The provisional world championship leader took his fifth pole of the season out of a possible seven and will start ahead of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz. The second row goes to the surprising Briton Lando Norris (McLaren) and Frenchman Pierre Gasly (Alpine), who could however be penalized after having hindered other competitors during these qualifying.
"The car was very good. Of course it was a bit tense with the weather. But in Q3 the car was very pleasant to drive. I love coming to Barcelona, the track, the crowd I really love F1 here and I hope I can add another victory to my collection," said the two-time reigning world champion, at the microphone of Canal +.
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) took fifth place on the grid, ahead of Canadian Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), who edged out teammate Fernando Alonso for the first time this season in qualifying. Alonso only set the ninth fastest time after damaging his car during a run-off in Q2.
Frenchman Esteban Ocon (Alpine), who clinched a superb third place in Monaco last weekend, will start in seventh position, ahead of German Nico Hülkenberg (Haas), while Australian Oscar Piastri (McLaren) will complete the Top 10.
These qualifying, contested on a slippery track at the beginning of the session, were marked by several big surprises.
Monegasque Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc returns with his Ferrari to the pits during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix on June 3, 2023 at the Montmelo circuit near Barcelona. © NACHO DOCE / POOL / AFP
It was first the Monegasque Charles Leclerc who was eliminated in Q1 and will start only in 19th and penultimate place. Then Verstappen's Red Bull teammate, Mexican Sergio Pérez, made a mistake and went for a ride in the gravel; Eliminated at the end of Q2, he will start in 11th place, ahead of Britain's George Russell, who also disappointed with the other Mercedes.
© 2023 AFP