BREAKING:F1 Spanish GP: Five things to watch out for… Read more
The 2025 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix promises high-stakes action and major technical intrigue, with several key storylines set to shape the weekend. Here are five things to closely follow at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
1. Flexi-wing clampdown: Will it shake up the grid?
The Spanish Grand Prix marks the beginning of the FIA’s stricter enforcement on front wing flexibility. After earlier efforts targeted rear wings, the latest directive mandates a significant reduction — by about one-third — in how much front wings are allowed to flex under aerodynamic load. The move targets teams suspected of exploiting aero-elasticity to gain performance, especially McLaren and Mercedes. However, the change affects all teams, as even those within the previous limits must now strengthen their designs to avoid breaching the new standards. Teams typically build components as light as possible, meaning nearly all front wings could be affected.
The big unknown is how this will alter the performance order. Barcelona’s mix of high-speed corners and technical sections could reveal which teams were most dependent on flexi-wing advantages. Red Bull, reportedly less affected by the new rule, may see a resurgence, while McLaren — a team believed to benefit significantly from aero flexibility — insists its competitiveness will remain intact.
2. Can Lando Norris sustain his momentum?
Lando Norris arrives in Spain fresh off a commanding win in Monaco, where he secured both pole and victory, narrowing the championship gap to teammate Oscar Piastri to just three points. While Norris downplays the idea of momentum, a strong performance in Barcelona would bolster both his title bid and his self-belief. Consistency had been lacking in earlier rounds, and another win could re-establish him as the front-runner in the 2025 title chase.
3. Was Ferrari’s Monaco form a fluke?
Ferrari looked impressive in Monaco, with Charles Leclerc finishing second and nearly clinching pole position. But given their historical strength at the street circuit, questions remain about whether their performance can be replicated on more conventional tracks like Barcelona. Ferrari hasn’t reached the podium here since 2017, and the new front wing rules could further impact their setup. Team principal Fred Vasseur hinted that the regulation shift could significantly impact the pecking order — whether for better or worse for Ferrari remains uncertain.
4. Will Fernando Alonso finally score?
Surprisingly, Fernando Alonso remains point-less in 2025 — a stat he shares only with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. His teammate, Lance Stroll, has scored all of Aston Martin’s 14 points. Alonso has faced a series of misfortunes, including a mechanical failure in Monaco that cost him a strong finish. Now racing at his home track, where he is also an official ambassador, Alonso is eager to end his scoring drought. With recent Aston Martin upgrades and the familiarity of home turf, this might be his best opportunity yet.
5. Is Barcelona an “apple” or a “pear”?
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella offered a colorful analogy to describe track characteristics, labeling them as either “apples” or “pears” — metaphors for circuits that favor McLaren or Red Bull, respectively. Races like Imola and Jeddah suited Red Bull, while McLaren thrived in Bahrain and Miami. Stella suggests Barcelona sits somewhere between the two extremes, meaning a tight battle between the top teams could unfold. Whether this race leans more toward an “apple” or “pear” will be revealed by the end of the weekend.
