It was an exciting line-up on the grid, just for this year, normal for any other season: all twenty-two drivers and cars started. There was also Honda on the grid which the Japanese like and occasional shots of Tsunoda in the Red Bull garage looking sad but trying to look purposeful.
The drivers wernt for a very wide variety of start strategies, at least by the level of success achieved. Some had to pop out from behind the cars in front to avoid a sudden collision. Piastri went into the lead and LeClerc got up to second. By the first corner, Norris was in third. Antonelli started sixth but got past Hamilton at the start of the second lap. That quick, back-and-forth stage is really a feature of the opening laps this season.
Less successful were Bortoleto, Bottas and Hulkenberg but behind those quick changes were starting to happen. On lap three, Russell got past Norris. On lap four, Russell got past LeClerc. On lap eight, Russell got past Piastri for the lead. Then there was the big switch around. Over the following laps, Antonelli was quick to come back through the pack and up to Russell.
A lot of drivers, those behind the Mercedes in the lead anyway, pitted around lap 20 and Russell voiced concerns. Obviously as soon as he did get fresh new tyres, Bearman crashed into the wall and a Safety Car was called which meant his team mate Antonelli would get a cheap stop. It was his decision though!
It would also benefit Hamilton and Gasly. Antonelli got out ahead which left Russell in third between Piastri and Hamilton.
Bearman limped away and fell down at the side of the track, which probably should not have been shown. He had completely misjudged an overtake on Colapinto and went off on the grass then back across the track, in a scary moment.
At the race start, Hamilton was able to get past his former team mate Russell but Verstappen was not stuck behind one of his, Gasly. We watched a long train of cars when we would all have rather been watching Pierre beat Max.
LeClerc was able to get past Russell when the Mercedes had some slight mechanical problem. Antonelli looked cleanly in the lead with Piastri safe behind him. The Ferraris would be allowed to fight each other. LeClerc did get past and Hamilton was left to Russell, who took full advantage.
With three laps to go, Russell went to overtake LeClerc but he fought back and it was thrilling racing. With one lap to go, Norris made a move on Hamilton that finally stuck for fifth place.
Saved from his awful start by Safety Car luck, Antonelli took an easy win. Piastri never looked like he could challenge him from second place. A third different team took the third podium place in LeClerc and Ferrari. Behind them was Russell, Norris, Hamilton, Gasly, Verstappen, Lawson and Ocon. The Frenchman will be glad to get points in his Haas and the other Frenchman will be looking over his shoulder with glee at his former team mate Verstappen. Antonelli has promised to do his homework and practice his clutch starts with the month off over April.
As the youngest person to lead the Driver's Championship, Kimi looked young and wasn't allowed champagne on the podium. Hamilton wasn't happy that he was third at one point and ended sixth, perhaps it is the end of an era for older drivers.
A lot of people predicted five or more cars would DNF. Only Stroll and Bearman did retire; with Albon semi-retiring and then doing a bit of a test drive.
With a month off a lot of drivers will have things to think about. Bearman sparked concerns about the closing distances. Russell will be wondering how he is losing out to his baby team mate now his big chance has at last arrived. Hamilton will be wondering if he could get back Mercedes, ever be able to get changes to happen at Ferrari or if he should retire. Aston Martin need to figure what staffing line up will work for them. Antonelli will consider which flavour ice-cream he should have for his special treat for leading the championship.
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