Lando Norris produced a sensational final lap to defeat Max Verstappen and secure just his second Formula 1 pole position in a thrillingly competitive Spanish GP qualifying.
In a session that underlined McLaren’s growing strength and the ever-increasing competition at the front of F1 after two years of Verstappen-Red Bull dominance, Norris delivered under pressure when it mattered around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with a final lap of 1:11.383.
Verstappen had held provisional pole after the first Q3 laps and improved by two tenths more on his final attempt, but Norris made the difference seconds later by a mere 0.020s.
Mercedes will start from a second-row lockout after their own improvement continued in a competitive hour when they were a factor throughout.
For just the second time in 10 races this season, Lewis Hamilton out-qualified team-mate George Russell and will start a season-best third.
Mercedes outpaced Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc and home favourite Carlos Sainz to start fifth and sixth respectively.
Incredibly, just 0.035s separated those four cars.
Pierre Gasly was a stunning sixth on a morale-boosting weekend for Alpine, which also saw Esteban Ocon make Q3 in ninth.
Sergio Perez, who gave team-mate Verstappen a tow on his final lap, was only eighth and will drop to 11th on Sunday’s grid owing to a three-place penalty carried over from Canada.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s live Spanish GP schedule
Sunday June 23
7.45am: F1 Academy Race 2
9am: F3 Feature Race
10.30am: F2 Feature Race
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Spanish GP build-up
2pm: The SPANISH GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Spanish GP reaction
Formula 1 heads back to Europe as the championship moves on to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix and the start of a triple-header. Watch every session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime