Ricciardo: F1 all change in Barcelona

Daniel Ricciardo believes the "exciting" Spanish Grand Prix could see the landscape for Formula 1 change as teams introduce a glut of updates to their cars. The start of the European season traditionally sees teams introduce new parts as the races are closer to their factories.

With leading trio Mercedes, Ferrari and Red bull likely to tinker with their set-ups, further down the grid could see the biggest shake-up.

Reports have suggested that McLaren drivers Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne could have something approaching an entirely new car in Barcelona as the team look to catch up on updates delayed by their pre-season woes at the Circuit de Catalunya.

And after getting to grips with the track during the two pre-season tests, Ricciardo expects a fierce contest come race day.

"Barcelona is always an exciting time of the year," Ricciardo said.

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"It's the start of the European season, the time where you see lots of car development and in a way the start of summer which I love.

"The Barcelona circuit is fun, we've done a lot of laps around there and we know it very well, nonetheless it's certainly not boring and we always enjoy going back. The race is kind of a staple in the F1 calendar now.

"The track has a bit of everything, turns one, to and three are nice flowing corners and the last section is very technical.

"Last year I got my first podium of the season there which was cool, so we will try and go for the same or better this year."