Mercedes’ long‑run simulations at the Spanish GP practice slipped past rivals, leaving the team under nine‑tenths per lap in the final sector, according to Friday’s telemetry data.
Mercedes’ Long‑Run Supremacy
George Russell clocked the fastest pace, with Max Verstappen only 0.13 seconds per lap slower after tyre and stint adjustments. Kimi Antonelli trailed Russell by 0.55 seconds, while Ferrari and McLaren lagged roughly 0.9 seconds behind Mercedes. Oscar Piastri’s stint was 1.51 seconds per lap slower, and Lando Norris recorded no long‑run data due to a technical issue.
Sector‑by‑Sector Advantage
The telemetry shows Mercedes uses less battery in the first sector yet remains only marginally behind competitors. The team dominates the final sector, a power‑train and tyre‑management edge that compounds over long runs. Ferrari’s best lap would have been set in the first sector, Red Bull best in the second, leaving McLaren consistently behind across all three.
Tire Degradation on the New Madrid Circuit
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff reported 0.8 seconds of degradation per lap in the first free practice, standing in stark contrast to expectations of low wear on the new asphalt. The second session saw a reduction to 0.3 seconds, suggesting a move toward a two‑stop strategy, though Pirelli’s Dario Marrafuschi noted the track’s grip could lower wear rates. The uncertainty means teams must monitor tyre behaviour closely before race day.
Midfield Resurgence
Haas’ Esteban Ocon set the best long‑run pace among midfielders, trailing Russell by just 0.92 seconds per lap and matching roughly Ferrari speed. Alpine lagged by 1.60 seconds; Audi, 2.20; Williams, 2.58; Cadillac, 4.00; Aston Martin, 4.33. Racing Bulls’ Yuki Tsunoda completed a single‑stint simulation, limiting the team’s data, while Arvid Lindblad’s Friday run was curtailed by a heavy crash.
Mercedes’ meticulous sector strategy now compels rivals to emulate the same battery and tyre management rigour as the race approaches.
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