F1 Spanish Grand Prix LIVE: Race results as Max Verstappen holds off Lando Norris for victory

Lando Norris produced a superb lap to beat Max Verstappen to pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The British driver was trailing Verstappen heading into the final runs at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya before he delivered the goods to take top spot.

Norris edged out the Red Bull man by just 0.020 seconds, with Lewis Hamilton in third, and George Russell fourth for Mercedes, with three British drivers in the top four.

“Let’s f****** go, baby,” yelled Norris after taking only his second pole of his career. Norris’ wonder lap arrived on the same day a McLaren staff member was hospitalised after a fire broke out at the British team’s hospitality suite in the paddock.

Follow live updates from the Spanish GP with The Independent

F1 SPANISH GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES

• Max Verstappen wins the Spanish Grand Prix; Norris 2nd; Hamilton 3rd

• Click HERE for the top-10

• OVERTAKE! Max Verstappen claims lead from Russell (Lap 3/66)

• START! George Russell takes the lead at the start (Lap 1/66)

• Lando Norris started on pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix ; Verstappen 2nd; Hamilton 3rd

• Fire breaks out in McLaren F1 hospitality unit at Spanish Grand Prix

• PREVIEW: Toto Wolff slams Lewis Hamilton ‘sabotage’ claims and involves police

• EXCLUSIVE - Mick Schumacher on F1 exile: ‘It has been a draining few years’

TOP-10 IN THE SPANISH GRAND PRIX:

15:38 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen

2. Lando Norris

3. Lewis Hamilton

4. George Russell

5. Charles Leclerc

6. Carlos Sainz

7. Oscar Piastri

8. Sergio Perez

9. Pierre Gasly

10. Esteban Ocon

Lando Norris:

16:46 , Kieran Jackson

“I need to review things. It wasn’t like it was a bad start, 2 metres, I couldn’t cover Max and that was it. George had a huge slipstream, past both of us, if you took me out of it George still would have got ahead of Max. Nowadays when it’s so close, one or two metres makes a difference - such a small margin. Lost it in the beginning.

“I don’t care what position I’m in [in the championship]. I care where I am to first. Further away from Max in the championship. I didn’t do a good

“If it’s like this every weekend, I need Max to not finish second. He’s doing a good job. We have a good car, still need to improve on some things. Today we had the opportunity to win, should’ve won the race and we didn’t - those were the opportunities we need to take.

Max Verstappen holds off Lando Norris to extend title lead with Spanish GP win

16:31 , Kieran Jackson

Race report

Max Verstappen held off Lando Norris’ late charge to win the Spanish Grand Prix and extend his championship lead.

Norris started from pole position but dropped to third after he was outfoxed by Verstappen and George Russell at the opening bend following a poor getaway in Barcelona.

But the McLaren driver took on a different strategy to his rivals to afford himself a last-gasp surge for victory on fresher rubber.

However, Norris ran out of steam in his pursuit of Verstappen with the Dutchman claiming his third win from the last four races to extend his title lead to 69 points.

Max Verstappen holds off Lando Norris to extend title lead with Spanish GP win

Time for the podium!

16:15 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen 1st, Norris 2nd and Hamilton 3rd on the podium in Barcelona!

And a familiar feel of the Dutch and Austrian national anthems!

Lewis Hamilton:

16:06 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s been a good day, solid weekend. A bit like Lando, got a really bad start, lost ground to the Ferraris - bit of a battle to get back to where I am now.

“All the overtakes were super close, that’s how it should be. It was fair [with Carlos]. On the limit, piece of paper between us.”

Lando Norris:

15:57 , Kieran Jackson

“Not could, should have done. Got a bad start, simple as that. Car was incredible today, we were the quickest - lost it in the beginning, disappointed. I can work on it for next time, but good amount of points.

“It was only a little bit I lost to Max, but George was on the outside. Well done to Red Bull and Max, another job done for them, frustrating but we’ll work on it for next time.

“We’re on a good roll, I just need to tidy some things.”

Max Verstappen:

15:50 , Kieran Jackson

“What made the race was the beginning, took the lead on lap two. Got a buffer - from there had to have a defensive race. McLaren were very fast, it was an aggressive strategy but it paid out at the end.

“It’s just about managing the tyres, management race throughout.”

Lando Norris on team radio:

15:45 , Kieran Jackson

“It doesn’t matter really. I should have won, f***** the start. Car was good, deserved more.”

Max Verstappen on team radio:

15:43 , Kieran Jackson

“Yes! Nice! We definitely weren’t the quickest out there, strategy as well!”

Max Verstappen wins the Spanish Grand Prix

15:32 , Kieran Jackson

It was close - much like Imola again - but Max Verstappen has enough to beat Lando Norris to the chequered flag!

And Lewis Hamilton picks up his first podium of the year in third!

4-10: Russell, Leclerc, Sainz, Piastri, Perez, Gasly, Ocon

Max Verstappen struggling (Lap 66/66)

15:31 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen’s pace just dropping off a tad - it’s now 2.5 seconds to Norris!

But he’s going to run out of laps I’m afraid!

Final lap...

Max Verstappen’s gap to Lando Norris is 4 seconds (Lap 63/66)

15:27 , Kieran Jackson

It’s not going to happen for Lando Norris I don’t think... the gap continues to fall but not quick enough, with only four laps remaining in Barcelona!

