Spanish F 1 Grand Prix Preview, Barcelona, 2025

 

Toto Talks Spain

We will be looking to get back on track in Barcelona this weekend. It is a circuit that provides a good test of a car, with a mixture of low, medium, and high-speed corners. That will be useful for assessing our recent updates and our position relative to our competitors as we move into the second third of the season.

With 16 races left, there is a long way to go. The team is still pushing to find performance and this weekend’s updated front wing technical directive will provide another level of intrigue. We are focused on ourselves though and looking forward to having the opportunity to do a better job than we have done at the last two races.

 

Fact File: Spanish Grand Prix

 

·         The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is an ideal track for testing an F1 car, as it has a wide range of corner types and speeds, plus some long straights. Slow-speed corners like Turns 5 and 10 focus on mechanical grip, but high-speed sections such as Turns 3 and 9 test a car’s aerodynamic grip.

·         Sector three is incredibly important and drivers can find a lot of lap time here in the slow corners. It can be rare for a driver to set three purple sectors at the circuit, because maximising grip and being faster in sector one will overheat the tyres for the crucial third sector.

·         The chicane in the final sector of the lap was removed for the 2023 race, reverting back to the previous track layout for the final two corners. 

·         Most of the track’s low-speed turns are left-handers and most of the right-handers are taken at high speeds. So slightly different car set-ups can be used on the left and right-hand sides, and that track characteristic also means the left tyres wear out quicker, while the right tyres experience lower temperatures.

·         24 of the 34 races that have taken place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya have been won from pole.

·         The start of the ground effect era at the start of 2022 presented a very different challenge for the drivers around the track. For example, the long Turn 3 is now taken at 225 km/h, compared to 240 km/h in 2021. The fast Turn 9 is now a 250 km/h right-hander, whereas in 2021 it was taken at around 265 km/h.

·         Barcelona is one of three tracks that George Russell has recorded two podium finishes at in Formula 1. Melbourne and Baku are the other two.

·         Barcelona first appeared on the calendar in 1991 and has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix in every season since.

·         Lewis Hamilton recorded his 100^th pole position at the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix while driving for the team. 

·         Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most consecutive wins at a Grand Prix circuit with five in Barcelona (2017-2021). He shares this record with Ayrton Senna and Monaco (1989-1993)

·         George triumphed at Barcelona in 2018 while driving in Formula 2. He shared the podium that day with future F1 drivers Lando Norris and Nyck de Vries.

·         Junior Driver Noah Strømsted continues his maiden FIA Formula 3 campaign in Barcelona, with the track set to host round five of the 2025 championship.

Junior Driver Noah Strømsted Talk Spain

 

Noah Strømsted

I am looking forward to Barcelona, it is a track I know very well. We did our pre-season test at the circuit this year, so we already have some experience with the car there. 

It’s going to be very tight as every driver is familiar with the layout, but we will do our best to get some good points.

The SLK 230 Kompressor Roadster on Display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum

Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 of the R 170 model series in the communication colour yellowstone (Mercedes-Benz colour code 685). Photo taken in New York in 1996. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: A96F2883)

• The popular roadster is part of the special “Youngtimer” exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum
• Until 2 November 2025 with a total of ten iconic young classics
• Coupé and roadster: The electro-hydraulic vario-roof was a stroke of engineering genius
• The SLK specifically appealed to younger customers as part of the product offensive at the time

“Close-up” – the name of this series from the Mercedes-Benz Museum says it all. Each instalment tells surprising, exciting and interesting stories about vehicles from the exhibition. In the spotlight this time: the SLK 230 Kompressor (R 170 series) in the special “Youngtimer” exhibition, Collection Room 5. Until 2 November 2025, this exhibition will be showing ten vehicles from the 1990s and 2000s in a colourful and lively presentation. 

No. 4/2025: Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor 

Showing its colours: It stands there like a ray of sunshine on wheels. In bright yellow, or more precisely in yellowstone (Mercedes-Benz colour code 685), the Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor from the R 170 model series dominates the “Easy Life” theme island of the current “Youngtimer” special exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. 

