Max Verstappen takes pole, Lewis Hamilton fifth after collision with team-mate George Russell at Spanish Grand Prix

Red Bull's Max Verstappen took pole in qualification for the Spanish Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon after a chaotic session that saw multiple collisions and the red flag being waved. With the field making a short hop from last weekend's Monaco GP to the Circuit de Catalunya, it was perhaps little surprise that Verstappen reigned in Spain. Ad The Dutchman, the winner in Monaco last Sunday, had impressed through practice and was clearly the most comfortable in the wet and tricky conditions.

Spanish Grand PrixVerstappen dominates practice sessions in Barcelona as teams test upgradesA DAY AGO After his pole was confirmed, Verstappen spoke to the press. He said: «The car was really good. Qualifying was really tricky with the weather but once it started to dry out, and in Q3, the car was on rails.

It was really enjoyable to drive today. I love coming to Barcelona, I love the track, I love the fans — they love racing. I have a lot of great memories here and hopefully tomorrow we can have another one.» Two drivers who didn't enjoy their afternoon in Barcelona were Mercedes team-mates Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

As the duo prepared for a final flying lap, they collided. Over the television broadcast, Hamilton explained: «George just backed off. That's really dangerous.

I might have some damage on the car.» Six drivers — Fernando Alonso, Yuki Tsunoda, Valtteri Bottas, Alexander Albon, Nyck de Vries and Logan Sargeant — all spun off the track in a chaotic Q1 session which then saw the red flag emerge. Spaniard Carlos Sainz, eighth last weekend in Monaco, finished second in qualifying in Barcelona and was delighted with the improved performance. He said: «I need it [the result].