Meanwhile, Leclerc in fifth is two seconds behind Russell in fourth - that looks the best battle for some late drama!

Alex Albon on the gravel (Lap 59/66)

15:24 , Kieran Jackson

Further back, Albon skids onto the gravel as he battles with Yuki Tsunoda.

For the second year running, we’re set to get no yellow flags and no race retirements at the Spanish Grand Prix... yeah, not the best circuit for drama...

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Hamilton, Russell, Leclerc, Sainz, Piastri, Gasly, Perez, Ocon

Lando Norris five seconds behind Max Verstappen (Lap 55/66)

15:17 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen has responded to Norris’ pace though, and the gap has essentially stabilised. Not sure we’re going to have the frantic finish we all want!

Best battle in the top-10 right now? Sainz is within DRS of Ferrari team-mate Leclerc in fifth... could we have a battle there?

Lewis Hamilton passes George Russell (Lap 52/66)

15:13 , Kieran Jackson

That’s third place for Lewis Hamilton, as he eyes his first podium of the season!

Too much pace on the softs for Russell to handle, speeding around the outside of turn one!

Lando Norris closing the gap! (Lap 50/66)

15:12 , Kieran Jackson

The gap has dropped from 8 seconds to 6.8 seconds, with Norris setting a new fastest lap of the race.

Verstappen’s engineer: “Lando pushing hard and not saving tyres, all corners.”

Pretty relaxed on the Red Bull pit wall it seems...

Behind Norris, Russell is slow on those hard tyres and Hamilton has DRS on his team-mate on quicker soft tyres...

Lando Norris pits! (Lap 48/66)

15:09 , Kieran Jackson

Big move for McLaren!

Norris pits and it’s slow - 3.6 secs - but the McLaren comes out just in front of George Russell!

So Norris is in second, eight seconds behind Verstappen. Much like Imola, can Norris challenge the Red Bull at the end?

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Russell, Hamilton, Sainz, Leclerc, Perez, Piastri, Gasly, Ocon

Decision time for Lando Norris (Lap 47/66)

15:07 , Kieran Jackson

Will Norris pit to cover Hamilton and Russell? Probably.

Good news for Verstappen...

Max Verstappen pits (Lap 45/66)

15:06 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen comes in and they switch the Dutchman to soft tyres.

Lando Norris takes the lead - and now he’s in clean air to try and build a lead!

Gap to Verstappen is 18 seconds, with a pit stop costing a driver around 23 seconds.

Norris now going very quick!

George Russell: (Lap 43/66)

15:01 , Kieran Jackson

“This tyre does not feel good, sliding already.”

Russell down in sixth place on hard tyres - good info for the rest of the pack.

The more laps they get through now, the more likely it is the remaining cars will pit for soft tyres to conclude this race.

Lando Norris closes the gap to Max Verstappen (Lap 42/66)

14:59 , Kieran Jackson

The gap has closed from 9.2 seconds to 5.9 seconds - it’s gradually coming down!

A reminder that Norris has a six-lap delta on tyres to Verstappen, so perhaps that is still showing!

When will they pit again?

George Russell pits (Lap 37/66)

14:53 , Kieran Jackson

Russell has had enough on that set of mediums - 20 laps - and he switches now onto hard tyres!

The Mercedes comes out in seventh place, while Carlos Sainz also pits and is in eighth!

Top-10: Verstappen, Norris, Hamilton, Leclerc, Piastri, Gasly, Russell, Sainz, Ocon

Lando Norris passes George Russell (Lap 35/66)

14:52 , Kieran Jackson

Brilliant racing!

Norris passes Russell down into turn four, before Russell takes the position back at turn 5 and Norris gets him at turn 8!

That was terrific to watch - Norris in second place!

And he’s 9.2 seconds behind Max Verstappen in front.

Norris passes Hamilton (Lap 33/66)

14:50 , Kieran Jackson

He had to bide his time - but Norris gets it done for third place!

Russell next!

Lando Norris passes Carlos Sainz (Lap 27/66)

14:40 , Kieran Jackson

Superior pace for the McLaren and with DRS down the main straight, as Norris takes fourth place from his friend Carlos Sainz.

Next for Norris is Hamilton in third - and the gap to Verstappen out in front is nine seconds.

Charles Leclerc pits (Lap 25/66)

14:37 , Kieran Jackson

A 3 second stop for Leclerc and the Ferrari re-joins the race in seventh place, behind Pierre Gasly in sixth. Every driver has now pitted.

Top-10: Verstappen, Russell, Hamilton, Sainz, Norris, Gasly, Leclerc, Ocon, Perez, Piastri

Verstappen’s lead is 5.8 seconds.

Lando Norris pits (Lap 24/66)

14:36 , Kieran Jackson

Norris now comes into the pits, quick stop, and he comes out around 3 seconds behind Carlos Sainz in sixth!

But, Norris obviously has fresher tyres having pitted six laps later than Verstappen.

Leclerc - the only frontrunner who hasn’t pitted - now leads...

Max Verstappen passes Oscar Piastri (Lap 22/66)

14:34 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen rapid and comfortably passes Piastri for third place - with the Australian pitting straight away afterwards.

Norris continues to extend his first stint, as does Leclerc. Interesting strategy game at play here...

