Seven-time System 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton concluded the Spanish Grand Prix in sixth place after dropping out to Nico Hulkenberg within the remaining moments of the race. The late-race drama unfolded below a Security Automotive triggered by Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s engine failure, a second that proved expensive for Ferrari and significantly detrimental for Hamilton’s outcome.
Because the Security Automotive emerged, Ferrari opted to deliver Lewis Hamilton into the pits in an try to achieve a strategic edge for the restart. Nevertheless, this choice 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 sturdy, with the Briton initially working in fourth after a clear launch. Nevertheless, he was quickly compelled to relinquish place to a sooner 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 scenario he described as “horrible.” In accordance with Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton, as a seven-time world champion and one of many sport’s biggest drivers, would have discovered it significantly demoralizing to maneuver apart for his youthful teammate.
Regardless of the inner staff technique, Ferrari’s name in the end proved appropriate. Charles Leclerc capitalized on a key mistake by Purple Bull Racing in the course of the Security Automotive window. Max Verstappen, who had exhausted his allocation of medium and tender tyres, was fitted with laborious tyres for the ultimate stint. The Dutch driver struggled for grip on the restart, working large out of the ultimate nook and leaving the door open for Charles Leclerc to tug alongside and execute a clear overtake down the principle 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. Finally, he fell behind George Russell, who crossed the road in fourth, cementing a strong double-points end for Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton’s sixth-place end marks a disappointing however academic outing for Ferrari, who will undoubtedly evaluation their technique choices as they proceed to refine their efficiency for the rest of the season. In the meantime, Hulkenberg’s late-race cost supplied a glimmer of hope for Sauber, suggesting they could but have extra to supply because the championship progresses.
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