It is usually very hot in Spain at this time of year and Pirelli has warned the ten teams on the grid in anticipation of the Grand Prix which will be contested in Barcelona on Sunday.
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The race, initially scheduled for May, but postponed due to the pandemic, will take place for the first time in August. The exclusive supplier expects another tough stopover for the tires. The Barcelona circuit is already recognized as one of the most demanding on the calendar.
His three hardest compounds (C1, C2 and C3) were selected. It remains to be seen how the two Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will behave, whose tire degradation was a major issue at Silverstone.
The Mercedes team have been very successful in the past in Barcelona, where they have five wins (including four won by Lewis Hamilton) since 2014.
But one must expect strong opposition from Max Verstappen, who, in favor of a successful strategy, fled with the victory last week.
In the sights of Alfa Romeo
Nico Hülkenberg’s brilliant performance last week at Silverstone has been noticed by two F1 teams who have yet to announce the return of their respective driving duos next year.
The German replaced Sergio Pérez in the last two races in Great Britain, but the confirmed return of the Mexican (cured of COVID-19) in Spain will deprive him of a steering wheel at Racing Point.
After qualifying third in qualifying, he placed seventh at the finish line last week at Silverstone after having stood up to his young teammate Lance Stroll until an unscheduled pit stop at the end of the race. of course.
Räikkönen retired?
Hülkenberg did not deny being in talks with two teams without naming them. However, the most plausible track is that of Alfa Romeo, which would not extend its agreement with the veteran
Kimi Räikkönen for the 2021 season.
The 40-year-old Finn could be forced to end his F1 career. As for his teammate, the Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, he would not have to fear for his position. In 2013, Hülkenberg had some success with this organization, which was once known as Sauber.
The other possibility is that of the American team Haas, whose future for its two titular drivers, Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen, seems seriously compromised.
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