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• Lewis Hamilton won the 2020 Spanish Grand Prix by 24 seconds.
• Max Verstappen is the only driver to take on the Mercedes duo.
• Sunday's race was a boring affair. Period.
• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za
This past Sunday, the Catalunya racetrack in Spain played host to the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix.
The race, which was won dominantly by Mercedes-AMG F1's Lewis Hamilton, had very little excitement about it, but it produced enough of a show for us to identify some of the winners and losers.
Winners:
Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton is edging ever closer to Michael Schumacher's record of 91 F1 victories, and the one in Spain was the 88th of his career. With the win, Hamilton also moved one clear of Schumacher's record of 155 podium finishes - a record they held together since last week's 70th Anniversary GP.
With the win this past Sunday, Hamilton also increased his lead atop the championship table. Now on 132 points, he is 37 clear of Max Verstappen on 95 and Mercedes team mate, Valtteri Bottas, on 89 points.
At the rate he's going, Hamilton will tie Schumacher on seven F1 championships by the time season-end comes along, and he'd have surpassed the F1 legend's 91 victories.
Max Verstappen
Verstappen may have finished the race in second place, but he is driving his Red Bull beyond its capabilities. His team mate, Alex Albon, is nowhere near podium contention in the same machinery, which underlines the fact that Verstappen is putting in the effort and performing above what is (realistically) achievable.
Verstappen is the only driver to challenge the Mercedes duo and is the only fly in their ointment. If not for the young Dutchman, Mercedes would romp to a seventh consecutive championship and would the real title fight happen from positions three to 20.
I guess a 'thank you, Max' is in order?
READ: Dreadfully boring! 2020 Spanish GP had very little to write home about
Losers:
Us, the fans
Now, there are several losers we could highlight after the race. The Renault team and their continuously disastrous showing, Williams who is yet to score a point this season, or Ferrari who's woes continue to mount. But these would have no patch on the fans who are not being treated to equal and fair racing.
One must understand, however, that the team who understands the rules best, will produce the best possible car. Mercedes has done that. Maybe it'll be unsporting to curb a team's dominance because they understood something better, but when they are throbbing forth unhindered, something must be done for the sake of the sport and its fans.
READ: 'F1 is becoming more frivolous by the day' - Readers share their views of the sport
On Sunday, Hamilton, Verstappen, and Bottas lapped every driver up to fourth place. There was little to no overtaking in the race, and everyone was bored - even the commentators. And for many of us watching the race, it was frustrating sitting back and seeing Mercedes take another comfortable win. Hamilton was nowhere near driving at his car's limit, yet he cruised to a 24-second victory.
The remainder of 2020 will probably be much of the same as Sunday, but at least we have Verstappen who could try and spice things up. And given that teams will race in 2021 with this year's cars, expect the status quo to remain.
The next race is the Belgian GP from 28 - 31 August. Anyone willing to bet against another Mercedes 1-2?
What are your thoughts on this past Sunday's Spanish GP? Email us.
