World champion Max Verstappen confidently secured pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday (June 4th, 2023, 3 p.m., live ticker at sportschau.de).
The Red Bull driver prevailed in qualifying on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya ahead of local hero Carlos Sainz in a Ferrari and McLaren driver Lando Norris (England). For the Dutchman it is the 24th pole of his Formula 1 career and already the fourth of the season.
“I just always like coming to Barcelona”Verstappen rejoiced afterwards. “Great track, great fans and I have great memories. Hopefully there will be another good memory on Sunday.”
Hulkenberg beats fan favorite Alonso
Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg finished eighth in the top ten for the fourth time this year, staying ahead of fan favorite Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin.
Strong performance: Nico Hülkenberg finished in the top ten
“I’m very happy. We’ll start in the points on Sunday, so of course the goal is to finish in the points at the end.”Hülkenberg announced the fight for a top ten position.
Leclerc debacle, Russell weak too
Ferrari star Charles Leclerc, second in the World Championship last year and pole setter in Spain, only starts from 19th place after a qualifying debacle.
Mercedes driver George Russell fared little better in twelfth and Sergio Perez, who was only eleventh in the second Red Bull.
save tires is a key factor
Pole position is particularly valuable on the track just outside Barcelona. In the 32 races to date, the eventual winner has started 23 times from first place. Another factor might be to protect the tires. The course layout has been changed compared to previous years, the course is now faster and more fluid, but it also demands more from the material.
According to the Formula 1 weather service, there is a significant risk of rain for the race on Sunday. The third free practice session on Saturday was already affected by rain, and it was dribbled at the beginning of qualifying. Red Bull has won all six races of the season so far, four wins went to Verstappen. His lead over Perez is 39 points.