The Formula One roadshow returns to Europe this weekend for the first race of a triple-header taking us to the classic that is the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Spanish Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen returned to winning ways in a gripping Canadian Grand Prix as the chasing Ferraris suffered a torrid weekend, but Red Bull’s advantage appears to be getting smaller and the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes will all fancy their chances of a solid finish this weekend.
- CHARLES LECLERC TO FINISH ON THE PODIUM
- NICO HULKENBERG TO FINISH ON THE PODIUM
- LANDO NORRIS TO FINISH SECOND
Leclerc To Bounce Back
Ferrari endured a torrid time in the rain-hit Canada race, with a dismal qualifying performance giving way to below-par race pace and power unit issues, with the end result being both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc being forced to retire.
However, I am confident this is simply a minor blip for a team that have looked excellent so far this season and Leclerc can get the Italian team back on track with a podium finish in Barcelona.
Leclerc won his home Grand Prix for the first time in Monaco a few weeks ago, with that being his fifth time standing on the podium this season.
Sainz has claimed four podiums of his own to further demonstrate Ferrari’s pace and I expect the Monegasque man to take his spot in the top three again.
CHARLES LECLERC TO FINISH ON THE PODIUM
Hulkenberg Can Show His Worth
Haas have been one of the most improved teams on the grid this season and the departing Nico Hulkenberg continues to show why he is such a highly-rated driver among his peers.
The German has only been beaten by his team-mate once this season and that was in the curtain-raiser in Bahrain. He is unfortunate to only have three points finishes under his belt this season.
He has finished in the top 11 in seven of the last eight Grands Prix , with the one exception being a retirement in Monaco, and he added a couple of points to his tally with a seventh-place finish in the Miami Sprint.
NICO HULKENBERG TO FINISH ON THE PODIUM
Norris Backed For Silver Medal
Verstappen may have looked slightly less dominant in Canada, but the Red Bulls are expected to be in their element at the more traditional racetrack of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with less aggressive kerbs and a wider track playing to the Milton Keynes-based team’s strengths.
As a result, the Dutchman is favoured to win yet again, but Lando Norris could be the one to push him closest in Spain.
The young Brit ended his long wait for a race win in Miami and has been excellent behind the wheel of his much-improved McLaren this season.
He took the second step on the podium in Canada and has finished second in three of the last five Grands Prix.
