Barcelona’s rough track could rule out one-stop race, What Verstappen could do with new platinum license, and other big updates

Barcelona’s rough track could rule out one-stop race

The Spanish Grand Prix is unlikely to be a one-stop race due to the high-speed, rough track surface, and the fact that the hardest C1 tire does not provide enough grip. Teams can’t balance protecting the rear tires and keeping the front left tire from overheating, causing the C1 to perform poorly and slide too much. As a result, teams are focusing on the C2 and C3 tires, which degrade too quickly for a single tire change, making two stops necessary. Pirelli expects most teams to run a soft-medium-soft strategy, starting on soft for grip, then switching to medium to manage the middle stint, and finishing on soft with lighter fuel and improved track conditions.

Click here to read the full article by Jon Noble (the-race.com)

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What Verstappen could do with new platinum license

Max Verstappen recently applied for an FIA race license and was classified in the platinum category, the highest level, because he holds a Formula 1 superlicense. This platinum status allows him to compete in major endurance races like the Le Mans 24 Hours, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the 24 Hours of Spa, although scheduling conflicts with F1 make such outings difficult while he’s active in Formula 1. To race in the Nurburgring 24 Hours, Verstappen must complete a special orientation process, which he likely won’t meet this year due to time constraints. He wants to race Le Mans with his dad, Jos, but Jos has a lower license, and the rules make it hard for them to race together soon.

Click here to read the full article by Laurens Stade & Filip Cleeren (motorsport.com)

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Tuchel takes England squad to Spanish GP

England manager Thomas Tuchel will take his 26 players to the Spanish Grand Prix this Sunday. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is joining Real Madrid that day, captain Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham will be there at the race in Barcelona. After winning two games as England boss, Tuchel’s team will play Andorra next Saturday and Senegal on June 10.

Click here to read the full article by Philip Duncan PA (express.co.uk)

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Sainz’s game on before Monaco

In the build-up to the Monaco Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz kept himself busy with a few fun activities alongside Team 55. He went karting with the boys, just like in old times, and you could tell he was in the zone. Then came a round of tennis, squeezed in after a cycling session. Not long after, he was out playing football — and it’s clear the man’s got game.

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Experts review Wurz’s Monaco track improvement ideas

After another frustrating weekend with barely any overtaking in Monaco, which was made worse by a controversial team move, people are once again talking about possible changes to the track. The tight space around the harbor and nearby buildings makes big changes hard, but former F1 driver Alex Wurz has shared three small ideas that could help improve racing.