Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix Preview

There’s nothing unfamiliar about the Circuit De Barcelona Catalunya, the home of the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991, to every driver on the grid as the track has been part of winter testing for several years. Its proximity to many of the teams’ factories and good weather has made it one of the most popular tracks. This weekend also kicks off the official start of the European section of the Formula 1 season.

Most importantly the 4,65km track has a favourable layout that offers a good mix of high and low-speed corners with a demanding Turn 3 right-hander. There are two DRS (Drag Reduction System) zones as the circuit has been traditionally hard to overtake. The first detection point has been located before the entrance to Campsa (Turn 9), with the activation area following along the back straight until the braking zone for Turn 10.

66 laps will be covered for a total race distance of 307km. McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo has held the lap record since 2018, with a 1:18.441. Pole position will be critical as nine out of the last 10 races were won by the driver who started on pole.

In terms of favourites, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc are the front-runners heading into the weekend with the reigning champion’s nose in front due to dominant victories in the last two outings.  They remain the only two drivers to win this season and Leclerc’s 19-point lead has been shaved down by the Dutchman.

Red Bull seems to have turned around the reliability issues it suffered from earlier this season. Verstappen has won whenever he has finished a race. The energy drink-owned team has consistently upgraded its package throughout the season and therefore isn’t expected to bring significant changes this weekend. The Italian team however will bring a new floor for their F1-75 cars according to local media. There are also other upgrades expected to be implemented by the current constructors’ leaders, hinting at significant gains per lap.

The Spanish GP is set up nicely for another battle between the young title rivals particularly with news of Ferrari’s upgrades. Mercedes will be looking to tweak their car that was fast in the practise sessions at the Miami GP in the hands of George Russell. The reigning constructors’ champions face competition from the rest of the midfield. Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz should have solid support from the home crowd, but this will be a good test for every team to see how their cars fare at a demanding track.

Verstappen, Leclerc, Sainz

Fastest lap: Verstappen

Pole position: Verstappen

First to retire: Nicholas Latifi

Most Team Points: Ferrari

Both Cars Qualify for Q3 Shootout: Mercedes

Free Practice 1/2/3 Winning Car: Russell / Mercedes

Safety Car: Yes

Top 6: Ocon

Top 10: Hamilton, Tsunoda, Bottas