The Austrian Grand Prix will definitely be probably the most memorable rounds from the 2024 season and will change the tone of the remainder of the 12 months.
Sometimes sufficient for a dash spherical, some drivers carried out higher by the dash classes on Friday night and Saturday morning than they did within the grand prix classes that adopted, whereas the alternative was true for others.
However there have been a number of drivers who have been constantly sturdy over the weekend. And a handful who have been constantly underwhelming.
Listed here are RaceFans’ driver rankings for the Austrian Grand Prix.
A information to RaceFans’ driver rankings system
RaceFans’ driver rankings system assesses driver efficiency throughout all three days of a grand prix weekend. Naturally, performances throughout aggressive classes – qualifying, dash races and grands prix – will carry essentially the most weight to their score.
Nonetheless, apply efficiency can have an effect on a driver’s weekend score within the occasion of a significant mistake, reminiscent of a crash, constant errors all through apply classes or if a driver exhibits a notably spectacular pace all through all free apply classes relative to their crew mate.
The system makes an attempt to take note of the relative efficiency of every driver’s automobile and the anticipated outcomes from that, which means {that a} driver who wins a race in a automobile clearly superior to the remainder of the sphere could not essentially rating as extremely as a driver who claims a low factors end in a midfield automobile.
Rankings additionally try to take note of mitigating elements exterior of a driver’s management. If a driver is compelled to overlook appreciable observe time attributable to automobile issues, is the sufferer of being blocked in qualifying, finishes far decrease than anticipated due to a closely botched pit cease or suffers another misfortune they can’t be fairly anticipated to regulate, their score shouldn’t be penalised.
RaceFans charges every driver’s weekend efficiency on a scale of 0 to 10, the place ‘5’ is taken into account to be a sometimes common weekend efficiency from a sometimes common System 1 driver.
Here’s a tough information to every doable rating:
N/A – Not relevant – No score is given as the motive force didn’t sufficiently take part within the aggressive classes
0 – Disqualified – Solely in essentially the most excessive occasion the place a driver’s conduct disqualifies them from participation
1 – Appalling – An appalling show that brings a driver’s competency underneath instant query
2 – Terrible – A really, very poor efficiency of repeated errors with nearly no redeeming qualities
3 – Very unhealthy – Much more negatives than positives throughout the weekend which a driver ought to be very upset with
4 – Underperformance – Driver failed to realize the bottom degree anticipated for a System 1 driver
5 – Acceptable – The usual degree of efficiency that ought to be anticipated from an F1 driver
6 – Good – A good total efficiency throughout the weekend, however not among the best
7 – Excellent – A powerful efficiency throughout the weekend that any driver ought to be very happy with
8 – Sensible – A very nice weekend the place the motive force stood out as one of many highest of the sphere
9 – Distinctive – An excellent efficiency that ranks as among the best, if not the easiest, of the whole season
10 – Legendary – One of many few all-time biggest performances by a driver within the historical past of System 1
Max Verstappen – 7/10
Dash race begin: PoleSprint race end: WinnerQualified: Pole (+7 locations forward of crew mate, -0.888s)Begin: Held positionStrategy: Three-stop (M-H-M-S)Completed: fifth (+2 locations forward of crew mate)▲ Quickest in apply regardless of stopping on observe, then took dash race pole ▲ Gained dash race from pole after repelling problem from McLarens ▲ Stormed to grand prix pole by over 4 tenths ▲ Held the lead at the beginning and over the primary two stints ▼ Suffered harm in conflict with Norris, incomes a ten second penalty ▼ Ran fifth after pitting for repairs, then misplaced 5 seconds urgent pit limiter underneath VSC ▶ Completed fifth, holding place even when penalty was utilized
Verstappen was in a few of his greatest type of the season in Austria, topping each session apart from Q1 over the primary two days of the weekend. He received the dash race regardless of falling behind Norris for one nook however took it again brilliantly and regarded snug out entrance for the early a part of the race. However when Norris started to put him underneath intense strain, he failed to depart sufficient area and the ensuing conflict left him broken and crawling again to the pits. He misplaced extra time with a pit limiter error underneath the Digital Security Automotive, however whereas his penalty was utilized after ending in fifth, he didn’t lose any positions.
