Qualifying in Montmelò finally set things straight, after the conflicting signals of free practice, generally confirming the expectations of the day before regarding the hierarchies on the field between the various top teams on the Catalan track. Red Bull proved to be more competitive than in the last few outings, however having to deal with a McLaren now firmly at the top on every circuit, while Ferrari competed on equal terms with Mercedes (in recovery, but not at the level of Canada) for the role of third force.
Within this framework, some riders made the difference while others got lost in the hot phases or simply confirmed the negative trend of recent weeks. Note of merit in this sense for Lando Norris (1st) and Max Verstappen (2nd at 20 thousandths), who created a splendid close duel for pole position in Barcelona proving to be much faster than their respective teammates (Perez 8th, but will start 11th due to a penalty, while Piastri ended up in the gravel in the last time-attack of Q3).
The long runs on Friday had highlighted a substantial balance in terms of pace between Red Bull and McLaren, so it promises to be one exciting challenge for victory in the race with a start and strategy that should prove decisive. Behind Lando and Max, who gave their pursuers a good three tenths of a second on the flying lap, there is a compact scrum package with virtually the third step of the podium up for grabs.
Everything is open in the direct comparison between Mercedes (3rd Lewis Hamilton, 4th George Russell) and Ferrari (5th Charles Leclerc, 6th Carlos Sainz), without underestimating the possible comeback from afar by Piastri (9th) on McLaren and Perez (11th) on Red Bull. The Scuderia from Maranello has the obligation to fight for at least third position with both cars, trying to gain as many points as possible in the Constructors’ World Championship.
