Buckle up, sit back and enjoy the ride. We’re in Portimão this weekend for the Portuguese Grand Prix and in case our last podium wasn’t exciting enough for you, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, with its dizzying elevation changes and devilishly tricky turns, has all the ingredients for a roller coaster race.
To prepare you for the Portuguese Grand Prix, our latest preview includes the thoughts of McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo, and team principal Andreas Seidl, plus the inside scoop on what to look out for this weekend and in the news from a brand new McLaren merch that is attracting a lot of hype.
How do you follow?
| Round | 3 |
| Where | Autódromo Internacional do Algarve |
| When | April 30th – May 2nd |
| Start time | 3:00 p.m. local time, 3:00 p.m. CET, 10:00 a.m. CET |
| consequences | TEAMStream and the McLaren App for exclusive comments and insights |
What you say
“It was an incredible feeling to be on the podium in Formula 1 for the second time, but I wouldn’t have made it without every single person on the team. Everyone on the track and in the factory does everything in their power to give us the best possible chance every weekend. The result shows the progress we are making towards being closer to the top of the grid, but we know that not every race will go in our favor. We just have to keep our heads down and try to improve in all areas to find that extra tenth that can give us the edge over stiff competition. I think Imola really showed us that we have to try to turn every opportunity into an advantage as the fight is so close.
“I’m glad we can go back to Portugal this weekend as it was a track that added something different to last year’s calendar. The differences in altitude on this route make it a demanding drive with several blind corners. Everyone had problems with their grip there last year as the track surfaced again recently. So it will be interesting to see how it is this weekend. Hopefully we can push the car a little more this time. “
“Next up is Portimão and I’m excited to get back in the car. The race there is a lot of fun as the track has some unique elements that you won’t see on the calendar for every race. There is a good mix of high and low speed turns with various elevation changes making it an exhilarating challenge. As you get out of some turns you can really feel your stomach sink with the steep changes in the incline.
“This weekend I want to continue to build on the progress we made in the first two races and put into practice what we learned at Imola. We definitely started the season on the right foot by scoring good points for the Constructors’ Championship so I can’t be too disappointed on this front. There are a couple of elements I still want to grapple with that will only improve with more time behind the wheel. When Lando reached a podium it showed the potential of the car, which is very motivating. We’re only three races in and there’s a lot more to come, so let’s get on with it. “
“This weekend we’re kicking off the first double headed ball of the season as we prepare to race in Portugal and then Spain. Portimão was a welcome addition to the calendar last year and it’s great to go back to. Back-to-back events present the team, for which we are well prepared, with unique challenges. Reliability, operational effectiveness and spare parts management are critical to the success of these weekends.
“Imola has once again confirmed the step forward that we have taken as a team. Both drivers do a good job on the track and scored some important points for the constructors’ championship in the first two races. It is important that we maintain the positive momentum and energy. There is still a lot to be done as we strive to advance and deploy the upgrades in preparation. We must continue to maximize opportunities and make the right decisions to stay in the mix. Every single member of the team strives to give our competition some tough time out. We stay focused and ready to go again this weekend. “
What the statistics say
Although the Portuguese Grand Prix is nothing new, racing at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Formula 1 is still a novelty. 2020 was the first time we drove here, and we used a wet track in the early stages to complete four laps of last year’s race – the first time since 2014 that we led in the open air to Lando’s goalscoring opportunities while Daniel Pocketed points after recovering from a qualifying spin that prevented him from getting into the top 10 shootout.
If you dig deeper into the history books, you will find that the Portuguese Grand Prix was last held at the Circuito do Estoril before 2020 in 1996. We won this race three times in total, all with Alain Prost at the wheel (1984, 1987 and 1988). In both ’84 and ’88 we scored a double victory, Niki Lauda and Ayrton Senna in second place – the former’s podium was enough to take the title by half a point from teammate Alain.
Choice of tire compound for the Portuguese GP
What to look out for
Ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix last October, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve re-emerged, which led to some interesting situations as drivers looked for grip. New asphalt takes a while to harden, and how slippery the surface will remain is unknown until we hit the road this week. It could be a bit of a curve ball toss, especially when it’s wet – the oils in a newly surfaced circuit can float to the top when it rains, and that can make it difficult to grip. Speaking of grip, you can get a grip on Portimão by reading our route guide with McLaren test and development driver Will Stevens.
Similar to Imola two weeks ago, the pit loss time is high here, so the teams will try to limit the number of stops. Because of this, a one-stop strategy is possible and likely a popular choice, coupled with the fact that it can be difficult to overtake in Portimão. It’s not as difficult to make a move here as it was in Imola, but getting a good lap in qualifying will likely determine your luck on race day.
Portimão differs from Imola and Bahrain, who preceded it this season, in that it has slower and medium-speed corners. Since the field is so tight, there could be a slightly different pecking order this weekend. Cars that are particularly strong on corners at lower speeds could perform better in Portugal than in Imola and Bahrain.
Weather forecast for the weekend
What to wear
Do you feel the hype? When you can’t, you have to get your hands on the Hypertone New Era 9FORTY Cap. And if you can, you still have to get that cap. With its ‘holographic’ fabric, it’s the perfect mix of fashion and fanwear and the surefire way to stand out on and off the track.
Hypertone 9FORTY Cap
The perfect amalgamation of fashion and fan wear
Plus one
OK, shameless plug-time folks. In case you haven’t heard, McLaren Plus is the most complete, rewarding, and open fan program in F1. You get unparalleled access to the team as well as exclusive competitions and freebies. It’s also completely free, so stop dawdling and sign up below.
Do you know what else is free? The McLaren App! This is the best way to stay up to date on everything that’s going on on the track – with driver insights and real-time commentary during every session on the track – and gives you the chance to go behind the scenes on race weekends .
Portimão route guide
The perfect preparation for the Portuguese Grand Prix
Continue reading
Question time
The ultimate 2021 McLaren F1 FAQ
Continue reading
Strategy debrief
The Emilia Romagna GP was a race of mixed conditions and big decisions
Continue reading
Daniel is covered up
Look out for “The Real Honey Badger”
Continue reading
McLaren Unboxed
Redemption Day at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Continue reading
Join the team
McLaren Plus is our free fan loyalty program that brings McLaren fans closer to the team with the most comprehensive, rewarding, and open fan programs in F1 & esports.
Register now or current members can change their details in the form below if necessary.
The post McLaren Racing – Everything you need to know about the Portuguese Grand Prix first appeared on monter-une-startup.
