The Formula 1 season heads to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, and it could prove to be a pivotal moment in the 2023 season. This circuit is familiar to the drivers and teams, having hosted many testing sessions over the years, making it the perfect venue to see the teams’ true pecking order emerging.
As the development war steps up, several teams will be running upgrades on their cars, either for the first time or certainly running them for the first time in representative conditions. “Barcelona is the best judge of a chassis – it’s all about chassis and aero there,” Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle said.
Red Bull have been unbeaten so far in the season and are expected to lead the way in Barcelona. The high-speed circuit appeals to the strengths of their RB19, and the removal of the final chicane on the track will have a significant impact on drivers this season, favoring Red Bull’s straight-line speed advantage.
While Red Bull is expected to remain out front, the upgrades of Aston Martin, Mercedes, and Ferrari will be worth watching as they all aim to catch up with the championship leaders. Mercedes debuted their new bodywork, floor, and front suspension in Monaco and finished fourth and fifth. They will seek to confirm the updated W14’s true potential this weekend. Aston Martin has had the second-quickest car so far this season and will be introducing the second half of an upgrade that was initially due in Imola. Ferrari will also introduce a substantial upgrade to their inconsistent SF23 car.
The mood around Alpine has transformed in the last month, and the French outfit is bullish about getting among the fight for the final podium positions behind Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari. It will also be the first time since the season-opening Bahrain GP that Formula 1 has raced at a more traditional circuit, making this weekend’s race all the more exciting.
In conclusion, the Spanish GP this weekend could prove pivotal in the 2023 season as all teams will be running upgrades, and the circuit is familiar to the drivers and teams. Red Bull is expected to lead the way, but the upgrades of Aston Martin, Mercedes, and Ferrari will be worth keeping tabs on as they all aim to catch up with the championship leaders. Alpine is also looking to sneak in among the fight for the final podium positions, making this weekend’s race all the more exciting.
