The Portuguese GP was not a classic race but still a fun watch for fans. Here we look at the five major takeaways from the race.
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The third race weekend of the 2021 Formula 1 season at Portugal was not a thriller by any means. However, the Portuguese GP was still fun to watch despite ending with another Lewis Hamilton win. Not that it was an easy one for the seven-time world champion, as Max Verstappen gave his absolute all but fell just short. By now, it is clear that the title race for this year will boil down to Verstappen and Hamilton. And while it remains too early to declare a winner, what remains certain is that it will be a thrilling battle to watch for fans.
Here are the major takeaways from the Portuguese GP.
That Hamilton ended the race with his 97th career win had as much to do with his experience as it did his pace. He was surprisngly overtaken by Verstappen on lap 7, when the safety car was removed. However, Hamilton reclaimed second place merely a few laps later and never looked back.
His successful overtake owed something to an error from Verstappen. Chasing Valtteri Bottas in the lead, the young Dutchman pushed too hard and copped some oversteer. Lewis, noticing the error, pounced hard. That Hamilton remained calm has a lot to do with street smarts that Verstappen will have to contend with over the season.
Although the race became another Hamilton-Verstappen battle, it’s worth remembering that it was Bottas who took pole position. The Finn is a capable driver but has struggled to match Hamilton’s consistency over a season. Indeed, it looks like he will be relegated to the supporting role once again this year.
He stated after the race that he was disappointed, but also added he was unable to match Hamilton and Verstappen for pace. Given there remain doubts over his seat for 2022, one hopes he finds some sooner rather than later. That he could barely hold off either Hamilton or Verstappen for long doesn’t bode well. Especially not with George Russell breathing down his neck…
That Lando Norris is an exciting young prospect is hardly news for F1 fans. However, the Brit is showing new levels of confidence this season. In three races so far, he has managed three top-five finishes. This includes a podium finish in Imola, where he finished third behind Verstappen and Hamilton.
Third season’s the charm ?#PortugueseGP ?? #F1 @LandoNorris pic.twitter.com/jVBji2UiQt
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 3, 2021
Norris was quick to point out after the Portuguese GP that it has just been three races so far. However, the progress McLaren have shown has been good and Norris’ form has been even better. The team can expect better things once Daniel Ricciardo gets a hang of the car.
It’s been a contrasting start to life in F1 for the two Haas rookies. Mick Schumacher showed some speed when he passed the Williams of Nicholas Latifi. However, Mazepin’s race will be remembered mostly for obstructing then-race leader Sergio Perez as the Red Bull was about to lap him.
Perez was not pleased, using a couple of choice words for the young Russian over team radio. And while Mazepin revealed he apologised for the incident, it doesn’t paint him in a much better light. His on-track performances have been bad. His frequent spins have earned him the nickname ‘Mazespin’ on social media. And he is being outshone by his teammate. If anyone needed a swift turnaround in fortunes, it is him.
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