Formula One 2024: Spanish Grand Prix Preview and Predictions

Two-weeks after yet another Max Verstappen masterclass, Formula One returns and racing moves to Barcelona, Spain.

Not only do we have multiple teams in the mix as contenders, we also have interesting driver storylines and much more in the pipeline ahead of the race this weekend.

As we gear up for the race weekend, here’s my predictions for the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix.

Spanish GP 2024: Max Attack

The Canadian race was the perfect example of why Max Verstappen is miles ahead of anyone else on the grid at the moment. Red Bull had their fair share of struggles in Canada, but Verstappen drove a near-perfect race on a weekend where he did not have the fastest machinery. McLaren and Mercedes were both in the mix as well and, in an ideal world, one of them should have taken the win.

On the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, though, Red Bull should be more at home, and if no one is able to keep up with Verstappen when he is struggling, it is unlikely anyone will when he’s in top gear. While the likes of Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes may try to push him, expect the Dutchman to pick up a clean win in Spain. 

Pole position: Max Verstappen
Race win prediction: Red Bull

Spanish GP 2024: Red Force

Following his incredible win at Monaco, Charles Leclerc and Ferrari were the talk of the town heading to Montreal, but the Scuderia messed up spectacularly in Canada as they had a double retirement after failing to make it to Q3 with either car. 

Both team principal Fred Vasseur and driver Charles Leclerc said that, even though they had to retire the car, the car felt good in sections. Moving to Canada, we should be seeing the Scuderia bounce back.

Red Bull are fighting the Constructors’ Standings with only one driver, as Sergio Pérez is yet to find his footing this season, Ferrari are, therefore, in pole position to steal the Constructors’ title.

Count on Ferrari to rectify their mistakes and get on the podium, if not more, in Spain.

Also read: Formula One Sponsors 2024

Spanish GP 2024: A French mess

It has been the worst start to a season for the Alpine team, as one could imagine. The French side lie eighth in the Constructors’ Standings and have scored points at just two races this season.

To make matters worse, their drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon had a coming-together in Monaco, where Ocon bizarrely hit his teammate. Following the Monaco race, Alpine announced that Ocon would leave the team post 2024, although it was not related to the Monaco incident. 

Alpine’s car has been among the slowest on multiple weekends throughout the season, as showcased by their standing in the Constructor’s table. Along with their on-track struggles, tensions within the team were clear too in Monaco as Ocon expressed his disappointment with the team orders. 

A slow car and intra-team tensions hint at another tough weekend for the French team at the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix.

Spanish GP 2024: Race details

Circuit: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Venue: Montmeló, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Practice Session 1 time: 17:00, June 21
Practice Session 2 time: 20:30, June 21
Practice Session 3 time: 16:00, June 22
Qualifying time: 19:30, June 22
Main race time: 18:30, June 23
Where to watch: F1 TV Pro / FanCode