Portugal: post-race analysis 2020

An unexpected and exciting start, with many tight battles and good performances lower down, whilst the sharp end dissolved into predictable tedium, alas. The bet came off, if hedged. Slightly surprised by that, but there we are.

Off the line it was, frankly, bizarre. Hamilton started badly and was soon passed by Bottas. Verstappen had a poor start and low a few places. Hamilton then got passed by Sainz, whose soft tyres were working much better off the start than the medium of the Mercedes, and the Spaniard then passed Bottas and trotted off into the lead. Further back, Leclerc slumped to 8th from 4th and Raikkonen roared up into 6th. Not to mention (although I am) Verstappen gave Perez a nudge which punted the Mexican around and put him last of all.

Gosh.

Fortunately for my bet, and unfortunately for those who like exciting contests for the win, the medium tyre then started to work. The Mercedes chased and passed Sainz, who spent the next few laps falling prey to various other chaps including Verstappen and Leclerc.

It took Hamilton until lap 20 to pass Bottas, but once he did the Briton cruised off into the sunset, and effortlessly claimed a record 92nd win which also meant my tip of a couple of years ago for him to beat Schumacher’s win tally (at odds of 9) came off. Well done me. And Hamilton, I suppose.

Behind him Bottas, Verstappen, and Leclerc were all racing by themselves effectively, neither challenged nor challenging others.

Perez recovered all the way up to 5th when he was brought in for soft tyres. Understandable given he’d pitted way back at the start of the race but he did end up losing places on the final laps.

Gasly was very fast once again, claiming 5th ahead of Sainz, who recovered some good points for McLaren after it seemed early promise had dissolved. Despite ‘only’ being 7th it was still a great performance from Perez, having languished in last early on. Ocon and Ricciardo got 8th and 9th for Renault but lose ground to McLaren in their tight contest and Vettel had to make do with 10th. Not a bad performance, given where he started, but right now you’d have to say Perez is looking much the better driver.

Everyone save Bottas, Verstappen, and Leclerc was lapped by Hamilton. Let us hope this dominance ends when the rules change.

The next race is just a week away, and we’re going back to Italy. May be worth considering Bottas for a win as Hamilton traditionally slows down after he’s secured a title.

Morris Dancer

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