Oscar Piastri topped the timesheets during FP2 at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, but a deeper dive into the data reveals McLaren’s performance edge may extend beyond single-lap pace.
While Piastri’s session-topping 1:12.760 lap suggested pure dominance, analysis shows McLaren were likely running a higher power unit (PU) mode.
Even so, the Australian’s long-run pace demonstrated consistent strength, with the FP2 data suggesting Piastri and McLaren have a 0.15s per lap advantage over Red Bull during race simulations in Barcelona.
According to the post-session analysis, Mercedes showed promise in qualifying trim, but are predicted to fall off by about 0.2s per lap in race pace, leaving McLaren and Red Bull as the only realistic contenders for pole and victory.
Ferrari, meanwhile, struggled with balance issues across multiple corners, especially through Turns 1, 4 and 7, where Charles Leclerc lost time due to overbraking and instability on exits.
Tyre degradation and thermal management will be pivotal
Track temperatures peaked at 50°C, forcing teams to focus heavily on tyre preservation. The data indicates similar degradation levels across all compounds, but McLaren’s thermal management stood out.
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The Soft tyre delivered the best performance for up to 19 laps, with the Medium then taking over until lap 27. Beyond that, the Hard compound is expected to be most durable. Interestingly, reduced degradation on the Soft and increased wear on the Hard has made strategy far more open, although a one-stop race remains unlikely.
In terms of telemetry, Piastri’s lap was dissected in comparison to George Russell. The McLaren driver showed better straight-line speed – 5kph faster at the start/finish line – and was able to gain significant time through superior acceleration phases and straighter exits.
Russell, on the other hand, suffered from oversteer in mid-corner phases, particularly at Turns 5 and 12, further compounding his deficit.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen set identical lap times in FP2, but their approaches were notably different. Norris ran a slightly higher PU mode and gained time under acceleration, while Verstappen was notably slower through Turn 4 – losing as much as 0.2s.
Despite a few scrappy exits, Norris managed to neutralize the deficit, underlining McLaren’s pace and potential consistency.
Haas continue to struggle, especially through medium-speed corners, while Aston Martin and Racing Bulls showed minor improvements over Williams, whose performance has dipped after early-season promise.
The numbers suggest McLaren’s Friday form may be sustainable through the race, provided PU modes are managed efficiently. If cooling can keep tyre temperatures in check, the Woking-based outfit may be poised for another dominant weekend.
The key threat remains Red Bull, but Verstappen will need strategic precision to overcome McLaren’s superior corner exit speed and tyre consistency.
Why was McLaren so fast in FP2 at the Spanish GP 2025?
McLaren were likely running a higher PU mode, but also showed superior long-run tyre management and better thermal control.
Who looks strongest for the Spanish GP 2025 based on FP2?
Oscar Piastri and McLaren appear strongest, with telemetry showing an edge over Red Bull in race pace and tyre degradation.
What tyre strategies are expected for the Spanish GP 2025?
A one-stop strategy is unlikely. Softs perform best up to 19 laps, with Mediums optimal to 27, and Hards for longer stints.
