10 things we learned at the 2022 F1 Spanish Grand Prix

For once, Formula 1’s Spanish Grand Prix provided an engaging contest up and down the grid and just like last year it included developments that could be key to the outcome of the world titles.

Max Verstappen led a Red Bull 1-2 ahead of Sergio Perez, but that summary barely scratches the surface of an event that looked set to go to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc before his unfortunate engine issue and after Verstappen had gone off in the gravel.

There were also eye-catching performances from the Mercedes drivers, another strong showing from one of the stars of the season so far and a brave drive through illness from McLaren driver Lando Norris.

Here are 10 things we learned from the Barcelona weekend.

1. We still don’t know if Ferrari has reversed Red Bull’s recent superiority

Ferrari’s defeats at Imola and in Miami were put down to its top speed deficit to Red Bull, but worse tyre degradation on the softer tyre compounds also left Charles Leclerc horribly exposed against Max Verstappen’s key straight-line advantage. The Italian team’s work in this area ahead of the Spanish race, allied to its Barcelona upgrades, would be a key factor in the victory fight.

After FP2, things looked bleak, with Leclerc’s practice race run far from Verstappen’s pace and showing an alarming drop off as the tyres wore. But overnight work ahead of FP3 and time dedicated in that session to more long-run work suggested things were converging with Red Bull.

Driver ratings: 2022 Spanish Grand Prix

After Leclerc impressively took pole after his first Q3 run spin, a race showdown was set up. And it was one Ferrari appeared to be winning even before Verstappen’s Turn 4 off.

Leclerc had by then edged to a 2-second lead and showed what he called “very good degradation” that he meant stayed out until lap 21 before pitting to get rid of the fragile…