Formula 1: Previewing 2024 Spanish Grand Prix With Predictions, Schedule, Circuit Info, Past Winners

Formula 1: Previewing 2024 Spanish Grand Prix With Predictions, Schedule, Circuit Info, Past Winners

Ero Samson
updated at June 19, 2024 at 7:08 AM
  • Formula 1 heads to Catalunya for round 10 of the 2024 season with another edition of the Spanish Grand Prix on the menu
  • The Barcelona race will feature Red Bull Racing’s first significant upgrade to the RB20 car following a series of minor updates
  • Sports Brief has compiled a detailed preview, prediction, race details, and listed past winners ahead of the Spanish GP race

The 'Max Verstappen factor' was what Red Bull's head of driver development program, Helmut Marko, attributed to the Dutch driver's incredible drive at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The reigning Formula 1 champion outpaced Lando Norris' McLaren and a significantly upgraded Mercedes vehicle to claim victory at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 9.

The Montreal race, which can be unequivocally ranked as the most exciting race of the 2024 calendar so far, was a true racing spectacle and expectations are high for the next event.

Max Verstappen, Formula 1, Canadian Grand Prix, Spanish Grand Prix, F1, Max, Red Bull
Oracle Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen celebrates with his trophy on the podium after the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 9, 2024. Image: Jared C. Tilton.
Source: Getty Images

The strategy rooms of every team on the grid played a significant role in determining their team's outcome.

However, it's worth noting that if anything approaching iconic was witnessed at the Canadian GP, the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix seems poised to surpass it.

The Barcelona circuit has a rich history of delivering unforgettable wheel-to-wheel battles and historic moments, epitomised by Verstappen's record-breaking win in 2016 when he became the youngest Formula 1 race winner at just 18 years and 228 days old.

The 65th edition of this racing spectacle promises to be another instalment of a jaw-dropping show, and Sports Brief has provided a detailed preview and predictions for the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix.

Spanish Grand Prix schedule

The 2024 Spanish Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from June 21 to 23, offering three days packed with thrilling racing events that will surely keep fans on the edge of their seats.

June 21:

- Practice 1: 13:30 (GMT +2)

- Practice 2: 17:00 (GMT +2)

June 22:

- Practice 3: 12:30 (GMT +2)

- Qualifying: 16:00 (GMT +2)

June 23:

- Main race: 15:00 (GMT +2)

Spanish Grand Prix Preview

The foremost memory from the Spanish GP remains Verstappen's remarkable victory for Red Bull, which also marked his debut for the Austrian team and his record-breaking achievement as the youngest-ever Formula 1 GP winner.

Verstappen's win came after the leading Mercedes drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, collided on the opening lap, allowing the then 18-year-old to seize the lead from his then-teammate, Daniel Ricciardo. Strategic tyre management also played a crucial role in securing his memorable victory.

However, since that sunny Spanish afternoon, the 26-year-old has proven that his debut win was no fluke, adding an additional 59 victories to his name, according to data from Stats F1.

Verstappen is once again the driver to beat this weekend, with Red Bull set to introduce upgrades that will further bolster their performance.

Ferrari is also reportedly bringing significant upgrades to the GP. However, given the outcome of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where the Italian constructor introduced one of the most substantial upgrades in recent times, it might be prudent to approach these reports with caution.

Even Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc, has acknowledged that the Spanish race will demonstrate the true pace of the RB20 car, as Planet F1 reported. His statement is not unfounded, considering Red Bull's dominant performances at the Catalunya track in recent history.

Meanwhile, McLaren continues its steady climb back to the top. The team will be aiming for another podium finish and could capitalise on favourable weather conditions or a well-timed safety car, as they did in Miami, to secure victory.

Mercedes AMG is also showing signs of improvement after a series of lacklustre outings in the opening rounds of the 2024 season. The team demonstrated a strong pace in Canada, but it remains to be seen if this improvement is track-specific or a genuine overall improvement.

Overall, it's clear that many teams will be closely monitoring the performance of the Red Bull cars before making any judgments or predictions about their own prospects.

Spanish Grand Prix predictions

While many anticipate a closely contested race, recent history suggests that no team has been able to challenge Red Bull Racing on traditional racing tracks in the 2024 season.

While the Austrian team has faced difficulties on street circuits like Monaco and tracks with kerbs and bumps like Imola, they have consistently outperformed the competition on flawless traditional race tracks. This trend is likely to continue in Barcelona.

Despite the challenges posed by other teams, we predict another victory for the Milton Keynes outfit, with a strong possibility of a double podium finish, thanks to the upgrades to their car.

Spanish GP Circuit information

Circuit Name: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Debut Grand Prix: 1991

Total Laps: 66

Track Length: 4.657 kilometres

Race Distance: 307.236 kilometres

Lap Record: 1:16.330 - Max Verstappen (2023).

Past Winners of the Spanish Grand Prix

2023: Max Verstappen - Red Bull Racing

2022: Max Verstappen - Red Bull Racing

2021: Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes AMG

2020: Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes AMG

2019: Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes AMG.

Formula 1 drivers with the most fastest laps

Sports Brief also previously reported on the list of elite Formula 1 drivers with the most fastest laps recorded.

The compilation featured Michael Schumacher, alongside Lewis Hamilton, among other iconic F1 race figures.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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