Qualifying at the Spanish Grand Prix delivered plenty of excitement—and Lewis Hamilton was right in the thick of it. Despite a difficult build-up in practice, the seven-time world champion pulled together a strong performance when it counted, securing P5 on the grid for Sunday’s race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The result was a welcome boost for both Hamilton and Mercedes, especially after a weekend that started with uncertainty. Free practice sessions had left the team struggling to find the right balance, and Hamilton himself admitted to not feeling fully confident in the car. However, true to his reputation as one of Formula 1’s most adaptable and focused drivers, Hamilton responded with a composed and efficient qualifying session.
Posting a time that landed him fifth on the grid, Hamilton finished just behind teammate George Russell, who placed fourth. The two Mercedes drivers will now start on the third and second rows respectively, giving the team a solid opportunity to fight for podium places in Sunday’s race.
McLaren, however, stole the spotlight at the front. Oscar Piastri claimed his first-ever Formula 1 pole position, edging out teammate Lando Norris to lead a dramatic front-row lockout for the Woking-based team. Max Verstappen, often a favorite for pole, had to settle for third in his Red Bull, suggesting that the gap between teams is narrowing as the 2025 season progresses.
For Hamilton, qualifying P5 is not just a strong result—it’s also a sign of resilience and progress. After dealing with a series of car updates and regulatory changes, including new restrictions on front wing flexing, Hamilton appears to be finding his rhythm again. While he has been critical of some recent FIA directives, it hasn’t stopped him from extracting performance when it matters most.
As fans gear up for what promises to be a thrilling Grand Prix, Hamilton’s starting position puts him in a prime spot to challenge the front-runners. With his racecraft, experience, and determination, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him pushing hard for a top-three finish—or even higher—come Sunday.
Tune in for the Spanish Grand Prix and watch Lewis Hamilton aim to turn his P5 start into another unforgettable race day performance.