In Pictures: Barcelona 2026
After six months, the new Formula 1 cars returned to the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit. In fact, the current season began at the Spanish venue with five days of preseason testing last January, allowing teams to familiarize themselves with the single-seaters that were completely revolutionized by the latest technical regulations.
The teams headed back to Catalonia for the race weekend that takes its name from the city and the autonomous community, with the national designation this season instead assigned to the new Grand Prix that will be held in Madrid in September. Compared with its original slot on the calendar, the Montmeló race was postponed by a couple of weeks.
The circuit is one of the most complete on the calendar and is 2.894 miles (4.657 km) long. In addition to its straights, it features 14 high-speed corners. The lateral forces exerted on the tires are significant, particularly on the left-hand side, which is more heavily stressed by the nine right-hand turns. The most demanding sections in this respect are Turn 3 and the final two corners, which were reprofiled in 2023 to make the entry onto the pit straight more flowing.
The Spanish Grand Prix has been run 56 times as a round of the Formula 1 World Championship. To date, the race has been held at five different circuits since its first edition in 1951: twice at Pedralbes, four times at Montjuïc Park, five times at Jerez de la Frontera, nine times at Jarama, and 36 times at Barcelona.
FRIDAY
Seven teams elected to run young drivers in the opening hour, as required by the regulations at least four times per season during FP1. Taking to the track were Fred Vesti (Mercedes), Dino Beganovic (Ferrari), Leonardo Fornaroli (McLaren), Ayumu Iwasa (Red Bull), Luke Browning (Williams), Paul Aron (Audi), and Colton Herta (Cadillac).
The fastest time in FP2 was set by Lando Norris with a 1:15.426 on Soft tires. Ambient temperatures reached 84°F (29°C), with track temperatures consequently climbing to 122°F (50°C). In FP1, the quickest time was recorded by George Russell with a 1:16.363, also on the Soft compound.
SATURDAY
George Russell secured pole position for the Barcelona Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver was marginally faster than Lewis Hamilton. Russell set a time of 1:14.679, just 0.064 seconds quicker than his former teammate. Kimi Antonelli took third place, 0.319 seconds behind the pole-sitter.
Qualifying took place in very hot conditions, with ambient temperatures reaching 86°F (30°C) and track temperatures exceeding 122°F (50°C).
SUNDAY
It was another very hot day, with track temperatures reaching 127°F (53°C). In the end, it was Lewis Hamilton who won the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, writing a new chapter in his story in red. It marked Hamilton's first victory at the wheel of a Ferrari.
Behind him, it was Kimi Antonelli's turn to suffer a DNF, which came after a fierce battle with George Russell. Following the Italian's retirement, Russell inherited second place, while Lando Norris completed the podium in third.
From a strategic standpoint, the race was extremely interesting. Hamilton adopted a three-stop strategy. The Ferrari driver started on Softs before switching to Hards on lap 11. After lap 27, he made his second stop for Mediums, which he replaced on lap 41 during a VSC period, once again fitting Hards that carried him to victory.
In the championship battle, Hamilton reduced the gap to leader Kimi Antonelli. The Italian, who retired in the closing stages of the race, still leads the standings with 156 points, while Hamilton now trails by 41. George Russell occupies third place with 106 points, 50 behind the leader.
Excerpts and media courtesy of Pirelli S.p.A., Getty Images, and the official Formula 1 team press offices. All images are provided via Getty Images through the respective team media platforms and are credited to their rightful copyright holders. Used for editorial purposes only. Not for sale.
