Portuguese GP Race Report: Record Breaker
Formula One returned to Portugal for the first time since 1996, which meant that I could watch my first Portuguese Grand Prix. I thoroughly enjoyed it too. The undulating track with new, slippery asphalt and a sprinkling of rain here and there made for an exciting affair for drivers and fans alike. Would it be nice to have another race there? Yes. Will we have another race there? Probably not. But that's how it is with these super-sub tracks in 2020.
Biggest Winner: Charles Leclerc
In week 1 of my 10/10 Series, I spoke of Charles Leclerc's brilliance and potential to be a champion. This weekend, he proved it, once again, qualifying and finishing fourth in a Ferrari that hasn't exactly been impressive this season. Ferrari have made some upgrades, and the less power-sensitive Algarve International Circuit suited the red cars, indicating that this isn't a huge surprise. However, Leclerc's performance can only be compared to his four-time champion teammate, Sebastian Vettel, who grabbed the final point in tenth position. So the Monegasque is doing a sterling job.
Leclerc was fortunate in that both Racing Point drivers ran into trouble and Alex Albon had another off day. But he still had to beat the competitive McLaren and Renault teams and did so comfortably. Yes, he finished almost a minute behind the winner, but with context, you can see that Charles is proving that he can perform in cars that don't match his ability. That is what champions do.
Biggest loser: Racing Point
I don't know how they are managing it, but Racing Point sit third in the constructors' championship despite having one of their worst performing seasons. How is this so? In their previous guises as Force India, they would consistently maximise their package to be the best pound for pound team. This year, they have had assistance from Mercedes and more considerable funds, and silly things are letting them down.
Lance Stroll was the only retiree due to 'too much damage'. I'm not convinced. While he may have had damage from a remarkably clumsy incident with Lando Norris at turn one, I think he could have carried on. Maybe an early bath could save further blushes after receiving penalties for the incident and ignoring track limits. The collision itself was similar to the coming together that he'd had with Verstappen. However, it appeared he hadn't learned his lesson. Neither Norris nor Verstappen were complimentary of his driving.
Meanwhile, Perez managed to fight back from last place to finish seventh with some great moves. Were it not for the collision with Verstappen, I could have seen the Mexican taking fourth or even fighting for third place. Perez has now finished in the points for the last 16 races. He also sits in sixth position in the championship despite missing two races with Coronavirus. Racing Point are losing one of their biggest assets next year. I hope that he doesn't go to Williams as the rumours are suggesting because that would mean George Russell being cruelly dropped. If anything, it would make sense to stick him next to Verstappen at Red Bull as Albon continues to struggle.
Moment of the Race: Lap 1
As the lights went out, it seemed as though only two of the twenty cars had enough temperature in their tyres to drive around the track. While those at the front looked like Bambi on ice, Carlos Sainz Junior took the lead, and Kimi Raikkonen sliced the field open, moving from 16th to 6th in just over a lap. Crazy.
Once the tyres got up to temperature, the usual suspects returned to the top of the pile. I wonder whether rallying heritage was what led to Carlos and Kimi's superiority on a low-grip surface. That shows what adaptability gives you.
Honourable Mention: Pierre Gasly
Once again, the boy from Rouen, Pierre Gasly impressed. Starting 9th, he made his way through the midfield teams, who theoretically have faster cars, to finish in fifth place. He held his nerve and got past Perez late on despite the Mexican's best efforts to block him.
Even though Gasly is outperforming Albon in a slower car, Red Bull have suggested that if Albon were to depart, Gasly wouldn't be taking his place. - which brings into question the Red Bull's young driver programme. My prediction that Pierre will head to Renault/Alpine at some point. Paddock rumours seem to be pointing in this direction too. Pierre has quality, and I believe that in the right team he can flourish with time.
AJontheLine Line of the Weekend - Martin Brundle comment on Instagram
Sunday saw Lewis Hamilton break a world record, earning the most Grand Prix victories ever with 92. Naturally, the plaudits were pouring in to congratulate him. At the top of Lewis' comment section was Martin Brundle, a highly respected commentator, pundit and former driver. Brundle said "You've earned all 92 wins. You've shown everyone how talented you are and you've never crossed an ethical line on track. You're a role model and a winner."
Brundle highlights what sets Hamilton apart from other drivers who have dominated their generation. While Senna and Schumacher will forever be legends and considered among the greatest of all time, they were prepared to win in an unsporting manner. Hamilton remains on the threshold of what is allowed. Critically though, it is a priority for him to succeed fairly. That is not to say that Lewis is better, but it is certainly a consideration when we sit down for the grandest debate that you can have in any sport.
Formula One faces a quick turn around as the circus head to Imola for next weekend. Imola is a classic track and high speed. Let's hope it brings as good a race as Portimão.