Top-10: Norris, Leclerc, Verstappen, Russell, Hamilton, Sainz, Gasly, Ocon, Perez, Hulkenberg

Verstappen is 6.6 seconds behind Charles Leclerc down the road.

Lewis Hamilton passes Carlos Sainz (Lap 19/66)

14:29 , Kieran Jackson

Just!

The pair touch at turn one slightly but Hamilton just squeezes through around the corner!

Great racing!

Sainz: “He touched me and ran me off.” I think that looked fair...

Max Verstappen pits (Lap 18/66)

14:28 , Kieran Jackson

Unbelievably quick stop from Red Bull at 1.9 seconds!

Verstappen comes out in fourth on his set of medium tyres, behind Norris, Leclerc and Piastri.

Will McLaren respond?!

Lando Norris (Lap 17/66)

14:27 , Kieran Jackson

Engineer: “We could cover Russell, what do you think?”

Norris: “No, we need to go and get Max.”

That’s where Norris’ head is at!

Lewis Hamilton pits (Lap 17/66)

14:26 , Kieran Jackson

2.3 sec stop for Hamilton - and the Mercedes comes out in ninth, behind Carlos Sainz!

George Russell pits (Lap 16/66)

14:25 , Kieran Jackson

Russell, in second, pits but it’s a bit slow at 5.3 seconds - but the Brit is just in front of Carlos Sainz coming out of the pits after Ferrari pitted their man with a 2.2 sec stop.

Lando Norris goes up to second, 4.8 seconds off Max Verstappen, while Russell comes back out in eighth.

Will Norris respond?

Kevin Magnussen receives a penalty

14:24 , Kieran Jackson

A false start from the Haas - five-second time penalty.

Magnussen currently running in 18th after his pit-stop..

Lando Norris:

14:22 , Kieran Jackson

“I’m way quicker - let’s do something.”

Pit-stop incoming for McLaren?

Max Verstappen extends his lead (Lap 12/66)

14:20 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen’s gap to Russell is now 2.8 seconds - and it feels like the Mercedes is holding back the chasing pack behind him too!

Lando Norris has DRS on Russell but is too far back at the moment to make a move.

Sainz is very close behind Hamilton in fourth - can the Spaniard get a move done on the man replacing him at Ferrari?!

Feel as though it should be the first set of pit-stops relatively soon too...

Max Verstappen outside DRS range (Lap 8/66)

14:15 , Kieran Jackson

Quite the start from the Dutchman!

He’s now outside of DRS range to Russell with a lead of 1.9 seconds.

Lando Norris is 0.8 secs behind, with Lewis Hamilton behind Norris by a similar margin.

First stage of the race has settled now, let’s see what strategy is utilised...

Top-10: Verstappen, Russell, Norris, Hamilton, Sainz, Leclerc, Gasly, Piastri, Ocon, Hulkenberg

Max Verstappen takes the lead! (Lap 4/66)

14:08 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen just has too much pace!

Russell tries to defend down the inside on the main straight but, around the outside, Verstappen speeds past and Russell eventually has to yield!

The Red Bull leads!

Top-10: Verstappen, Russell, Norris, Hamilton, Sainz, Leclerc, Gasly, Piastri, Ocon, Hulkenberg

Max Verstappen within half-a-second of George Russell

14:07 , Kieran Jackson

Russell will have to defend well here... Verstappen has DRS!

George Russell takes the lead!

14:05 , Kieran Jackson

What a start!

Russell gets ahead from P4 at turn one - Norris was defending from Verstappen on the inside but Russell comes storming around the outside!

Verstappen in second, with Norris dropping down to third - Hamilton in fourth!

Formation lap!

14:00 , Kieran Jackson

Here we go then - Lando Norris leads the pack around for the formation lap!

Everybody is on the soft tyre to start this race and for the long run down to turn one!

Can Norris keep the lead at the start? We’re about to find out...

A reminder of the starting grid for Spanish Grand Prix:

13:58 , Kieran Jackson

1. Lando Norris

2. Max Verstappen

3. Lewis Hamilton

4. George Russell

5. Charles Leclerc

6. Carlos Sainz

7. Pierre Gasly

8. Esteban Ocon

9. Oscar Piastri

10. Fernando Alonso

11. Sergio Perez*

12. Valtteri Bottas

13. Nico Hulkenberg

14. Lance Stroll

15. Zhou Guanyu

16. Kevin Magnussen

17. Yuki Tsunoda

18. Daniel Ricciardo

19. Logan Sargeant

Pit lane. Alex Albon

*Sergio Perez has a three-place grid penalty carried over from the last race in Canada

Christian Horner:

13:55 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s windier and hotter, whoever does the best in protecting left-hand tyres will win it. The cars look very, very close, anything can happen today.

“Max is managing to be incredibly consistent.”

George Russell:

13:53 , Kieran Jackson

“The fight is on for the podium, Lando and Max a bit ahead.”

Carlos Sainz:

13:52 , Kieran Jackson

“Aim is a podium, it will be tough. Fight with the Mercs, we’ll do our best.”

Time for the Spanish national anthem in Barcelona!

13:48 , Kieran Jackson

Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso stood by themselves as the home representatives on the grid!

McLaren CEO Zak Brown:

13:48 , Kieran Jackson

“Turn 1 is pretty important, hard to pass around here. I’ve got confidence, it should be a good race!”

Lando Norris’ engineer Will Joseph:

13:45 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s fine, we’re all good - treat it like every other race.

