Turkey: post-race analysis

Bit off-colour so this will be more concise than usual.

Race defied forecast and started damp (inters throughout). Ricciardo took a penalty for a new engine and started last. First lap Gasly was sandwiched with Alonso on the outside, Spaniard spun, Frenchman got an undeserved 5s penalty.

Hamilton, Sainz, and Ricciardo made good progress, then the Aussie spun, ruining his race.

With Leclerc and Hamilton not stopping, it was Leclerc, Bottas, Verstappen, Hamilton. Ferrari boxed. Hamilton’s pace seemed good but they pitted him anyway and he was not happy to be down to 5th, (he had been 3rd) behind Perez. Late on, under threat from Gasly due to graining but managed to hold on.

Good solid win for Bottas, his first in over a year. Verstappen will be thrilled to make up ground given Hamilton was faster all weekend. Did rain make things harder for the Briton? Maybe.

Perez joins his team mate on the podium, ahead of Leclerc (who seemed on for the win, and may well have done better not to pit at all). Hamilton in 5th, as mentioned, then Gasly and Norris. Sainz did well to rise from the back row to 8th, with Stroll 9th and Ocon not boxing but scoring the final point.

Verstappen reclaims the title lead. This race should’ve been better for Mercedes. Maybe in the dry it would’ve been.

Next race is the USA, in a fortnight.

 

Morris Dancer

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