Colourful exclamation mark: This yellow refuses to lie low. And that’s exactly what it was designed for: the yellowstone paint finish was the communication colour for the market launch of the SLK in spring 1996; it sent out a powerful signal of a new departure. The concept worked brilliantly, the roadster attracted an enormous amount of attention at its premiere – and marked the transformation of the entire brand. Within the Mercedes-Benz product offensive, the SLK was the pioneer for a succession of new premium vehicles bearing the three-pointed star that were to permanently change the brand image. And today, yellowstone suits the SLK of the R 170 series just as well as it did in 1996. But the SLK was also popular in many other colours back then. 

Roadster with a twist: The R 170 model series was a coupé and roadster in one – thanks to the vario-roof. The electro-hydraulic folding roof made of steel was a stroke of engineering genius. At the touch of a button, it folded smoothly into the boot in a fascinating choreography. And, hey presto, an open-top roadster. This system made Mercedes-Benz a pioneer in the segment, and defined a new standard for year-round driving pleasure. Important for everyday use: the boot still retained some load capacity with the roof open. 

Performance with principle: The SLK 230 Kompressor was the best-selling model in the series. Its four-cylinder engine with mechanical supercharger developed 142 kW (193 hp) – a powerful statement in the compact sports car class. It delivered superior power from low engine speeds while remaining refined and efficient. In technical terms, the power unit took its lead from great role models. The renowned Mercedes-Benz S-series of the 1920s also had a supercharger to increase performance. And it returned in a modern interpretation in the 1990s. Less was more: lower fuel consumption, more torque. 

Form follows passion: The design of the SLK is a statement. The roadster appears to have been cast from a single mould. Its clear lines, the short, crisp silhouette, the emphasised horizontal front with the classic Mercedes-Benz SL grille – all this lends the vehicle a timeless sportiness. No superfluous gimmicks, no fashionable affectations. The SLK is not garish – yet in the special exhibition it presents itself confidently on its dais with pink design elements. 

Connecting the inside with the outside: The interior follows the same logic as the exterior, with a tidy and high-class appearance. With large dial instruments, clearly arranged controls and high-quality materials, the cockpit has a timeless, classic look even almost 30 years after the premiere of the R 170 series. 

Market launch with resounding effect: Mercedes-Benz initially presented SLK concept vehicles at the 1994 motor shows in Turin and Paris. These vehicles reflected the spirit of the times, and reactions were very positive. The production model was launched in 1996. The immense demand was an indication of how many people wanted to drive this compact roadster. Open, sporty, fresh – values that truly inspired. And the SLK quickly became an emotive and tangible image-builder for the brand. More than 310,000 units had been produced by 2004. 

Automotive culture in transition: For many millennials, the SLK was the first Mercedes-Benz that exuded sunshine and weekend fun. It became the poster car for a new generation of customers. A car that radiated less in the way of luxury, but still inherently carried the brand’s virtues, such as design and safety. 

Back to the future: The yellow SLK 230 Kompressor at the Mercedes-Benz Museum is part of the current special exhibition “Youngtimer”. It will be on display in Collection Room 5 until 2 November 2025. Ten iconic vehicles from the 1990s and 2000s are specially exhibited in a colourful and entertaining presentation. The theme islands range from “Easy Life” to “Refinement” and “Space”. They embed the vehicles in the lifestyle of their era. Interactive stations with topics ranging from generative image creation (with the help of artificial intelligence) to retro gaming accompany the exhibition, and also bring the turn of the millennium into the present.

The Cult Film *Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!* -- 1965

Released in 1965, *Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!* stands as one of the most notorious and influential cult films in the history of cinema. Directed by Russ Meyer, known for his work in the genre of sexploitation films, the movie defied conventional norms of the time with its unabashedly bold themes and radical approach to storytelling. It is both a celebration of wild, untamed femininity and a scathing critique of societal expectations of women.

The film follows three seductive women—Varla (Tura Satana), Rosie (Haji), and Billie (Lori Williams)—as they engage in a series of violent and chaotic actions after a confrontation at a remote desert location. Varla, played by Satana, emerged as an icon of feminist strength, challenging the usual depiction of women in cinema as passive or submissive. Her fierce, dominating presence on screen was groundbreaking, with her character being one of the earliest representations of an empowered, violent woman in mainstream films. Varla's cold and calculating nature, mixed with her physical prowess, made her a character that audiences had never seen before.

At the time of its release, the film was met with controversy. Critics dismissed it for its overt sexual themes, violence, and exploitation of women, but over time, *Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!* earned its place in cinematic history. It became a source of inspiration for filmmakers and a cultural touchstone for those interested in transgressive, experimental cinema. Meyer's unorthodox style, with his high-energy direction, kitschy aesthetic, and daring themes, influenced later filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, who often cited Meyer as a major influence on his own works.

