Spanish Grand Prix: Talking points

We're now just 24 hours from the start of FP1 in Barcelona. We take a look at some of the major talking points going into the Grand Prix weekend.

Ok, most teams have upgraded this weekend. But all Renault engine customers, including Renault themselves, will have a power upgrade.

This will come in very handy for Red Bull who have been struggling so far this season. Whilst they are the closest to Mercedes and Ferrari and have had a race win, they’re still some distance from their best.

It could also add more fuel to the fire regarding their engine debate for next season. Meanwhile, McLaren will also be desperate for this power upgrade.

It’s been well documented. The Spanish track underway some surgery in the winter. The track was resurfaced. During pre-season testing, tyres were graining fairly badly.

The asphalt is smoother, darker making it faster and retain a lot more heat. The strain on tyres increases as a result of this. Pirelli has reduced the thread on the tyres to counteract.

The team will still be driving into the unknown regarding tyres, so it’ll be interesting to see how different strategies work out.

He’s not on the best of streaks. Crashing into Sebastian Vettel in China, and the Red Bull incident in Baku. Add mechanical issues to this, and it has been a messy few weeks for the Dutchman.

He’s been given plenty of grief from the media and fans alike for his aggressive driving style. As he’s said himself, he needs to be more careful on the track.

To get some points that Red Bull deserve out of him, he will need to qualify well. On current form, I can’t see him making it through the field.

He’s one of two drivers not to score points so far in 2018. He’s qualified inside the top 10 twice but hasn’t reaped the rewards.

A silly mistake in Baku cost him the chance of points whilst driving under the safety car.

Magnussen, his team-mate, has performed well so far this season and the Haas has performed well enough to give Romain some points.

The pressure is on.