The new front-wing technical directives have done little to halt McLaren’s progress. The reigning constructors’ champions went fastest in each of the free practice sessions with Oscar Piastri getting the better of his teammate Lando Norris in FP2 and FP3. Norris survived a run wide at turn nine to clock a time half a second slower than Piastri. The McLaren duo definite favourites for pole position on Saturday.
Red Bull, or more specifically, Max Verstappen, looks to be their nearest challenger. The reigning world champion survived a run-in with Charles Leclerc in FP2 to clock top-three times in FP1 and FP2, ending the final session in fifth.
Conversely, Ferrari’s pace leaves a bit to be desired. Lewis Hamilton described his free practice as “not fun” after struggling to get past Isack Hadjar in FP1 and clocking the 11th fastest time in FP2, the seven-time world champion ground to a halt in FP3 with a gearbox trouble.
Having endured a disastrous weekend in Monaco in which both cars failed to score points, Mercedes are keen to bounce back in Barcelona. Free practice was a largely trouble-free affair for both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, the Brit in particular managed top five times in two of the three sessions.
Overall, the eight-time constructors champions appear to be fourth best on race pace and third quickest with regard to qualifying pace. McLaren and Red Bull may be out of reach, but Russell and Antonelli are looking to secure credible results in qualifying.
Despite being the standout midfield entry for much of the season thus far, Williams are playing down their chances. Believing the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya to be ill-suited to the FW47. Alex Albon sat out FP1 to make room for Formula 2 driver Victor Martins before setting the 15th fastest time upon his return in FP2, a tenth and a place behind his teammate Carlos Sainz.
Having demonstrated their improved one-lap pace in Monaco, Aston Martin looks set to continue that upward trajectory in Spain. Despite voicing his dissatisfaction with the AMR 25 in FP1, Fernando Alonso gave his home fans something to cheer about with seventh in FP2 and eighth in FP3.
Sauber have come to Spain with a new floor and amended bodywork. Upgrades that look to be yielding results as Nico Hulkenberg ended FP3 in 12th place. His teammate Gabriel Bortoleto ran wide at turn 10 in FP2 en route to 11th in FP3.
Haas have struggled for pace throughout free practice. Ollie Bearman suffered a spin in FP3 and ended the session last a daunting two seconds off the pace. Moreover his teammate Esteban Ocon could only manage 18th, the Frenchman having vacated his seat for reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa. The 2022 Le Mans winner managed the 17th fastest time in FP1 despite a trip into the gravel traps.
Despite run-ins with both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, both Racing Bulls drivers made it into the top ten in FP2 and fp3, Isack Hadjar ahead of his teammate Liam Lawson. The pair looking to continue their solid form having secured a valuable double points finish last time out at Monaco.
McLaren looks to have the edge going into qualifying with Max Verstappen in close attendance. Mercedes and Ferrari look to be evenly matched with Racing Bulls the initial standout midfield contender.
