Max Verstappen races towards his second world title in Formula 1. With his seventh win of the season, the Dutchman in the Red Bull also benefited from mistakes made by the competition. Mercedes fought for second and third place at the French Grand Prix on Sunday, but is realistic about it.
Verstappen remains ice cold: Even if world champion Max Verstappen doesn’t have the fastest car at the moment, he remains superior and brutally exploits his opponent’s mistakes. Seven wins from twelve races prove the strength of the defending champion. However, the Dutch Red Bull star is not dazzled by his comfortable lead of 63 points in the World Championship. “We still have a lot of work ahead of us,” said the 24-year-old. Next goal: Victory number eight next Sunday in Hungary’s capital Budapest.
Ferrari stands in its own way: It is almost tragic how many chances Ferrari misses in the title fight and makes life difficult for itself. World title challenger Charles Leclerc retired in France for the third time this season, this time it was his own fault when he lost control on lap 18 and his car slid towards the tire barriers. “That happens when you drive at the limit. There is no reason to blame him,” said Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto, who was combative despite the setback: “He will be back stronger in Hungary.” The Scuderia currently has the fastest car in the field.
Mercedes is back: or is it? Second place for Lewis Hamilton in his 300th Grand Prix and three for George Russell sound like the Silver Arrows could be back at the top. But appearances are deceptive. “The gap is just too big when the front is on the gas,” said Mercedes motorsport director Toto Wolff in the direction of world championship leader Verstappen: “We hope that we can get closer to it.” After all: When the competition from Ferrari and Red Bull went haywire, the drivers of the constructors’ world champion were there and made it onto the podium together for the first time in 2022.
Schumacher with too many mistakes: Mick Schumacher had a poor weekend in his Haas racing car. A grid penalty and errors in the race made it impossible for the 23-year-old to score championship points for the third consecutive year. In the end, 15th place went to the former Formula 2 champion. “We learned a few things and hope that we can do better in Budapest,” said the son of record world champion Michael Schumacher. In Hungary, the last Grand Prix before a short summer break is on the program on Sunday.
