Barcelona GP Qualifying Report

Barcelona was hot, "scorching" apparently but thirty degrees so not the hottest place that F1 goes.  No one had a problem with the climate or any other kind of issue in the first Qualifying session other than the drivers that didn't make the cut: Ocon, Albon, Perez, Bottas, Stroll, Alonso.  The Spaniard will not be happy to be starting one of his home races in last place.  Hamilton was fastest followed by Russell.

No drama in the second session but this time Russell led Leclerc at the top.  No surprises in the drivers that left the track: Lindblad, Bortoleto, Colapinto, Gasly, Bearman and Sainz.  Another Spaniard at the bottom of a table.

The action came in the final session when Leclerc crashed into the barrier at a speed which caused the medical car to be automatically dispatched.  He was walking away from the car by the time it arrived.  The red flag was waved because the car needed to be lifted from the gravel and the tyre wall repaired.  He had been pushing too hard.  When they went again, some drivers tried to put in two stints and others went for one do-or-die run.  A few drivers were in contention to take pole but Russell made it cleanly to take first place.  Behind him were Hamilton, Antonelli, Norris, Verstappen, Hadjar, Piastri (who I had almost forgotten existed), Lawson, Hulkenberg and Leclerc.  Russell will be pleased to have come out on top again.  The Ferrari resurgence with Hamilton is continuing, although with Hamilton having overtaken Russell for second place in the championship, he will have to get away and not have a typically poor Mercedes start.  I predict Hamilton will be leading the race into the front corner.

There are many contenders for the race win and even though Qualifying was quite dull it did promise at a great race.  We have to make the most of it as we won't be back in Barcelona for two years as it will now alternate years with Spa (boo!).