Circuit insights, key championship contenders, this season’s competitive context, and what we know about the future of the Spanish Grand Prix

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All Set in Montmeló for the 2025 Spanish F1 Grand Prix

The roar of Formula 1 engines will once again echo this weekend at the Montmeló Circuit in Barcelona, Spain, which hosts a new edition of the Spanish Grand Prix in a particularly special year: the pinnacle of motorsport celebrates its 75th anniversary, and it does so with one of the most open championships in recent memory.

The race, taking place from May 30 to June 1, arrives marked by McLaren's dominance, technical regulation changes driven by the FIA, and an atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding the future of the Catalan track in the global calendar.

It’s an event that promises high drama and potential surprises, especially with two Spanish drivers racing at home: Formula 1 legend Fernando Alonso, now with Aston Martin, and “Smooth Operator” Carlos Sainz, driving for Williams. So far, neither Spanish driver has achieved a strong result in the current championship, but who knows—perhaps this weekend, one of them, or both, will make it to the podium.

A Challenging Race for the Drivers

The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix will take place from May 30 to June 1 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, marking the 35th edition of the event at this track and coinciding with Formula 1’s 75th anniversary.

The Montmeló circuit spans 4.657 kilometers, with drivers completing 66 laps during the race, totaling 307.236 km. The lap record is currently held by Max Verstappen, who set a time of 1:16.330 in 2023.

When it comes to victories, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher share the record for the most wins at Montmeló, with six each. Despite holding the lap record, Verstappen has only managed four wins at this Grand Prix.

This season, Oscar Piastri leads the Drivers’ Championship by three points ahead of his McLaren teammate Lando Norris, who has won the last two races. McLaren clearly dominates the Constructors’ Championship, holding a 172-point lead over Mercedes.

It's important to note that this race is influenced by a new technical regulation change from the FIA, which will tighten the rules on front wing flexibility starting June 1. This could impact team performance, particularly on a circuit like Montmeló, known for its high-speed corners. Nevertheless, teams such as Ferrari and Red Bull hope the regulation will help level the playing field against McLaren’s current dominance.

A New Era for F1 in Spain

This race holds particular significance for the city of Barcelona, especially considering it could be the last Formula 1 Grand Prix held there for many years. Starting in 2026, the Spanish Grand Prix will move to Madrid, taking place on a new urban circuit in the IFEMA-Valdebebas area under a 10-year contract lasting until 2035.

The layout of the Madrid circuit will be 5.474 kilometers long —longer than the current Montmeló track— and will feature 20 corners. As a result, cars are expected to reach speeds of over 300 kilometers per hour.

The future of the Grand Prix in Barcelona beyond 2026 remains uncertain. However, Catalan authorities are actively working to ensure the event’s continuity, exploring possibilities such as alternating the race with Madrid on the Formula 1 calendar.