International media: 'Verstappen beats resurrected Mercedes after all'
F1 News
Max Verstappen was overwhelmingly the fastest man in Spain's GP weekend. The Red Bull Racing driver won the race with ease, leaving Mercedes, which showed promising growth, still far behind. But after their double podium, the international media are paying attention to Mercedes' chances against Verstappen.
Blick (Switzerland)
The Swiss Blick calls Lewis Hamilton's comment after his P2 in Spain a declaration of war on Red Bull. The Mercedes driver said they will be battling Red Bull at the end of 2024. The newspaper also writes that Goerge Russell and Hamilton smell opportunities after the double podium.
"Ferrari got racy despite Carlos Sainz starting from the front row of the grid. Aston Martin did do better this season, but it was Mercedes with the 'new' W14 that gave the winner, Verstappen, food for thought."
The Guardian (United Kingdom)
The British newspaper headlines, "Max Verstappen beats resurgent Mercedes duo to win Spanish Grand Prix." Despite a strong race by Hamilton and Russell, it should be noted that they stood no chance against Verstappen, who finished 24 seconds ahead of Hamilton.
"One swallow does not make a summer, but there was an undeniable hint that showed a resurgence of Mercedes," he said. At the front, things remained unchanged with Max Verstappen taking a crushing win from pole to flag, but behind him, the order has been revived."
Marca (Spain)
Marca stresses that Verstappen won the race without a drop of sweat. His title challengers, including Perez and Fernando Alonso, made it easy for him by both finishing outside the podium. Instead, Mercedes showed its "dangerous side".
Marca: "Max Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix effortlessly. It was his 40th victory in Formula 1. It gives him an even stronger grip on his third consecutive world title, as his two biggest rivals, Perez and Alonso, were unable to score the podium and points they did in the past six races."
Gazzetta (Italy)
The Italians had little to celebrate after a poor weekend for Ferrari. Gazzetta came out with the title after the race: "Verstappen does what he wants: dominance over Hamilton and Russell." There is little to say about Ferrari except that it disappointed with Charles Leclerc outside the points and Sainz still being beaten by Perez.
"It was a quiet walk in Montmelo for Max Verstappen. Red Bull's Dutchman took his fifth win of the season [...] It is his 40th win, leaving him just one win behind the legendary Ayrton Senna."
Le Monde (France)
According to Le Monde, nobody stood in Verstappen's way: "With no challenger, Verstappen wins the Spanish GP and continues his dominance." The Grand Prix follows one another and is similar in this F1 season. "Max Verstappen won his third consecutive race - his fifth of the season - in Spain effortlessly. From pole position, the Dutchman showed he is not afraid of the competition or the rain."