Spanish Grand Prix – Race outlook

Hamilton-Verstappen: the duel is intensifying

The anticipated duel between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen is increasingly confirmed. The Barcelona qualifications were particularly awaited since it is a tradition to say that a competitive car on the Catalan circuit is competitive throughout the season. This is why Mercedes has been reigning supreme there since the beginning of the hybrid era. The only exception to the rule was in 2016 when Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton even collided in their fratricidal struggle. At that time, a certain Max Verstappen signed his first victory in F1…

In 2021, the fight is however very real since the Batave misses his rival by only 36 milliseconds. It is the first time since 2017 that the two Silver (or Black) Arrows do not monopolize the front row for the race.

A telltale sign, Max Verstappen appeared satisfied with his second place as he clearly displayed the face of gloom just a week ago in Portimao. He stated: “…Second place on this track here is a very good thing for us. I know that the Mercedes are very hard to beat here. Being so close to them, I can only be happy about that.”

The two men are well aware that a large part of the race will be played out in the corner and the rush towards the first turn, after a long straight. Everyone is on the same strategy, starting on soft tires. On a track where it is difficult to overtake, it will be essential to take advantage of any opportunity that arises.

Ocon, the beautiful surprise

Struggling at the beginning of the season, Alpine showed some promising signs at Portimao, with developments that brought a lot of satisfaction. However, the start of the Spanish weekend was complicated and there were fears that the blue cars might struggle in Spain.

However, at the time of Q3, the result was there: both Alpine managed to break into the top 10, which had not happened since Bahrain at the end of last year. Even better, Esteban Ocon achieved a very good fifth place, which was his ranking at the Styrian Grand Prix early last season. He could therefore display a beautiful smile at the end of the session: “I think this is the confirmation we were looking for since we showed the same performances as in Portimao and it’s a good thing. The car is fantastic this weekend and I’m comfortable behind the wheel as well as with the team around me.” His satisfaction could only be doubled by the fact that he is still clearly ahead of his teammate, Fernando Alonso, who seems to be less sharp compared to his best years.

The French is well aware that it will be mainly about defending his position rather than aiming higher. But on a circuit where it is notoriously difficult to overtake, he can be confident of scoring big points.

McLaren, the downturn

In the battle for third place, Ferrari seems to have regained a slight advantage over McLaren. Impressive since the start of the season, the Woking team may come out of a disappointing Saturday. Indeed, we find Daniel Ricciardo in seventh and Lando Norris in ninth. For the Australian, the satisfaction lies in making people forget the industrial accident with the elimination in Q1 in Portimao. Above all, he is reasserting his dominance over his teammate in qualifying.

However, the Briton displays a formidable racing pace this season, allowing him to sit in a flattering third place in the Drivers’ Championship. He will have to rely on it to try to make up for a hectic session, whether it be his second necessary attempt in Q1 or a slightly damaged car during his first attempt in Q3. Both McLarens find themselves behind the two Ferraris and it will be important not to let valuable points slip away at the end of the race.

See you at 3pm this Sunday afternoon for the start of the fourth Grand Prix of the season. With of course the reactions and analysis to follow on Motors Inside.