Heading into the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is not confident about his team’s chances of regaining their early season dominance. With rivals Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc closing the gap, the stage is set for an exciting battle at the iconic Circuit de Catalunya.
Author: Soren Ravenlock
Charles Leclerc has confirmed that Ferrari’s upgrades for the Spanish Grand Prix are aimed at overall performance, not specifically addressing their low-speed corner struggles. The Monegasque driver remains optimistic the new parts will help bridge the gap to Red Bull, a key rival this season.
Lando Norris, McLaren’s star driver, reflects on the team’s recent Formula 1 performance, highlighting the importance of avoiding small mistakes that have cost them victories. The British driver calls for McLaren to ‘provoke’ itself more to prepare for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring that both the team and drivers challenge each other to eliminate room for error.
Pierre Gasly recently dismissed the notion that being tied to a works manufacturer is crucial to his Formula 1 prospects, despite rumors circulating that Alpine might soon abandon its Renault engine partnership. The French driver expressed complete faith in Alpine’s senior management to make the right decision for the team’s future.
Williams driver Alex Albon has revealed that the team’s overweight 2024 Formula 1 car has resulted in a significant loss of performance, potentially costing them a chance to beat Mercedes in the opening race of the season. Albon believes the weight issue has set the team back by around 0.045 seconds per lap, leading to a slump in the Constructors’ standings.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has come to terms with the intense unpredictability of the current Formula 1 season, citing the narrow margins between victory and defeat. Vasseur emphasizes the need to adapt and maintain momentum, as Ferrari looks to capitalize on opportunities amid the uncertainty of the hyper-competitive landscape.
Red Bull Racing has openly accused rivals McLaren and Ferrari of running Formula 1 front wings that exceed the FIA’s flex limits, sparking a new controversy in the ongoing aerodynamics battle between top teams.
With Esteban Ocon’s departure from Alpine, Pierre Gasly’s future with the team remains uncertain as contract discussions continue. Gasly downplays the speculation, emphasizing that he is in no rush to make a decision about his Formula 1 career.
Mirko Bortolotti made history at the Lausitzring this afternoon, becoming the first driver to claim two DTM race wins in 2023. The Italian’s victory in the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2 saw him take the championship lead, seven points ahead of former leader Thomas Preining.
In the wake of the draft 2026 Formula 1 regulations, George Russell has voiced concerns over the potential safety risks associated with the low downforce configuration and high speeds, urging for thorough planning to mitigate dangers. The Briton also discusses the delicate balance between performance and racing spectacle as the sport strives to improve the on-track action.