Today, *Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!* is celebrated as a campy yet powerful statement on female agency, violence, and rebellion. It has a lasting legacy, often regarded as a precursor to modern exploitation films and an emblem of the audacious spirit of the 1960s counterculture.

Mercedes-Benz Plans for Le Mans, June 11-15 ,2025

•       Mercedes-AMG with LMGT3 to compete in the 24h Le Mans endurance classic for the first time

•       Car designs based on the Sauber-Mercedes C9 from 1989

•       Christoph Sagemüller: “I am delighted that we are able to continue this history at Le Mans.”

Affalterbach. Mercedes-AMG is celebrating a comeback at the 24 Hours of Le Mans together with Customer Racing Team Iron Lynx – after 26 years, the brand with the star is back at La Sarthe. Three Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 will be on the starting grid for the endurance classic from 11 to 15 June. A special design concept has been developed for the prestigious 24-hour race: The livery of the three cars is reminiscent of the Sauber-Mercedes C9 from 1989. Back then, the Silver Arrows with start numbers #63 and #61 achieved a legendary one-two victory. Among those at the wheel of the victorious number 63 was Jochen Mass, who sadly passed away recently.

The current cars with start numbers #60 and #61 are registered for the entire FIA WEC season in the LMGT3 class. The Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 #60 will be driven by Italian trio Matteo Cairoli, Matteo Cressoni and Claudio Schiavoni – all three have competed at Le Mans on multiple occasions. The Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 #61 will be driven by Martin Berry (AUS), who made his FIA WEC debut with Iron Lynx at Spa-Francorchamps and Lin Hodenius (NED) – who, at 18, is the youngest driver on the grid for the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans. The line-up is completed by experienced Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver Maxime Martin from Belgium. The third car with start number #63 qualified for the championship last year via the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). The father-son duo Stephen and Brenton Grove (both AUS) will be joined by Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver Luca Stolz (GER). It will be the first Le Mans start for the two Australians. Luca Stolz already competed in the endurance classic at La Sarthe in 2018.

Preview -- F1 GP Imola, The First Leg of the 2025 Formula 1 Season

Toto Talks Imola

We head to Imola having completed one quarter of the season. From those first six races, we can draw the following conclusions: we have made progress from last year, with the W16 a more balanced car than its predecessor; we have scored some solid results, with four podiums in that run of races; and we have more work to do if we want to challenge for victories.

Our focus is on making gains on that final point as we begin the European leg of the season. The team at Lauda Drive have been working hard to do that and we will be bringing several updates over the coming races. F1 is a relative game, though, and we know our competitors will make progress too. It will be interesting to see how that plays out on track.

Imola also marks Kimi's first home race. He grew up nearby in Bologna, and it will be a special occasion for him. But it's a race that pays 25 points, like every other, and that's the only thing that counts at the end of the season. George and Kimi will be focused most of all on achieving the best possible result on track.

 

Fact File: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

  Construction of the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari first started in 1950 and the circuit hosted its debut race in 1953. 

·         The track has hosted F1 races under three different names: the San Marino Grand Prix, Italian Grand Prix and Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

·         Having hosted a race every year between 1980 and 2006, the circuit disappeared off the calendar in 2007, but returned in 2020 as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

·         The team captured its seventh consecutive World Constructors’ Championship with a 1-2 at Imola in 2020.

·         The 2023 edition of the race was cancelled due to devastating flooding around the track and in the surrounding region.

·         At 548 metres, the distance spent under the pit lane speed limit at Imola is the longest on the calendar.

·         It takes drivers nearly 25 seconds to navigate during a stop in the race.

·         The race also has the highest level of fuel consumption seen on the 2024 calendar.

·         With an average ambient air temperature of 14.8 degrees, the race could also be described as one the coldest of the season.

·         Changes have been made to the track last year with gravel traps at T9 and exits of Turns 11 to 15.

·         The 2025 edition is getting one step softer than last year with the use of the C6 tyre compound for the first time this season. 

·         The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is an important step in the season, marking the beginning of the European leg but also being Kimi Antonelli’s home Grand Prix

Jochen Mass (1946-2025)

Jochen Mass, former Mercedes-Benz racing driver, Le Mans winner, and long-time brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz Classic, passed away on 4 May 2025 at the age of 78. His golden era in motorsport stretched from the 1970s into the 1990s. One of his career highlights was his overall victory at the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Sauber-Mercedes C9. After retiring from active racing, Mass continued to inspire fans by driving famous vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection at numerous events.

