Seven-time System 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton concluded the Spanish Grand Prix in sixth place after dropping out to Nico Hulkenberg within the closing moments of the race. The late-race drama unfolded below a Security Automobile triggered by Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s engine failure, a second that proved pricey for Ferrari and significantly detrimental for Hamilton’s outcome.
Because the Security Automobile emerged, Ferrari opted to deliver Lewis Hamilton into the pits in an try to realize a strategic edge for the restart. Nonetheless, this determination backfired as Nico Hulkenberg, driving for Sauber, managed to overhaul the seven-time world champion within the closing laps. The transfer not solely secured Hulkenberg a top-six end but additionally delivered Sauber their first championship factors of the season.
Hamilton’s efficiency had began robust, with the Briton initially operating in fourth after a clear launch. Nonetheless, he was quickly pressured to relinquish place to a quicker Charles Leclerc, who was placing in faster lap instances within the sister Ferrari. Because the British driver struggled with rear tyre degradation, Ferrari made the tactical name to swap their drivers, permitting Charles Leclerc to push for a podium.
Former Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg, who was commentating on the race for Sky Sports activities F1, famous that the Briton’s race turned bitter when he needed to let his Maranello teammate previous. Nico Rosberg remarked that being requested to yield to a teammate—particularly for somebody of Lewis Hamilton’s stature—was a state of affairs he described as “horrible.” In keeping with Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton, as a seven-time world champion and one of many sport’s best drivers, would have discovered it significantly demoralizing to maneuver apart for his youthful teammate.
Regardless of the inner crew technique, Ferrari’s name in the end proved appropriate. Charles Leclerc capitalized on a key mistake by Purple Bull Racing throughout the Security Automobile window. Max Verstappen, who had exhausted his allocation of medium and gentle tyres, was fitted with onerous tyres for the ultimate stint. The Dutch driver struggled for grip on the restart, operating large out of the ultimate nook and leaving the door open for Charles Leclerc to drag alongside and execute a clear overtake down the primary straight into Flip 1.
Whereas the Monegasque driver surged ahead, Lewis Hamilton discovered himself unable to match the tempo of these round him. His tyre put on and lack of grip meant that even a possible podium was out of attain. In the end, he fell behind George Russell, who crossed the road in fourth, cementing a stable double-points end for Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton’s sixth-place end marks a disappointing however academic outing for Ferrari, who will undoubtedly evaluate their technique selections as they proceed to refine their efficiency for the rest of the season. In the meantime, Hulkenberg’s late-race cost provided a glimmer of hope for Sauber, suggesting they might but have extra to supply because the championship progresses.
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