Barcelona Grand Prix 2026: Russell Wins Pole Position As Antonelli Qualifies In The Third

Kimi Antonelli will face a major test in the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix after qualifying third on Saturday, ending his run of front-row starts. George Russell took pole for Mercedes, while Lewis Hamilton also moved into contention as Antonelli tries to extend his winning streak to six races.

The 19-year-old Italian has won four times from pole and once from second on the grid, but he was not as sharp in qualifying. Antonelli said, "I am not really happy, I'm struggling with the feeling of the car," as he prepared for his first race start outside the front row this year.

Antonelli can still afford a points loss. He already has 156 points after six races. Hamilton is second on 90, and Russell has 88. Russell, who had failed to score in his last two races, said pole felt like a return to form after a difficult spell with Mercedes.

Russell finds form, Hamilton closes in

Russell’s pole was his 10th in Formula 1 and came in his 100th grand prix weekend for Mercedes. The team has taken all seven poles this season and has been helped by a rulebook change. Russell said, "Nice to feel the groove again," and added that he felt "confident and felt like myself again."

Hamilton, now with Ferrari, is also back in the fight after back-to-back runner-up finishes. The seven-time world champion said he may be close to ending a nearly two-year wait for another grand prix win. He has six wins at this track, though not since 2021, when he was with Mercedes.

Hamilton said, "I will give it a go," and added that Mercedes drivers Russell and Antonelli still seem to have "something extra in the pocket" when upgrades arrive. He also said qualifying was the closest Ferrari has been to the front on pace this season.

Leclerc crash, Alonso set for last start

Charles Leclerc was placed 10th after he skidded off at a turn and hit the barrier, bringing out a red flag. A crane lifted his damaged Ferrari, with one front wheel hanging loose, from the track. Leclerc had also crashed in Monaco last weekend after signing a contract extension with Ferrari.

Leclerc said, "No excuses. I just feel ashamed." Fernando Alonso also had a poor session and posted the slowest time in his Aston Martin. The 44-year-old said this is likely his last race in Barcelona, and he will start from the back of the grid.

The two Cadillacs, driven by Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas, were both knocked out in the first qualifying session. This race outside Barcelona was called the Spanish Grand Prix from 1991 until last year, before the title moved to Madrid for a new race in September.

Race and calendar changes

The Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix will now be held only every other year. It will pause in 2027 and return in 2028. Its future was uncertain until a deal was announced this year to alternate it with the Belgian GP on the calendar.