The Spanish GP in Barcelona has marked a crucial event in the Formula 1 calendar for years. This circuit’s unique characteristics make it an important reference for teams. In the last four rounds, Red Bull have been under more pressure than usual – with Ferrari, McLaren and even McLaren fighting for wins. Despite this, Max Verstappen has capitalised on any opportunities to win races.
The next few rounds, starting in Spain, are more conventional and – on paper – better suited to the RB20. As for Ferrari, the Maranello team has fast-tracked the upgrade package initially planned for Silverstone. The team’s objective is to get back into the fight with Ferrari and McLaren.
SPANISH GP: MORE TAILORED LAYOUT ON RED BULL, IMPORTANT UPDATES FOR THE SF-24. UNKNOWN MERCEDES
Max Verstappen and Red Bull have spoken openly about the RB20’s weaknesses. The most notable limitation is its difficulty in riding curbs. This issue is worsened when Red Bull are forced to use softer suspension settings.
At the Spanish GP, stiffer set-ups will return since it is a more conventional circuit. At the Barcelona circuit, differences between cars are impossible to hide. This is why the three days of action in Spain will be so important for McLaren and Ferrari. Their performance relative to Red Bull will be closely observed.
Updates are expected on the RB20, following those introduced in Suzuka and Imola. The MCL38 is competitive on most circuits, so Norris and Piastri should be in contention this weekend.
Tension is clearly rising between the top teams. Red Bull are taking the first steps towards protesting flexible wings, as anticipated by Formu1a.uno. Helmut Marko has indicated Red Bull will pursue a similar solution to rivals if the FIA does not intervene.
The SF-24 will feature a series of upgrades this weekend. They will be crucial, given the small margins between top teams. Despite Ferrari’s speed, their limitations have been widely discussed after Montreal – these are limitations Red Bull and McLaren do not have.
So far, the Scuderia has prioritized medium and high-speed performance. This is consistent with the team’s philosophy of looking after its tyres over a race distance.
Ferrari’s new package will aim to improve competitiveness at a low-speed, with an expected advantage of just under two-tenths.
Mercedes were impressive with their progress in Canada, although various conditions helped the W15.
In Barcelona, the Mercedes engineers will find opposite characteristics. There are a variety of high and low-speed corners, whilst temperatures and track surfaces in Spain are more typical than Canada’s.
The Silver Arrows will also bring upgrades this weekend. These are part of the team’s general 2024 direction. As the season continues, Aston Martin’s influence has weakened, and Toto Wolff’s team now wants to target the leading group to return to fighting for podiums and victories.
Further back, the Racing Bulls will also bring updates. Another new floor will debut on the V-CARB01, which, from what was gathered by formu1a.uno, will guarantee a gain of two-tenths. VCARB will have a new sidepod and a new rear wing as they try to close the gap to Aston Martin.
The single-seater from Faenza has always performed well on tracks with high aerodynamic load. They could surprise this weekend in Spain.
Sauber and Williams, among others, will bring updates to Barcelona as the midfield battle intensifies.
SPANISH GP: PIRELLI CHOOSES THE HARDEST RANGE, PAY ATTENTION TO THE WEATHER ON SUNDAY
Twelve months ago, a fairly cold race allowed teams to use all three compounds during a one-stop race over 66 laps on Sunday. However, hotter conditions this weekend should increase degradation.
Pirelli will bring the three hardest compounds, underlining how the left side of the cars will be the most stressed. Most of the high-speed corners in Barcelona are left turns.
The load levels required are also very high to protect the tyres from slipping on high fuel. At the moment, two hot days are expected between Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, there is a chance of rain.
