Spain's Grand Prix timetable: This is what time you need to switch on for the race

Now it's Verstappen's turn again?

The Portuguese Grand Prix was won by Lewis Hamilton, so there is work to be done for Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. Mercedes was faster in Portugal, where Red Bull had been the first two races. Was this a one-off problem for Red Bull due to the lack of grip, or are there the same problems in Spain?

In Spain the drivers will encounter a familiar and defining circuit. The teams have a lot of data from the Barcelona circuit, as they not only race here every year, but also test here. This year the teams didn't come to Barcelona for the winter test, but in other years they always did. Because of this the teams have a lot of data of this circuit.

All this data makes sure that you often see a very fair picture in Barcelona. Especially on Saturday. Of the 30 Grands Prix held in Barcelona, the pole was taken 25 times by the team that would win the constructors' title. Twenty times it was also the driver who would win the world title.

The importance of the Spanish GP

However, victory is no guarantee for the world title. Crazy things can happen. Think of Max Verstappen's victory in 2016, or Pastor Maldonado's in 2012. Both victors would not come close to the title, as was also the case for Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa during earlier victories in 2008 and 2007.

The Spanish Grand Prix is therefore an incredibly important test of the Formula 1 season. Here we will see who really has the upper hand in 2021. Will it be Mercedes who seem just a little bit better on the tyres in the race, or will Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing manage to be the fastest again here. Either way, this is a weekend not to be missed.

Timetable of the Spanish Grand Prix

Friday

First free practice: 10:30AM - 11:30AM

Second free practice: 2PM - 3PM

Saturday

Third free practice: 11:00AM - 12:00PM

Qualification: 2PM - 3PM

Sunday

Race: 2PM - 4PM