Monaco could have topped its winner, however ‘s consideration has already shifted to Barcelona, the place the aggressive order may face its subsequent main take a look at.
The Spanish Grand Prix has historically been one of many clearest indicators of a automotive’s true tempo. Not like Monaco’s distinctive avenue circuit, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya exposes each weak point, from aerodynamic effectivity to tire administration. With the championship battle starting to take form, Spain gives a vital alternative for contenders to both strengthen their place or lose floor.
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Kimi Antonelli has been placing on a masterclass in 2026, and the Formulation 1 paddock now heads to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for Spherical 7 with the younger Italian firmly in control of the championship.
Antonelli’s 5 successive wins have given him a 66-point lead on the high of the Drivers’ Championship, and there is little signal of anybody slowing him down. Barcelona is traditionally a circuit that rewards probably the most full bundle on the grid, and proper now, that bundle belongs to Mercedes.
Listed below are the facility rankings heading into Spanish GP.
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5. Lando Norris
McLaren enters Spain looking for solutions. Norris endured a troublesome Monaco weekend that included qualifying struggles and reliability issues. Nevertheless, Barcelona’s traits needs to be extra favorable to the McLaren bundle, making this a vital race for the reigning world champion’s title hopes.
4. Max Verstappen
Writing off Verstappen isn’t a smart determination. Whereas Pink Bull has lacked the dominance it as soon as loved, the Dutchman stays one of the crucial full drivers on the grid. Barcelona’s extra standard structure may enable Pink Bull to get well from a irritating Monaco weekend and rejoin the battle for victories.
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3. Charles Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton of Nice Britain and Scuderia Ferrari and Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Scuderia Ferrari discuss on the 2025 F1 drivers photograph name previous to the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 07, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Photographs
Leclerc could not have secured the Monaco outcome he needed, however Ferrari’s total trajectory stays constructive. The Monegasque driver topped apply classes in the course of the Monaco weekend and continues to indicate the outright pace wanted to problem on the entrance. If Ferrari unlocks slightly extra race tempo, Leclerc may emerge as Antonelli’s greatest challenger in Spain.
2. Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton’s transition to . The seven-time world champion completed second in Monaco and has constantly extracted sturdy outcomes from the SF26. Ferrari’s tempo has improved noticeably in current rounds, and Barcelona’s high-speed corners may swimsuit the Scuderia bundle. One other podium wouldn’t be a shock.
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1. Kimi Antonelli
Race winner Kimi Antonelli is being congratulated by fifth-placed Max Verstappen on the 2026 F1 Miami Grand Prix.Photograph by James Sutton/LAT Photographs
Till somebody proves in any other case, Antonelli stays the driving force to beat. The Mercedes sensation arrives in Spain contemporary off a historic Monaco victory and has now received 5 consecutive races. He additionally holds a commanding lead within the championship and continues to ship underneath stress no matter circuit kind. Monaco GP was anticipated to reveal any weaknesses within the rookie’s armor. As a substitute, he claimed pole place and transformed it into one other victory.
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Russell’s current outcomes haven’t mirrored his tempo, however the Mercedes driver stays able to preventing on the sharp finish. If Mercedes continues its sturdy kind, do not be shocked if he turns into a severe contender for victory.
Heading into Barcelona, Antonelli stays the clear favourite. Mercedes possesses the quickest total bundle, and the Italian rookie is driving with the arrogance of a champion. Ferrari seems to be the closest challenger, whereas Verstappen and Norris desperately want a robust weekend to maintain themselves firmly within the title dialog.
This story was initially revealed by on Jun 9, 2026, the place it first appeared within the part. Add Athlon Sports activities as a
