As Formula 1 returns to Europe this weekend with the Spanish Grand Prix, big travelling support is expected for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes as the team look to continue their perfect start to the season.
Barcelona’s Circuit De Catalunya is set to play host to a potentially pivotal race, with the other major constructors looking to close the gap after four Mercedes one-two clean sweeps.
Spanish Grand Prix Preview
Having each taken two first and second place finishes in the first four rounds, Hamilton heads into the weekend one point behind teammate and championship leader Valtteri Bottas, with the Fin’s fastest lap bonus point from Melbourne giving him the edge in the current standings.
Even at this early stage in the championship, the table topping duo enjoy a 34 point drop off to Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel in third. Indeed, Ferrari sit amongst a number of major names under pressure to improve in Barcelona after underwhelming starts to their respective campaigns.
Alongside the Scuderia, the likes of Red Bull, Renault and Haas will all be arriving equipped with car upgrades, with Renault in particular looking to forget a dismal first four races after entering the season with high expectations. Ferrari will be hoping to recreate their successes at the Circuit de Catalunya during winter testing, where they pipped Mercedes for fastest lap.
However, the omens by and large look good for Mercedes and Hamilton in particular, with the Brit becoming the first repeat winner of the Spanish GP in a decade with his 2018 victory. Likewise, Hamilton holds the fastest ever lap time around the circuit, recorded in last year’s qualifying.
Should Hamilton take first again this year, he’ll become the second most winningest driver in the circuit’s history, with four wins that would leave him behind only the great Michael Schumacher on the all-time list. Regardless, with the other heavyweights promising performance improvements and a teammate in red hot form, the reigning champion will have to be at his best to achieve that feat.
Strong British Support Expected
Whilst Hamilton has considerable star power all around the world, particularly strong British support is expected in Barcelona this weekend, with the Spanish GP representing the least expensive grand prix to attend out of all 21 races for UK travellers.
According to statistics from Ocean Finance and Skyscanner, British fans will be able to enjoy a full flights, accommodation, admission and spending package from £551.57, making it the best value F1 weekend globally, and over £150 cheaper than a domestic package at Silverstone.
By comparison, the Monaco GP in two weeks’ time will set fans back around £800, thanks primarily to offering the most expensive admission ticket throughout all of F1 at £237.33 per person. The opening race of the season is also the most expensive overall, with a weekend in Melbourne costing £1,340. Mexico, the USA and Azerbaijan all join Australia in costing over £1,000 for a full race package.
