25 Jun 2018

'Mate, I have no brakes' - Top F1 moments from the French Grand Prix

Robin Classen

Lewis Hamilton lead every lap at the French Grand Prix to retake the championship lead to record his first ever win at the Paul Ricard circuit.

There were penalties, collisions and a new championship leader by the time the checkered flag was waved in France

Twist, turns and the rain

1. First time for Lewis

Lewis Hamilton dominated from start to finish and won at the Paul Ricard circuit for the first time in his career. He also opened up a 14 point lead in the process.

He came into the race with a single point deficit to that of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and talks surrounding his current situation at Mercedes.

There was no hint of any stalled contract talks or possible unrest - instead doing all the talking on the track.

Magnifique!! ???? It’s an amazing feeling winning here. I feel very grateful for a solid weekend. Huge thanks to every single person at the Team for always pushing the boundaries and never giving up. I want to thank each and every one of them ?????? #FrenchGP @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/8rIFH9BKTq
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 24, 2018

2. The Green Goblin

For a moment it looked as if the Marvel character had arrived out of nowhere, hovering across the crowd as they cheered on.

Unfortunately, it wasn't Spiderman's nemesis, the Green Goblin, but someone riding on what seemed like a hovering device.

So much for sitting in traffic when you can just 'be like that guy that flew across the track at Paul Ricard".

Commuting goals...#FrenchGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/z2AOgpJyqn
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 25, 2018

3. 'Mate, I have no brakes'

It just wasn't Fernando Alonso's day at the French grand prix when his McLaren had no brakes and tyres worn down to its last shreddings.

"Mate, I have no brakes, no tyres, we are out of the points. I mean, we try to do whatever, I don't care too much."

His frustrations were clear as he spoke to the team via radio. A true bittersweet moment since his victory at Le Mans just a week ago.

"Mate, I have no brakes, no tyres. We are out of the points"#FrenchGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/34YBRYS3zf
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 24, 2018

4. Opening lap chaos

Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon was eliminated from the race on the very first lap after a chaotic coming together between drivers.

The situation was seemingly unpreventable and spelled a miserable afternoon for the both drivers with early retirements.

Paul Ricard claimed a few more victims, including a last minute tyre burst for Lance Stroll.

Not exactly what you hope for at your first home Grand Prix ??

Gaslyy and Ocon were eliminated on the spot on the opening lap#FrenchGP ???? #F1 pic.twitter.com/d0djVfOKwl
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 24, 2018

5. The Passion Parade

There was also a very different type of driving when the Passion Parade boasting the Renault 4CV that won its class at the 1951 24 Hours of Le Mans, took to the circuit.

It might not have achieved lighting fast speeds we are used to but to see those machines on track was a nostalgic moment in itself.

An onboard view from the @RenaultSportF1 Passion Parade ??#FrenchGP ???? #F1 pic.twitter.com/omH82foAKi
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 24, 2018

And special mention:

Kimi Raikkonen summing up the French GP:

Ok race and nice trophy. Photos: @calloalbanese
A post shared by Kimi Räikkönen (@kimimatiasraikkonen) on Jun 24, 2018 at 10:25am PDT

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