A magnificent performance by the post-operative Sainz deserves nothing less than full marks, while Tsunoda also shines in ‘runner-up’ spot
ALEX KALINAUCKAS
RED BULL
Started 1st -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Result R
7 FP1 off damaged his floor on a weekend where Red Bull needed track time, but turned things around very well. Regular tyre pressure changes and increased front wing aided his pole run, with late Q3 sector-three improvements key. That was his high point before brake issue wrecked his race.
Started 6th -- -- -- -- -- Result 5th
5 Given his team believes he lost 20 downforce points snaring a visor tearoff in his car’s underfloor, just as his comeback drive was gaining momentum, he’s mainly scored on qualifying. Impeded Hulkenberg early there so must pay, given he has mirrors as well as radio. Also there was a late Q3 Turn 1 mistake.
MERCEDES
Started 11th------------ Result R
5 Only really scored on qualifying given how short his race was. Dumped out in Q2 when rising track temperatures and wind put W15 out of narrow balance sweetspot. Used his starting soft tyres to move past Alonso, and was happy with pace on the hards before engine failure.
Started 7th - -- -- -- Result 17th
6 Squeaked through to Q3, and then on first lap battled past Perez. Was repassed by Perez, had a very long middle stint, and then closed on Alonso towards the end. Has to cop some responsibility for his crash because he was caught out, as he noted.
FERRARI
Started 4th -------- Result 2nd
8 “Aggressive” front wing adjustment for final Q3 lap backfired, and Norris qualified ahead. Undercut the McLaren while holding off Piastri, but pushed too much too early and grained first set of hard tyres. Rectified that well for third stint. Gets bonus point here for fastest lap, too.
Started 2nd -- -- -- -- -- Result 1st
10 Ordinarily, Turns 9/10 moments and losses on final Q3 run would cost the maximum – but there was no guarantee that he was on for pole given Verstappen’s improvements, and overall performance was extraordinary given his post-appendectomy pain.
McLAREN
Started 3rd --- -- -- -- - Result 3rd
8 Headed Leclerc in qualifying. Chased Sainz before falling back in first stint, then was undercut when Ferrari covered Piastri’s first stop.
