Formula 1 Heads to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix
The Formula 1 season is back in Europe, and this weekend, the Spanish Grand Prix takes center stage at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. As we gear up for three days of intense racing action, here’s your Need to Know guide, packed with vital statistics, driver insights, strategy tips, and more.
Schedule
The action kicks off on Friday, June 21, with first and second practice, followed by final practice and qualifying on Saturday, June 22. The main event, the Spanish Grand Prix, takes place on Sunday, June 23.
Vital Statistics
- First Grand Prix: 1951 (Pedralbes)
- Track Length: 4.657km
- Lap record: 1m 16.330s, Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 2023
- Most pole positions: Michael Schumacher (7)
- Most wins: Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton (6)
- Trivia: Fernando Alonso‘s most recent F1 win came at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in 2013
- Pole run to Turn 1 braking point: 595 meters
- Overtakes completed in 2023: 107
- Safety Car probability: 50%
- Virtual Safety Car probability: 25%
- Pit stop time loss: 22.3 seconds (includes 2.5s stop)
Driver Insights
Former Renault F1 driver Jolyon Palmer shares his thoughts on the Barcelona circuit:
“Barcelona is a nice circuit, but everyone knows it like the back of their hand, which kind of makes it feel like home, because it’s the one that we have historically spent a lot of time driving at. It’s really flowing and tough on the neck and the body because of the long corners coming through Turns 3 to 4 and Turn 9. It’s also tough on the front-left tire, with tire wear generally high in Barcelona thanks to abrasive tarmac.”
Fan View
According to F1 Play voting, Max Verstappen is the favorite to take pole position, with around 40% of gamers backing him. Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton are the closest challengers, with 15% and 10% of the vote, respectively. When it comes to the race result, Verstappen is dominating the voting, with around 80% of fans predicting a win for the Red Bull driver.
Strategy and Tyres
Pirelli’s preview of the weekend highlights the challenges posed by the Barcelona circuit, which demands a range of skills from drivers. The Italian tyre manufacturer notes that the lateral forces exerted on the tyres, especially on the left-hand side of the car, are particularly high. This year’s race takes place three weeks later than in 2023, which could lead to hotter conditions and impact tyre management.
Historical Context
The first Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in 1991 brought plenty of drama, with a memorable scrap involving Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna. This weekend, we’ll see if Verstappen can make it three wins on the bounce in Barcelona.
Sustainability Efforts
As part of Formula 1’s Sustainability Strategy, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is transitioning to renewable energy sources, including the installation of 1,239 solar panels across 2,710m2. The circuit is also promoting a more circular economy by upcycling oil drums and tyres into new equipment.
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