Spanish GP: Mercedes triumph as Lewis Hamilton sets more records

The 61st F1 Grand Prix held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya did not disappoint with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen battling for first place in a strategy-fuelled race.

With just eight points separating the two in the standings entering the race, tensions were high.

However, it was Hamilton who emerged victorious with Mercedes executing the perfect strategy.

From the onset the race was filled with excitement with Verstappen having the perfect start, overtaking Hamilton on the first turn.

The Red Bull’s pace proved superior to Mercedes early, with Verstappen able to keep a few second gap between him and Hamilton.

However, fortune turned Hamilton’s way after Yuki Tsunoda retired for the first time in his F1 career on lap 9 due to engine failure. This resulted in a safety car, putting Hamilton back on Verstappen’s tail.

On lap 42 Mercedes opted for a two-pit strategy bringing Hamilton in for the second time while Red Bull kept Verstappen out hoping his tyres had enough pace to last the final 24 laps.

The decision paid dividends for Mercedes as by lap 60 Hamilton had reduced the deficit, overtaking Verstappen with ease in the same spot the Dutchmen overtook him on the first lap.

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Hamilton then cruised to victory, securing his sixth victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, tying Michael Schumacher’s record on the same course.

It was also his fifth successive Spanish Grand Prix win, tying Ayrton Senna’s record for most consecutive wins at a single venue. Senna won five straight Monaco GPs.

Following his 100^th pole in qualifying it was another record-breaking race on a record-breaking weekend for Hamilton.

This marks his best start to an F1 season in his career having 94 points after four races and a 14 point lead over Verstappen heading to Monaco in a few weeks time.

While it was a disappointing race for Red Bull and Verstappen, the Grand Prix marked his 100^th race with Red Bull and the fourth consecutive year he has finished on the podium in Spain.

Valtteri Bottas finished third, securing his third podium of the season but had to battle with Charles Leclerc early after a poor start.

Aussie, Daniel Ricciardo had a successful weekend finishing sixth and beating his teammate Lando Norris for the first time since joining McLaren. Riccardo also extended his scoring streak to 15 Grands Prix, two short of his career-best set in 2016.  

Spaniard Fernando Alonso was unable to secure a points finish in his home Grand Prix, dropping from ninth to 17th in the final few laps. Alonso is yet to finish higher than teammate Esteban Ocon since joining Alpine. Ocon finished the race ninth, collecting his was his sixth points finish in seven Grands Prix.

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