It’s kind of hard to fathom that we’re only ten races into the longest season in F1 history. I generally feel as if we’re more than ready for the Summer break. However, is it any wonder that we’re knackered? With Red Bull coming under increased pressure from other teams, this Championship is FAR from being over. And, as with other recent races, the Spanish Grand Prix didn’t disappoint, as fans watched Max Verstappen put in more work to take another important win while on his journey to a fourth World Championship.
It was a weekend full of excitement from the get go, with McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, as well as usual favourites; Red Bull, all in the mix for a possible pole position. But, when it came down to the wire, it was Lando Norris in the McLaren that put in a lap in fast enough for pole. However, his race, on the other hand, seemed to be a tale of two halves. After falling from first to third as the lights went out, it was a very strategic based race for Norris who, at one point, dropped to sixth after his first stop, with a means of fighting his way back to the front. The adventure of Norris and his McLaren was a very focused point throughout the entire race, and one that kept every F1 aficionado hooked. Could he salvage what could have been? Well, yes, kind of. Sky Sports F1 may have kept promising us of a late race battle between Norris and Verstappen, but it just wasn’t meant to be. He didn’t win. We’ve established that, but he did finish second. Despite this, a strategic drive saw him earn another well deserved podium and driver of the day title. Is Norris the driver that can stop Verstappen in his tracks? His army of fans seem to think so!
The big story to come from the Spanish Grand Prix was, you guessed it, tyres. It was a field of softs on the starting grid, a perfect setup for those who love a good pit stop. And, pit stops we got, including a “hot” sub two seconder from Red Bull on Verstappen. A complete contrast to slow stops down at Alpine and Mercedes of Pierre Gasly and George Russell, respectively. With tyre changes starting to happen from around lap ten, it wasn’t long before everyone had made the switch to either medium or hards. The hard tyre was specifically interesting, with many a driver struggling to get speed or grip out of it. Russell was particularly vocal on this matter, quickly losing places to others around him. It became evident that the hard was not a good race tyre in this race, with the medium emerging as the favourite for longer stints.
Let’s be honest, this race wasn’t a nail griping extravaganza. It was quiet, without a single yellow flag or safety car making any kind of appearance throughout the 66 laps. However, we don’t always need that. The action was aplenty without. We’ve talked about Norris and his strategy, but what about that on track battle he had with Russell? Making moves that definitely would be ones for the history books. Verstappen was another one, again on Russell, failing to give up any chance of snatching a place. Further back, it was quiet, with Alexander Albon being the most memorable as his took his Williams for a quick jolly across the gravel. Kevin Magnussen, Nico Hulkenberg and Yuki Tsunoda would all find themselves with five second time penalties. Magnussen for a false start. Hulkenberg and Tsunoda for speeding in the pit lane.
Finally, we NEED to talk about Ferrari. Did we just witness the beginning of the end between teammates; Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc? I hate to be a conspiracy theorist, but slight contact between the two in the opening stages of the race has since caused plenty of tension, with several “bitchy” comments being made about one another in interviews. It’s like being back at high school…
Regardless, this race may have just marked itself as a pivotal moment in the 2024 Formula One Season, with McLaren firmly proving the fact they are here to cause upset in Red Bull's dominant era. And, with Ferrari and Mercedes not overly far behind, could this soon become a four-way team battle? I mean, Sergio Perez isn't performing well enough for Red Bull to fly away with the lead this season. Watch this space.
Next up: Austria!
Comments