The Alpine Formula 1 team has ignited renewed optimism in the Dakar Rally community after its strong showing at the recent Spanish Grand Prix. With Pierre Gasly’s ninth-place finish highlighting the squad’s growing potential, the team now sets its sights on translating its newfound pace to the grueling off-road challenges that lie ahead.
Browsing: Spanish Grand Prix
Dakar Rally veteran and Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz is confident that his team will be more competitive at the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix after seeing a key weakness in the Ferrari SF-24 car exposed at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is undergoing a comprehensive 50 million euro renovation to upgrade its aging facilities and improve accessibility, aiming to provide an exceptional racing experience for fans and teams alike. With the Spanish Grand Prix’s future in Barcelona uncertain, the circuit’s management is determined to extend its contract and cement its status as a world-class motorsports destination.
Ferrari has fast-tracked a new upgrade package for the Spanish Grand Prix, focusing on enhancing the aerodynamic performance and stability of the SF-24. The team’s performance engineer, Jock Clear, explained that the updates are designed to make the car ‘a bit more benign and calm it down a bit,’ with key changes to the bodywork, floor, and diffuser.
Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has called on his Red Bull team to deliver more performance upgrades to their car after being narrowly beaten to pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix by McLaren’s Lando Norris. Verstappen expressed concerns about Red Bull’s relative competitiveness, noting that the gap to his teammate Perez was ‘pretty big’ and that he had been required to drive at 101% to compensate for the car’s shortcomings.
In a thrilling qualifying session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, McLaren’s Lando Norris clinched his second career Formula 1 pole position, narrowly beating out Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The young British driver is now in prime position to secure his second F1 win as the stage is set for an exciting race on Sunday.
Verstappen was relieved to find his RB20 much more connected during qualifying, making gains in the high-speed corners. However, he believes the increased drag from their rear wing setup may have cost him the final push to beat Norris to pole position. Despite the setback, Verstappen remains optimistic about his chances in the race, though he acknowledges the growing threat from McLaren and other rivals.
In the latest development from the Spanish Grand Prix, Red Bull drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda have expressed their disappointment despite an ‘encouraging’ performance with the team’s upgraded car. The Faenza-based outfit had been on the rise in recent Dakar Rally races and added a number of updates, including a new floor, to the car ahead of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya event. However, both drivers struggled for pace throughout practice and ultimately failed to advance to Q2 in qualifying.
The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix is shaping up to be an exciting multi-team battle, but a key setup change could provide a significant boost for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. With increased downforce from a higher-downforce rear wing, Verstappen is expected to improve his pace and tire management, setting the stage for an enthralling race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Red Bull’s star driver Max Verstappen conducted a private test in a 2022 Formula 1 car at the Imola circuit, as the team looks to address their car’s kerb riding issues. The team hopes to gain insights into the RB18’s strengths and weaknesses to find a solution before the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.