Ferrari's Leclerc recovers from spinning error to clinch Spanish Grand Prix pole

 • Charles Leclerc dominated all three free practice sessions ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. • The Ferrari driver made an error which almost saw him lose pole to Max Verstappen. • Verstappen's Red Bull lost power on his last lap while Leclerc pushed to go quickest for pole.

Charles Leclerc bounced back from a spin to put his Ferrari on pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix.

Championship leader Leclerc lost control of his Ferrari through the chicane on his first attempt in Q3 at a sweltering Circuit de Catalunya on the outskirts of Barcelona to leave him sweating.

But the Monegasque kept his cool with his last effort to deliver an impressive lap under pressure and beat rival Max Verstappen by three tenths.

Verstappen, who trails Leclerc by 19 points, complained he had no power on his last attempt.

Carlos Sainz finished third in the other Ferrari, with George Russell fourth for Mercedes – two places and just over a tenth ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

"I only had one lap after I made a mistake, but I delivered and it makes me very happy," said Leclerc.

"I am in a strong position to start the race. If we don't manage the tyres well tomorrow we will lose the win because Max is right behind."

Verstappen added: "I couldn't do my final run as I just lost power.

"It is a bit of a shame but to be on the front for us is a good achievement, but of course I would have liked to have had that final run."

Mercedes have brought a number of upgrades to Spain – including a revised floor and new front wing – and Russell impressed en route to fourth.

Russell is 23 points ahead of Hamilton after beating his seven-time world championship-winning team-mate at four of the five grands prix so far. And Russell left Hamilton trailing in qualifying,