Verstappen makes history in F1 with win in Spain

After a battle between the Red Bulls and FerrarisFerrariItaly, 1947 > present233 models
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, the Austrian team got away with the win, but the Italian took home the remaining steps on the podium with Raikkonen finishing second and Vettel third. 

 

Opposite luck had the two MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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that started from first lane but while fighting against each other for first place in lap one couldn't avoid an accident that put both drivers out of the race after only 4 turns. Rosberg had a better start than Hamilton and passed the Brit on the first corner, but the world champion didn't fold back and came out strong out of Turn 3 and tried to overtake the German. Rosberg made a more agressive defense of his position and Hamilton has to take the grass to avoid collision, but then went to a slide which caught his team-mate and sent both into the gravel at Turn 4. Nightmare season continues for Hamilton and his frustration was shown as the driver threw his steering wheel.

 

The accident forced the safety car being called to action leaving Daniel Ricciardo in the lead ahead of new team-mate Max Verstappen, Toro RossoToro RossoItaly, 2006 > present10 models
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's Carlos Sainz Jr. and the Ferraris of Vettel and Raikkonen. Strategy came into action right after the Ferraris overtook the Spaniard. Both teams opted to change into medium tires at the first stop but after that strategic moves took different paths.

 

Ricciardo was the first to make a move, opting for soft tires which indicated a three-stop strategy. The same move was made by Vettel on the following lap. Verstappen and Raikkonen stayed on track until lap 34 and 35 respectively, changing to medium tires and going for a two-stop race.

 

The two-stop strategy turned out to be the better option and Max Verstappen came into the lead ahead of Raikkonen. The Finn continued to constantly pressure the 18-year old, but the Dutch kept his composure and ended up grabbing his maiden Formula 1 win. 

 

Former team-mates Vettel and Ricciardo also had a tight fight for third place with the German having to agressively defend his position. The Aussie had to make an extra visit to the pits as his tires couldn't handle the fight with Vettel. The Red Bull driver still managed to keep fourth place ahead of WilliamsWilliamsUnited Kingdom, 1977 > present37 models
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' Valtteri Bottas. Sainz, Perez, Massa, Button and Kvyat completed the top 10.

 

 

Check the Driver's and Consctructor's World Championship standings here.