Fast Guide to the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix
CIRCUIT CHANGES
The final sector of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will return to its original configuration by getting rid of the chicane. Interestingly, the chicane was initially installed in 2007 in an effort to better track safety and to improve overtaking chances. Reverting to the original layout is expected to improve overtaking on the main straight and into the opening turns as cars can now follow each other more easily with the new regulations.
MERCEDES
Mercedes is once again battling with Aston Martin in the constructors' standings after finishing fourth and fifth in Monaco. Only one point separates the two teams.
Mercedes is returning to a race where Russell finished on the podium a year ago and where the car did strongly overall. This circuit is now considerably faster thanks to the track modifications. This could have an impact on tyre degradation, a problem Mercedes has occasionally had this year. However, due to the numerous medium speed turns, it is an ideal track to test the changes made to their floor, front suspension, and rear wing.
RED BULL
Max Verstappen extended his championship lead to 39 points from his teammate, Sergio Perez. Verstappen has won the Spanish Grand Prix twice and is yet to finish outside of the top two this season with four race victories. Perez will also be looking to recover from a tough weekend in Monaco, with the Mexican finishing outside of the points while his teammate took the victory. However, this weekend is a fresh chance for him to regain his momentum.
ASTON MARTIN
Following yet another podium, Fernando Alonso is currently only 12 points behind Perez. As the Spaniard arrives at his home grand prix, and the venue of what is still his most recent Grand Prix victory with Ferrari back in 2013, Alonso and Aston Martin are hoping to continue their podium streak. Aston Martin will debut the second half of an update that was originally scheduled for Imola. Their goal is to close the gap with the championship leaders and counteract the gains made by Mercedes and Ferrari with their own upgrades.
ALPINE
With the help of Alpine's updates, the team's performance has improved, resulting in a double points finish in Miami, a remarkable podium finish by Esteban Ocon at the Monaco Grand Prix, and a season-best seventh position for Pierre Gasly. The French team is confident about competing for the remaining podium spots behind Red Bull.
FERRARI
Ferrari had to postpone the introduction of updates to their erratic SF23 car due to the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. In addition to the modified floor and diffuser that Ferrari already added to their car, this weekend's modification will also include new bodywork. Due to its challenging nature, this circuit is frequently used for testing as it allows engineers to collect a variety of data. How the rest of the season will unfold may be hinted at by this weekend. Ferrari hopes to learn more about the reasons behind their inability to translate performance into race pace
This weekend could mark a turning point for the constructors with upgrades, mixed weather, possibility for rain, and the predictably evolving track on which to fine-tune their car setups for qualifying and race day.
