F1 Spanish Grand Prix 2025 tips & betting preview

Formula 1 heads to the home of Iberian motor racing this weekend with the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

One of the most well-known tracks on the schedule, Catalunya offers a balanced mix of high-speed corners, long straights, and tyre-deg challenges that reward well-rounded setups and strategy.

Free Practice 1 gets underway at 10pm AEST on Friday, May 30. Qualifying follows at 11pm on Saturday, and the race begins at 11pm on Sunday, June 1.

After a lacklustre and processional race in Monaco, fans are eager for the return of real racing and proper overtaking this weekend. McLaren still lead the pack as the team to beat, but their dominance is under pressure; Red Bull are beginning to find form with key upgrades, and Mercedes are steadily closing the gap with improved race pace and reliability. With multiple teams now in striking distance, the stage is set for a far more competitive and entertaining showdown.

Max Verstappen will be out for redemption after falling short in Monte Carlo — a circuit he’s never hidden his frustration with. Known for his love of high-speed, flowing tracks, the reigning world champion will be eager to get back to real racing above 300km/h.

Barcelona’s historically been a strong venue for Verstappen, and with Red Bull expected to unleash a fresh package of aero updates, the team will be aiming to bounce back in style and chase their third win of the season. Don’t be surprised if Max comes out swinging with a point to prove.

McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue to lead the championship charge, and Catalunya’s flowing layout should play to the MCL38’s aerodynamic strengths. There are some lingering doubts about the flexi front wing change coming into this race for McLaren, yet top online bookmakers still have them as the team to beat.

2025 Spanish Grand Prix betting odds

McLaren remain the team to beat heading into the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, with Piastri and Norris leading the market. Verstappen is still in striking range, while Charles Leclerc heads the chasing pack.

• Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +163
• Lando Norris (McLaren) – +175
• Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +275
• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +1400
• George Russell (Mercedes) – +1600
• Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +2800
• Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +4000
• Alex Albon (Williams) – +20000
• Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +20000
• Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +30000

More odds provided at Neds

• 

  Fast Payouts

Spanish GP 2025 betting predictions

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) to win

The reigning world champion looks set to remind everyone why he’s the greatest driver of this decade. With Red Bull bringing a fresh batch of upgrades — and mounting speculation of regulatory scrutiny for McLaren — +275 for Verstappen to take victory is simply too good to ignore.

Carlos Sainz Jr (Williams) top-six finish

Williams were unlucky not to qualify higher last weekend and missed out on what could’ve been a big points haul. Despite that, the team is surpassing expectations this season, consistently punching above its weight. With momentum on their side and both drivers showing solid form, another strong outing from the blue and white looks very much on the cards.

Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) points finish

By far the most impressive rookie of the season, Isack Hadjar is driving with the composure and racecraft of someone who’s been in Formula 1 for five years. He is showing no signs of slowing down, and getting +120 for a points finish feels like a steal. At this rate, don’t be surprised if Red Bull come calling before the season’s out.

Sports betting tips