After two consecutive weekends of disappointment, Oscar Piastri bounced back in Barcelona, showing his true championship contender spirit. Despite a challenging start in qualifying on Saturday, he managed to grab pole position from teammate Lando Norris by over two-tenths. Piastri then showcased his capabilities on Sunday, leading the race with determination and skill.
The late Safety Car phase, caused by Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s retirement, posed a final challenge that Piastri successfully navigated. This victory solidified his position in the championship battle as Formula 1 concludes the first third of the season. With the Canadian Grand Prix approaching, Piastri has certainly made Norris rethink his strategies.
Verstappen, on the other hand, seems to be struggling to keep up with McLaren’s pace, despite his aggressive driving and strategic attempts by Red Bull. The Dutch driver’s title hopes are diminishing, especially with McLaren’s apparent car superiority. Verstappen might need significant help from Red Bull or McLaren’s internal competition to revive his championship aspirations.
Despite the hype around the new technical directive on front wing flexibility, Lewis Hamilton expressed disappointment, calling it a waste of money. The directive hasn’t brought significant changes to the competition, with teams managing to adapt to the new rules and adjust their setups accordingly. While drivers notice slight differences in car balance, the overall impact of the directive seems less significant than anticipated.
