In Pictures: Spain 2024
The tenth round of the 2024 season is considered a "hard" event in Formula 1. As usual, the Spanish Grand Prix took place at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit, known as one of the most technically demanding tracks for both cars and tires. In terms of the challenges it presents, the track is one of the most comprehensive of any circuit worldwide, not just on the Formula 1 calendar.
Besides its straights, the circuit features every possible type of corner, including high-speed sections like Turn 3 and the combination of Turns 13 and 14 leading onto the main straight. The lateral forces exerted on the tires, especially on the left-hand side of the car, are particularly high, partly due to nine of the 14 turns being right-handers.
In 2023, the track’s original configuration, used since its debut on the Formula 1 calendar in 1991, was reinstated. In 2007, a chicane was added before the final corner to create another overtaking opportunity, but this did not materialize. The removal of the chicane, along with the aerodynamic setup of current cars, has increased overtaking opportunities. Last year, this track went from being midrange in passing opportunities to one of the top four.
This year’s race marked the 54th edition of the Spanish Grand Prix and the 34th at the current venue. The Spanish Grand Prix first appeared on the calendar in 1951 and became a permanent fixture in 1986. The Montmelo track is the fifth venue to host the Spanish Grand Prix. Previously, it was held at two street circuits in Barcelona: twice at Pedralbes and four times at Montjuic. The Grand Prix also took place at the permanent venues of Jarama near Madrid (nine times) and Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia (five times).
Additionally, Spain hosted seven rounds of the world championship under the name of the European Grand Prix: in 1994 and 1997 at Jerez and from 2008 to 2012 on the Valencia street circuit. Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton are the most successful drivers at the Spanish Grand Prix, each with six wins. Schumacher's win in the 1994 European Grand Prix makes him the most successful in F1 races on Spanish soil. Schumacher also holds the record for most pole positions (7), fastest race laps (7), and podium finishes (12) in Spain. Among constructors, Ferrari leads the way with 12 wins, 14 pole positions, and 38 podium finishes.
FRIDAY
The two hours of free practice proceeded smoothly, with only a brief interruption in FP1 due to a piece of front wing left on the track. The teams focused on adapting their cars to the track's characteristics and optimizing tire performance. They tested various fuel loads and explored different tire management strategies, particularly during long runs.
Once FP2 was over, five drivers from five different teams occupied the top five positions. This season, the field seems very evenly matched, at least since the Australian Grand Prix. On the longest day of the year, the top five were separated by just 240 thousandths of a second. Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in the Mercedes with 1:13.264, followed closely by Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari (1:13.286), Lando Norris in the McLaren (1:13.319), Pierre Gasly in the Alpine (1:13.443), and Max Verstappen in the Red Bull (1:13.504).
SATURDAY
During the third free practice session, several teams focused exclusively on qualifying simulation runs, while others also replicated parts of the race, running different fuel loads to gather additional data on tire behavior and management.
Qualifying confirmed what had already become evident on Friday: at a track as demanding on tires as Barcelona, peak performance occurs on the first flying lap, after which it's nearly impossible to improve.
When qualifying was over, McLaren secured pole position after an absence of 1,001 days. Lando Norris was the fastest, just as he was in Sochi on September 25, 2021, during qualifying for the Russian Grand Prix. Norris' time of 1:11.383 was only 20 thousandths of a second quicker than Max Verstappen’s 1:11.403. The next four drivers were also incredibly close, within just 35 thousandths of a second of each other! Mercedes filled the second row (Lewis Hamilton at 1:11.701 and George Russell at 1:11.703), while the Ferrari duo occupied the third row (Charles Leclerc at 1:11.731 and Carlos Sainz at 1:11.736).
Norris clinched his second career pole and McLaren's 157th overall—the team's tenth at this Grand Prix and their first at the Barcelona-Catalunya track since 2005, when Kimi Raikkonen was fastest. Notably, this marks the first time since 2012 that four different teams have secured pole in four consecutive races.
SUNDAY
Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass in racing at the Spanish Grand Prix, securing his 61st career win and fourth at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This victory continues Verstappen’s dominance in the 2024 Formula 1 season and marks Red Bull's 120th overall win, with Verstappen contributing to over half of these triumphs.
A Race of Strategy and Precision
The race was notable for its lack of retirements, a rare occurrence in Formula 1. Of the 20 drivers who started, 11 completed the full race distance, while nine were lapped. Alexander Albon, the only driver to start on Medium tires from the pit lane in his Williams, was a unique case among a grid otherwise shod with Soft tires.
Pit stops played a crucial role in shaping the race's outcome. Yuki Tsunoda triggered the pit stop cycle as early as lap 9, with the leaders, including Carlos Sainz and George Russell, opting to switch to Mediums by lap 15. Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc stretched their stints the longest, delaying their pit stops until laps 23 and 24 respectively.
In the third and final stint, tire strategy diverged among the front runners. Verstappen, Hamilton, and the McLaren drivers preferred Soft tires, while Sainz and Russell chose the Hard compound for a more defensive approach.
A Duel of Strategies
Verstappen's victory was built on early wheel-to-wheel battles, first with Lando Norris and then George Russell. Despite Norris's attempt to challenge by extending his first two stints and hoping for a final charge on fresher Softs, Verstappen's tactical choice to use a new set of Softs for the closing laps gave him the edge.
Lewis Hamilton’s third-place finish marked his return to the podium for the first time since the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix. This podium appearance extends his streak of finishing in the top three at least once each season since his debut in 2007.
Red Bull's Continued Dominance
This race underscores Red Bull’s formidable presence in the 2024 season, with seven wins in ten races, reflecting their strategic prowess and Verstappen's exceptional skill. As the season progresses, Verstappen's commanding performances and Red Bull’s strategic acumen continue to shape the championship narrative.
Excerpts of this article provided by Pirelli S.p.A.