Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix Winners and Losers: Verstappen Extends Lead as McLaren and Mercedes Shine
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya proved to be an unpredictable battleground in the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, with plenty of overtaking opportunities and intense wheel-to-wheel action. As the dust settles, Lawrence Barretto analyzes the winners and losers of the weekend.
Winner: Max Verstappen
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen secured his seventh win in 11 races, extending his lead in the championship to 69 points. Despite losing pole to Lando Norris, Verstappen’s decisive pass on George Russell reclaimed the lead, putting air between him and Norris. This victory marks 763 days at the top of the pile, a testament to his consistency and racing prowess.
Winner: Lando Norris
Lando Norris may have missed out on the top spot, but his outstanding performance solidified his position as a genuine title rival to Verstappen. The McLaren driver has finished in the top two in four of the last five Grands Prix, and his confidence in the championship race is growing.
Winners: Mercedes
Mercedes enjoyed a promising weekend, with Lewis Hamilton securing his first podium of the year and George Russell taking fourth. The team’s second consecutive 3-4 finish indicates they are finally heading in the right direction, outperforming rivals Ferrari in both qualifying and race pace.
Loser: Sergio Perez
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez struggled to find his rhythm, finishing eighth after a three-place grid penalty. The Mexican’s best qualifying in four races was undone by his inability to extract pace from the RB20, leaving him disappointed and looking ahead to Austria.
Loser: Ferrari
Ferrari endured a disappointing weekend, lacking pace at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Home favorite Carlos Sainz extended his points-scoring record, but P6 was an underwhelming result. Charles Leclerc managed his best finish in Spain since 2021, but his worst result in 2024 when seeing the chequered flag. Tension between the teammates added to the disappointment.
Winner: Alpine
Alpine generated momentum, scoring points with both cars for the second successive race. Pierre Gasly’s ninth-place finish matched his and the team’s best result of the season, while Esteban Ocon took 10th for the third time in five races. The team looks like they’re on an upward trajectory, moving ahead of Haas into seventh in the constructors’ championship.
Loser: Williams
Williams knew the Spanish Grand Prix would be difficult, and their lack of downforce and overweight car was exposed. Alex Albon admitted it was a “reality check” for the team, who look forward to better fortunes in Austria on a track that should suit them better.
Loser: Aston Martin
Aston Martin endured their worst race of the season, failing to score despite bringing upgrades to Barcelona. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll lacked pace, leaving the team looking downbeat. Boss Mike Krack acknowledged the need for patience as they work to remedy their weaknesses.
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