F1 Racing

The legend that is Max Verstappen continues to grow. Red Bull opted to switch out several important engine components at this race, forcing Verstappen to start fourteenth instead of on pole. It didn’t matter. Everyone knew Verstappen was quickest on the track by a wide margin. He was the only driver to post a sub 1:44 time at SPA during qualification. Still, when one starts fourteenth, there isn’t an expectation that the driver will finish on the podium, let alone first. Yet, that is exactly what happened. Not only did Max Verstappen finish first, but he also finished with the fastest lap as well. Even more impressive, he made his way to first by lap fourteen. Four of those laps were under a safety car due to two dust ups between four drivers in lap one and two. Verstappen went from fourteenth to first in essentially ten laps. His extraordinary drive on Sunday only serves to build his legend.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull once again proved why they are head and shoulders above the rest of the field. Verstappen and Sergio Perez qualified 10th and 11th respectfully. As the race unfolded, Verstappen steadily worked his way thru the field. Red Bull’s strategy to box at lap 39 caused Ferrari to react as Red Bull no doubt predicted. The smart teams pay attention to each other. They know what tires are left. They know what issues the other teams have with their cars. Red Bull made a call and Ferrari reacted poorly. Still, Verstappen had to finish the race, and finish he did. He overtook Leclerc on lap 41 and then spun out a few turns later. Apparently, the car was having issues with the clutch and while Verstappen was making adjustments, he spun the car out. Still, the spin had little effect on Verstappen. He remained cool and drove his race…all the way to victory. This is his 28th victory.

The team that Ferrari fears the most is…Ferrari. Whether its team strategy or reliability, Ferrari has consistently found a way to give away wins this year. Charles Leclerc was leading the race by four seconds when he mysteriously went off the track during lap 18. Right before his spinout into the barrier he complained about the throttle. Apparently, Ferrari failed to identify and fix the issue from last week. Remember, Leclerc struggled with his throttle the last ten laps of the Austrian Grand Prix. Regardless, Leclerc took the blame and said it was his mistake while failing to specifically state what his mistake was. It is obvious that Ferrari does not want him to share that a mechanical issue caused this spinout. The commentators lauding Leclerc’s supposed honesty is misplaced. They should be discussing what a great team player he is.

Ferrari won and lost during Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix. They were on their way to secure a one, two finish when Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari blew an engine and caught fire during lap 58. Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen took advantage of the virtual safety car and put on new tires. However, as the race restarted around lap 61, Leclerc’s car had developed a problem. His throttle was sticking. As he hit breaking zones, he had to let off the throttle earlier than usual. According to his radio chatter, he was pulling the accelerator pedal up with his foot because it was sticking. If that is indeed what was happening, his last ten laps were absolutely masterful. Managing a sticking throttle, at 170 miles per hour, as the race leader, with Max Verstappen bearing down on you, for ten laps is an amazing feat! Leclerc earned his fifth Grand Prix victory. This victory is more special as it is his first victory without being on pole.

To win consistently in Formula One, you need three elements. First you need a great car. Next you need a great driver. Lastly you need a consistently great strategy that allows you to adapt to race day challenges and opportunities. Ferrari made a critical mistake when the yellow flag occurred at lap 39. They should have boxed both of their cars. Had they done so, both cars would have podiumed maximizing their points for the day. Charles Leclerc is right to be frustrated with his team. Poor strategy by the team has cost him two podiums this year. Despite that, it is a day of celebration for Ferrari and Carlos Sainz. In his 150th race, he has achieved his first pole and his first win. Sainz is a methodical and analytical driver. He learns from his mistakes and rarely makes the same mistake twice. There is a strong argument that he is better than Leclerc. He has three DNF’s to the season. But for those, where might he be in the standings? Fielding two top notch drivers puts Ferrari in a great position. Their car is finally very competitive. Now they need to match their strategy with their drivers and car in order to achieve the championship.

Red Bull is off to an astonishing start to the season. They have won the last six races in a row, and seven of the first nine races of the year. They only thing that has held them back is mechanical issues with either Max Verstappen’s car or Sergio Perez’s car. Unfortunately, after crashing out in qualification, Sergio Perez’s race day was scuttled when his engine shut down at the beginning of lap nine. Despite losing Perez, Verstappen went on to win the Canadian Grand Prix for Red Bull, extending their lead in both the drivers and constructor’s Championship.

Max Verstappen achieved his 66th podium and 25th victory in Formula One at the 2022 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Though he has only managed one pole in eight races, he has won five races. In contrast, Charles Leclerc has achieved six poles this year and only won two races. Leclerc has DNF’d two out of the last three races, despite earning pole position in each of those races. Ferrari’s cars are fast but lack endurance. Meanwhile, Red Bull and company are sustaining consistent first and second place finishes over the first eight races of the season.

Ferrari were clearly the front runners coming into Sunday’s race. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished P1 and P2 on Saturday, followed closely by Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen. Leclerc had yet to finish this race in his Formula 1 career. The stage was set for a great race on Sunday. Then, the rain came. Weather delayed the start of the race for over 45 minutes. The grid drove a few formulation laps and then they were red flagged. The drivers waited in the paddock watching the rain soak the track.

It was a Red Bull Day in Barcelona Spain on Sunday. As Red Bull finished one and two, Max Verstappen continues his remarkable streak of winning every race he finishes this season. However, as the race unfolded in the early stages, Verstappen’s streak was in serious jeopardy due to mechanical issues, the wind and a strong Ferrari. Charles Leclerc set a blistering pole time of 1:18.750 on Saturday. During the race he maintained a healthy lead on the opposition until lap 28. Leclerc’s Ferrari lost power and he did not finish the race despite being 11 seconds ahead of Verstappen.

Formula 1 is finally in Miami Florida! Miami’s race did not disappoint. There was plenty of drama heading into this race. Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen were tied at two race wins a piece coming into the 5th race of the season. Mercedes is struggling to maintain third place in the constructer’s championship. McLaren has struggled mightily in the first four races this year, while parity is ruling the rest of the field.

Red Bull clearly had the pace coming into qualification. However, on Verstappen’s last opportunity to secure pole, he made a mistake on the chicane and his time was negated forcing him to start in third place, behind Carlos Sainz and Leclerc respectfully. Finally, minutes before the race started, both Aston Martins were forced to start from pit lane due to a mechanical issue.