“Lando has prepared himself.”

Driver Standings ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix:

13:42 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen - 194 points

2. Charles Leclerc - 138 points

3. Lando Norris - 131 points

4. Carlos Sainz - 108 points

5. Sergio Perez - 107 points

6. Oscar Piastri - 81 points

7. George Russell - 69 points

8. Lewis Hamilton - 55 points

9. Fernando Alonso - 41 points

10. Yuki Tsunoda - 19 points

11. Lance Stroll - 17 points

12. Daniel Ricciardo - 9 points

13. Oliver Bearman - 6 points

14. Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

15. Pierre Gasly - 3 points

16. Alex Albon - 2 points

17. Esteban Ocon - 2 points

18. Kevin Magnussen - 1 point

19. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points

20. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points

21. Logan Sargeant - 0 points

Hell of a reception for Carlos Sainz earlier!

13:40 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen:

13:33 , Kieran Jackson

Race winner odds!

13:29 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen - 8/11

Lando Norris - 33/20

Lewis Hamilton - 14/1

George Russell - 16/1

Charles Leclerc - 25/1

Carlos Sainz - 33/1

Oscar Piastri - 80/1

Pierre Gasly, Sergio Perez - 200/1

Fernando Alonso - 250/1

Esteban Ocon - 300/1

Valtteri Bottas, Nico Hülkenberg, Lance Stroll - 1500/1

Alexander Albon, Guanyu Zhou, Kevin Magnussen, Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda - 2000/1

Logan Sargeant - 5000/1

Odds provided by Grosvenor Sport

Drivers Parade in Barcelona!

13:26 , Kieran Jackson

Starting grid for Spanish Grand Prix:

13:23 , Kieran Jackson

1. Lando Norris

2. Max Verstappen

3. Lewis Hamilton

4. George Russell

5. Charles Leclerc

6. Carlos Sainz

7. Pierre Gasly

8. Esteban Ocon

9. Oscar Piastri

10. Fernando Alonso

11. Sergio Perez*

12. Valtteri Bottas

13. Nico Hulkenberg

14. Lance Stroll

15. Zhou Guanyu

16. Kevin Magnussen

17. Yuki Tsunoda

18. Daniel Ricciardo

19. Logan Sargeant

Pit lane. Alex Albon

*Sergio Perez has a three-place grid penalty carried over from the last race in Canada

Pole-sitter Lando Norris:

13:17 , Kieran Jackson

Michael Schumacher’s family targeted by alleged blackmail plot

13:11 , Kieran Jackson

Two men have been arrested by German police on allegations of blackmailing the family of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, as reported by German newspaper Bild.

The report states that the two men, from the German city of Wuppertal, were seeking millions of Euros from the family of the seven-time F1 world champion.

Public prosecutors in Wuppertal have opened an investigation into blackmail directed at a celebrity and arrests have been made in connection with the probe, said a spokesperson, without naming the celebrity.

Full story below:

Michael Schumacher’s family targeted by alleged blackmail plot

Lewis Hamilton at the drivers parade:

13:02 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s beautiful, this is the most support I’ve ever had here! The track is awesome, hope we can give them a good race.

“It’s going to be dependent on the weather, and tyre deg is going to be interesting - the Red Bull and McLaren are a little bit out of reach but we’ll see.”

Lando Norris on his chances of catching Max Verstappen in the championship:

12:59 , Kieran Jackson

“I think it’s tough but there’s probably more chances and possibilities now,” Norris said.

“Especially if Mercedes are in the fight, more chance to have a bigger swing of points rather than a bad weekend for Max who was third or before or something.

“It could be that it’s a fifth or a sixth and if you can be that one guy that wins, within one weekend you can turn quite a bit of points around fairly quickly. So, if it goes like that then I would say there’s a higher chance.”

Toto Wolff slams Lewis Hamilton ‘sabotage’ claims and involves police ahead of Spanish GP

12:53 , Kieran Jackson

Preview by Kieran Jackson

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hit out against online abuse on Friday at the Spanish Grand Prix after an anonymous email sent to members of the F1 paddock claimed Lewis Hamilton was being “sabotaged” by the team.

The email, titled “a potential death warrant for Lewis” and claiming to be from a Mercedes employee, accused Wolff of being “vindictive” and stated that seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton was being “excluded” as a result of his 2025 move to Ferrari.

The letter was sent a day after the Canadian Grand Prix a fortnight ago, when Hamilton missed out on a podium in the closing laps as his team-mate of two-and-a-half years George Russell overtook him on the quicker medium tyres, while Hamilton was left powerless to defend on the hard compound rubber.

Mercedes have now confirmed they have reported the matter to the police and are also mounting their own investigation to find the source of the email, including attempting to find the IP address.

Full piece below:

Wolff slams Hamilton ‘sabotage’ claims and involves police ahead of Spanish GP

Constructors’ Standings ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix:

12:46 , Kieran Jackson

1. Red Bull - 301 points

2. Ferrari - 252 points

3. McLaren - 212 points

4. Mercedes - 124 points

5. Aston Martin - 58 points

6. RB - 28 points

7. Haas - 7 points

8. Alpine - 5 points

9. Williams - 2 points

10. Sauber - 0 points

Mick Schumacher on F1 exile: ‘It has been a draining few years’

12:27 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive by Kieran Jackson:

The duties of a reserve driver in Formula One are unique, distinctive and unlike most back-ups in other sports. With the chances of a last-minute call-up to the cockpit extremely unlikely, you lead a life in the shadows. Out of mind, but never fully out of sight. In Mick Schumacher’s case, he has been omnipresent in the F1 paddock for more than three years but, to his detectible discontent, the last 18 months have been without a race seat.

