Guide to 2023 Spanish Grand Prix as F1 heads to a traditional European circuit for the first time this season.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen enters this round as the championship leader with a 39-point lead over Sergio Perez, as the Austrian constructor looks to continue their unbeaten start to the season heading to Barcelona, Spain.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz though will be eager to impress on home soil after enjoying positive starts to the season, which has seen them outperform their teammates so far.
This race also marks the first traditional European race of the season so expect plenty of upgrades as teams look to improve their performances, especially given the importance of the constructors’ standings come end of season in terms of prize money and wind tunnel time.
Now, here is a full guide to everything that you need to know ahead of 2023 Spanish Grand Prix.
Track Guide
Circuit name: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Laps: 66
Race Distance: 307.104km
Tyre Selection: C1, C2, C3
Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (BST) |
| Friday 2 June | FP1 | 12:30pm |
| Friday 2 June | FP2 | 4:00pm |
| Saturday 3 June | FP3 | 11:30am |
| Saturday 3 June | Qualifying | 3:00pm |
| Sunday 4 June | Race | 2:00pm |
Five Key Pointers
- With no pre-season testing in Barcelona earlier this year, teams will enter this Spanish GP weekend for the first time without prior data at this circuit on this season’s car.
- Following Emilia Romagna GP’s cancellation, this race should see many teams bring upgrades after opting not to do so in Monaco due to the high downforce nature of the street circuit.
- Having debuted their upgrades in Monaco, this race will provide Mercedes with a clearer image of their progress compared to Aston Martin and Ferrari.
- Four of the last six Spanish Grands Prix have been won from pole position so Qualifying will be crucial.
- With the removal of the chicane in the final sector, teams face a set-up challenge in that sector compared to previous years.
Last Time Out
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc led last year’s race from pole position until he suffered a power unit failure on Lap 28, which promoted Verstappen into the lead from which the reigning champion eventually triumphed on a three-stop strategy.
Verstappen’s teammate – Perez finished second ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell who finished third ahead of home favourite – Sainz.