Yes, great race from Hamilton. He knew he had a job to do and once he dispatched Bottas, he controled the race all along. Bottas messed up and ruined his tyres initially, but was later let down by his car. Verstappen offered the only lasting challenge to Hamilton; a great drive too, but Honda power is no match for Mercedes. Ricciardo giving Renault its first podium since their come back as a team was good news for him. Good mentions for Leclerc and Hulkenberg. So, Schumacher's tally of 91 GP wins has finally been matched, and Hamilton is probably heading for his 7th title.
I wasn't expecting Bottas to make that mistake, he has been strong all weekend. Happy for Riccardo/Renault !
It wasn't really a career highlight of his, if we're being completely honest. But he and Senna are tied on my personal all-time favorite list at #1.
You could see it coming. His gap went from nearly 2 seconds to drs zone in a couple of laps. I’m certain the lock-up was due to the pressure of Hamilton suddenly being in his mirror. VB drives to stay in front of LH vs to win races. By that, I mean he just goes all out in his stints without a sense of looking after the car and tires. Hamilton, otoh, kept contact and waited for VB’s tires to go off. He jumped on him right before the pit stop window. (Note: VB had a great outside pass after LH got him on the start...must acknowledge)
Yes, since they have the Virtual Safety Car in their toolbox, and can neutralise parts of the course only.
Leclerc still getting far more out of the car than its pace warrants. 15 laps isn't all that old for mediums --- but when everyone else is getting new softs? I wonder how much Charles could accomplish if he had a decent car or team support.
According to Leclerc, the problem today was graining with the softs. They sucked in the first stint and couldn't use them again after the safety car. The timing of the safety car was unlucky too. Vettel is still MIA. Now Alpha Tauri is two points closer in the epic battle for 6th. **** happens. Back to work.
As @zygomatic pointed out.... Brundle had the Quote of the Year in Formula 1, ""Welcome to Formula 1"".