Four top Formula 1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, Lance Stroll, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris, are facing investigation by the Spanish Grand Prix stewards following two unusual separate collisions during the final practice session today. The incidents have added an extra layer of drama ahead of the all-important qualifying session.
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In a pulsating final practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz snatched the top spot, narrowly beating McLaren’s Lando Norris in a last-gasp sprint to the line. The session was filled with drama and intense competition as the teams fine-tuned their cars ahead of qualifying.
As the Formula 1 calendar enters its 10th round, the Spanish Grand Prix, RB Racing Director Alan Permane has expressed optimism that the team’s extensive upgrades will yield positive results without any ‘nasty surprises.’ The Faenza-based squad has made significant strides since introducing new parts in Miami, emerging as the clear sixth-fastest team and occasionally challenging Aston Martin.
A suspected fire broke out in McLaren’s Formula 1 motorhome at the Spanish Grand Prix, leading to an emergency evacuation of team personnel, guests, and drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The incident raised concerns about the impact on McLaren’s preparations for the final free practice session, but the team confirmed that all personnel had escaped safely.
Sauber has refuted claims that Audi’s focus on Formula 1’s 2026 regulations is impacting the team’s current performance, as it continues to struggle in the 2023 season. Despite the influx of resources from the new owner, Sauber insists its long-term ambitions and short-term goals are not mutually exclusive.
With the top drivers separated by mere tenths in practice, the Spanish GP is shaping up to be an intense battle. But Max Verstappen’s switch to a higher downforce rear wing could give Red Bull a crucial advantage, as they aim to extend their championship lead.
In a recent interview, Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen attributed the converging grid in the 2024 Formula 1 season to the current regulations being too restrictive. The Dutch driver believes that the lack of creative freedom in the current ruleset has led to teams replicating Red Bull’s concept, ultimately closing the gap between competitors.
The FIA has indicated it sees no need to intervene in the ongoing Formula 1 flexi-wing debate, as teams openly admit to pushing the boundaries within the regulations to gain a competitive edge. Despite concerns from some teams, the governing body is comfortable with the current front wing flexibility tests and designs employed by the teams.
Red Bull Racing conducts a private test with Max Verstappen to compare the current RB20 car to its 2022 championship-winning predecessor, the RB18. The team aims to gather valuable feedback on the car’s performance and identify strengths and weaknesses ahead of the intense summer stretch of the Formula 1 season.
In a strategic move, Red Bull conducted a private test with Max Verstappen at Imola, aiming to tackle the RB18’s kerb riding woes that have hindered their performance in recent races. The test provided valuable insights to understand and improve the car’s handling, as the team seeks an edge over rivals in the tight F1 title race.