“Fighting your way back is exhausting,” Schumacher tells The Independent, in the familiar surroundings of the Mercedes motorhome. You get this cake presented to you which is really good, but you’re not allowed to eat it. And you have to watch everybody else eat it. So it’s tough, for sure, but I know why I’m doing it.”

Full interview below:

Mick Schumacher on F1 exile: ‘It has been a draining few years’

Driver Standings ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix:

12:19 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen - 194 points

2. Charles Leclerc - 138 points

3. Lando Norris - 131 points

4. Carlos Sainz - 108 points

5. Sergio Perez - 107 points

6. Oscar Piastri - 81 points

7. George Russell - 69 points

8. Lewis Hamilton - 55 points

9. Fernando Alonso - 41 points

10. Yuki Tsunoda - 19 points

11. Lance Stroll - 17 points

12. Daniel Ricciardo - 9 points

13. Oliver Bearman - 6 points

14. Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

15. Pierre Gasly - 3 points

16. Alex Albon - 2 points

17. Esteban Ocon - 2 points

18. Kevin Magnussen - 1 point

19. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points

20. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points

21. Logan Sargeant - 0 points

Fire breaks out in McLaren F1 hospitality unit at Spanish Grand Prix

12:10 , Kieran Jackson

A fire broke out on Saturday morning at McLaren’s F1 hospitality unit at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona – with all personnel escaping unharmed.

Safety personnel and fire engines sped through the paddock on Saturday morning after a fire was reported above the kitchen.

Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as well as a host of staff and guests, were quickly evacuated.

Fire breaks out in McLaren F1 hospitality unit at Spanish Grand Prix

The drivers have arrived at an overcast paddock bright and early this morning!

11:58 , Kieran Jackson

Starting grid for Spanish Grand Prix:

11:55 , Kieran Jackson

1. Lando Norris

2. Max Verstappen

3. Lewis Hamilton

4. George Russell

5. Charles Leclerc

6. Carlos Sainz

7. Pierre Gasly

8. Esteban Ocon

9. Oscar Piastri

10. Sergio Perez*

11. Fernando Alonso

12. Valtteri Bottas

13. Nico Hulkenberg

14. Lance Stroll

15. Zhou Guanyu

16. Kevin Magnussen

17. Yuki Tsunoda

18. Daniel Ricciardo

19. Alex Albon

20. Logan Sargeant

*Sergio Perez has a three-place grid penalty carried over from the last race in Canada

Lando Norris beats Max Verstappen to stunning pole position for Spanish Grand Prix

11:50 , Kieran Jackson

Qualifying report

Lando Norris produced a superb lap to beat Max Verstappen to pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The British driver was trailing Verstappen heading into the final runs at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya before he delivered the goods to take top spot.

Norris edged out the Red Bull man by just 0.020 seconds, with Lewis Hamilton in third, and George Russell fourth for Mercedes, with three British drivers in the top four.

“Let’s f****** go, baby,” yelled Norris after taking only his second pole of his career. Norris’ wonder lap arrived on the same day a McLaren staff member was hospitalised after a fire broke out at the British team’s hospitality suite in the paddock.

Full piece below:

Norris overcomes McLaren fire drama to snatch pole over Verstappen

F1 Spanish Grand Prix LIVE!

11:49 , Kieran Jackson

Good morning and welcome to live coverage of round 10 of the 2024 F1 season!

It should be an interesting one today! Lando Norris starts on pole as he eyes his second win in Formula One, with Max Verstappen alongside him on the front row.

Lewis Hamilton starts in third with Mercedes team-mate George Russell in fourth!

Can Norris maintain the lead at the start? We’ll soon find out - lights out is at 2pm (BST)!

Starting grid for Spanish Grand Prix:

Saturday 22 June 2024 18:00 , Kieran Jackson

1. Lando Norris

2. Max Verstappen

3. Lewis Hamilton

4. George Russell

5. Charles Leclerc

6. Carlos Sainz

7. Pierre Gasly

8. Esteban Ocon

9. Oscar Piastri

10. Sergio Perez*

11. Fernando Alonso

12. Valtteri Bottas

13. Nico Hulkenberg

14. Lance Stroll

15. Zhou Guanyu

16. Kevin Magnussen

17. Yuki Tsunoda

18. Daniel Ricciardo

19. Alex Albon

20. Logan Sargeant

*Sergio Perez has a three-place grid penalty carried over from the last race in Canada

Lando Norris beats Max Verstappen to stunning pole position for Spanish Grand Prix

Saturday 22 June 2024 17:29 , Kieran Jackson

Qualifying report

Lando Norris produced a superb lap to beat Max Verstappen to pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The British driver was trailing Verstappen heading into the final runs at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya before he delivered the goods to take top spot.

Norris edged out the Red Bull man by just 0.020 seconds, with Lewis Hamilton in third, and George Russell fourth for Mercedes, with three British drivers in the top four.

