The Overview I

Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s 18-year old prodigy racing in just his 28th F1 event, won his first Grand Prix, becoming the youngest winner in the sport’s 66-year history. He captures his victory by holding off Kimi Raikkonen over the course of a 28 lap duel that saw the Ferrari driver close up on Verstappen’s RB12 at the end of the long front straight, lap after lap, but not get past.

That these two were fighting for victory was a result of the extraordinary first lap crash that eliminated both Mercedes in the first 30-seconds.

Nico Rosberg again had the better acceleration off the start line, though he had chosen to wrong engine map setting. Despite his self-imposed handicap, he drew in pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton and proceeded to pass him on the outside into Turn 1. Hamilton then took advantage of Rosberg’s slightly slower exit speed to get a run on his teammate as they approached Turn 4. Hamilton decided to slice down the inside just as Rosberg chose to cover his position.

That move had no chance of sticking, and if Rosberg had ceded the needed space, that sequence of events would have Hamilton bouncing off Rosberg and forcing Rosberg off track. Hamilton initiated a move that was always going to draw contact. Rosberg was entitled to one move which he made; and Hamilton should have backed off, regrouped and found the next opportunity. As Rosberg moved across to close the door, Hamilton darted onto the grass shoulder, spun and collected Rosberg’s car in the melee; both Mercedes were taken out in an instant. Dieter Zetsche was seen shaking his head in bewilderment. Oh, to be sitting in on that Mercedes’ team de-brief.