Conclusions after Steiermark: Verstappen makes Mercedes sweat

Verstappen convinces public

At the start of the season it was clear that Red Bull could make a bid for the world championship, but it remained to be seen how serious it would be. The Styrian Grand Prix proved once again that Verstappen is on a par with Mercedes this season. The German team was not able to let Hamilton chase Verstappen, so the Dutch driver won the race with ease.

Verstappen did not have to exert excessive effort to keep Hamilton behind him, while the latter had a race that the Dutchman has often experienced in recent years: the feeling that you are driving on an island. Nevertheless, Hamilton remains close to Verstappen in the world championship standings, so that in two months' time the roles may well be reversed.

Pérez stays in the race

The Mexican driver received a lot of praise after some good races, but it remained interesting to see how Pérez would perform in the long run. During the Steiermark race he showed he can compete. Although Pérez came up just short to pass Bottas and get on the podium, he drove an excellent race which gives him confidence for the coming weeks.

Norris proves qualities

Lando Norris drove an excellent qualifying, but lost two places in the race. Despite this he remains remarkably close to Mercedes and Red Bull, proving that he is not a one-hit wonder.