Spanish Grand Prix: the editors’ Top/Flop picks

Nico Hülkenberg propels Sauber into the top 5

Sauber signs its first top 5 since the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix 2022, then under the name Alfa Romeo. Starting from the 15th position, Nico Hülkenberg delivered a remarkable performance by gaining five places in the first two laps. Solid in the top 8 throughout the race, he took full advantage of the safety car triggered by Kimi Antonelli’s retirement towards the end of the event. It was at this moment that he overtook Lewis Hamilton, thus taking sixth place. Thanks to the penalty given to Max Verstappen, the German finally finishes fifth, brilliantly validating the latest technical developments introduced by the team, which will come under the Audi banner next year.

Oscar Piastri confirms his mastery

Author of the pole position on Saturday, Oscar Piastri perfectly converted the opportunity by winning for the fifth time this season in nine Grand Prix races. Unfazed by the pressure from Lando Norris and the strong strategy of Max Verstappen, the Australian managed the race with calm and precision. Even after the restart following the safety car towards the end of the event, he never yielded. This new success allows him to strengthen his status as the leader in the overall standings, now with a ten-point lead over Lando Norris and a significant gap of 49 points over Max Verstappen.

Fernando Alonso opens his account at home

Starting tenth on the grid, Fernando Alonso had a challenging task at the wheel of a temperamental Aston Martin. Alone on track to represent the British team after Lance Stroll’s withdrawal, the Spaniard thrilled his audience with a series of daring overtakes, a known specialty of his. Thanks to his audacity and fighting spirit, he secured a well-deserved tenth place, upgraded to ninth after a penalty was given to Max Verstappen post-race. This result allowed him to score his first points in 2025.

Max Verstappen goes off track at the end of the race

Author of a remarkable offensive race for more than 50 laps, Max Verstappen knew how to put pressure on the McLarens like only he can. But this aggressive strategy came at a price: worn-out tires. After the safety car, fitted with hard tires against his rivals’ soft ones, the Dutchman lost his footing. On the restart, he nearly lost control, then lost his position to Leclerc. Then, in a tense sequence with George Russell, things went awry. Ordered to give back his position after an initial contentious contact, Max Verstappen eventually deliberately collided with the Mercedes driver. This move resulted in a 10-second penalty, relegating him to 10th place at the finish, his worst race result since 2017. A completely botched end to the Grand Prix, in just ten laps.

Reliability in question at Mercedes

The Mercedes camp might be facing the beginnings of an engine problem. After the breakdown on Fernando Alonso’s car in Monaco, it was Andrea Kimi Antonelli who was forced to retire in the final laps of the Spanish Grand Prix, also due to a mechanical issue. A second retirement in three races for the young Italian, marking a slight halt in his progress. In Brackley, concerns are rising: a detailed analysis of the causes of this incident will be necessary before the next meeting in Canada.

Weekend to forget for Williams

Carlos Sainz hoped to shine in front of his home crowd, but his 17th place in qualifying severely impacted his chances. Right from the start, both Williams cars damaged their front wing, forcing Alex Albon to make an early pit stop. The Thai driver even had to change it a second time halfway through the race before retiring, penalized ten seconds for a collision with Liam Lawson. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz saw the checkered flag, but only in 16th place. After a bright performance in Monaco, Williams returns to its old ways and leaves Barcelona without a single point, for the second time this season.