McLaren Shocked by Red Bull Gap at F1 Spanish GP but Accepts Front Wing Result

McLaren left the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix qualifying session with a two-tenths advantage over Red Bull. Team principal Andrea Stella admitted he did not expect the gap to be so wide.

Before the event, the FIA announced a clampdown on front wing flexing to standardize aero components across teams. Some speculated this would limit McLaren’s performance, but the team believed the effect would be minor.

Stella explained that in preseason and at Imola, the wing changes were so subtle that driver Lando Norris could not feel any difference when tested back-to-back.

On Saturday, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris secured the front row for McLaren. Max Verstappen started two-tenths behind in third for Red Bull.

Stella noted they expected Red Bull to be closer based on data from other high-downforce tracks like Suzuka, Jeddah, and Imola, where Red Bull had matched McLaren’s pace. He was surprised by how well the MCL39 performed at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which features long, sweeping corners.

The team believes the Barcelona layout, combined with high track temperatures, played to their strengths in rear tyre management. Stella highlighted that Norris also showed strong pace on similar long-corner circuits like Zandvoort in 2023.

Red Bull reported a balanced RB21, but Verstappen said he struggled with overall grip rather than car balance. During qualifying, Verstappen lost time in the first sector, a Red Bull-strong area, and admitted the car lacked grip.

Despite this, Verstappen performed well in long runs on Friday practice, so the team remains hopeful for a strong race showing. Tyre wear has been a major topic during the weekend, with high degradation expected due to hot weather and the track surface.

Stella pointed out that after just 20 laps, cars could lose around 2.5 seconds from tyre wear. This increases the strategic focus on undercuts and timely pit stops, which could help teams gain positions on fresh tyres.

He remains optimistic that McLaren’s rear tyre management could give them an edge. However, he expects Ferrari and Verstappen to be strong threats in race conditions.

Verstappen, aiming for a podium finish, admitted McLaren looked out of reach at Barcelona compared to previous races. His goal remains to finish in the middle of the podium but acknowledged that many things would need to go Red Bull’s way.

With Ferrari also putting in solid long runs, the race is expected to be a two-stop contest. Qualifying pace may not fully determine Sunday’s outcome.

The Spanish Grand Prix promises intense battles at the front. Questions remain about McLaren’s tyre management and whether Red Bull or Ferrari can close the gap during the race.

As teams prepare for strategic gambles amid high tyre wear, all eyes will be on how qualifying pace translates into race performance once the real racing begins.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.