F1: Hamilton Victorious In Styrian Grand Prix As Ferrari Clash

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Brandon Dawe
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Hamilton celebrating a commanding Styrian GP victory following up from yesterday's stellar qualifying performance. Image sourced from @PET_Motorsports via Twitter.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton Dominates The Styrian Grand Prix

Lewis Back On Top

On Sunday Hamilton secured his 85th career victory after a dominant display in Spielberg.

The Brit lead home last weeks winner Valtteri Bottas, giving the reigning champions their first 1-2 of the season.

Hamilton: “The team did a fantastic job with their strategy. I’m so grateful to be back in first place.”

“It feels like a long time coming. This is a great, great step forward. I love back to back [races]. I could do it all season long.”

Late Action In Austria

Starting from second, Max Verstappen held that position for the majority of the grand prix.

However, with Bottas closing Verstappen put up a valiant fight during the latter stages but was ultimately forced to concede the position.

With Albon struggling in the other Red Bull and unable to protect his team-mate from the Mercedes’ strategy.

Verstappen was then left vulnerable to Bottas who was able to stay out longer due to having no pressure from behind.

Subsequently supplying him with fresher tyres for the end of the race. The Finn utilised this to full effect, overtaking Verstappen on Lap 67.

Verstappen pulled off some amazing defensive manoeuvres but was ultimately overtaken by Bottas for second. Image sourced from © Getty Images.

Bottas & Verstappen finishing in second and third respectively.

Bottas: “Lewis had a good start and he could control the race. For me, starting from fourth was damage limitation so to get second isn’t a bad result.” 

“It could have been better but I’m looking forward to heading to Hungary next week.” 

Verstappen: “I tried to make it difficult for Valtteri. A podium was good, but still a lot of work to do.” 

Albon’s Close Call

Alexander Albon came home in somber fourth place, 44 seconds off the lead.

Although it didn’t come easy for Albon as he collided with Sergio Perez in the final laps.

Fortunately for the Thai it was Perez who felt the brunt of the incident.

Sergio fell into the clutches of Lando Norris as a result, eventually being passed by a the 20 year old at the final corner.

His second consecutive top five finish of the season so far. Better than any result he got during his rookie year.

Perez limped home to sixth position with major front wing damage

The Mexican just marginally holding off team-mate Stroll & Renault’s Riccardo on the run to the line.

Both of whom had been overtook by Norris who took advantage of the two running deep into Turn 3.

An incident which was investigated by the stewards but no further action was taken in the end.

As a result, Lance Stroll & Riccardo were classified as seventh and eight respectively.

Damage Limitation

Carlos Sainz Jr. who started from third position, lacked pace for most of the grand prix.

The Spaniard only managing ninth in his McLaren MCL35.

After an astonishing showing in qualifying, Sainz’s McLaren seemed to struggle in race trim in Styria. Image sourced from @McLarenF1 via Twitter.

Although Sainz was able to pit near the end for fresh softs. Clinching fastest lap right at the end, along with a new lap record.

Behind came AlphaTauri’s Daniil Kvyat who rounded out the top ten for the Italian constructor.

The Clash Of The Scuderia

Contrary to last weekend it was a day to forget for Ferrari as both drivers retired from the race within the first 2 laps.

Fundamentally due to Charles Leclerc’s admittedly audacious move on Sebastian Vettel at Turn 3.

Leclerc took full responsibility for the incident and apologised to his team profusely.

Leclerc: “I have apologised to the team and to Seb, who didn’t do anything wrong. I let everyone down today and I am very sorry. I will learn from this and come back stronger next time.”

The Scuderia who were hoping to gather data on it’s fast tracked upgrades ahead of next weeks Hungarian round.

The team also cancelled all media processions following the race as both drivers left the track relatively soon after their retirements.

Too Hot To Handle

Renault once again suffered with overheating issues as Esteban Ocon was forced to retire early on while battling team-mate Riccardo for sixth.

Both Renault’s were locked in battle during today’s grand prix before Ocon’s race was cut short. Image sourced from @RenaultF1Team via Twitter.

The Frenchman the only other retiree apart from the Ferrari duo.

 

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