Up till the ultimate eight laps of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen was on track for a uncommon ‘9’ score attributable to how relentlessly wonderful he had been. However whereas dropping the race to Norris would have nonetheless deserved an ‘eight’, the character of how he misplaced the win means he should lose extra.
Sergio Perez – 3/10
Dash race begin: 7thSprint race end: 8thQualified: eighth (-7 locations behind crew mate, +0.888s)Begin: +2 placesStrategy: Two-stop (M-H-M)Completed: seventh (-2 locations behind crew mate)▶ Certified seventh for dash after ultimate SQ3 effort compromised by proximity to Ocon▼ Dropped behind Leclerc in dash race to complete eighth ▼ Virtually 9 tenths slower than crew mate in Q3 after solely having used softs out there▶ Suffered vital sidepod harm in conflict with Piastri on lap one, then was handed by him▼ Ran seventh behind Piastri however hit with 5 second penalty for rushing in pit lane ▶ Handed Ricciardo and Magnussen however unable to get round Hulkenberg, ending seventh
One other weekend, one other poor factors haul for Perez. The Purple Bull driver was compromised in dash qualifying, however by no means managed to make progress within the dash race and really dropped a place to Leclerc. He had fewer excuses for grand prix qualifying, however he at the very least the harm on his automobile may assist to clarify how he ended up behind his crew mate even with a penalty and making an additional pit cease with a broken automobile and in addition failing to cross Hulkenberg’s Haas.
Though the harm was vital, the actual fact is Perez was off the tempo the whole weekend. He was by no means increased than seventh in any session and people first six laps in sixth place have been the very best he ran all weekend. His constant gradual pace given his automobile means he should obtain a decrease grade than only a ‘4’.
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Lewis Hamilton – 5/10
Dash race begin: 6thSprint race end: 6thQualified: fifth (-2 locations behind crew mate, +0.063s)Begin: +1 placeStrategy: Two-stop (M-H-M)Completed: 4th (-3 locations behind crew mate)▶ Took sixth on grid for dash qualifying however admitted having ‘no good laps’ ▶ Held place all through the dash to complete sixth ▶ Break up the Ferraris to safe fifth on the grid for the grand prix ▶ Handed Sainz at the beginning however misplaced place to the Ferrari in early laps ▶ Suffered harm to ground early on which compromised tempo ▼ Hit with 5 second time penalty for breaching pit entry line ▶ Misplaced place to Piastri serving penalty in second cease, then gained fourth with conflict forward▶ Completed fourth, over 20 seconds behind crew mate
A troublesome weekend for Hamilton who needed to watch as his crew mate took a shock victory for Mercedes, leaving him as the one driver within the prime eight positions within the championship to not have both a grand prix or dash race victory within the floor impact period. He was not fairly on the identical degree as his crew mate over the weekend, however his race tempo was compromised by clear harm to his Mercedes.
Though he was affected by harm and his penalty solely value him a place to Piastri that he probably would have misplaced anyway, essentially the most profitable driver in F1’s historical past has no excuse for incomes such a penalty. That drops him from a ‘six’ to a ‘5’ as which may have value him a place in different circumstances.
George Russell – 7/10
Dash race begin: 4thSprint race end: 4thQualified: third (+2 locations forward of crew mate, -0.063s)Begin: Held positionStrategy: Two-stop (M-M-H)Completed: Winner (+3 locations forward of crew mate)▲ Beat Sainz and crew mate to safe fourth on dash grid ▶ Misplaced place to Sainz early in dash race however reclaimed it to complete fourth ▲ Took third on grand prix grid, a tenth behind Norris ▶ Held place at the beginning, heading off problem from crew mate in early laps ▶ Switched from mediums to hards for ultimate stint, then inherited lead after conflict forward ▲ Stored out of attain of charging Piastri behind to assert second profession victory
A memorable weekend for Russell, who managed to lastly break Mercedes’ win drought with plenty of graft and a bit little bit of luck. Russell was constantly getting the most effective from the Mercedes all weekend, being faster than his teammate and displaying strong race tempo and saved drivers on sooner tyres at bay over his ultimate stint.
Ignoring the leaders taking themselves out, third place would have been simply deserving of a ‘seven’. Provided that he inherited the victory reasonably than incomes it by on-track prowess, it solely feels honest to reward him primarily based on what was in all probability going to be a 3rd place end.
