What time does the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix start and how to watch it

Lewis Hamilton leads Max Verstappen going into this weekend's Spanish GP which is set to see the sport's two leading drivers battle it out for the win at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. It's been a thrilling start to the 2021 Formula 1 season with just eight points splitting Hamilton and Verstappen in the drivers' championship with McLaren's Lando Norris in third place.

Hamilton won the season-opener in Bahrain before Verstappen struck back in Imola in the rain. The seven-time world champion was victorious last time out in Portugal to extend his championship leading going into the Spanish GP.

You won't want to miss the next instalment of this exciting title fight.

When is the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix?

There will be three days of Formula 1 action in Spain which marks the fourth round of the 2021 F1 season. The action in Spain gets underway with first and second practice on Friday May 7. Track action continues on Saturday May 8, when the 20 F1 drivers will have one more practice session before qualifying in the afternoon.

Formula 1's traditional knockout qualifying, which sees the slowest five drivers eliminated at each stage of qualifying until there are 10 drivers remaining, will be used in Spain. The Spanish Grand Prix itself is on Sunday May 9 and it will take place on the 4.675km Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

What time is the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix

The first practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix begins at 11:30 local time (10:30 UK) whilst FP2 of the Spanish Grand Prix starts at 15:00 local time (14:00 UK). Both sessions are one hour long.

Another 60-minute practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix follows on Saturday at midday local time (11:00 UK) before qualifying at 15:00 in Spain (14:00 UK). So far, three different drivers have taken pole position in 2021.

Max Verstappen took qualified first in Bahrain, Lewis Hamilton in Imola and Valtteri Bottas pipped the two championship protagonists to pole position in Portimao. The Spanish Grand Prix itself is on Sunday May 9 at 15:00 local time (14:00 UK).

How many laps is the Spanish Grand Prix?

The 2021 Spanish Grand Prix will take place over 66 laps. Just like every other event on the calendar (apart from Monaco) the actual race distance is just over 300km long.

This means the race will be approximately 90 minutes depending on weather conditions, safety cars and any red flags.

What are the championship standings after three rounds?

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes lead the way in the drivers' and constructors' championship but the battle on the track promises to be a close affair as was the case in Bahrain, Imola and Portimao. Further down, Ferrari and McLaren are battling to be the third best team in F1 whilst Fernando Alonso in the Alpine continues his comeback to the sport on home soil, with compatriot Carlos Sainz also competing for Ferrari.

Former world champions Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel are yet to get off the mark in 2021 whilst AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda is the best of the F1 rookies as Haas' Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin continue to struggle with a tricky car.

How can I watch the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix?

In the United Kingdom, the Spanish Grand Prix will air live and exclusively on Sky Sports F1. Coverage of the race will begin at 12:30 BST/13:30 CET with the likes of Martin Brundle, Damon Hill, Nico Rosberg, Jenson Button and Paul Di Resta at the venue.

Race highlights will be shown on Channel 4 on Sunday evening. The programme airs at 18:30 BST/19:30 CET. It will also be available to watch on the All 4 on demand service. Commentary will be led by Alex Jacques and former F1 driver David Coulthard.

Details of various broadcasters across different locations can be found below

F1 TV

Another way to view the Spanish Grand Prix is through F1 TV, F1's own digital streaming platform that helps you get inside the pit lane while accessing real-time statistics and timing, along with historical content.

Users can live stream every track session for every one of the Grand Prix, along with access to all the onboard cameras and team radios for your favourite drivers. In addition to Formula 1 content, you can also get F2, F3 and Porsche Supercup content as well.

Find out more here.