Pirelli: heat could lead to three pit stops in Barcelona | 2024 Spanish GP. Heat and degradation could push some to risk three pit stops in the Spanish GP.

A difficult appointment for Formula 1 in the tenth round of the season. The Spanish Grand Prix will once again take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, one of the most technically challenging tracks not only for the cars but also for the tires. It’s no surprise, therefore, that Pirelli has selected the three hardest dry-weather compounds – C1 as Hard, C2 as Medium, and C3 as Soft – for this event, the same choice made for the season opener in Bahrain.

The track is one of the most complete in the world, not just on the championship calendar. It features straights and all types of corners, including some – like Turn 3 and the combination of Turns 13 and 14 leading onto the main straight – taken at very high speeds. The lateral forces on the tires are particularly high, especially on the left side of the car, given that nine of the fourteen corners are right-handers.

For many years, this circuit was the site of winter testing for teams and, since it opened the European phase of the season, it was the stage for the debut of the first significant upgrades of the year. In recent years, this role has diminished, but Barcelona remains a crucial and eagerly awaited stop for all teams because – and this is not a cliché – if a car is competitive here, it should be competitive on any type of track.

Since 2023, the original configuration used from 1991 – the year this track debuted in the top competition – to 2007, when a chicane was added before the final corner to theoretically create more overtaking opportunities, has been reintroduced. In fact, the removal of the chicane, combined with the current aerodynamic configuration of the cars, has revived overtaking on this track. It’s no coincidence that last year it moved from the middle of the rankings for overtaking to being among the top four.

Compared to 2023, this year’s race weekend takes place three weeks later, and temperatures could be higher. This could add another factor – heat – in tire management, potentially disadvantaging the C3 compound, which was quite competitive in last year’s race and was chosen for the first stint by 16 out of 20 drivers.

Strategically, two stops should be the fastest option, with all compounds likely to be used. In case of higher degradation, three stops might become a variable, especially given that last year’s race showed overtaking is easier than before.

Another tradition linked to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is the importance of pole position for the final result of the Spanish Grand Prix. In 24 races, the pole sitter has crossed the finish line first. Considering that on four occasions the pole sitter retired, it becomes even clearer how important – at least statistically – it is to be the fastest on Saturday afternoon.

After Miami, Barcelona will be the second Grand Prix of the season to feature all four championships for which Pirelli is the exclusive tire supplier: besides Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3, the third round of the F1 Academy, the female series created in 2023, is also on the calendar.

This year’s Spanish Grand Prix marks its 54th edition. It first joined the championship calendar in 1951 but has been a regular feature since 1986. Barcelona is the fifth venue to host this Grand Prix, with previous races held at two street circuits in the Catalan capital – Pedralbes (twice) and Montjuïc (four times) – and two permanent tracks, Jarama (nine times), near Madrid, and Jerez de la Frontera (five times), in Andalusia. This year is the 34th time the event will be held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Spain has also hosted seven world championship races under the name of the European Grand Prix: in 1994 and 1997 in Jerez, and from 2008 to 2012 on the Valencia street circuit.

Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton are the drivers with the most victories in the Spanish Grand Prix, with six wins each. With his win in the 1994 European Grand Prix, Schumacher is the most successful driver in F1 races held in Spain. The German champion also leads in pole positions (7), fastest laps (7), and podium finishes (12). Among constructors, Ferrari leads in wins (12), pole positions (14), fastest laps (14), and podium finishes (38).

Minimum starting pressures (slick)
25.5 psi (front)
21.0 psi (rear)

Camber limits
-3.00° (front)
-1.75° (rear)