The second sprint race of the season did not disappoint as Max Verstappen once again took the honors in Austria. He will start from pole position tomorrow. However, while the Dutchman had a relatively comfortable race, the same cannot be said for his 2021 title rival, Lewis Hamilton.
The Brit struggled to get past the valiant Mick Schumacher in the Haas. Although he did make the move towards the end of the sprint race, the young German’s defense undoubtedly held up Hamilton.
The Mercedes driver had a change of chassis and gearbox because of his crash in qualifying yesterday. He spun into the barriers in turn 7, so the Silver Arrows crew had their work cut today.
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Furthermore, Hamilton started off poorly as Gasly bumped into him during lap 1. As Fernando Alonso retired from the race, he got the 8th spot, but his collision meant that he dropped to P11 and had to fight back.
However, he leaves with a point today and will start P8 during tomorrow’s race. Meanwhile, Schumacher Jr. deserved every bit of praise as he bravely held off Hamilton. He was left vulnerable as his teammate, Kevin Magnussen, who was ahead of him, pulled out of the DRS zone.
He will start 9th tomorrow, but unfortunately will not gain any points after today’s stunning display. Fans, meanwhile, enjoyed the battle between the two as the German put up a stunning defense against the seven-time world champion.
Twitter reacts to the battle between Mick Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton
Fans clearly enjoyed the fight shown by both the drivers. But Mick Schumacher stole the show and won the hearts of the fans with an impressive outing.
Schumacher defending fantastically against Hamilton.
— formularacers (@formularacers_) July 9, 2022
Gutted for Mick not getting a point for his racing today. That was some mega stuff from him today!#AustrianGP
— tami. (@Vetteleclerc) July 9, 2022
Outstanding defensive drive from @SchumacherMick. Flippin brilliant.
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) July 9, 2022
Schumacher vs. Hamilton.
Just like old times 🥺 pic.twitter.com/xHG8VWJcqF
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) July 9, 2022
OH WE LOVE THIS MICK SCHUMACHER!!!
— WTF1 (@wtf1official) July 9, 2022
After a poor start to the season, it seems like Schumacher Jr. is picking up the pace. His Q3 entry in Canada was followed by a point finish in Silverstone. He will look to carry this strong momentum forward.
Hearing the crowd roar for MICK SCHUMACHER the absolute SLAYAGE pic.twitter.com/EkZCBl7VVj
— Anya (@schoomacker) July 9, 2022
That was some super impressive defending by Mick Schumacher 🤩👏🏻. Might not have been enough to score points. But it gave HAAS and Kevin the 7th place finish @F1 #F1Sprint
— Marcus Ericsson (@Ericsson_Marcus) July 9, 2022
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Mick Schumacher what did they feed you today pic.twitter.com/LTx3S2fuK3
— emi 🏒 (@maraneIlo) July 9, 2022
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Hamilton, on the other hand will be disappointed with his performance as he was stuck behind the German for most of the race. However, the Mercedes has shown promise and he will hope to be on his game tomorrow.