Max(imum) attack and recovery drives: Talking points ahead of Spanish GP

Qualifying for the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix was an up-and-down affair, with Max Verstappen coming out on top after dominating the session.

We look at talking points ahead of the race.

Verstappen for the win?

Red Bull's Verstappen has been on a roll throughout the Spanish GP weekend. He topped all the practice sessions, and in qualifying, he topped both Q2 and Q3. But his performance throughout qualifying was particularly telling as he kept pushing the benchmark time.

In the end, he secured pole position from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz by more than 0.4 seconds.

READ: 'It was a tricky session' - Top drivers react to 'surprising' Spanish qualifying

Each run was quicker than the one before, and it seems that only technical issues or an accident/crash can prevent him from taking his fifth win of the year.

Perez, Verstappen's teammate and nearest challenger for the 2023 F1 crown, will start down in 11th. He'd want a stronger race and, hopefully, appear on the podium. The points gap between the Red Bull men is 39 in the defending champion's favour.

Ride onboard with @Max33Verstappen for his incredible pole lap! ?#SpanishGP #F1 @PirelliSport pic.twitter.com/Yw9MvRF9oj

Alonso's back against the wall

Since joining Aston Martin for the new season, Fernando Alonso has been on an impressive roll, finishing on the podium six times in 2023 and second last time out in Monaco. However, a return to Spain - his home race - coincided with his worst qualifying performance in Aston Martin colours.

Starting eighth, Alonso will hope that his AMR23's pace will lift him up the order throughout the race. And, like Perez, continue his podium run that's left him third in the championship.

READ: 'Not my best day,' says Alonso after worst qualifying in Aston