McLaren duel, pressure on Red Bull, changing regulations: the stakes for the Spanish Grand Prix 2025

Formula 1 continues its European tour with a crucial stop in Barcelona. After the successes of Max Verstappen in Imola and Lando Norris in Monaco, the spotlight is on McLaren. The British team shows a rare domination this season, with six wins in eight Grand Prix. In the constructors’ standings, McLaren leads with 319 points, compared to 147 for its runner-up Mercedes.

But behind this figure lies an internal confrontation that could reshape the rest of the season. Oscar Piastri, the solid leader of the world championship, now has only a three-point lead over his teammate Norris, who made a strong comeback thanks to his controlled victory in the narrow streets of the Principality. The balance between the two drivers is fragile, and Barcelona could either accentuate or disrupt the current dynamic.

Verstappen in the role of the hunter

Four-time reigning world champion, Max Verstappen finds himself in an unprecedented position for the first time in three years: that of the pursuer. With two victories this season (Suzuka and Imola), the Dutchman is 25 points behind Piastri. However, the Red Bull driver hasn’t said his last word, especially as he returns to a circuit he particularly loves.

It was in Barcelona, in 2016, that he scored his very first F1 victory at the age of 18. Since then, he has added three consecutive wins from 2021 to 2023. Needless to say, the Montmeló circuit, considered a comprehensive test for single-seaters with its varied sequences and high-speed corners, perfectly suits his incisive driving style.

A regulatory turning point at stake

But beyond the battle between drivers and teams, a subtle technical change could have major repercussions. The FIA announced, starting from this Spanish Grand Prix, a restriction on the use of flexible front wings, accused of providing an illegal aerodynamic advantage to some teams, with McLaren at the forefront.

The reaction from the paddock is mixed. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), second in Monaco, believes that this measure might make a small difference, but will not radically change the hierarchy. However, in such a tightly contested championship, the slightest performance variation can be enough to disrupt the balance. Verstappen, along with the Mercedes drivers, will be watching closely to see the effects of this measure on the competitiveness of McLaren.

Ferrari and Mercedes lying in wait

Ferrari has yet to raise their arms in victory this season. Despite notable consistency, particularly from Leclerc, the Italian team struggles to convert their performances into wins. The Scuderia hopes to take advantage of the regulatory context to finally get closer to the top. It’s a similar story for Mercedes, whose progress remains too timid in the face of McLaren’s rise.

With the prospect of the circuit change in 2026, heading to Madrid and its urban streets, the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona might well serve as a symbol for one last showdown on a historic track. For McLaren, the objective is clear: establish its dominance. For its rivals, it’s about staying in the game before the season slips away for good.