Weather Report to Circuit Details: All You Need to Know About the 2024 F1 Spanish Grand Prix
spanish grand prix preview weather report circuit details verstappen hamilton
After a week-long break, Formula 1 heads to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for round 10 of the season. Drivers are well-acquainted with this circuit, as it has been a key venue for pre-season testing in recent years.
Spain joined the F1 calendar in 1951, with races initially held in Jerez before Barcelona took over the rights in 1991. Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher have been the most successful drivers at the Spanish Grand Prix, each securing six wins. Schumacher also holds records for the most poles (7), podium finishes (12), and fastest laps (7).
On the constructors' side, Ferrari has been the most dominant team, boasting 12 wins, 14 pole positions, and 38 podium finishes. They are followed by McLaren, Williams, and Mercedes.
Defending champion Max Verstappen had a routine victory at the 2023 Spanish GP, leading every lap and clinching his 40th career win. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished third and fourth, respectively. This race was a high point for Mercedes in a season where they otherwise struggled.
Despite recent strong performances from Ferrari and McLaren, Verstappen is favored to win at this track. Although some limitations of the RB20 have been exposed, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya suits Verstappen’s driving style. While Ferrari and McLaren could see their drivers on the podium, challenging Verstappen will be tough.
Circuit Details
The total race distance on the 4.657 km-long track is 307.236 km, making it a 66-lap race. Recent changes to the track include reverting to a previous layout that removes the final chicane, allowing cars to speed through the extremely fast second-to-last corner.
As in the past two years, two DRS (Drag Reduction System) zones will be in use. The first DRS zone has a detection point 86 meters before Turn 9 and activates 40 meters after. The second DRS zone's detection point is at the Safety Car line, with activation occurring 57 meters after Turn 16.
Weather
Weather played a significant role in the Canadian GP, but teams can expect a mostly dry weekend in Spain. Friday is forecasted to be mostly sunny, with a slight chance of showers during the day. Saturday’s weather will be sunny with some clouds and only a 20% chance of rain. On race day, Sunday, moderate showers are expected with a 40% chance of rain and temperatures ranging between 18°C and 24°C.
Spanish GP 2024 Schedule
All IST times
Friday, June 21
FP1: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
FP2: 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday, June 22
FP3: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Qualifying: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Sunday, June 23
Main Race: 6:30 PM