Max Verstappen put on perhaps one of the best individual performances of all time in Spa. Not only did he cruise to victory, but he and Red Bull also picked up maximum points on the weekend. However, it was another dismal afternoon for Charles Leclerc and Ferrari. It looks like things are falling apart for the Italian constructors.
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While the Red Bull of Max Verstappen flies high, Ferrari’s trouble seems to deepen. Leclerc started the race behind Verstappen in P15 but finished the race in P6 because of a 5-second time penalty. In what was another astounding decision by Ferrari, it cost him a place in the GP and further dented his hopes for a title challenge as Sergio Perez overtook him in the driver’s championship.
Michael Schmidt termed Ferrari’s attempt to get the fastest lap as ‘Mission Impossible”. He said, “I mean, the last pit stop was unnecessary because they must have calculated, that it will be very close for Charles Leclerc coming out in front of Alonso, and then everybody knew it takes half a lap until the tires up to the temperature.”
He further opined about the Ferrari driver’s hope of getting the fastest lap was ruined when Alonso overtook him, even if he did manage to overtake him afterward.
Charles had no chance of getting the fastest lap, even if he did get a clean lap, according to Schmidt. He said, “I don’t think so, I think he was seven-tenths missing to Max Verstappen’s lap. I think it was a Mission Impossible”
Charles Leclerc claims the title race is almost over after Spa
After finishing 6th in the Belgian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc has said that the title race is practically over after Verstappen increased his lead to 98 points. Charles lost his second position to Verstappen’s partner, Sergio Perez, in the process.
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Leclerc said, “It is definitely looking extremely difficult now, especially after the pace they’ve shown, I can’t wait to get [to Zandvoort] and get back into the car and hopefully see some progress, but before thinking about progress we need to understand from where it [Red Bull’s pace advantage is] coming from.”
The next race is in Zandvoort, which is Verstappen’s home race, where he’ll be looking to defend his last year’s race win. Ferrari are also under pressure from Mercedes in the Constructors Championship. However, Mercedes seem to be struggling with issues of their own.
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With only 8 races to go, Max Verstappen’s 98-point lead means he already has one hand on the championship. Ferrari and Leclerc will be hoping for lady luck to take their side, as Leclerc chases a ‘Mission Impossible’ of his own. Do you think Leclerc stands any chance of winning the Championship?