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Charles Leclerc – 6/10
Dash race begin: 10thSprint race end: 7thQualified: sixth (-2 locations behind crew mate, +0.193s)Begin: -12 placesStrategy: 4-stop (M-H-M-M-M)Completed: eleventh (-8 locations behind crew mate)▶ Suffered energy unit downside in SQ3, stopping him from posting lap, leaving him tenth▲ Gained three locations at begin of dash race to complete seventh ▶ Out-qualified by time mate to line up sixth for grand prix ▶ Pressured to pit with entrance wing harm after contact with Piastri at first nook ▶ Rear in direction of the again however tried to unlap himself from Norris with newer tyres ▲ Made 4 stops however handed six vehicles over ultimate stint to only miss out on level in eleventh
One other irritating weekend for Leclerc the place fortune didn’t favour him. Whereas he in all probability was not the quickest Ferrari driver and his automobile was not quick sufficient to hitch the battle for victory, his beginning place for the dash race and the beginning of the grand prix have been each compromised by issues he may not likely be blamed for. Regardless of a protracted, irritating race, he didn’t surrender and his restoration to eleventh was strong.
Though Leclerc was clearly unfortunate, he didn’t fairly appear to have the identical tempo as his crew mate across the Purple Bull Ring. As such, he earns an excellent score, simply inferior to his crew mate.
Carlos Sainz Jnr – 7/10
Dash race begin: fifth
Dash race end: fifth
Certified: 4th (+2 locations forward of crew mate, -0.193s)
Begin: -1 place
Technique: Two-stop (M-H-M)
Completed: third (+8 locations forward of crew mate)
▲ Secured fifth on the grid in dash qualifying
▶ Handed Russell early in dash however couldn’t maintain him behind, ending fifth
▲ Simply crushed to 3rd on grid by Russell however forward of Hamilton and his crew mate
▶ Misplaced a spot to Hamilton at the beginning however regained it laps later
▶ Ran behind Russell by the race till ultimate stint on mediums
▶ Couldn’t maintain Piastri off, falling to 3rd when handed at flip six, however took ultimate podium spot
Ferrari weren’t in rivalry for victory and have been probably the fourth-fastest package deal in Austria – as shut at it was over the weekend. Nonetheless, Sainz was constantly the main Ferrari all weekend and managed to beat Hamilton to the ultimate podium place after the drama forward. Given the pace of the McLarens, there was no disgrace in dropping out to Piastri late on within the method he did.
Given his efficiency throughout the weekend, Sainz deserves to be rewarded with a robust grade, even when his podium was lucky. For that, he will get a ‘seven’.
Lando Norris – 6/10
Dash race begin: 2ndSprint race end: 3rdQualified: 2nd (+5 locations forward of crew mate, -0.33s)Begin: Held positionStrategy: Two-stop (M-H-M)Completed: Retired (Injury – L64)▲ Lower than a tenth away from beating Verstappen to dash race pole ▶ Battled with Verstappen for lead of dash however misplaced out to crew mate ▶ Took second on grid in grand prix qualifying however three tenths farther from Verstappen ▶ Held second behind Verstappen over first 60 laps ▼ Acquired 5 second time penalty for 4 observe limits infringements ▼ Suffered race-ending harm battling for win with Verstappen, forcing retirement
Regardless of not main a single racing lap over the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Norris may genuinely really feel that he missed out on a possible victory on the Purple Bull Ring. Most likely the faster of the 2 McLaren drivers over the weekend, his downside proved to be racecraft. He misplaced the result in Verstappen within the dash race after taking it a nook earlier by leaving the door open, then made a number of makes an attempt to cross Verstappen on the finish of the grand prix earlier than the inevitable collision, then drove too quick again to the pits, which means he couldn’t proceed.
Though retiring from a race is rarely a optimistic, at the very least Norris was preventing for a win. Verstappen could have been deemed accountable for the conflict however Norris was pretty wild in a few of his makes an attempt to cross too and might need benefitted from making an attempt a extra high-percentage cross. That, plus dropping out within the dash race, harms his total grade.
