Max Verstappen returns to Barcelona ten years after taking maiden Formula 1 win

Verstappen admitted a sense of unfinished business following his DNF in the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix after delivering an impressive performance in his RB22, putting himself in contention for pole and a race win had it not been for his failed power unit.

"It wasn't the result we wanted from Monaco," the Dutchman said, "and was a big disappointment for the Team as everything had gone so well over the weekend, so I feel like there is unfinished business.

"Barcelona is a completely different circuit, with the high-speed turns, long corners, and the long straight, and it will be a good test and interesting to see if we have made a good step forward.

"I have so many special memories in Barcelona, especially as I got my first win here ten years ago. It was, of course, a goal I wanted to achieve, and to get this on my first race with the Team was really special.

"So I am excited to be back here and racing again," the four-time F1 Champion concluded.

Isack Hadjar will still be relishing his Monaco podium, which he achieved despite suffering from car trouble, albeit with a bit of luck as other drivers' luck ran out around the principality.

Heading to Barcelona, the place where he had his first crash as a Red Bull driver in testing, the Frenchman said: "It was a special moment to get my first podium with the Team in Monaco.

"The podiums we've earned as a Team over the last few races show the progress we're making and are a great reward for all the hard work going on behind the scenes.

"We know there's still a lot of work to do and plenty to improve if we want to keep fighting at the front consistently.

"Returning to Barcelona after testing should provide a nice reference point going into this weekend, and a good chance to see how we've progressed," Hadjar concluded.

Like many other teams, Red Bull Racing will have a young driver in their RB22 for FP1, and it will be Ayuma Iwasa who will drive Hadjar's car.

Iwasa commented: "I'm excited to be driving with the Team during FP1 in Barcelona this weekend.

"The last time I drove a Formula 1 car was in Abu Dhabi last year, so it will be a new experience for me with the current car and regulations.

"I've spent a lot of time preparing in the simulator, so I'm looking forward to getting out on track, learning as much as possible, and helping the Team during the session," he concluded.