F1 LIVE | Follow all the action of qualifying in Barcelona for the Spanish GP

In an interview with Ziggo Sport, Max Verstappen himself stated that it is extremely important to start from the first row of the grid. Moreover, overtaking does not seem to have become any easier this season in Catalunya due to changes to turn 10. In the past, a driver was able to out-brake an opponent there, but in 2021 that doesn't seem to be an option.

The person on pole position in Barcelona has gone on to win the race in three of the last four years. This trend also continues further back with all Grands Prix between 2001 and 2010 being won by the person on pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix. The same can also be said for 2012, 2014 and 2015.

From the first day of the Spanish GP, we can also conclude that Ferrari and Alpine have got their act together. Possibly the latter benefits from the changes made to turn 10. AlphaTauri is also a strong candidate to bring home a lot of points this weekend. McLaren can't be ruled out of this battle either despite a dip in performance during the second Friday practice session.