P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Follow along with live coverage of the first free practice session of the 2024 F1 Spanish Grand Prix from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The Formula 1 season now shifts back to Europe, following a brief stint in the United States, to continue the traditional leg of the calendar leading into the summer break. Kicking off this European stretch is the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya, marking the start of a challenging triple-header including races in Austria and Britain. The race weekend promises to be action-packed, with support events like Formula 2, FIA F3, and the F1 Academy also taking place. This period is crucial for all teams on the grid, as new updates in Barcelona will play a significant role in shaping the remainder of the season. Can Red Bull maintain their dominance or will McLaren and Ferrari pose a serious threat in the championship battle? Mercedes has shown improvement in recent rounds, making the performances of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in Spain particularly intriguing. The Mercedes team has historically performed well at Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya in the current ground-effect era, with Hamilton finishing second and Russell third in last year’s race.
