The final race of F1’s second triple header takes us to the Spanish Grand Prix. The 9th race weekend will be a decisive race in the season, as we see a new FIA directive introduced to combat flexible wings. This rule change can have a massive impact on the pecking order as teams bring their solutions to tackle the change.
The Spanish GP track is a complete circuit offering a range of technical challenges. This is why it is amongst the most popular tracks for testing F1 cars. With the title fight heating up, the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix will help us understand who is on the front foot after the changes. Let’s look into the preview of the weekend below.
Key Storylines for the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix
1. Lando Norris Championship Push
Lando Norris has had a great run through the European leg of the 2025 F1 season so far. This has helped the Englishman narrow down the lead to his teammate by 3 points. The form that Lando is carrying makes him a real threat to the grid from Barcelona and beyond. The Brit has been working hard to get back the momentum, and it has finally paid off in the past two race weekends.
2. New Flexi Wings Rules
Will the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix be the weekend when the F1 pecking order changes? McLaren’s rivals would love to hope that is true. The new flexi wings rules, which were a huge talking point in the 2024 season, are finally resolved. The clampdown means that the wings will be stiffer and limit how the wings can flex during the weekend and beyond. This can affect numerous teams, especially McLaren, which was a frontrunner in this aspect last year.
3. The Stories of the Spanish Drivers
The Spanish GP is home to two top F1 drivers- Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso. This year’s Spanish Grand Prix will be the first time that Sainz races with Williams at the Barcelona Circuit. Sainz is on a hot point-scoring streak and will hope to reach the podium in his home race. On the other hand, Fernando Alonso will want to secure his first points this season. The positive upgrades that Aston Martin brought to the Emilia Romagna GP will give them a boost to get better results in the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix.
4. The Future of the Spanish Grand Prix
Another circuit whose future is hinging is the Circuit de Barcelona. Madrid takes over as the host of the Spanish GP from 2026, so having two tracks in close proximity is required for F1 is up for debate. Barcelona is still under contract till 2026, but will the race get an extension up in the air.
Predictions for the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix
1. Pole Position for the Race: Max Verstappen
The Spanish GP track is a front-limited track with several high-speed sections. These are areas where Red Bull has an edge, as we saw in the Emilia Romagna GP. A small edge is what Verstappen needs, as we’ve seen him taking pole even though the car is not the best. So, the reigning champion is a favorite for pole this weekend.
2. Race Winner: Oscar Piastri
Qualifying has been a strong suit for Verstappen this season, where he bulldozes his car to pole. However, as we’ve seen in the Miami GP, the McLaren is better on its tires. So, the McLarens will have an edge in the main race. After back-to-back P3, Oscar Piastri may just fight back to win the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix.
3. Biggest Surprise: Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso is having his worst season in all his years in Formula 1. The 2-time world champion has been unlucky in the past 2 races, as he has been in his career so far. However, I feel the Spanish driver’s luck may just change, and he may have one of his best weekends this season.
4. Biggest Flop: Franco Colapinto
Franco Colapinto hasn’t had the best start to life at Alpine after replacing Jack Doohan. After the first two races in Imola and Monaco GP, we are heading to a fast-paced track that may suit the Alpine. However, the driver doesn’t look that comfortable in the car so far and may struggle again this weekend.
2025 Spanish Grand Prix Schedule IST
The Spanish Grand Prix in India will be from 30th May to 1st June.
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