Formula 1: Top three Favourites to win F1 Spanish GP 2023
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will host the Grand Prix on June 4.
Ever since its introduction back in 1991, the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix (Spanish GP) has been a fan-favourite, thanks in part due to its fast-paced track and challenging corners. While Barcelona hasn’t always been known for its overtaking opportunities, the recent removal of the chicane in the final sector at the Circuit de Catalunya has injected new excitement into the race, promising thrilling wheel-to-wheel battles.
Now, let's take a closer look at the favourites to claim victory in the Spanish GP.
3. Fernando Alonso
While the Spanish GP is the home race for both Carlos Sainz Jr. and Fernando Alonso, it’s clear that among them, Alonso is the fan-favourite. It has been a decade since his last triumph at the F1 Spanish GP in 2013, but with the AMR 23 being one of the fastest cars on the track, even outperforming Ferrari and Mercedes in terms of race pace and cornering, Alonso has a real chance to secure his 33rd race win.
In the previous week at Monaco, the Spaniard came agonizingly close to breaking his dry spell, but a flawed strategy decision to not switch to inters, denied him the victory.
Despite Red Bull's dominance this season, the passionate support from Alonso's home crowd might provide him with an extra surge of motivation and even the smallest error from the Red Bull drivers could present an opportunity for the Spaniard to claim his first win in over a decade.
2. Sergio Perez
Often hailed as the “king of the streets,” Sergio Perez has always played a supporting role at Red Bull, with Max Verstappen taking the team forward and winning the driver’s championship in the last two seasons. However, this year, the story has been a little different, as Perez has been consistently competitive, both in terms of points and race pace.
Unfortunately, after being overtaken by Verstappen in Miami, Perez needed a strong performance in Monaco to stay within striking distance in the championship battle. However, the weekend in Monaco was the exact opposite of what Perez wanted. A crash in Q1 relegated him to the back of the grid, and the race itself was filled with incidents, including collisions with Kevin Magnussen, Lance Stroll, and George Russell.
Although a penalty on Nico Hulkenberg allowed Perez to move up to 16th place, it was far from a satisfactory outcome as Verstappen secured his second win in Monaco, extending his championship lead over his teammate by 25 points.
In the aftermath of the race, Perez admitted his mistakes and acknowledged the need to regain his form. This is because another race, finishing behind Verstappen, could prove detrimental to his championship aspirations, as even if he were to finish second in the Spanish GP 2023, the gap between the two drivers would exceed 50 points.
1. Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen, the formidable force behind Red Bull's success this year, has been unstoppable, winning four out of the six races so far. The Dutchman faces no significant challenges from other teams, firmly establishing himself as the top contender.
Additionally, his performances in the Miami and Monaco GPs showcased his superiority over his teammate. Therefore, for Perez and Alonso to surpass Verstappen, they would need exceptional skill and a stroke of luck.
However, as anticipation builds for the Spanish GP 2023 and fans eagerly await the homecoming of Sainz and Alonso while Perez seeks redemption, it's clear that with the return of the old layout, the Circuit de Catalunya will surely bring thrilling moments on the track as drivers will vie for glory and revive their hopes of a championship battle.