Conclusions after GP of Spain: 'Verstappen victory was an incident after all'
The Spanish Grand Prix once again made it clear that Mercedes is the best team during the 2020 Formula 1 season. Max Verstappen delivered a unique performance by staying ahead of Valtteri Bottas, but the title battle will be difficult. These are the conclusions after the Spanish Grand Prix.
Tensions within Ferrari only increase
It is now clear that the love between Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari is over. Where in the early years it was all very sweet, Vettel can now be heard ranting over the on-board radio every race. After confidence in the car, the German has now also lost confidence in management.
Every race, Vettel questions the strategy. Where he informed the team last week that they had ruined the race, he now cursed over the on-board radio when his team asked him to finish the race on this tyre. You will not get it clearer, this will be a fighting divorce. The question now is when the duo will really split up?
Red Bull does not help, but Albon himself also disappoints
Alexander Albon once again had a sad weekend in Spain. Where the sixth place in qualifying still seemed a good result on paper, the gap of seven tenths to Max Verstappen was not. Where Albon managed to impress during the last few races on Sunday, this time it was disappointing.
It must be said right away that Red Bull's strategy was not optimal. Albon came in very early and already lost many places during his second stint in traffic. Yet it is remarkable that Albon barely managed to pass a car, where his teammate is quietly sat in second place. Albon was also lapped by his teammate. Painful, as Pierre Gasly also knows.
Renault dreams of a podium, but is disappointed
Daniel Ricciardo was very enthusiastic after the first Grand Prix at Silverstone. His fourth place and pace at the end of the race were very promising. He even made a bet for it with Cyril Abiteboul. A podium place means a tattoo for the team boss, but that still seems very far away.
After a spin during the second Grand Prix at Silverstone, there was no speed at all for Renault in Spain. During qualifying, both cars failed to make it through Q2 and the top ten was also not made on Sunday.
Victory for Verstappen was an incident
Everyone was already jumping after the victory of Verstappen. Warm temperatures are killing Mercedes' lead. The question, however, was whether it was an incident or a clear step for Red Bull Racing during the second Silverstone Grand Prix. The first appears to be the case, because Mercedes was again not able to keep up for Verstappen.
The C1 tire was mainly used, but this race was also often driven on the C2 and C3 tyres. The unique combination at Silverstone made it a victory for Verstappen, but unfortunately it does not seem to guarantee an exciting race for every circuit.