“Let’s f****** go, baby,” yelled Norris after taking only his second pole of his career. Norris’ wonder lap arrived on the same day a McLaren staff member was hospitalised after a fire broke out at the British team’s hospitality suite in the paddock.

Full piece below:

Lando Norris beats Max Verstappen to stunning pole position for Spanish Grand Prix

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc after qualifying fifth:

Saturday 22 June 2024 17:12 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s disappointing. We are much further away than we anticipated. The pace was just not there today, we tried everything and it didn’t work.”

George Russell after qualifying P4:

Saturday 22 June 2024 17:03 , Kieran Jackson

“We all believed it [pole]. Car felt great and historically we’ve gone well here - gap to Lando and Max was a bit bigger than expected. P3 and P4 is a great place to fight tomorrow.

“I think on a circuit like this, the pace of the car will win out. You can do some things with the strategy, but if you have one tenth in the car that will win out over strategy. We’ll be trying something. I think we can fight with Lando and Max for the victory.”

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff:

Saturday 22 June 2024 16:55 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s not great. Third and fourth could’ve been fifth and sixth, three-tenths to the leaders - it didn’t look it yesterday. A solid result but no more than that.

“The gaps are so tiny, it can swing one direction or another. Max is beaten by Norris, it’s three-tenths to us.

Asked about potential rain tomorrow: “We’ll have a go with whatever God throws at us!”

McLaren boss Zak Brown after Norris’ pole position:

Saturday 22 June 2024 16:48 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton after qualifying P3:

Saturday 22 June 2024 16:40 , Kieran Jackson

“I’m really happy. Super grateful to be in the top-3, it’s been a difficult year. I didn’t expect us to be fighting for pole, but we’d be close - to be there, I’m just gratefull!

“We’ve made huge steps forward. Slowly the car is crafting into a racing machine to challenge the guys in front. Hopefully we can challenge the guys ahead.”

Hamilton’s best qualifying of the season, by far...

Lando’s pole moment!

Saturday 22 June 2024 16:33 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen:

Saturday 22 June 2024 16:26 , Kieran Jackson

“In qualifying, it was all coming together a bit nicer. I was quite happy, even in Q3 I got a nice tow to turn 1 - unfortunately it’s not quite enough. We can still be very happy.

“Overall, a good performance again in qualifying. You’re always in a battle with yourself, now it’s with more teams - that’s good for Formula 1 in general.”

Lando Norris:

Saturday 22 June 2024 16:17 , Kieran Jackson

“It was pretty much a perfect lap. Super happy. My best pole position, I’ve not had many! Needed a perfect lap so that’s what I did today!

“We’ve been quick the last two months, since Miami very strong. Today was the perfect lap, Max and Red Bull seemed a bit stronger all weekend, I had places to improve so happy to be on pole.

“It’s going to be tough against Max and Lewis, we’re here to win now so that’s my plan.”

TOP-10 ON GRID FOR THE SPANISH GRAND PRIX:

Saturday 22 June 2024 16:09 , Kieran Jackson

1. Lando Norris

2. Max Verstappen

3. Lewis Hamilton

4. George Russell

5. Charles Leclerc

6. Carlos Sainz

7. Pierre Gasly

8. Esteban Ocon

9. Oscar Piastri

10. Sergio Perez*

*Three-place grid penalty

Lando Norris on pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix!

Saturday 22 June 2024 16:03 , Kieran Jackson

Unbelievable - Lando pulls it out right at the end!!

Max Verstappen went even quicker but Lando Norris pulls out a sensational lap to beat Verstappen by 0.020 seconds!

Lewis Hamilton improves too to go P3, with Russell in P4!

5-10: Leclerc, Sainz, Gasly, Perez, Ocon, Piastri

Norris: “Let’s f****** go baby!”

Russell not happy!

Saturday 22 June 2024 15:58 , Kieran Jackson

Russell: “What the f*** was Lewis doing on the prep lap!”

Russell told to keep his “head in the game”, as all the remaining cars head out for their final runs.

Can anyone beat Max?!

Max Verstappen on provisional pole!

Saturday 22 June 2024 15:56 , Kieran Jackson

Nobody can beat the Red Bull’s time so far! Verstappen sets a 1:11:673, 0.123 secs quicker than Lando Norris in second!

Lewis Hamilton is third, 0.143 secs off Verstappen, with Russell a bit further back in fourth.

Sainz and Leclerc in fifth and sixth, both within three-tenths of Verstappen - it’s very tight!

7-10: Gasly, Ocon, Perez, Piastri (no time)

Not too sure what’s happened with Piastri...

Q3 underway!

Saturday 22 June 2024 15:44 , Kieran Jackson

This is the moment we’ve been waiting for! 12 minutes, 10 drivers, 1 pole position!

10 drivers involved: Verstappen, Perez, Leclerc, Sainz, Hamilton, Russell, Norris, Piastri, Ocon, Gasly

Alpine joining the front-four party!

Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen the first cars out there...

Carlos Sainz on 2025 move:

Saturday 22 June 2024 14:45 , Kieran Jackson

“A decision will be taken very soon, I don’t want to wait any longer. It’s taken space in my head for a number of months now.

“I’m still not sure one way or another, still something I’m discussing with my team, brainstorming, I need a few days at home.”

