his fourth pole position of the season in a dramatic finale to the Spanish Grand Prix qualifying here on Saturday. The McLaren driver edged out teammate Lando Norris by 0.209 seconds in the closing moments of Q3, aiming to extend his championship lead in Sunday’s race.

Piastri dominated the early sessions, but Norris briefly stole the spotlight with a blistering first Q3 lap. Max Verstappen maintained consistency to claim third for Red Bull, narrowly ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell. Lewis Hamilton was the fastest Ferrari in fifth, ahead of Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc.

Fernando Alonso thrilled the home fans by placing Aston Martin’s car in tenth, while Williams’ Alex Albon narrowly missed Q3. The session saw surprises with Nico Hulkenberg, Esteban Ocon, and local favourite Carlos Sainz eliminated early.

Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda struggled, finishing last in 20th, well off Verstappen’s pace. The stage is set for an intense race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.