F1 2020 Spanish GP Qualifying: As it happened

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The end of Formula 1’s second triple-header sees it head to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which plays host to this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

Usually held in May, F1 heads to Spain after back-to-back races at Silverstone.

Heading to Spain in the middle of the summer means temperatures will be a lot warmer than usual, especially compared to winter testing here back in February.

Sergio Perez returns to Racing Point having been ruled out of the previous British and 70th Anniversary Grands Prix after testing positive for COVID-19.

Last time out

Pirelli’s decision to bring softer tyres to the second race at Silverstone proved to be a critical one with Max Verstappen storming to a shock victory.

Despite securing a 1-2 in qualifying yet again, Mercedes was unable to maintain its advantage into the race, blistering its rear tyres quickly allowing the Red Bull driver to take his first victory of 2020. 

The result means Lewis Hamilton has a 30-point lead over Verstappen going into Spain, with Bottas a further four points back.

Charles Leclerc continued his strong run of form, finishing fourth at the 70th Anniversary GP.

Alexander Albon recovered from ninth on the grid to finish fifth, beating the two Racing Points of Lance Stroll and Nico Hulkenberg.

Esteban Ocon, Lando Norris and Daniil Kvyat completed the points-paying positions.

What to expect from this weekend?

Mercedes will once again be the team to beat in qualifying but warmer track temperatures may allow Red Bull to close the gap over a race distance.

Pirelli has nominated the C1, C2 and C3 tyres for this weekend - the hardest three compounds it can bring to a grand prix.

No rain is expected this weekend.