Gene reveals how Hamilton's arrival affected Ferrari's intra-team atmosphere

Ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, Ferrari ambassador Marc Gene conceded that he feels lucky to represent the team that was founded by Enzo Ferrari while it is also a privilege to work with seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.

The Formula One field is looking ahead to the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, as the European triple-header reaches its final act at Barcelona.

Ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, Ferrari ambassador Marc Gene has picked out the key aspects of the challenging Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

"The drivers really like the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, especially with its new layout. It’s still a slow track, but thanks to modifications it has become ever more interesting.

Since the inaugural race in 1991, the track has undergone several modifications, especially in the final part, with various attempts made to create overtaking opportunities.

For example, in 2007, a very slow chicane was created before the final corner, which led to a significant increase in lap time of the order of over four seconds.

In 2023, the original configuration was restored, with the final two corners linked so as to make for a much faster entry onto the pit straight, one of the longest on the calendar.

In the race, drivers tackle 66 laps of the 4.657 kilometre track with its 14 corners (eight to the right and six to the left). The highest downforce corners are turns 3 and 9, both right handers.

"For example, Turn 10 has become a very fast corner where even overtaking is possible, or the last two corners which have gone back to how they were originally in 1991. It’s now fun and challenging, especially with the current cars.

"From a technical point of view, it’s a track where aerodynamics and the mechanical aspects of the car are very important. It asks a lot of the tyres as well as the engine, because the main straight is very long and requires full throttle.

"Each part of the car is stressed, so all the technical departments have plenty of work to do! That’s also why this track was used so often for testing and why teams bring updates here."

Asked to reveal what he thinks about the technical side of the current Formula One, Gene said: "Formula 1 is in great shape and technologically, it’s at a very high level. The power units are extremely sophisticated and efficient. A few years ago, it would have seemed impossible that a 1.6-litre engine could produce 1000 horsepower, which shows just how much development work everyone in Formula 1 has put into this.

"The same can be said of the chassis, whose floor generates so much downforce and drivers say that driving these cars is really special.

"The current cars are very big and also very heavy, so I’m keen to see what will happen with the new regulations next year when the cars will start to become lighter and smaller.

"As for the show, Formula 1 is going through a golden moment, as it had the good sense to open itself up to a whole new audience with a new way of communicating, making it hugely popular all over the world. Its popularity is stratospheric with sold-out Grands Prix and a whole new audience of young fans and that creates great energy.

Gene has worked with Ferrari for over 20 years. Asked how it feels to representing the Scuderia around the world, the Spaniard stated that he considers himself as luck to be part of Enzo Ferrari's legacy.

"There isn’t a day goes by when I don’t feel that I’m a very lucky man and it’s a privilege to work for Ferrari for so many reasons. For its history and the dream made real by Enzo Ferrari, which is still going on today.

"For the fact this team has won more than any other in the history of the sport. For the pride that goes with being part of this incredible team, something which every driver aspires to, as exemplified by Lewis joining.

"And for the passion that all our people put into their work every day. This passion is rewarded with the support of the tifosi, always there whatever happens and they deserve thanks for making Ferrari really special.