Stroll decided that the recurring pain in his wrist (from a pre-season training accident quite a while ago) required him to travel somewhere else to have a "procedure". Strange that he couldn't have waited twenty-four hours. And let Drugovich have a drive, a long-waited for F1 start.
Colapinto was penalised for his break-down in the pit lane during Qualifying and would start last on the grid, with Tsunoda starting from the pit lane, having qualified there anyway and changing his suspension.
Much had been made of the race down to turn one but Piastri made an amazing start and held his position. Other drivers were three abreast and there was some argy-bargy at the back. Somehow Albon lost three places and sustained damage to his front wing, Alonso lost his points-finishing place and Sainz remained in 17th. Verstappen got past Norris and both Ferraris got past Russell.
Lots of drivers tried an early stop strategy (by lap 10) including Albon (forced to get a new front wing), Sainz, Tsunoda, Bearman and Hulkenberg. Norris got past Verstappen and he didn't do much to defend it, coming in immediately after for his new tyres. Alonso had a big old trip over the gravel, perhaps getting some practice in for the next series he will drive.
A third of the way through the race, Piastri had pulled out five seconds ahead of his team mate and it was looking critical between Norris, who had not taken a pit stop, and Verstappen, who had. The Red Bull undercut both McLarens for the lead.
Albon was the first retirement, shunted, bumped, damaged and demoralised.
Having so many stops in the race, some were bound to be duds. Ferrari did a slow one for Hamilton.
With eleven laps to go, Antonelli ended up in the gravel, which he needed to stop the car as the engine failed and there was a Safety Car. Taking a pit stop seemed a good idea. The McLarens were double stacked and both came out in front of Verstappen's Red Bull. Behind them LeClerc, Russell and Hamilton also came in. Verstappen put on the hard tyre because it was the only option and it wasn't ideal. This didn't put him in a positive mindset.
There were only six laps to go when the Safety Car was due to end and Piastri slammed his brakes on to control the pack. It looked like Verstappen might take Norris but LeClerc overtook him instead, even Russell looked like he might have a chance to pass him. Max would be a grumpy goose after the race. In fact, he lost his rear end and had a little tap, each blaming the other. Verstappen was asked to let Russell through and thought he had permission but Versappen cut him off with a bump. Rosberg thought he should get a black flag.
With one lap to go, Hulkenberg overtook Hamilton for 6th place, the Sauber driver having a great race and we heard the cheer from the fans as Alonso overtook Lawson for a one point finish. It finished with a McLaren one-two with the Ferrari of LeClerc behind.
In the end, Verstappen was given a ten second penalty, which dropped him down to 10th place. He said it was a "misjudgement" but was very critical of Russell's response and said he would bring him tissues for the next time.
I'm sure Piastri celebrated with a small sangria (hold the red wine and brandy). LeClerc was surprised and somewhat bewildered to find himself being interviewed.
Will Stroll return for his home race in Canada? Can Piastri extend his championship lead there? Let's hope Williams find their pace again as we cross the Atlantic.
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