The second casualty of the race was Sainz whose car had a fatal fuel system problem and couldn't even leave the pits. He hung about to watch everyone struggle in the heat though.
The second and third casualties were both Mercedes into the first corner, taking each other out. The wheel came off Hamilton's car but Russell continued in 17th. This brought out the first and only Safety Car (was expecting many more). Russell admitted fault and Hamilton stomped across the track. He was grumpy about his tyres already so probably best he was able to take an early bath.
Next up, Hulkenberg was given a hefty 10 second penalty for starting in Sainz's empty grid spot.
After 13 laps the pit stops started. By this point, Russell was up to 3rd and back in the podium spaces. The Mercedes really had some pace. The Williams were also in 5th and 6th, benefiting from not having used many tyres in Qualifying. It was hard to keep up with them as most of the cars visited the pit lane. I looked up and Perez over took for 3rd and then jumped as Albon was running 2nd. The Williams briefly led the race when Verstappen pitted before pitting themselves. As the cars fell out of order through stopping, there was a lot of overtaking as normal order was resumed.
By midway through the race Lawson, Albon and Perez had all been shown the black and white flag for going off track limits a significant number of times. One more time and they would be given a time penalty. Perez was the first to be awarded a 5 second penalty.
Alonso really struggled in his Aston Martin, firstly, with a burning bottom and then a massive off, sliding back onto the track immediately in front of LeClerc. He had to see the stewards after the race. The drivers were getting hot and bothered.
Sargeant was "feeling poorly", brought on during the race and was called in by the team to retire but pleaded with the team to stay out. A few laps later he retired himself though; the cameras showed him struggling out of the car until him team moved in front of them. As Albon had hustled LeClerc before pitting and having led the race and continuing...can Williams afford to hire a driver who is not physically fit enough to complete a race. Although Albon did get a 5 second penalty for exceeding track limits.
Stroll claimed two 5 second penalties for track limits, continuing his abysmal weekend. As with Williams, Aston Martin will struggle to justify his position in the team other than that he is the owner's son.
Further up the grid, McLaren, with 9 laps to go, instructed their drivers to hold positions. Norris was very reluctant to come in behind his team mate (again) and could not see the logic.
With only a few laps to go, Russell then Verstappen pitted for soft tyres. Despite a slow stop with a sticky tyre, Verstappen managed to retain the lead but Russell would have to overtake both McLarens to resume 2nd. Norris is definitely getting the same feeling Ricciardo had at McLaren.
Before awarding and discussing final positions, all time penalties would need to be applied. Whilst Verstappen did win, both McLarens were behind him and they are looking the stronger team. Or is Perez driving awfully? Russell finished 4th with LeClerc close on his heels.
Everyone was just happy to finish the race, with conditions beyond challenges.
No comments:
Post a Comment