Yet another classic. It’s amazing what a bit a rain can do to spice up a race afternoon.
Firstly the turn 1 incident. Defo Bottas fault. I think a 5 grid penalty in the next race was a bit harsh. (But I will no doubt be alone in thanking that). Very poor luck for every one else caught up in it, but I have little doubt that even without Bottas, that was an accident corner just waiting to happen in those conditions.
As for the restart. Well that was one of the bizarre incidents I have every seen in F1 with only one car on the grid. Quite crazy. A better option might have been to wait another 5 minutes before the restart and allow everyone to change tires before going to the grid, but again no doubt I will be alone thinking that.
The actual race was excellent, especially watching Hamilton slowly creeping back up through the grid. His dicing with Alonso towards the end was brilliant even if it verging on the reckless and even if it did cost Hamilton a possible race win. (For those claiming “it’s the car” his performance demonstrated exactly why it isn’t. Very few drivers have the skills necessary make a clean overtake of a 2 times WDC who is driving in a very quick car.
As for the Ocon and Vettel battle, Seb was certainly pushing, but at no point did I think he would make a pass unless Ocon made a mistake and he didn’t. Kudos to both all the same for not taking each other off.
Other notables.
Kimi for taking out Mazepin in the pit lane and then getting in the way during the Alonso/Hamilton fight.
Sainz who I though had a pretty good race and who managed to hold off Alonso in the final laps.
Gasly for having an excellent race and for also nicking fastest lap.
And both Williams drivers for both scoring points (I had doubts I would ever see the day again), but whilst Russell finished 9th, least we forget his team mate finished 8th Poor George, but at least he can say he beat Max
Lando who was taken out by Bottas, and then punted Max into next week. Then getting back to pits before an unsafe release (which could have resulted in more licence points and might explain why the car was retired. That or the gearbox was damaged by Bottas). Not a great day for McLaren especially given Danny’s woeful performance. No idea what’s happening with him at moment, but his career is very much in the balance at the moment.
All in all a most enjoyable day for pretty much everyone except McLaren and RedBull and their fans. Even more for RedBull who have only managed one point in the last two races.
Summer break now (which will please my wife), but I am very much looking forward the 2021 Part 2. Everything still to play for.