Spanish Grand Prix 2025: How to watch, predictions, major F1 regulation change explained

Formula 1’s triple header reaches its conclusion at the Spanish Grand Prix, where there is set to be a major change to the regulations.

Lando Norris heads into the race off the back of a stunning victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, closing the gap to just three points from Oscar Piastri in the Drivers’ Championship.

Max Verstappen dropped points in Monaco after a disappointing qualifying session, but the new regulation change set to come into force this weekend might impact the competitive order.

Elsewhere, the future of the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya is likely to be a talking point, as F1 moves to a new location in Madrid for the Spanish GP. The track is a fan favourite and one of the first carbon-neutral Grands Prix, but there is a desire for more destination races close to or in cities.

The track is often used as a benchmark for car performance, giving a great indicator of the competitive picture for the rest of the season. If it does well at Barcelona, it will pretty much go well everywhere else, so it is set to be a crucial weekend for some teams.

What is the major regulation change set for the Spanish Grand Prix?

There is renewed hope for those chasing McLaren in the Spanish GP, as there are going to be new rules that clamp down on front wing flexing.

Aeroelasticity was a major talking point last year and is thought to be a key component of Red Bull and McLaren’s success in this current era of cars.

It last came under scrutiny following the Azerbaijan GP when McLaren was told to take off the rear wing by the FIA after it was used by race winner Oscar Piastri, because it did not adhere to the spirit of the rules.

Teams will now face tougher static load tests for the front wings, with the maximum permitted front wing deflection being reduced from 15mm to 10mm. This follows on from the stringent rear wing tests introduced at the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix.

How to watch the Spanish Grand Prix on TV in the UK?

Sky Sports F1 will be providing live TV coverage in the UK, while those outside of the country can watch via F1 TV. Below are the start times for each session.

What is the weather forecast for the Spanish Grand Prix?

It is set to be a sunny weekend with temperatures reaching as high as 25°C on Friday, with a zero per cent chance of rain.

Saturday also promises to be sunny, with temperatures starting at 25°C and increasing throughout the day. On Sunday, expect temperatures to be a more stable 24°C, with windy conditions set to hit the track.

Who will start from pole for the Spanish Grand Prix?

Ben Evans: Max Verstappen – All eyes are on how the pecking order will be impacted by the upcoming changes to the technical directives.

Red Bull believe the rule change could be game-changing for McLaren, and if that proves to be the case, then Verstappen is the man most likely to take advantage.

He has a great record at the Circuit de Catalunya and his ability to extract the maximum out of a car over one lap might give him the advantage he needs over Norris and Piastri.

Who will win the Spanish Grand Prix?

Shay Rogers: Charles Leclerc – Who gambled the least on the incoming technical directive? Ferrari did, and it means that they’re in line for the biggest benefit from the new rules of any team at the front. Last year, the Spanish Grand Prix was a turning point in their season, but not for a good reason.

Upgrades sent them in the wrong direction. Lewis Hamilton will be hoping to close the gap to teammate Charles Leclerc, and on the evidence of Imola and Monaco, they’re stronger in race trim than anyone believed. This might just be where Leclerc opens his account for the season and begins a title charge.

Who will be the biggest surprise in the Spanish Grand Prix?

Rory Mitchell: Alex Albon – Williams have been knocking on the door of a potential podium for most of the season and Albon’s admission that he could’ve caught Oscar Piastri at the end of the race in Imola with their tyre offset, shows they can extract decent pace in the right conditions.

The Circuit de Catalunya is an indicator of performance, and I’d expect Williams to be right up there, especially given that the tightening of the rules around flexible front wings will make the field converge. If not a top three for Albon, I’d expect him to make the top five.

Who will be the biggest disappointment in the Spanish Grand Prix?

Kyle Archer: Lando Norris – Lando Norris earned pole position for the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix and is back on form in qualifying ahead of returning to Barcelona after taking pole for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix. Yet the 25-year-old can easily be the biggest disappointment in Spain this week.

Norris converted pole into the win in the Principality last week, to also reduce his deficit to McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in the F1 drivers’ championship to just three points. But he has struggled for consistency and could face more of a threat from Max Verstappen in Spain.

Red Bull’s car, the RB21, likes high-speed tracks like the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya far more than the streets of Monte Carlo. Ferrari plan to unveil upgrades at the Spanish GP, as well, which could help to force McLaren further down the order if Norris cannot be perfect.

Norris wasted his pole position for the 2024 Spanish GP to lose the lead of the race off the line to Verstappen. He will be desperate to prevent back-to-back blunders in Barcelona this week, but Piastri will also be looking to respond after losing 10 points to Norris in Monaco.