What a crazy start we have had to the first-ever Tuscan Grand Prix! And the biggest talking point from it is the retirement of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Verstappen got caught up in an unlucky incident when he was taken out from behind by Kimi Raikkonen. The Finn himself was crashed into by Pierre Gasly, rendering last weekend’s winner out of the race as well.
Verstappen initially got off to a good start, but all of a sudden he lost all power going into turn one. As a result, he dropped further back into the mix of midfield runners. When he managed to get his power issues sorted, he found himself taken out by the ‘Iceman’ in turn 2.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This is the Dutchman’s second DNF in two back-to-back races. Definitely not what he would have hoped for, having already lost some ground on the Mercedes duo in the Driver’s Championship standings.
Luckily for Red Bull, they still have Alex Albon in P4. They’ll be relying on the young Anglo-Thai driver to earn the team some vital points in the Constructors’ Championship.
Verstappen can consider himself extremely unlucky, as he would have fancied putting his car between the two W11’s. However, that chance evaporated with the kind of start that he had, costing him the chance to keep in touch with Bottas in the points table.
Definitely not the kind of memories that Max would have wanted to take home from Mugello.
Idk what happend on the right, there was two cars? pic.twitter.com/ZJtT2BvAJK
— Coke (@CokeFIN) September 13, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Max Verstappen incident followed by more pandemonium
Verstappen and Gasly were not the only DNF’s of the day. As soon as the race was underway, after the initial yellow flag, a cascade of events followed.
There were multiple crashes in which those involved were Carlos Sainz, Kevin Magnussen, Nicholas Latifi, and Antonio Giovinazzi. All four of the drivers are out of the race.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The crashes have led to a red flag (twice in two races, for the first time since 2011). Suddenly, we could well see another Monza like race. However, it’s worth remembering that Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton are still alive and kicking.
Whatever happens ahead, it’s bound to be a thriller with several nail-biting moments expected soon after the race restart.