“Jochen Mass had a captivating way of recounting stories from his long and distinguished career. As our brand ambassador, he represented us for many years and inspired our brand’s fans with his approachable, friendly manner. He knew how to bring our classic legends to life with his immense knowledge and experience. I always valued the exchange with him. It was always a personal highlight to bring the Mercedes-Benz racing icons onto the road with him.“

Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH

From Formula One to Group C

Jochen Mass was born on 30 September 1946, in Dorfen near Munich and grew up near Mannheim. His varied racing career took him from touring cars all the way up to Formula One. In 105 Grand Prix appearances, Mass amassed 71 World Championship points with McLaren and Arrows, achieving eight podium finishes, and won one Grand Prix. This makes Mass the most successful German Formula One driver of his era. One of his greatest triumphs was his victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1989 with his Sauber-Mercedes C9. Three years later, he switched into team management in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM). Mass maintained his close links with Mercedes-Benz after his active career, appearing at numerous classic car events as a Mercedes-Benz Classic brand ambassador.

Jochen Mass’ career started as a sailor on the world’s oceans. After completing an apprenticeship as a mechanic, he embarked on his multifaceted motorsport career in 1968, racing touring cars for Alfa Romeo and as a works driver for Ford from 1970 to 1975. In 1972, he won the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps alongside Hans-Joachim Stuck in a Ford Capri 2600 RS. At the same time, he competed in Formula 2 and was runner-up in the 1973 European Championship driving a Surtees TS15. In the same year, Mass made his Formula One debut at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone for the Surtees team.

After his years in Formula One, Mass competed in the 1984 Paris–Dakar Rally, in a Mercedes-Benz 500 SLC (C 107) for Albert Pfuhl’s team. With the title of German Sports Car Champion under his belt in 1985 and more than a decade as a works driver for Porsche (1976 to 1987), he joined the Sauber-Mercedes works team in 1988. Driving the first Silver Arrow since 1955 – the Sauber-Mercedes C9 in 1989 – Jochen Mass claimed victory at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens, and finished the season as runner-up in the World Endurance Championship for Prototypes. In 1990, Mass took on the role of mentor to the three Mercedes-Benz juniors who would later rise to greatness in their careers: Michael Schumacher, Karl Wendlinger and Heinz-Harald Frentzen. During the 1990 Group C season, the trio shared a Mercedes-Benz C11 with Jochen Mass and achieved numerous successes. In Le Mans 1991, Jochen Mass, Jean-Louis Schlesser and Alain Ferté were forced to retire their C11 after 21 hours, despite holding a commanding lead, due to a technical fault. At the end of the year, Mass concluded his career with a fifth-place finish at the World Championship round in Autopolis, Japan. In 1992, Jochen Mass took part in a balloon race across the Atlantic, and from 1993 to 1997 he was a Formula One commentator on television.

Brand ambassador at the wheel of a legendary Silver Arrow

Legendary Mercedes-Benz racing driver Sir Stirling Moss once described Jochen Mass as “a driver with an extraordinary feel for racing cars and great expertise, who is well-versed in the racing history of all eras”. That is how it happened that Mass took part in numerous historic events on behalf of Mercedes-Benz Classic. Among other events, he took part in the 2005 Mille Miglia – half a century after Stirling Moss’s legendary victory in this famous road race with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. At the time, Moss said of Mass: “Jochen is a kindred spirit to me.”

Whether supercharged touring cars from the W 06 series, a Grand Prix racer from the first Silver Arrows era, a Group C racing car, the 300 SLR from 1955, or a Mercedes-Simplex from the early days of the automobile: As a brand ambassador, Jochen Mass captivated audiences at many renowned classic car events at the wheel of the brand’s historic racing vehicles. He was a regular guest at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed, where he embraced the culture of celebrating historic motorsport. In 2024, he said of his drive in the Mercedes-Benz C11 at Goodwood: “That of course stirs emotions and memories of the challenging world of motorsport over 30 years ago. In Goodwood, the companions of those days come together – drivers, teammates, mechanics, engineers. The Festival of Speed never fails to inspire me with its unique atmosphere and incredible variety.”