WEEKEND WARM-UP: McLaren look the team to beat but Verstappen aims to keep winning run going in Spain

The European triple-header concludes this weekend in Barcelona, setting the stage for the ninth race of the F1 season. A major question looms: will McLaren, fresh off Lando Norris's triumph in Monaco, maintain their momentum, or can Red Bull's Max Verstappen reclaim his dominant form? Verstappen is eyeing a fourth consecutive victory at this circuit, a stark contrast to McLaren's 2005 last win here. However, Norris's confidence is soaring, and teammate Oscar Piastri, despite a challenging Monaco outing, remains a strong contender. Attention will also be on Mercedes and Ferrari to see where they land in the pecking order. Additionally, local heroes Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso will be eager for strong results on home soil. The pit lane will be a hive of activity, with numerous teams introducing upgrades, adding another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a thrilling Spanish Grand Prix. F1 experts Ruth Buscombe, Ariana Bravo, and Alex Brundle are providing the latest insights and predictions ahead of the highly anticipated weekend.