France: post-race analysis 2018


More exciting race than many feared, particularly given there wasn’t a spot of rain. Naturally, the driver I backed to finish top 2 had a problem not of his making on the first lap and the bet failed utterly, as is the way this year.

Off the line it was largely formation flying until Vettel locked up and struck the back of Bottas. This caused both to need early pit stops (the German had a broken nose, the Finn a puncture). Behind them, Ocon was struck by someone (perhaps Grosjean) and then hit again by Gasly. Ocon and Gasly both retired at this stage.

The safety car emerged, and the stewards had an hour or so of checking the footage and doling out penalties, or not (Vettel and Grosjean each got a 5 second time penalty).

The prime beneficiaries were the Red Bulls, with Verstappen rising to 2nd, and Sainz, who was up to 3rd.

Despite fears to the contrary, there was plenty of overtaking. Much of it was Vettel and Bottas carving their way through the field, and Sainz/Leclerc slowly climbing down the order, but there were plenty of other, more competitive, on-track contests too.

Except at the sharp end. Hamilton cruised around serenely, and Verstappen, though unable to mount a challenge for victory, was equally comfortable in 2nd. Ricciardo ended up losing part of his front wing to debris and was passed by Raikkonen for the final podium position.

Vettel ended up 5th, Magnussen just about holding onto 6th ahead of Bottas. Sainz suffered a late power problem (probably ERS-related) but was able to stay in the points, finishing 8th, just ahead of his team mate. Leclerc scored the final point.

Stroll had a DNF after he had a very large flat spot and then his tyre exploded. Perez retired due to an engine concern (he had the same new spec Mercedes engine as the works team).

Drivers’:
Hamilton 145
Vettel 131
Ricciardo 96
Bottas 92
Raikkonen 83
Verstappen 68

Still very much a two horse race, but Vettel’s error early on cost him and Bottas a lot (and the spectators the chance of a battle for the win).

Constructors’:
Mercedes 237
Ferrari 214
Red Bull 164
Renault 62
McLaren 40
Force India 28
Haas 27
Toro Rosso 19
Sauber 13
Williams 4

Leclerc’s extra point enables Sauber to continue slowly creeping up on Toro Rosso. Magnussen getting Haas a good result puts them in good shape to try and pass Force India. Renault slightly stretched their lead over McLaren, and look in a strong position to retain 4th. In the first half of the season-to-date, McLaren scored at every race. They haven’t scored in the last four races.

So, another red race and weekend. Hard to have a winning bet when the chap gets rammed from behind on the first lap, but there we are.

Next race is Austria, at the very next weekend.

Morris Dancer

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