With five successive Spanish GP victories, Sir Lewis Hamilton
is the Barcel-Owner
Ultimately Merc just seemed to have more pace in the car than Red Bull today. Max did great to grab the lead off the start - very similar to Imola with the two going wheel to wheel at the first turn and Max having the inside and coming off best. But Lewis had more speed, and ultimately made that count.
I think Merc should've pitted Hamilton the lap after Max's stop, since he lost a second in the pits they could have pulled the undercut with an immediate response, and then been under little pressure thereafter. Apparently they were worried about coming out behind Perez, but I don't think that was a reason not to. Looked to me like Merc did it the hard way today, but pulled it off.
The way Bottas didn't let Hamilton through seems to me to confirm the rumour that he knows this is his last year at the team. I don't want team-mates to be submissive, but to be honest if you hold up your team-mate when you have nothing to gain by doing so, you're purely slowing him down and helping your main opposition, then to me that just looks petty and foolish.
I think there's been a real change in the narrative of the season.
Pre-season testing: Merc are in real trouble, unreliable and aero is inconsistent leading to both drivers spinning. Red Bull are way ahead, this is gonna be their year.
Bahrain race: Well, Merc have fixed their instability issues, but they're definitely slower than Red Bull still, only Hamilton's talent and a bit of luck got the win this time, Max still looks good
Imola race: Seems like Merc and Red Bull cars are about equal now, Hamilton was trying to come back at Verstappen when he fell off
Portugal race: Looks like Merc are a bit quicker on this track
Barcelona race: Merc are quicker.
We're almost back to the status quo of Merc being the favourites, with Red Bull likely to snipe the odd pole and win, but not in overall contention. Much closer than last year, but still a developing expectation that Hamilton/Mercedes will be strongest and will come out on top.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote