Spanish GP: 5 big questions that need answers this weekend

The Spanish Grand Prix takes place this weekend as Formula 1 heads back to Europe for round six of the world championship.

The Circuit de Catalunya has been on the calendar since the early 90s and is one of the most-known tracks given that fact and that it is used so often for winter testing.

Indeed, that was the case again earlier on in 2022, and the teams are going to be eager to see just what progress has been made between then and now when they compare the data.

What are the big questions as we head into this weekend that need answers, though? We take a look…

Can Ferrari strike back?

The momentum appears to be with Red Bull at the moment in the championship chase, and Ferrari need to do something about it.

The Bulls are flying along with back-to-back race victories getting recorded in Imola and Miami, whilst Max Verstappen also won the Sprint at the circuit just south of Bologna.

Can Ferrari hit back and return to winning ways this weekend, then? Especially at a circuit where they looked so strong in testing.

Who’ll be best of the rest?

Whilst Ferrari and Red Bull will likely be out in front, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will be in behind them.

Mercedes were strong in practice back in Miami but dropped back before taking P5 and P6, whilst the Alfa Romeo of Valtteri Bottas looked good yet again.

McLaren had a tough time last time out but had been showing signs of improvement before Miami whilst the Alpine car has the potential to go well in Spain – it really is anyone’s guess at the top of the midfield pack.

Will Mercedes abandon their sidepod design soon?

Many are suggesting that this is a fork in the road kind of weekend for Mercedes in terms of their car design.

Back in testing in Barcelona they had a car with