Norris snatches Pole from Antonelli at new Madrid circuit

Lando Norris produced a stunning final lap to secure pole position for McLaren at the new Madrid circuit, edging championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes by just 0.011 seconds in a thrilling qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The reigning world champion topped the timesheets with a lap of 1:31.824, delivering a remarkable turnaround after missing much of Friday’s second practice session because of an enforced gearbox change.

Antonelli, the 20-year-old Italian, came agonisingly close to taking pole but had to settle for second, while Max Verstappen completed the top three for Red Bull, 0.140 seconds behind Norris.

Lewis Hamilton led the Ferrari challenge in fourth, ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, with George Russell taking sixth in the second Mercedes.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri qualified seventh, followed by Liam Lawson in the second Red Bull, Alpine’s Franco Colapinto and Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad.

Norris Delighted With Stunning Lap

Norris had previously described the high-risk new Madring circuit as “like Monaco on steroids”, but he mastered the demanding layout when it mattered most.

After securing his third pole position of the season, Norris celebrated over team radio.

“What a lap. Gorgeous. Well done, guys. That might be my best one… That made me happy,” he said.

The McLaren driver admitted he was surprised by the result after what had been a challenging start to the weekend.

“I feel shocked and a bit surprised,” Norris said after taking his second pole in Spain and the 19th of his career.

Antonelli was quick to congratulate his rival after narrowly missing out on the top spot.

“It was very close and congrats to Lando for such a great lap,” the Mercedes driver said.

Verstappen Happy With Third

Verstappen secured third place after setting a competitive final lap, finishing just 0.049 seconds ahead of Hamilton.

“It was a good lap and as much as we could do,” said the Red Bull driver.

Hamilton had briefly looked on course for a remarkable return to pole after topping the opening runs in Q3. The seven-time world champion posted a 1:32.079 to lead Antonelli by 0.061 seconds, but he was unable to match the pace of the Mercedes and McLaren drivers on their final attempts.

Hamilton is still chasing his first pole since 2023 and his seventh pole position at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Bearman Misses Qualifying

The qualifying session began with news that Oliver Bearman would not take part after his late crash during final practice.

Hamilton, meanwhile, was cleared to participate after Ferrari mechanics completed rapid repairs to his car following his own incident. The Briton also avoided a penalty for failing to immediately follow instructions to park after the crash.

Spaniards Eliminated in Q1

The opening qualifying segment produced disappointment for the home crowd, with both Spanish drivers failing to make it through to Q2.

Carlos Sainz qualified 17th for Williams, while Fernando Alonso finished just behind him for Aston Martin.

The two Cadillac drivers were also eliminated, along with Bearman and Lance Stroll, who failed to set a competitive time in the second Aston Martin.

At the front, the battle was incredibly tight, with the top seven separated by only three-tenths of a second after George Russell set the early benchmark at 1:33.211.

Verstappen Sets the Q2 Pace

The pace intensified in Q2 as Verstappen immediately made his presence felt.

The Red Bull driver initially posted a 1:32.557 before improving to 1:32.431 on his second run, putting himself ahead of Antonelli and the two Ferraris.

The Audi pair, Haas’s Esteban Ocon, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Racing Bulls‘ Yuki Tsunoda and Williams driver Alex Albon failed to make the top 10.

Ocon’s result was nevertheless his strongest qualifying performance since the Japanese Grand Prix in March.

Norris Wins the Final-Lap Battle

With pole position up for grabs, Hamilton initially appeared to have the advantage after setting the fastest time on the first Q3 runs.

But the final attempts changed everything.

Antonelli moved to the top before Norris delivered when it mattered most, producing a sensational 1:31.824 to snatch pole by just 0.011 seconds.

The result gives Norris his second Spanish Grand Prix pole, his third pole of the 2026 season and the 19th of his Formula 1 career.

The margins at the front underline just how competitive the new Madrid circuit has proved, with the top four drivers — representing four different teams — separated by just 0.19 seconds.

With Norris starting from the front, Antonelli alongside him and Verstappen lurking in third, the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix is set for a dramatic battle when the lights go out.