15 June 2026 10:45 (UTC)
Our new crib, an F1-themed football team, and Lando back on the podium: Behind the scenes in Barcelona
Allow us to take you behind the scenes of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix and deep into the paddock, with our regular post-race wrap-up. Covering all the action you might have missed, we'll explore everything from the outfits that caught our attention to the strongest snaps and the standout quotes.
That’s a wrap on the season’s first European double-header, and our 1000th Grand Prix celebrations. It’s been an enjoyable, if at times up-and-down, two rounds, which will always be remembered for the heartwarming memories we made in Monaco. On track, across both races, while it wasn’t all perfect, we learned a lot about the MCL40 and the direction we need to go in, and came away with a podium for our efforts.
Spain, unsurprisingly, was a little calmer off the track than Monaco, but there were still plenty of special and funny moments over the weekend, from Leo’s reaction to making his FP1 debut to Lando and Oscar’s F1-themed World Cup teams.
Here’s what caught our eye at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
While there was an element of fortune in the way it was sealed, Lando’s Barcelona-Catalunya podium was still well earned following a strong race from the reigning World Champion, who spent much of the afternoon in Kimi Antonelli’s wheel tracks despite the Mercedes possessing a pace advantage over the MCL40.
It marked Lando’s second podium of the season from the opening seven rounds in F1’s new era, and both he and Andrea said afterwards that it proves we’re not too far off the pace of the front-runners, Mercedes and Ferrari.
That contrasts with a couple of more difficult rounds in Canada and Monaco, two circuits that didn’t naturally suit the MCL40's characteristics. However, after enjoying a stronger weekend in Spain - one of F1’s more traditional all-round tests - Lando believes that “we’ll be there soon”.
With Lando joining Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on the podium, it also remarkably marked F1’s first all-British podium since 1968.
“I am going absolutely nowhere near this team.” Well, after scoring your first-ever goal in football, on your walk into the paddock on Thursday, we think you should give yourself a little more credit, Oscar…
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now underway, we challenged Oscar and Lando to build their ultimate football teams, selecting a starting XI made up entirely of drivers from the current Formula 1 grid.
With 22 drivers to choose from - including themselves - the pair had plenty of options, and there were some inspired picks along the way. Checo, as the “Mexican Minister of Defence”, was slightly debatable, but Hulk getting the nod in goal, thanks to his height, made sense. Valtteri Bottas was selected for his reliability, Lance Stroll for his all-round sporting ability, and Max Verstappen made Lando's team on the basis that he's played plenty of the FIFA football video games over the years.
Some choices were a little harder to explain. Liam Lawson, despite admitting in the press conference ahead of the weekend that he doesn’t know very much about football, found himself in a key position at the heart of the defence, while Oscar appeared to prioritise team chemistry, repeatedly selecting drivers who were teammates, regardless of whether or not they might be able to play.
So, whose team comes out on top? Vote below.
Sticking with the football theme, we’re obsessed with this graphic.
Firstly, because of all the subtle, hidden details: the June calendar highlighting all our races this month, the posters showcasing different eras of the team, and Lando and Oscar’s LEGO 1000th GP helmets, to name just a few.
We also love the thought of this situation becoming a reality. And given Australia kicked off their World Cup campaign with a win, you never know…
Imagine how entertaining a live watch-along with Lando and Oscar would be if England and Australia faced off in the World Cup. We can dream.
The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed something a little different this weekend. Ahead of the European season, our garage underwent a major refresh, and we're already feeling at home.
One of our favourite features is the new digital entrance, which allows us to display our content creators’ best work for people to see as they enter the garage, bringing to life the moments and action that define our life at the track.
The makeover isn't only aesthetic, the new layout gives us more space and is designed to be more practical, personalised and efficient for everyone who uses it.
Our trackside guests will also enjoy an enhanced experience, with upgraded seating and configurable TV screens. Whether they're following onboard footage, checking in on Mission Control, or diving into the data, the space offers a more immersive way to experience a race weekend.
Lando's Media Day fit was a 10/10: A lightweight off-white polo, dark grey baggy trousers, and a backwards Monster cap, which added a smart-casual edge to the look. Perfect for a sunny evening on the Barcelona coastline, watching the sun go down with tapas and sangria in hand (or for a Thursday in the Formula 1 paddock).
Speaking of which, that's given us an idea for tonight... Maybe we should extend our stay by a few days.
“What an amazing experience, I really enjoyed every moment of it.”
Leo achieved a boyhood dream this weekend, driving a Formula 1 car on a Grand Prix weekend for the first time as he made his debut in the MCL40 during Free Practice 1 in Barcelona.
Since joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme in December, the Italian has been working tirelessly behind the scenes on a personalised development plan. Alongside extensive simulator work and outings in the MCL60 as part of our Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme, Leo has also played an important role in supporting the race team, both trackside and back in Woking.
It was therefore fitting to see his hard work rewarded with a milestone moment in Barcelona. Leo enjoyed a strong session, completing 22 laps and finishing fifth overall while successfully working through the team's planned programme. You did us proud, Leo.
We have just over a week back at base to go through the data we gathered in Monaco and Barcelona. We’ll then repack our bags and head out to Austria for Round 8 of the season, where we’ll start to put into action what we learned.