Mick Schumacher on F1 exile: ‘It has been a draining few years’

Saturday 22 June 2024 14:35 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive by Kieran Jackson:

The duties of a reserve driver in Formula One are unique, distinctive and unlike most back-ups in other sports. With the chances of a last-minute call-up to the cockpit extremely unlikely, you lead a life in the shadows. Out of mind, but never fully out of sight. In Mick Schumacher’s case, he has been omnipresent in the F1 paddock for more than three years but, to his detectible discontent, the last 18 months have been without a race seat.

“Fighting your way back is exhausting,” Schumacher tells The Independent, in the familiar surroundings of the Mercedes motorhome. You get this cake presented to you which is really good, but you’re not allowed to eat it. And you have to watch everybody else eat it. So it’s tough, for sure, but I know why I’m doing it.”

Full interview below:

Mick Schumacher on F1 exile: ‘It has been a draining few years’

ICYMI: Fire breaks out in McLaren F1 hospitality unit at Spanish Grand Prix

Saturday 22 June 2024 14:12 , Kieran Jackson

A fire broke out this morning at McLaren’s F1 hospitality unit at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona – with all personnel escaping unharmed.

Safety personnel and fire engines sped through the paddock on Saturday morning after a fire was reported above the kitchen.

Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as well as a host of staff and guests, were quickly evacuated.

Fire breaks out in McLaren F1 hospitality unit at Spanish Grand Prix

Driver Standings ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix:

Saturday 22 June 2024 13:58 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen - 194 points

2. Charles Leclerc - 138 points

3. Lando Norris - 131 points

4. Carlos Sainz - 108 points

5. Sergio Perez - 107 points

6. Oscar Piastri - 81 points

7. George Russell - 69 points

8. Lewis Hamilton - 55 points

9. Fernando Alonso - 41 points

10. Yuki Tsunoda - 19 points

11. Lance Stroll - 17 points

12. Daniel Ricciardo - 9 points

13. Oliver Bearman - 6 points

14. Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

15. Pierre Gasly - 3 points

16. Alex Albon - 2 points

17. Esteban Ocon - 2 points

18. Kevin Magnussen - 1 point

19. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points

20. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points

21. Logan Sargeant - 0 points

F1 reveal new London venue after Madrid and Vienna success

Saturday 22 June 2024 13:43 , Kieran Jackson

The Formula 1 Exhibition is moving to the ExCeL centre in London this summer after successful editions in Madrid and Vienna.

The critically acclaimed show will pay homage to the history and tradition of the British Grand Prix, as well as feature state-of-the-art simulators and a design lab, taking a deep dive into the technology of an F1 car.

The fourth edition of the exhibition – following a successful North American version in Toronto too – will open on 23 August, less than a month after the ExCeL hosts the finale to the 2024 Formula E season.

More detail below:

F1 reveal new London venue after Madrid and Vienna success

F1 design guru Adrian Newey ‘holds talks with Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll’

Saturday 22 June 2024 13:28 , Kieran Jackson

Adrian Newey has reportedly held talks with Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll as the F1 design guru ponders his next move in the sport.

Newey announced his departure from his role as chief technical officer at Red Bull last month and will leave the world champions at the start of 2025, following 19 years with the team.

More detail below:

F1 design guru Adrian Newey ‘holds talks with Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll’

Fire breaks out in McLaren F1 hospitality unit at Spanish Grand Prix

Saturday 22 June 2024 11:44 , Kieran Jackson

A fire broke out this morning at McLaren’s F1 hospitality unit at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona – with all personnel escaping unharmed.

Safety personnel and fire engines sped through the paddock on Saturday morning after a fire was reported above the kitchen.

Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as well as a host of staff and guests, were quickly evacuated.

Fire breaks out in McLaren F1 hospitality unit at Spanish Grand Prix

Toto Wolff slams Lewis Hamilton ‘sabotage’ claims and involves police ahead of Spanish GP

Saturday 22 June 2024 11:23 , Kieran Jackson

Preview by Kieran Jackson

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hit out against online abuse on Friday at the Spanish Grand Prix after an anonymous email sent to members of the F1 paddock claimed Lewis Hamilton was being “sabotaged” by the team.

The email, titled “a potential death warrant for Lewis” and claiming to be from a Mercedes employee, accused Wolff of being “vindictive” and stated that seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton was being “excluded” as a result of his 2025 move to Ferrari.

The letter was sent a day after the Canadian Grand Prix a fortnight ago, when Hamilton missed out on a podium in the closing laps as his team-mate of two-and-a-half years George Russell overtook him on the quicker medium tyres, while Hamilton was left powerless to defend on the hard compound rubber.

Mercedes have now confirmed they have reported the matter to the police and are also mounting their own investigation to find the source of the email, including attempting to find the IP address.

Full piece below:

Wolff slams Hamilton ‘sabotage’ claims and involves police ahead of Spanish GP

Mick Schumacher on F1 exile: ‘It has been a draining few years’

Saturday 22 June 2024 11:08 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive by Kieran Jackson:

The duties of a reserve driver in Formula One are unique, distinctive and unlike most back-ups in other sports. With the chances of a last-minute call-up to the cockpit extremely unlikely, you lead a life in the shadows. Out of mind, but never fully out of sight. In Mick Schumacher’s case, he has been omnipresent in the F1 paddock for more than three years but, to his detectible discontent, the last 18 months have been without a race seat.

