BRIEFING F1: SPANISH GP

The World Championship stops in Montmeló this weekend, on the track that more than any other lays bare the true competitive order. The Barcelona circuit isn’t just a classic proving ground—it’s a seasonal crossroads, a place where the strengths and weaknesses of each car come into sharp focus like nowhere else.

This year, though, the tension is higher than usual. Coinciding with the Spanish Grand Prix, the FIA's new directive on flexible wings officially comes into effect. From this point on, wings will have to be significantly less flexible. What that means for performance remains to be seen.

The teams have had time to prepare. They've done their homework and likely already have a good idea of how much this change will impact them. But, as always, the ultimate answer will come from the track.

The big questions are unavoidable: will this directive shift the balance of power? And who stands to lose the most? Opinions are mixed. Some eyes are on McLaren, widely seen as one of the teams that leaned most heavily into flexible aerodynamic solutions. If that’s the case, they might have the most to lose. On the other hand, Ferrari—more conservative in its design choices—may come away relatively unscathed.

Still, it's important to remember how delicate this balance is. Tougher regulations mean more aerodynamic drag on the straights. Before, teams could rely on a “smart” rear wing that flexed at high speed to reduce resistance. Now, with that option limited, everyone will have to revisit their setup: more downforce in the corners, yes, but without compromising too much top speed.

It may not be a revolution—but from this race onward, it will be a new kind of challenge. And Montmeló will be the first real test.

At Ferrari, the only notable update is a new front wing built to comply with the directive. The much-discussed rear suspension won't be part of this weekend's package after all. Bigger updates are expected in Austria. In short: expectations are modest for now.

As for the rest of the grid, the rule change will inevitably influence setup management and development strategy going forward. Without this new variable, McLaren might have been the clear favorite for the weekend. Even they admit, however, that Barcelona—with its high-speed corners—isn’t exactly ideal for their current package.

Who might benefit most? Possibly Red Bull and Mercedes, who were among the most vocal critics of McLaren’s flexible wing concepts. That said, the Spanish circuit leaves little room for smoke and mirrors: if a car is genuinely competitive, it will show. And those hoping for a completely reshuffled championship may be in for disappointment.

As usual, Pirelli will bring its hardest compound tires—a necessary call on a track as tough on rubber as this one. Tire management will once again be a decisive factor, especially with the added drag from the new aero setups.

Verstappen, for his part, is watching McLaren closely, hoping the new rules slow the Woking-based team just enough. His Red Bull isn’t that far off in terms of raw pace, and Barcelona could be the spark that reopens the title fight. What seemed like fantasy at the start of the season is now within reach.

Then again, Max’s right foot will have the final word. As always, the track will decide. And Montmeló? It doesn’t lie.

© Simone Marchetti Cavalieri

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