Live: Piastri starts seventh in Spain, F1 title leader pledges 'full attack'

Oscar Piastri has work to do in Spain, starting tonight's Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix from seventh on the grid.

Mercedes driver George Russell is on pole position, desperate for a good result after failing to score points in either of the previous two grands prix.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton joins Russell on the front row, while drivers' championship leader Kimi Antonelli starts third.

Follow all the action of the Formula 1 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on the live blog below.

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Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 9:32pm

Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 9:32pm

Starting grid: F1 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix

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Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 10:06pm

Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 10:06pm

Can anyone catch Kimi Antonelli in the drivers' championship?

By Michael Doyle

Is the WDC already decided, or can someone else still won over Antonelli?

- Melbie

G'day Melbie.

I can answer this question with one word: YES.

This is round 7 of 22. We have so much racing left in 2026.

I know the gap Kimi Antonelli has is significant — 66 points to Lewis Hamilton and 68 points to George Russell — but it is way too early to think about crowning a champion.

Here is something to consider.

We all remember that Oscar Piastri was ahead of Lando Norris by 34 points with nine races to go.

What we forget is that Piastri was ahead of Max Verstappen by 104 points.

Piastri finished behind Verstappen by the end of the season.

Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 10:00pm

Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 10:00pm

George Russell upbeat ahead of pole position start

By Michael Doyle

The drivers have been out on their parade lap, and we have been able to hear from a few of them.

Mercedes driver George Russell starts tonight on pole position.

The Brit needs a good result, after failing to score in the previous two grands prix.

He starts from the number one grid slot tonight, and it is clear he is feeling more upbeat.

It feels great to get pole position here in Barcelona.

Spain holds a special place in my heart and I'm hoping to have a great race today.

It is hot in Barcelona, and this track is known for high tyre degradation.

The tyres are likely to play a big role today, with two pit stops expected today.

It's going to be very hot. Last year, there were lots of different strategies

I think you could see all three tyres being used today.

Key Event

Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 9:48pm

Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 9:48pm

Oscar Piastri starting seventh today

By Michael Doyle

Still on a high from the Socceroos win. Maybe Oscar was watching and is fired up for a win too.

- Bel

G'day Bel.

How good were the Socceroos? A 2-0 win to start the FIFA World Cup was outstanding.

I am sure Oscar Piastri would love to replicate some of their heroics today.

He starts seventh on the grid after a disappointing end to qualifying yesterday.

Here is what Piastri said yesterday, ahead of tonight's race.

Mercedes looks strong, and Ferrari have taken a step with their upgrades — their corner speeds have been impressive all season, even if they’re still paying a price on the straights.

"[Today] will likely be a long, hot two-stop race, maybe more, and the key will be managing degradation and maintaining pace across the stints. While Mercedes and Ferrari were quicker [yesterday] than [Friday], strategy and tyre offsets could open up opportunities, and we feel more in the fight than last week. If the race plays out like we’ve seen here in recent years, with multiple stops and differing tyre life, there’s definitely a chance to gain a few positions."

Key Event

Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 9:35pm

Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 9:35pm

Kimi Antonelli is going 'full attack' tonight

By Michael Doyle

The drivers have been out on their parade lap, and we have been able to hear from a few of them.

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has won the previous five F1 grands prix.

The teenager is leading the drivers' championship by 66 points to Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, and 68 points to teammate George Russell.

Tonight, he starts third on the grid behind Russell and Hamilton.

Asked if he was going to sit back and see what happens tonight, the 19-year-old said he was going for the win.

We're going to go full attack, in a smart way.

We're going to go for it, I think today is a great chance.

Today is going to be all about who can get the tyres to last the longest.

Key Event

Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 9:32pm

Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 9:32pm

What time does the F1 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix begin?

By Michael Doyle

Here is the start time in your state or territory:

11pm AEST: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, ACT, Tasmania

10:30pm ACST: South Australia, Northern Territory

9pm AWST: Western Australia

Key Event

Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 9:30pm

Sun 14 Jun 2026 at 9:30pm

Welcome to the ABC Sport F1 live blog

By Michael Doyle

Good evening, Australia.

Welcome back to ABC Sport's live digital coverage of the 2026 Formula 1 championship season.

Tonight, we are racing in Barcelona for round seven of 22: Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

George Russell will start tonight's race on pole, while Oscar Piastri is seventh on the grid.

Join me throughout the night and be part of the conversation by tapping on the comment section.

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