A frustrated Lewis Hamilton urged Ferrari to "work harder" after seeing his bid for a first pole position in three years slip away by just 0.189 seconds in Saturday's tense qualifying session for the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion had set the pace after the first flying runs in the decisive Q3 session, but just when a record-increasing 105th pole appeared to be possible he was unable to resist his Mercedes-powered rivals.
World champion Lando Norris of McLaren, powered by Mercedes, took pole by 0.011 seconds ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli of the works Mercedes team with four-time champion Max Verstappen third for Ford-engined Red Bull by 0.049 seconds.
Hamilton had crashed earlier on Saturday in final practice, but appeared unaffected after his car had been repaired in time for qualifying at the high-risk new Madring circuit.
"The only thing to say is nothing," he smiled. "Qualifying was pretty decent and generally it has been feeling good. It takes everything for us to compete with the two powerhouse motors ahead of us!
"They seem to be able to turn the engine up or something when we get to qualifying, which we just cannot match so the only answer is that we have got to work harder."
Hamilton had appeared to be on course for his first pole in 73 races since the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix before being outpaced in the final minutes.
"We had no real issues and it was good execution from the team," he said. "I think they did a really good job, but I just didn’t have the pace.”
Looking ahead to Sunday's race, he said: "I have no idea (of what to expect). I haven't seen the other races, but I am told it is very hard to overtake.
"It's a pretty cool track to drive with some karting-esque elements, with the kerbs, which is cool, and the really cool banking. I think they have done a really great job."
Teammate Charles Leclerc was fifth behind Hamilton just 0.006 seconds adrift.
Leclerc added: "I think the team did a good job and we maximised our potential."