'Behind the top four, there was a terrific scrap for best of the rest’
- GPblog.com
The French Grand Prix was more exciting than ever this weekend. While Red Bull Racing and Mercedes were fighting each other for the front places, a lot was happening behind them as well.
Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer states on the official website of Formula 1 that the battle between Ferrari and McLaren was perhaps even more beautiful than it was upfront. "Max Verstappen and Red Bull might have made the big headlines at the French Grand Prix – but behind the top four, there was a terrific scrap for ‘best of the rest’ at the Circuit Paul Ricard, which had its own twists and turns throughout the weekend."
Where the Italian racing stable was in third place in the constructors' championship, that changed in France. "Ferrari, who have been so strong in qualifying recently, have struggled more in race trim, as proven in Baku, where Leclerc slipped from pole position down to finish fourth, behind an Aston Martin and an AlphaTauri. In France, their struggles were heightened even more."
Battle between Ferrari and McLaren
Ferrari's problems in France even prevented the team from gaining any points during the race. This allowed McLaren with Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris to easily climb in the constructors' championship.