It's well known that Hamilton always collides with anyone who challenges him for the world championship. Today it was Verstappen's day to feel the wrath. Lewis is beginning to look more and more like one of his idols, Michael Schumacher, who frequently relied on a little tap to anyone who gave him a serious race. With the red flag brought out after the incident, pausing the race, there was no cost to him repairing his car. His radio footage made it clear that he felt Max did not give him space. Verstappen looked very shaken and spacey as he got out of the car and into the medical vehicle. All the pundits came out on the side of Verstappen, which is unusual not to be supporting the Brit. In 2021 revamped F1, we also got to hear Horner speaking to Michael Massey on his new Sunday afternoon radio show (MMFM). Whilst Horner claimed that Hamilton was never ahead of Verstappen, Wolff called (long time listener, first time caller, arf arf) to say that he was "significantly alongside" the car). Wolff then sent a special mystery email to Massey (race director), pointing out something in the rules. He kept patiently telling the angry team representatives that the race stewards were investigating the incident. Also, footage of Hamilton watching the replays and seeing the full extent of the damage to the Red Bull (and Verstappen). I think Verstappen's visit to the medical centre prevented us from seeing some good old-fashioned pit land fisticuffs.
It had been a thrilling start to the race with Hamilton and Verstappen battling back and forth for the lead, showing real skill and race craft. LeClerc had a great start, getting past Bottas and then taking the lead into the pit lane rolling start.
After the break in the pit lane, when Merecedes gaffer-taped up Hamilton's car, it was round the track for a standing start. LeClerc reminded us all what an excellent driver he is by making an excellent start and retaining the lead. Vettel spun his car and ended up behind the Haas.
All calmed down then suddenly on Lap 15, LeClerc's engine cut out and returned to life. They gave him a new setting, but the driver was still closer to Hamilton and the dreaded DRS window. He held on.
Lap 20 showed Raikkonen battling with the beleaguered Perez and proving why he continues to be paid the big bucks to drive in F1, holding off the faster car where skill counts in the corners and only conceding the position on the straight where money talks with engine performance.
From 3rd position Norris came into the pits and McLaren failed the home track hero with a 6 second stop. I remember going to Silverstone in the Noughties and everyone was wearing Mercedes colours and supporting Hamilton, despite other Brits on the grid. Now Norris and his papaya army are growing - is this a backlash against Hamilton?
It was a day of doomed pitstops, with Sainz taking a 12 second stop. Hamilton took 4.2 seconds, on top of his 10 second penalty.
Another long period of calm, with Hamilton chasing LeClerc. With less than 5 laps to go, Gasly gets a puncture and makes it into his pit in time. Raikkonen spins off when battling with Perez. Then the Mexican made the ultimate sacrifice by going in to the pits for soft tires to get the fastest lap - only he didn't get the point for it because he was not in the top ten (I still dispute this clause) - he did it to stop Hamilton getting the point. Then LeClerc just couldn't hold off the Mercedes left with so few laps to go.
I don't think anyone would have predicted that LeClerc would come second this race. It really shows why Ferrari picked him, making almost the absolute best of a golden opportunity. His team mate finished 6th. He maintained the lead for pretty much all of the race, losing out to the superior car with 3 laps to go. I think only the staunchest Hamilton fans would think that he deserved victory today and until we hear how Verstappen is in hospital, there's no reason to celebrate. LeClerc claimed Driver of the Day. Still no points for Williams.
Hamilton put in a very slow lap, collecting a flag on the way to thank the fans and then ran around with said flag. Obviously emotions were running high with the sudden victory but over-the-top celebrations are not respectful when the driver you ran off the track is in hospital. As Verstappen pointed out himself on Twitter.
Looking at the crowd in light of the Hamilton Commission, you wonder whether you also need to change the fan base and grass roots engagement of the sport too. You can only watch one full race for free on council TV every year and tickets for the race are well out the reach of most people.
Should also mention Tom Cruise.
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