Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix Prediction: Verstappen is unstoppable at "Circuit de Catalunya"

Max Verstappen, the current world champion, achieved his fourth victory in this year's Formula 1 championship in Monte Carlo. The Dutchman led from the beginning to the end of the race, and his plans were not disturbed by the rain, which began to fall 20 laps before the end. The Dutch driver is chasing his third consecutive title. He now has 144 points, 39 more than his Red Bull clubmate, Mexican Sergio Perez.

Just one week after Monaco, Formula 1 comes to the Catalunya track, not far from Barcelona. The Spanish Grand Prix has been held at the Circuit de Catalunya since 1991, and throughout its history has been held at other circuits including Jarama, Jerez and Montjuic. Michael Schumacher won the most pole positions on this track (seven), and he triumphed six times, as did Lewis Hamilton. Last season, Max Verstappen took the win after starting from second position behind Charles Leclerc. Barcelona presents a serious test for Formula 1 cars, with its mix of high, medium and low speed corners, but this season we should see even more exciting and fast race because of the abolition of the chicane in the latter sector which was introduced after 2006. Not only will the removal of the chicane result in faster times and potentially affect how drivers approach tire conservation in qualifying, but it should also increase overtaking opportunities. Barcelona is somewhat simpler than most of circuits, and due to its position on the calendar and mix of high and low speed corners, has always been a popular place for new upgrades. This year, Imola was supposed to be in charge of it, but due to its cancellation, the responsibility fell on Barcelona. The Mercedes team brought a new W14 car with different side vents last weekend, and now will they have a real chance to assess where that car stands in terms of performance. Ferrari had a tough race in Monaco, but team principal Frederik Wasser believes there is more they can get out of their current pack this weekend in Spain. Since Ferrari has already introduced new parts during the season (a new floor design in Miami and tweaks to the front and rear wings in Monaco), Wasser thinks bringing in new parts during the season and seeing how they perform is better than completely changing the concept.

Max Verstappen, who became the youngest winner in the history of Formula 1 on this track, has fond memories of Barcelona. It was in the 2016 race, where Hamilton started from pole position, but had contact during overtaking with teammate Rosberg. After the Mercedes duo dropped out of the race, Max Verstappen got the chance to win for the first time with the Red Bull team.

In addition to Fernando Alonso, the Spaniards have another driver of their own - Carlos Sainz. His best result in Spain was fourth place in 2022. Considering Ferrari's performances in the previous part of the season, in which they had one podium and one pole position (Leclerc in Baku), we should not expect too much from the Italian team. Although, it should be mentioned that they brought in new side vents and a new floor for this race, so it remains to be seen how much these improvements will help them.

Verstappen was untouchable from the beginning of the race weekend in Spain, and he continued in the same style in qualifying. The Dutchman even gave up the fastest lap at the very end of the qualifications, but despite that, he was in a class of his own. In addition to the absolute dominance of Verstappen, the qualifications at "Catalunya " was also marked by an interruption after only a few minutes, as well as the elimination of Charles Leclerc - Ferrari in Q1. There were surprises in Q2 as well, then the qualifications were over for the other Red Bull driver Sergio Perez. The Mexican will start from the 11th position, but I believe his car has enough power and speed on this circuit and that Perez will finish this race on the podium.

OUR PREDICTION: Perez to finish on the podium