Spanish GP long-run analysis: Kimi Antonelli leads the way, Ferrari in the mix. Spanish GP race pace battle tightens as Kimi Antonelli impresses on long runs.

The second free practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix provided a fascinating insight into the performance hierarchy among the Formula 1 teams. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is notoriously demanding on tyres, making long-run data particularly valuable when assessing race pace.

Looking at qualifying simulations, some teams appeared more comfortable on the harder compounds than on the softer tyres. This weekend, Pirelli has brought the C2, C3 and C4 compounds to Barcelona, representing the middle range of the tyre selection.

While the one-lap pace data suggest there are still significant gaps between the teams—with McLaren and Mercedes currently appearing to have an edge over the rest of the field—the picture changes dramatically when examining the long runs.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who looked slightly less competitive during the qualifying simulations, suddenly emerged as the benchmark over race distance. The young Mercedes driver delivered an outstanding pace, despite using the Soft C4 tyre, the compound expected to suffer the most under Barcelona’s demanding conditions.

The challenge was made even greater by the extreme track temperatures, which started at around 50°C and remained near 45°C by the end of the session, combined with the naturally abrasive characteristics of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Race pace data and rankings

Antonelli managed to maintain an impressive average lap time of 1:21.424. George Russell was his closest rival with an average of 1:21.571 on the Medium compound, while Charles Leclerc followed closely behind with an excellent 1:21.696.

However, the margins remain extremely tight. Max Verstappen and both McLaren drivers were also very close to Charles Leclerc’s average pace, suggesting that the battle on Sunday could be highly competitive.

One notable absence from the main race-pace discussion was Isack Hadjar, whose long-run data did not feature prominently in the available comparisons.

Tyre strategy is shaping up to be one of the most interesting topics ahead of Sunday’s race. According to Pirelli, degradation levels could affect all three compounds in a relatively similar way, with only minor differences between them.

As a result, a multi-stop race is increasingly expected. At present, a two-stop strategy appears to be the most likely scenario, although some teams may even consider a third pit stop depending on how tyre degradation develops during the race.

A key factor will be how effectively drivers can manage the Soft C4 compound and whether teams ultimately consider it a viable race tyre.

Additional details

The chart shown above was compiled using only lap times recorded during each driver’s first race-simulation stint. This approach was necessary because not every team began long-run work early enough to complete a second stint on a different tyre compound.

Even when considering only the opening stint, Andrea Kimi Antonelli remained at the top of the standings, further underlining the strength of his race pace performance during Friday’s running in Barcelona.