Brilliant two-stop race strategy keeps Hamilton’s Spanish stronghold from a charging Verstappen.
P1 – HAM
P2 – VER
P3 – BOT
Podium Finishers
Sunday’s Spanish soiree appeared to be safely in Verstappen’s hands, who snatched the lead from pole-sitter Hamilton at Turn 1. It was clear Red Bull would commit to a one-stop strategy, which ultimately cost them the win.
Thanks to a second pit stop, Hamilton’s fresher tires propelled him to overtake the Dutchman with only six laps remaining. Did the British driver knowingly overtake his fierce component in the same spot he had lost track position on Lap 1?
Verstappen managed to secure an additional point for fastest lap. While the extra point isn’t much of a consolation, it’s surely valuable in this title fight.
The Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas finished in third, despite a race-long battle with the feisty Ferrari of Charles Leclerc.
History Repeating Itself?
Mercedes instructed Bottas to let his teammate through, and the Finnish driver didn’t exactly welcome team orders in his usual fashion. Hamilton eventually overtook Bottas, but it left many reminiscing on the challenges between former Mercedes teammates Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.
We can be certain of one thing: team principal Toto Wolff certainly doesn’t want history repeating itself in that arena.
Best of the Rest
Charles Leclerc drove an excellent race in Spain, just missing out on a podium finish in P4. The other Red Bull of Sergio Perez charged ahead despite a tricky weekend and reported shoulder issues, finishing P5 from P8.
It’s surely all smiles for Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who finished P6 – his best of the season. Carlos Sainz managed P7 in front of former teammate (and other half of the infamous ‘Carlando’ duo), Lando Norris.
Esteban Ocon continued his brilliant start to the season in a respectable P9, with fellow frenchman Pierre Gasly rounding out the points in P10.
Looking Ahead
Having been out-maneuvered by Mercedes 3-1, the momentum doesn’t seems to be in favor of the charging bull of Max Verstappen. Can Red Bull find the answers they need for a monumental win?
