Formula 1 rules stipulate that two types of tires must be used in races that use entirely ‘slick’ tyres. In the case of Leclerc, Ferrari has left the line here. Leclerc, who started on a medium tyre, was fitted with a medium tire at the end of the first pit stop by the team. Verstappen pitted on lap 38, prompting Leclerc to pit on the very next lap in response. Verstappen came out with medium tyres. That should be enough for the next 32 laps. But you can’t use Leclerc medium tires. If you use soft tires, it won’t last as long. Ferrari used hard tires to keep the extra bit off. Cars already on hard tires were stumbling on this track. Leclerc also stumbled. Verstappen used it to advance to the top spot.
Entering the pits on lap 51 and exiting on chaff tires, Hamilton stormed ahead. He overtook Russell in the final stages to take second place. Perhaps with 4 more laps, Hamilton could have won the race. Leclerc took the pit again in the final stage as the hard tires worked. So he managed to get sixth place.
Verstappen, Hamilton and Russell rounded out the podium, with Sainz and Sergio Perez taking the next two spots. This race marked Hamilton’s fifth consecutive podium finish. George Russell moved up to fourth in the drivers’ championship, overtaking Carlos Sainz.
2023 Musical add
Several panchayats have sprung up in the last few weeks. There has been a lot of confusion over who will be playing for which team in the 2023 season.
Cutting rest
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has announced his retirement from Formula 1 racing with the 2022 season. Vettel, who has been competing for the Aston Martin team for the last two years, has won the world championship title for 4 consecutive years from 2010 to 2013. So far he has recorded 53 victories in the Formula 1 arena. Having accumulated 3077 points so far, his fans are expecting him to make a mark in his last 9 races.
Alonso at Aston Martin
Aston Martin fills the void left by Vettel’s retirement with Fernando Alonso. The team is looking forward to replacing the 4-time champion with a 2-time champion. Alonso, who has competed for the Alpine team for the past two years, has had problems with the team’s attitude over the past few months. Alonso’s points tally was slightly affected by fellow Alpine rider Ogun’s aggressive performance in some races. Alonso was said to be frustrated that the Alpine team management did not make decisions in his favor at such times. It was initially talked about that he should have changed the team because of that. But the biggest problem has arisen in signing the agreement. Alonso has asked for a 3-year deal. Alpine are not willing to commit the 41-year-old to a long-term deal. This decision may have been taken because no amicable decision was reached.
Alonso, who returned to Formula 1 last year after a two-year hiatus, has fared better than expected. He has scored 41 points in 13 races so far this year and has scored points in 8 consecutive races. Alonso’s move to an Aston Martin team that has struggled while in good form in a car that has performed well has raised eyebrows. This is the third time Alonso has left Renault/Alpine.