The European triple-header concludes with the Spanish Grand Prix, held at a time when a regulation change could potentially significantly impact the Formula 1 grid dynamics.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been the host venue for the event since 1991. After undergoing some layout modifications aimed at improving overtaking opportunities, it remains a favored track among teams and drivers. Its combination of diverse corners and straights provides an excellent challenge for evaluating a car`s performance capabilities.
Adding considerable intrigue to this year`s race is a recent regulation adjustment concerning the flexibility of front wings. Many observers predict that this change could reduce McLaren`s recent performance edge and allow Ferrari to become more competitive.
As is typical for this race, the weather forecast for Spain is expected to be very pleasant. Temperatures are predicted to be around 26°C for qualifying and rise to 29°C on race day.
Latest News Highlights
- Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur suggested that the forthcoming changes to front wing flexibility tests at the Spanish Grand Prix could be a `gamechanger` for all ten Formula 1 teams.
- Following his victory in Monaco, which effectively `reset` the championship contest, Lando Norris has the opportunity at the Spanish Grand Prix to confirm whether he is consistently a front-running contender, having been viewed as a pre-season favorite.
- Gatorade, the American sports drink brand, has been announced as the official partner for Formula 1`s sprint races through a new, extensive agreement with Pepsi Co.
Circuit Stats and History
The Spanish GP has been a regular fixture on the F1 calendar throughout its history, but since 1991, it has been exclusively held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This circuit was constructed in the same year specifically for the 1992 Olympics.
While the layout has seen revisions over the years – including changes to La Caixa corner in 2004 and the removal of the chicane before the final corner in 2023 – it has consistently been a smooth, flowing track. Overtaking opportunities primarily exist on the main straight.
Although wheel-to-wheel racing can still be challenging due to the high levels of downforce required through the corners, the circuit has still delivered memorable races. Nigel Mansell, Gerhard Berger, and Ayrton Senna fought a gripping battle for the win in the circuit`s inaugural F1 race (won by Mansell). In 2012, Pastor Maldonado secured a surprise victory for Williams. One of the most iconic moments occurred in 2016 when Max Verstappen claimed a remarkable win in his very first race appearance for Red Bull.
Michael Schumacher holds the record for most Spanish GP wins with six (1995-96, 2001-2004), famously including a masterful drive in the rain in 1996. Lewis Hamilton also has six victories (2014, 2017-2021). Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are the only drivers to have won the Spanish GP since 2016.
Spanish Grand Prix Key Data
- First F1 race at this circuit: 1991
- Lap record: 1:16.330, Max Verstappen (2023)
- Most wins (at this circuit): Michael Schumacher (6), Lewis Hamilton (6). Other winners from the current grid include Max Verstappen (2016, 2022-2024) and Fernando Alonso (2006, 2013).
- Most poles (at this circuit): Michael Schumacher with seven (1994-1995, 2000-2004). Pole sitters from the current grid include Lewis Hamilton (2014, 2016-2018, 2020-2021), Fernando Alonso (2006), Max Verstappen (2023), Charles Leclerc (2022), and Lando Norris (2024).
- What makes it special: This circuit is a classic Formula 1 testing venue, known for its emphasis on high-speed corners that quickly reveal any aerodynamic weaknesses in a car.
- What the drivers say about it: `This track tests every part of the car. It`s a proper benchmark circuit.` — Carlos Sainz
What Happened Last Year (2024 Race)?
Max Verstappen secured his third consecutive Spanish GP victory last year, winning comfortably. The Dutchman overtook pole sitter Lando Norris into Turn One and later George Russell, before managing his lead effectively to take the win. This result continued his strong start to what proved to be another championship-winning season.
Who Will Win?
Based on current form, the momentum seems to be with McLaren. The Woking-based team has demonstrated having a very quick car on circuits that feature a mix of high and low-speed corners, similar in some ways to Barcelona. Lando Norris comes into the race following his morale-boosting maiden victory in Monaco.
However, there is a significant unknown factor: the effect of the new regulation change. Nobody is entirely certain how this will alter the competitive order, and McLaren is speculated to be more impacted than many others. Despite this uncertainty and Max Verstappen`s strong record at the circuit (having won three in a row), backing anyone else would be a bold move.
Nevertheless, predicting a winner is tricky this year. A rejuvenated Lando Norris could certainly challenge for his first Spanish GP win.
Max Verstappen has won three Spanish GPs in a row — but is he the favourite this year considering the regulation change?
How the Championships Look
Following his Monaco victory, Lando Norris has continued to close the gap on his teammate Oscar Piastri in the standings. The difference between the two McLaren drivers is now just three points.
Max Verstappen remains firmly in what is developing into a three-way fight for the championship lead, currently sitting 25 points behind the leader.
In the Constructors` Championship, McLaren continues to extend its advantage and holds more than double the points of the nearest rival, Mercedes. The battle just behind Mercedes is very close, with Red Bull (143 points) and Ferrari (142 points) only slightly adrift of the Silver Arrows.
Session Times
Session times below in BST (British Summer Time). Local time (Central European Summer Time) is BST + 1 hour.
Friday
Free Practice 1: 12:30 – 13:30 BST
Free Practice 2: 16:00 – 17:00 BST
Saturday
Free Practice 3: 11:30 – 12:30 BST
Qualifying: 15:00 – 16:00 BST
Sunday
Race Start: 14:00 BST
Dominic Ashworth