The European swing of the Formula 1 season truly begins this weekend, as the teams descend on Barcelona.
This weekend's Spanish Grand Prix comes as F1 experiences a competitiveness at the front of the grid not seen for a few years.
Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren have achieved race wins through nine races in 2024, with Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc standing on the top step.
Mercedes has also been challenging at the front, with George Russell starting on pole and finishing third during the Canadian Grand Prix last time out.
As F1 settles in Europe for the next three months, now is when teams start to bring serious upgrades to their cars.
RB driver Daniel Ricciardo expects racing to be fierce across the grid in Spain.
"Barcelona is always a track where everyone brings updates, so I think it's going to be a competitive weekend," the Australian said.
Ricciardo is coming off his strongest race weekend this season, qualifying fifth and finishing eighth in Canada.
"I'm looking forward to keeping this run going, trying to get some more Q3 appearances and points finishes," he said.
"I've been waiting a while, but I like to think it's the start of where my season continues to progress and show performances like I did in Montreal."
ABC
