The French Grand Prix proved itself to be a mediocre race for fans and spectators. Yet again, Mercedes secured another 1-2, their 50th in Formula 1! Lewis Hamilton managed to perform the perfect weekend, with pole on Saturday and the top step of the podium on Sunday. Whilst his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, had a lonely race suffering from tyre degradation. However, he did have a close battle in the final three laps, after the virtual safety car Bottas struggled to maintain tyre performance and was therefore at risk of Charles Leclerc who managed to get within 0.9 seconds of the Finn.
Image: Lewis Hamilton's Instagram
Charles managed to retain his third place from qualifying to the podium. The Monegasques' race was also hindered by tyre management, much like the rest of the grid. Sebastian Vettel finished in fifth after a struggle in qualifying due to an up shifting issue, this meant the team had to revert to 'Plan F' on race day, ultimately banking the fastest lap, and the desired point. Ferrari also brought many updates to the track, however, most updates were removed for race day, is this even more regression for Ferrari?
Red Bull's race was one of mixed emotions, Max Verstappen was on top form and finished just off the podium in fourth. Whilst his teammate, Pierre Galsy, failed to even secure a single point, an unusual scene from a top team... Will this hinder the security of the Frenchman's race seat?
Renault's home Grand Prix was slightly skewed. Although both drivers secured point scoring positions, Daniel Ricciardo completed some of his renowned overtaking manoeuvres, one of which could result in a potential penalty, even more so after the Canadian penalty issue meaning the FIA have to remain consistent... As such, their race weekend might not have been as smooth sailing as they'd have liked. Ricciardo did comment on the idea of a penalty, 'I care but I don't care, I'm glad I had a crack... I'm getting more confident with the car.' Either way, Nico finished in ninth whilst, as of now, Daniel finished in seventh.
Image: McLaren
McLaren's weekend was one of highs and lows, their qualifying pace certainly showed the effort and determination the team has and how far they have come from last year, although, a hydraulic issue on Lando's car proved to be costly for the young Brit. Lando Norris began to suffer from a hydraulic issue mid way through the race, as such he lost the use of DRS as well as gaining aggressive upshifts, heavy steering and an unstable car. However, through it all Lando proved his outstanding performance and handling of a damaged car, resulting in a tenth place finish as well as the fans Driver of the day! On the other side of the garage, Carlos Sainz drove a fantastic race in sixth place and certainly showed his, and the teams, worth. McLaren have certainly improved, especially on straight line speed, Lando just missed out on fourth place in qualifying by just 0.009 seconds off Max Verstappen.
Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen finished eighth, an outstanding performance considering his teammate finished sixteenth. However, Kimi may be promoted a position after the stewards deliberate Ricciardo's overtaking incident.
Toro Rosso didn't manage to secure any points this weekend with Kvyat finishing ahead of his teammate in fourteenth whilst Alex Albon was one place behind. Kvyat and Albon battled out on track together for most of the race, a lonely race which lacked excitement.
Racing Point was another team that lacked points this weekend, Sergio Perez finished two positions outside the points whilst Lance was thirteenth. Sergio was hit with a five second penalty on the first lap after gaining an advantage after an involuntary manoeuvre off the track.
Image: Racing Point
Haas had to retire Romain Grosjean from his home Grand Prix, a disappointing ending to a mediocre weekend for the American team. Kevin Magnussen's weekend wasn't much better, with a seventeenth being the best position possible.
Williams finished at the back of the field, yet again. Unfortunately George Russell hit a bollard on the race track forcing him to pit for a new front wing, as such the Brit was forced into a two stop strategy and ended plum last. Robert Kubica finished just ahead of his teammate in eighteenth.
Both drivers and fans are hoping for a much more thrilling race in Austria next week. France proved to be more of a tyre management race track... Not the most nail biting race for viewers. The biggest story of the weekend has to be McLaren, just 0.009 seconds off Red Bull's qualifying pace is leaps ahead of where they were last year.
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