Styria: post-race analysis 2021

A quintet of bets were made, and how many came off? Two. Two failed due to misfortune (first lap puncture causing DNF, and a separate reliability failing causing another DNF). Much as I had great luck last year, this year it’s been very much against me. But the multi-bet approach did at least reduce the redness to a marginal degree. My Vettel call, however, was plain wrong. Aston Martin did much as others did, and I’d thought they might slap on the hards and go long.

Off the line it was formation flying at the sharp end. Perez briefly got past Norris, who reclaimed the place (but wasn’t able to keep it, ultimately. Further back Gasly suffered the Curse of Morris Dancer and got tagged by Leclerc, puncturing his rear tyre. The Frenchman managed to limp back to the pits but nevertheless had to retire.

Meanwhile the top two were pulling away from the field, as they are wont to do. Russell was doing splendidly, around 7th, and then woe befell him and a couple of vain pit stop attempts to mend some sort of issue failed, and he had to retire. The only two men to DNF were both chaps I had bets on.

I must admit the action was less than enthralling as Norris slowly fell behind the Red Bulls and Mercedes and the top two (Hamilton never threatening, partly due to higher tyre degradation than Verstappen on the hard tyres) drove away. There were a few interesting notes. Weirdly, Ferrari had some good strategy. Sainz was left out a long time and pitted late, and Leclerc managed to fight his way through the field after his lap one encounter with Gasly. Sixth and 7th for Ferrari meant they narrow the gap to McLaren, who got good points from Norris (5th) but Ricciardo was looking distinctly lacklustre, again, in 13th.

Stroll had a strong performance and for once luck didn’t desert him, notching up 8th, while Alonso was racy in 9th. Tsunoda scored the final point, and will hopefully mark the beginning of more points and fewer red flags in his F1 career.

At the sharp end, Verstappen was untouchable, and his victory extends his lead over Hamilton. The Briton had no answer for the Dutchman, and pitted late for a fastest lap run (then held by Perez). Bottas was 3rd, but just barely as a second stopping Perez was within half a second. Another lap or two and it would’ve been different, but the race ends and when it ends and the Finn held on for the final podium position. Nevertheless, 1st and 4th mean that Red Bull increase their lead over Mercedes,

Verstappen 156
Hamilton 138
Perez 96
Norris 86
Bottas 74

Verstappen’s now the favourite, with an 18 point lead. Still time for things to change, but as of today he’s looking good.

Red Bull also have a 40 point lead over Mercedes and I think that’s only going to increase.

Next race is at the same circuit in a week, which will delight Mercedes, I’m sure. Be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand.

Morris Dancer

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