Here are five of the most memorable Spanish Grands Prix that have left an indelible mark on motorsport history.
The Spanish Grand Prix, held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, has been a staple of the Formula 1 calendar since 1991. Over the years, this race has witnessed some truly unforgettable moments and dramatic battles.
1991: Senna vs Mansell
The 1991 Spanish Grand Prix, the first after the move from Jerez to Barcelona, saw an epic battle between two legends of the sport, Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell. Senna, driving for McLaren, and Mansell, representing Williams, engaged in an epic battle.
With the two drivers first and second on the Drivers’ Championship at the time there was everything to race for. Added into the mix was tricky weather, with a switch to wet tyres required midway through the race as well as a cast of incredible support actors and you had a fantastic race.
The race was led by amongst others Mclaren’s Gerhard Berger, Senna and eventual winner Mansell, but it also featured a young Michael Schumacher who spun in attempting to take the lead.
In the end it was Mansell who triumphed after Senna spun and dropped from second to fifth. Berger who had led for much of the race dropped out with electronic failure.
Wheel-to-wheel with Ayrton Senna at 300 km/h+ ⚔️
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 13, 2020
Epic stuff from @nigelmansell at the 1991 Spanish Grand Prix 💪#F1 pic.twitter.com/tO8btC9cbE
2016: Record-breaking Verstappen
The 2016 Spanish Grand Prix made history when Max Verstappen became the youngest-ever F1 race winner at the age of 18 years and 228 days. Driving for Red Bull Racing, Verstappen showcased exceptional skill and composure, capitalising on a first-lap collision between the Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg to take the lead.
His remarkable victory solidified his status as one of Formula 1’s brightest young talents. Aside from setting the record for the youngest-ever winner, there were several other key milestones.
In what was his first-ever race for Red Bull, having switched from Toro Rosso ahead of the race he also became the youngest driver to score a podium finish and the youngest-ever to lead a lap of a Formula One race. He also became the first Dutchman to ever win a GP.
2016 Spanish Grand Prix
— Yonas Lodewijk Situmorang (@odikyonas) May 8, 2021
- The two Mercedes clashed in the opening lap,
- Verstappen went on to win the race in his debut with Red Bull & also the youngest driver ever to win the grand prix in F1 history at the age of 18 years and 228 days old. pic.twitter.com/P0x50TLZf4
2012: Heroic Maldonado's famous win
The 2012 Spanish Grand Prix delivered a surprise victory for unheralded Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado, driving for Williams. Starting from pole position, after Lewis Hamilton’s fastest time in qualifying had been disqualified due to insufficient fuel in the car, Maldonado fended off multiple challenges from Fernando Alonso, the home favourite, to secure his first and only Formula 1 win.
It was a memorable triumph for Maldonado and Williams, ending their long drought and providing a feel-good story for the sport. In winning the race Maldonado became the first Venezuelan to win a F1 Grand Prix. And, as if his efforts on the race weekend had not been sufficiently heroic, it all ended with a massive fire in the Williams’ pit that saw Maldonado carrying people to safety. Maldonado’s win in 2012 was the last time Williams won a Grand Prix
Ok a last one.
— UnracedF1 - Passion for historical F1🏁 (@UnracedF1) May 16, 2023
Remember that insane 2012 Spanish Grand Prix? Where Maldonado, from another planet, has pole and even win the race in his Williams-Renault FW34!?
I believe after the race "mysterious(conspiracy some say)" there was a fire in the Williams Paddock. #F1 #RetroF1 pic.twitter.com/veYcz3QVpW
1996: Schumacher's strategic masterclass
The 1996 Spanish Grand Prix, raced in torrential rain, showcased both the driving skills and the strategic brilliance of Michael Schumacher. Driving for Ferrari, Schumacher made a bold decision to make only two pit stops while his rivals opted for three.
Despite the extra time spent on the track with a heavier fuel load, Schumacher’s strategy paid off, allowing him to build a significant lead and secure a dominant victory – his first of many that were to follow for Ferrari.
Who remembers the 1996 Spanish Grand Prix? Saw it recently again what a masterclass Schumi gave there! #F1 #RetroF1 pic.twitter.com/Mec7Q9nouN
— UnracedF1 - Passion for historical F1🏁 (@UnracedF1) May 18, 2023
2018: Mercedes assert their dominance
The 2018 Spanish Grand Prix provided fans with plenty of drama. The lights went outwith rain threatening, as indeed it would do for the entire race. They race started in dramatic fashion as Romain Grosjean in the Haas lost it on turn three, spung 360 degrees across the track and wiped out several cars in the process.
Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas who had shared the front row of the grid were unaffected by the drama that brought the safety car out for six laps. The virtual safety car was again deployed later in the race when Esteban Ocon suffered engine failure and then there was a collision between Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll, but all the while the two Mercedes drivers stayed out of trouble at the front of the pack. Ultimately, it was Hamilton who emerged victorious.
Lewis Hamilton's victory in Barcelona was the largest winning margin of 2018 and the largest in Spain since our very own @AussieGrit in 2010 😮
— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) May 13, 2018
Charles Leclerc was also in the points for the second race weekend in succession for Sauber 👌#C4F1 🇪🇸 #SpanishGP pic.twitter.com/BDywHMynB4