Oscar Piastri – 7/10
Dash race begin: 3rdSprint race end: 2ndQualified: seventh (-5 locations behind crew mate, +0.33s)Begin: Held positionStrategy: Two-stop (M-H-M)Completed: 2nd (+18 locations forward of crew mate)▶ Simply crushed by crew mate in dash qualifying to start out third ▲ Made opportunistic cross on crew mate to take second place in dash race ▼ Dropped to seventh on grand prix grid after dropping greatest time for observe limits ▶ Handed Perez early on, then made late first cease for hards ▲ Overtook Hamilton, then rejoined fifth after ultimate cease for mediums ▲ Handed Sainz to take third after leaders clashed to complete lower than two seconds from winner
Perhaps the closest Oscar Piastri has come to a maiden grand prix victory – in additional methods than one. After a disappointing Barcelona weekend, he made positive he was an element on the entrance in Austria. Did he exceed observe limits in Q3? We are going to by no means know for positive, however his spirited drive from seventh to second was sturdy and have been it not for the Digital Security Automotive, a win may have been on the playing cards.
Throughout the weekend, the one destructive of observe for Piastri was his deleted Q3 time which impacted his grid place. However second place in each races was a robust efficiency, all thought-about, incomes him a ‘seven’.
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Fernando Alonso – 4/10
Dash race begin: 13thSprint race end: 15thQualified: fifteenth (+2 locations forward of crew mate, -0.163s)Begin: +2 placesStrategy: Three-stop (M-M-H-S)Completed: 18th (-5 locations behind crew mate)▶ Lined up proper behind crew mate on dash race grid, eradicated in SQ2 ▶ Handed by Tsunoda, then fell to fifteenth in dash race after Hulkenberg incident ▶ Progressed into Q2 however eradicated slowest in fifteenth ▶ Gained one place from Tsunoda at the beginning however overtaken on lap two ▼ Hit Zhou at flip three to earn ten second penalty ▶ Fell in direction of rear after pitting and serving penalty, then made third cease for softs▶ Took quickest lap, ending down in 18th
A really un-Alonso like efficiency in Austria the place he by no means appeared snug at any stage. His penalty for hitting Zhou was one of many sillier acts dedicated at flip three all weekend – which is saying one thing. Add to that, he was constantly slower than Stroll, who confirmed that the Aston Martin was able to higher than what Alonso managed to get out of it.
Given the hole between Alonso and his crew mate within the races, he clearly doesn’t deserve an excellent score. However along with his clumsy penalty, he drops to a sub-par grade.
Lance Stroll – 7/10
Dash race begin: 12thSprint race end: 10thQualified: seventeenth (-2 locations behind crew mate, +0.163s)Begin: Held positionStrategy: Two-stop (M-M-H)Completed: thirteenth (+5 locations forward of crew mate)▶ Knocked out of SQ2 on Friday however simply forward of crew mate in twelfth ▲ Gained positions from Magnussen and Ocon to complete prime ten in dash race ▶ Did not comply with crew mate into Q2 to line up seventeenth for grand prix ▶ Hit by Sargeant at the beginning however escaped with out harm ▶ Handed Bottas then ran behind Tsunoda in center stint ▲ Overtook Albon, then saved the Williams behind over ultimate laps to complete thirteenth
One other very strong weekend for Stroll the place he confirmed up his world champion crew mate – and never for the primary time in latest months. Stroll was by no means in rivalry for factors given the tempo of the Aston Martin on the Purple Bull Ring, however aside from a disappointing Saturday qualifying, he was the clear faster of the 2 Aston Martin drivers throughout the weekend.
Though he was out-qualified by Alonso in grand prix qualifying, Stroll made up for that with superior race tempo within the ultimate two stints, pulling off a number of overtakes alongside the best way. Though he was out of the factors, his race performances nudge him as much as a ‘seven’.
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Pierre Gasly – 6/10
Dash race begin: 9thSprint race end: 12thQualified: thirteenth (-3 locations behind crew mate, +0.085s)Begin: +2 placesStrategy: Two-stop (M-H-M)Completed: tenth (+2 locations forward of crew mate)▶ Reached SQ3 however had ultimate push lap compromised by rush to beat chequered flag ▼ Dropped three locations with poor begin in dash, ending twelfth ▼ Couldn’t comply with crew mate into Q3 after set-up modified, eradicated thirteenth▶ Ran behind Magnussen in opening stint, then fought with crew mate in center stint▲ Undercut crew mate throughout second cease, then handed Leclerc on previous tyres ▲ Pulled away from crew mate step by step over ultimate stint, taking ultimate level in tenth
One other race weekend, one other prime ten end for Gasly and Alpine. His dash efficiency was not the most effective, crushed in each classes by his crew mate, however he had the sting when it got here to the grand prix classes, even battling side-by-side along with his crew mate at one stage. His earlier ultimate cease allowed him to get forward and he stayed there, taking the ultimate factors place in tenth after Norris retired.
