Another live blog-along! I actually got up at 6.30am to see this one live!
Qualifying Results
So here’s how the starting grid looks like:
- Pole: Piastri (McLaren)
- 2nd: Russell (Mercedes)
- 3rd: Norris (McLaren)
Predictions
Here are our predictions for this race:
- Husband: 18 cars to finish with Piastri, Norris, Russell
- Me: 18 cars to finish with Russell, Norris, Verstappen
Here’s hoping that it’s a good one!
Formation Lap
Well it’s a clean one! Unlike last week! Liam Lawson starts from the Pits.
First Lap
Clean start! Thought Piastri has lost it to Russell! But Russell lost his place to Norris!
Hamilton AND Leclerc up past Verstappen. Radio message saying Leclerc has a broken front wing after contact with Verstappen.
Lap 3/4 – Yellow Flag and FIRE!
There was a yellow flag to clear some debris and there’s reports of Alonso’s brakes are on fire. Not looking good for him as he’s slowed right down… is he out?! Ah shite he has no brakes so he’s retiring!
Replays
Showing replays and it looks like Bortoleto has had a spin at some point. Ended up in a gravel trap but managed to dig himself back out.
Laps15/16/17 – Pitstops
Race leaders have now pitted. Piastri/Russell/Norris still holding same positions. Bit scrappy on Norris’ exit though as Stroll in the mix as well.
Lap 17/18 – Albon Leads
Alex Albon is leading the race on his birthday… aww Happy Birthday Alex!
Norris passes Russell!
I have a feeling this might be a bit of a boring race…
Lap 24 – Hamilton Radio Messages
Ah Hamilton’s radio messages make me giggle. Last week it was “leave me a alone” messages and this week it’s “give me all the info”. (For info I’m not having a dig at Lewis! I know he’s had a bit of shit press after his radio message last weekend).
Lap 24 – Bearman Tries
Bearman tries a pass on Stroll but goes into steering lock and fails. Hey at least he tried! They’re up in 7 & 8 currently so points for both.
Lap 35 – It’s Still The Same
Not much has happened in last 10 laps. Fastest lap is being held by Bortoleto at the moment. Radio message comes through saying there’s a risk of Class 1 rain for the last 3 laps of the race. Now that would be fun!
[I ended up going to make breakfast for everyone and went to check on the garden. Missed around 20 laps but missed no action it seems]
Lap 53 – Verstappen Pass
Verstappen passes Leclerc and up to 4th.
Scrap going on between Hadjar and Doohan. Keeping it clean though. Although it seems there’s something happened as there’s an exclamation mark by Dohhan’s name now.
Lap 55 & LAST LAP
Radio message between Norris and the McLaren team talking about braking issues. However he holds on until the end.
Piastri holds on to his lead and finishes in 1st place. So pleased for him after the disappointment of Australia.
(The rain didn’t come)
Post Race Classification
Initial post race results are as follows… now updated for post race qualifications! Ferrari suffer a DOUBLE disqualification and Gasly also disqualified!
- Piastri (1)
- Norris (3)
- Russell (2)
- Verstappen (4)
Leclerc (6)Hamilton (5)- Ocon (11)
- Antonelli (8)
- Albon (10)
- Bearman (17)
Gasly (16)- Stroll (14)
- Sainz (15)
- Hadjar (7)
- Doohan (18)
- Lawson (20)
- Bortoleto (19)
- Hulkenberg (12)
- Tsunoda (9)
DNF – Alonso (13)
Final Thoughts
Not a terribly interesting race in all honesty. Looking at the final results versus qualifying it seems that the main action was lower down the grid. My driver of the day is probably Bearman as he gained 7 places, tried some overtakes and ended up in the points.
Side note: Antonelli remained in 8th place and had a nice clean race. These two are ones to watch. Shame for Lawson though… doesn’t seem to be doing well but my thoughts is that he’s under a lot of pressure in the Red Bull. Can you imagine having the current World Champion as your team mate and being compared to him? And then to be driving under Christian Horner and having Helmut Marko being a judgemental git behind him? (His comments about Hadjar’s emotions last weekend was uncalled. Never liked him much. Lost all respect for Horner as well in recent years. Not because of the apparent sexting scandal but I feel like his ego has just gone into overdrive.)
