Formula 1 has returned to a more conventional setup for the Spanish Grand Prix. Over half the teams have brought upgrades to the track, including Red Bull. While there is the risk of rain on race day, the modified track is ideal for testing out new upgrades.

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Red Bull looks unchallenged at the front, but the new upgrades for Mercedes and Ferrari could see them fight for the podium. Here’s a quick look at what to expect at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.

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New Track Layout

The Spanish Grand Prix has slightly modified its track layout to improve the third sector. The final chicane has been removed and replaced with a flowing corner that drivers can take at full throttle.

Every driver attempted to take the final corner full throttle during the first practice session. This corner is essential as it opens up to the main straight, which is also a DRS zone. We expect all drivers to attempt taking the final corner flat out to maximize their lap time during qualifying.

The True Pace of Mercedes’ Upgrades

Mercedes stole the show with their radical new sidepod design at the Monaco GP. These upgrades were due for Imola before the race was cancelled. However, Mercedes still tested the upgrades around Monaco last week.

It has not been revealed that not all the upgrades were installed for the Monaco GP. Mercedes has now included a new diffuser and wing mirrors to improve the package’s aerodynamics. Since Barcelona is a more conventional track, this race will be key to evaluating whether Mercedes has made a step forward toward Red Bull and Aston Martin.

Ferrari’s Upgrade Strategy

Barcelona is one of the best places to bring upgrades since the teams have decades of data around this track. Most teams have brought subtle upgrades to the track, but Ferrari has taken a cautious approach.

Charles Leclerc is driving the same Ferrari that featured in Monaco, while Sainz is testing out the new upgrades. These upgrades are subtle but hint at the new direction Ferrari wants to develop their car. All eyes will be on Sainz to see if the new Ferrari can close the gap with Red Bull.

Pressure on De Vries

Nyck De Vries moved from the Mercedes driver camp to AlphaTauri to claim a permanent seat in Formula 1. However, Formula 1 is full of surprises, with seats never being truly secure. After a rocky start to the season, the pressure is on the former Formula E champion to deliver results for the team.

While Nyck De Vries can’t be blamed for the poor performance of the AlphaTauri this year, he is far off the pace of his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. Red Bull will keep a close eye on De Vries this weekend as they examine if he can challenge his Japanese teammate.