As Gasly improved because the weekend went on, he does deserve credit score for taking a prime ten, even when the Alpine regarded able to that throughout the weekend. His latest file of factors suggests this was a ‘good’ displaying reasonably than a ‘superb’ one, so a ‘six’ feels about proper.
Esteban Ocon – 6/10
Dash race begin: 8thSprint race end: 11thQualified: tenth (+3 locations forward of crew mate, -0.085s)Begin: +2 placesStrategy: Two-stop (M-H-M)Completed: twelfth (-2 locations behind crew mate)▶ Reached SQ3 and certified eighth for dash, forward of crew mate▼ Dropped two locations at begin of dash on used tyres, then handed by Stroll▲ Reached Q3 to line up tenth on grand prix grid ▶ Gained two locations at the beginning however overtaken by Hulkenberg ▶ Battled with Alonso and teammate in center stint ▶ Undercut by crew mate then handed by Leclerc late to complete twelfth
Ocon had one other energetic weekend the place one thing all the time gave the impression to be happening round him. He did an excellent job on Friday to take eighth on the grid for the dash race and was by no means going to have an ideal likelihood of factors within the dash race on used tyres. His qualifying efficiency was sturdy, however as soon as he was undercut by his crew mate, he couldn’t get again forward.
Though Gasly managed to safe a degree in tenth, Ocon’s pace all through the weekend was completely first rate. For that, he deserves to be recognised with a optimistic grade.
Alexander Albon – 5/10
Dash race begin: 20thSprint race end: 17thQualified: sixteenth (+3 locations forward of crew mate, -0.12s)Begin: +1 placeStrategy: Two-stop (M-H-H)Completed: fifteenth (+4 locations forward of crew mate)▶ Did not comply with crew mate by into SQ2 ▶ Began dash from pit lane and handed each Saubers to complete seventeenth ▶ Simply missed out on Q2 to line up sixteenth on grand prix grid ▶ Undercut Tsunoda however overtaken earlier than second cease ▼ Hit with 5 second time penalty for crossing white line at pit entry ▶ Handed by Stroll and Leclerc to fall to fifteenth, then gained 14th when Norris retired ▶ Completed 14th however demoted to fifteenth after time penalty utilized
Albon admitted that he didn’t end the place his automobile was able to ending in Austria after a weekend the place he in all probability didn’t extract the most effective from his automobile barely too typically. He didn’t comply with his crew mate into SQ2 however at the very least made minor progress within the dash race regardless of ranging from the pit lane. He then did a greater job in grand prix qualifying and had higher race tempo than his crew mate to run forward of an RB, however then misplaced the place with a foolish penalty.
All collectively, Albon manages to only about scrape a 5. Though he did nothing too egregious, he is aware of he’s able to higher than this.
Logan Sargeant – 5/10
Dash race begin: 15thSprint race end: 16thQualified: nineteenth (-3 locations behind crew mate, +0.12s)Begin: -1 placeStrategy: Three-stop (M-M-H-M)Completed: nineteenth (-4 locations behind crew mate)▲ Out-qualified crew mate in dash qualifying to take fifteenth on the grid for dash race ▶ Handed by Hulkenberg and Ricciardo to complete forward of crew mate in dash race ▶ Eradicated from Q1 a tenth slower than crew mate to start out nineteenth ▼ Suffered entrance wing harm in conflict with Stroll at flip three on opening lap ▶ Pitted for brand spanking new wing, then ran final for almost all of the race▼ Unable to maintain tempo with crew mate, ultimately ending a minute behind in nineteenth
Sargeant’s life in direction of the again of the grid doesn’t appear to be getting any simpler because the season progresses, however at the very least he had the enjoyment of out-qualifying his crew mate on benefit in dash qualifying and ending forward within the dash race that adopted. Nonetheless, his race was ruined on the third nook when he hit Stroll’s Aston Martin, which prompted him to lose half a minute on the remainder of the sphere. By the point he reached the chequered flag, he was an additional 30 seconds additional adrift of his crew mate.
