Spanish Grand Prix 2025: Preview, Analysis & Race Insights

As the 2025 Formula 1 season enters its second third, the championship race is heating up. The Spanish Grand Prix, the ninth race of the year, concludes the second triple-header following rounds in Imola and Monaco. Only Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have won here in the last nine years—but that trend may change this weekend.

A new technical directive regarding front wing flexibility is in place, and Barcelona will be the first real test of its impact.

🟠 McLaren Leads the Charge

Oscar Piastri

McLaren has been the standout team of the season, winning 6 of the first 8 races. Oscar Piastri leads the Drivers' Championship with 161 points, just ahead of teammate Lando Norris (158 points). The team also tops the Constructors' standings by a comfortable margin.

🔢 McLaren Driver Standings

Norris's recent win in Monaco suggests McLaren could dominate again in Barcelona.

🔴 Verstappen Keeps Red Bull in Contention

Max Verstappen - Red Bull

Max Verstappen remains the only non-McLaren driver to win a Grand Prix in 2025, having triumphed in Japan and Imola. However, Red Bull struggles to compete consistently, with Yuki Tsunoda scoring few points. Barcelona, where Verstappen has won multiple times, could be a bounce-back venue.

⚔️ Mercedes vs. Ferrari vs. Red Bull: Fight for Second

Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari

Mercedes currently holds second place in the Constructors’ standings but has lost momentum. In the last two races, the Silver Arrows scored just 6 points. Ferrari, after a disappointing start to the season, showed signs of life in Monaco, where Charles Leclerc took P2 and Lewis Hamilton finished fifth.

Williams is the surprise package—both Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have consistently finished in the top 10 over the past four races. The team’s upward trend makes them a dark horse for more points in Spain.

🏟️ Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya: Track Guide

Barcelona is a classic F1 circuit, known for testing every aspect of a car's performance. The track features a blend of medium and high-speed corners. Since the removal of the final chicane in 2023, lap speeds have increased significantly.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

📊 Circuit Details

Barcelona’s third sector is crucial. Strong traction here usually predicts good form in both Monaco and Canada. Cars that manage tire heat well in the first two sectors typically perform better late in the race.

🔧 Tire & Strategy Preview

Tyres 2025 Spanish Grand Prix

Pirelli brings the hardest tire compounds:

• C1 – Hard
• C2 – Medium
• C3 – Soft

This is a stark contrast from the softer compounds (C4–C6) used in Monaco and Imola.

Most teams are expected to opt for a two-stop strategy, similar to last year. 19 drivers started on softs in 2024, with most using a combination of mediums and hards mid-race. Top drivers, including Verstappen, Norris, and Hamilton, switched back to softs in the final stint.

☀️ Weather Forecast

Expect hot and dry conditions with temperatures above 30°C throughout the weekend. Tire wear and thermal degradation will be key factors during the race.

🗓️ Schedule (Local Time)

📊 Betting Odds: Who Are the Bookmakers Favoring?

Here's a snapshot of the betting odds for the Spanish Grand Prix:

Odds are subject to change. Please check with respective bookmaker for the most current odds.

📺 Where to Watch the Spanish Grand Prix

Fans around the world can follow every session live on:

• F1 TV & F1 TV Pro (Worldwide)
• Sky Sports F1 / NOW TV (UK)
• ESPN / fuboTV (USA)
• beIN SPORTS (Asia)

🔍 Free Practice Highlights: McLaren Set the Pace

McLaren continued their pace from the first free practice session. Oscar Piastri was fastest in the afternoon's second free practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix. Lando Norris, meanwhile, showed solid pace in the race simulation. It seems that this weekend will be all McLaren weekend once again.

Zlatko Ilijevski

Tipster