Spain GP Race Report

Once again, race was forecast, which, combined with a slightly topsy-turvy grid could have made for an interesting race.  Having caused a collision with his team mate during Qualifying and receiving a "formal warning", Russell went off over the gravel on the way to the grid pre-race.

LeClerc and Sargeant decided to start in the pit lane.  Everyone made an aggressive start but Verstappen held first with Norris and Hamilton coming together behind him, Norris needing to pit for a new nose.  Alonso made up 3 places in the first 2 laps.  The Mercedes engines were doing well with Piastri, Russell and Hamilton making up some places.

The first pit stop window opened and Sainz and Ferrari seemed to be arguing over whether it was a good time or not.  When Verstappen took his pit stop, he was 30 seconds ahead of his team mate Perez and safely back out in the lead.

Then, halfway through the race, Russell reported rain at turn 5 and Christian Horner tried holding his hand out.  It wasn't rain, it was his own sweat.

Verstappen had a good lead but was given a black and white flag for going over the track limits.  What ensued was some discussion between the driver and the team about whether he needed to keep pushing.  Then the race ended without my really noticing.  The Mercedes upgrades are working well, claiming the other two places on the podium.  Sainz wasn't able to keep Perez behind him.  The Aston Martins were 6th and 7th with the Spaniard behind.  Home tracks are not favourable this year.

Despite a lot of overtaking, it wasn't a gripping race.  Having experienced a year of Red Flags and Safety Cars, are we entering a more stable era?