“Fighting your way back is exhausting,” Schumacher tells The Independent, in the familiar surroundings of the Mercedes motorhome. You get this cake presented to you which is really good, but you’re not allowed to eat it. And you have to watch everybody else eat it. So it’s tough, for sure, but I know why I’m doing it.”

Full interview below:

Mick Schumacher on F1 exile: ‘It has been a draining few years’

Constructors’ Standings ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix:

Saturday 22 June 2024 10:44 , Kieran Jackson

1. Red Bull - 301 points

2. Ferrari - 252 points

3. McLaren - 212 points

4. Mercedes - 124 points

5. Aston Martin - 58 points

6. RB - 28 points

7. Haas - 7 points

8. Alpine - 5 points

9. Williams - 2 points

10. Sauber - 0 points

Lando Norris on his chances of catching Max Verstappen in the championship:

Saturday 22 June 2024 10:28 , Kieran Jackson

“I think it’s tough but there’s probably more chances and possibilities now,” Norris said.

“Especially if Mercedes are in the fight, more chance to have a bigger swing of points rather than a bad weekend for Max who was third or before or something.

“It could be that it’s a fifth or a sixth and if you can be that one guy that wins, within one weekend you can turn quite a bit of points around fairly quickly. So, if it goes like that then I would say there’s a higher chance.”

Michael Schumacher’s family targeted by alleged blackmail plot

Saturday 22 June 2024 10:20 , Kieran Jackson

Two men have been arrested by German police on allegations of blackmailing the family of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, as reported by German newspaper Bild.

The report states that the two men, from the German city of Wuppertal, were seeking millions of Euros from the family of the seven-time F1 world champion.

Public prosecutors in Wuppertal have opened an investigation into blackmail directed at a celebrity and arrests have been made in connection with the probe, said a spokesperson, without naming the celebrity.

Full story below:

Michael Schumacher’s family targeted by alleged blackmail plot

Driver Standings ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix:

Saturday 22 June 2024 10:14 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen - 194 points

2. Charles Leclerc - 138 points

3. Lando Norris - 131 points

4. Carlos Sainz - 108 points

5. Sergio Perez - 107 points

6. Oscar Piastri - 81 points

7. George Russell - 69 points

8. Lewis Hamilton - 55 points

9. Fernando Alonso - 41 points

10. Yuki Tsunoda - 19 points

11. Lance Stroll - 17 points

12. Daniel Ricciardo - 9 points

13. Oliver Bearman - 6 points

14. Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

15. Pierre Gasly - 3 points

16. Alex Albon - 2 points

17. Esteban Ocon - 2 points

18. Kevin Magnussen - 1 point

19. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points

20. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points

21. Logan Sargeant - 0 points

What are the timings for the Spanish Grand Prix?

Saturday 22 June 2024 10:05 , Kieran Jackson

(All times BST)

Saturday 22 June

• Free practice 3: 11:30am

• Qualifying: 3pm

Sunday 23 June

• Race: 2pm

F1 Spanish Grand Prix qualifying LIVE!

Saturday 22 June 2024 10:04 , Kieran Jackson

Good morning and welcome to live coverage of qualifying at the Spanish Grand Prix today!

Friday was an interesting day at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona, with Max Verstappen struggling at times with his Red Bull car and Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton the quickest man in the two practice sessions.

What will Saturday have in store? We start with third practice at 11:30am (BST) this morning before qualifying at 3pm!

Lando Norris on his chances of catching Max Verstappen in the championship:

Friday 21 June 2024 15:51 , Kieran Jackson

“I think it’s tough but there’s probably more chances and possibilities now,” Norris said.

“Especially if Mercedes are in the fight, more chance to have a bigger swing of points rather than a bad weekend for Max who was third or before or something.

“It could be that it’s a fifth or a sixth and if you can be that one guy that wins, within one weekend you can turn quite a bit of points around fairly quickly. So, if it goes like that then I would say there’s a higher chance.”

Mick Schumacher on F1 exile: ‘It has been a draining few years’

Friday 21 June 2024 15:42 , Kieran Jackson

Exclusive by Kieran Jackson:

The duties of a reserve driver in Formula One are unique, distinctive and unlike most back-ups in other sports. With the chances of a last-minute call-up to the cockpit extremely unlikely, you lead a life in the shadows. Out of mind, but never fully out of sight. In Mick Schumacher’s case, he has been omnipresent in the F1 paddock for more than three years but, to his detectible discontent, the last 18 months have been without a race seat.

“Fighting your way back is exhausting,” Schumacher tells The Independent, in the familiar surroundings of the Mercedes motorhome. You get this cake presented to you which is really good, but you’re not allowed to eat it. And you have to watch everybody else eat it. So it’s tough, for sure, but I know why I’m doing it.”

Full interview below:

Mick Schumacher on F1 exile: ‘It has been a draining few years’

Spanish Grand Prix - fastest qualifier odds

Friday 21 June 2024 15:33 , Kieran Jackson

Fancy a flutter?

Max Verstappen - 4/6

Lando Norris - 9/2

Charles Leclerc - 7/1

Oscar Piastri - 10/1

Carlos Sainz - 12/1

Lewis Hamilton, George Russell - 14/1

Sergio Perez - 22/1

Fernando Alonso - 50/1

Daniel Ricciardo, Lance Stroll, Yuki Tsunoda - 100/1

Odds provided by Grosvenor Sport

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website