Though the ultimate consequence didn’t look nice for Sargeant, it was unlucky that he suffered extra from contact on the opening lap than lots of his rivals forward who additionally clashed at the beginning. When he was on related tyres to Albon, his tempo was related, he simply misplaced plenty of time when Albon had contemporary tyres and couldn’t make that again on his personal. He would in all probability have earned a ‘4’ for his race tempo, however his efficiency within the dash classes saved him.
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Yuki Tsunoda – 5/10
Dash race begin: 14thSprint race end: 13thQualified: 14th (-3 locations behind crew mate, +0.123s)Begin: Held positionStrategy: Two-stop (M-H-H)Completed: 14th (-5 locations behind crew mate)▲ Reached SQ2 to safe 14th on the grid for dash ▶ Handed Alonso at the beginning then held thirteenth in dash to complete simply forward of crew mate ▶ Progressed into Q2 however certified three locations decrease than crew mate ▶ Misplaced contact with crew mate after being requested to increase opening stint ▶ Emerged sixteenth after second cease for hards however couldn’t match crew mate forward ▶ Completed fifteenth however promoted to 14th after Albon’s penalty, 5 locations behind crew mate
Tsunoda’s spectacular kind to the 2024 season seems to have began to fade barely, though he didn’t make any main errors or become involved in mishaps past an unlucky incident over the radio in qualifying. His grand prix technique was not as efficient as his crew mate’s proved to be and he discovered himself with a number of vehicles between him and his crew mate, however that was maybe a mirrored image on how aggressive the midfield is.
Though Tsunoda had a clear weekend and was the lead RB driver within the dash classes, he misplaced out to his crew mate within the grand prix classes. He did cross Alonso and Albon on observe within the early stints, however in all probability ought to have been in a position to overtake a Williams with brisker tyres within the closing laps, even when he did transfer forward within the outcomes due to Albon’s penalty.
Daniel Ricciardo – 6/10
Dash race begin: 16thSprint race end: 14thQualified: eleventh (+3 locations forward of crew mate, -0.123s)Begin: -1 placeStrategy: Two-stop (M-H-H)Completed: ninth (+5 locations forward of crew mate)▶ Knocked out of SQ1 by milliseconds by crew mate ▶ Handed by Hulkenberg however overtook Sargeant, then gained fifteenth from Alonso in dash race▲ Solely simply missed out on Q3 to line up eleventh for grand prix ▼ Misplaced two locations at the beginning however gained one again from Leclerc pitting ▶ Took benefit of early change to hards to undercut Alpines ▲ Dealt with sustained strain from Gasly behind over ultimate stint, gaining ninth from Norris
Ricciardo headed into his 250th grand prix weekend seeking to show he deserves to achieve many extra sooner or later and he did an honest job of that on the Purple Bull Ring along with his second prime ten end within the final three rounds. He didn’t appear totally proud of the automobile on Friday and within the dash, however the modifications made to his set-up for the grand prix classes labored a deal with. He made essentially the most of issues for Leclerc and Norris forward to safe an honest ninth place end.
Though factors in ninth in an RB automobile feels prefer it ought to warrant a better rating, his dash classes weren’t wonderful and he surrendered a few locations at the beginning of the grand prix. For that, he simply misses out on a better grade.
Valtteri Bottas – 6/10
Dash race begin: 18thSprint race end: 18thQualified: 18th (+2 locations forward of crew mate, -0.214s)Begin: +2 placesStrategy: Two-stop (M-H-H)Completed: sixteenth (+1 place forward of crew mate)▶ Eradicated from SQ1 in 18th ▶ Ran in 18th for many of dash race till handed by Albon late ▶ Knocked out of Q1 in 18th however nearly a second faster than SQ1 ▶ Ran back-to-back stints on hards over second and ultimate stints ▲ Ran comparable tempo to Tsunoda forward ending sixteenth, six seconds behind the RB
Bottas endured a fruitless weekend in Austria, but it surely was apparent as soon as once more that the Sauber will not be a automobile that provides its drivers a lot in comparison with the crew’s rivals. Nonetheless, Bottas was the sooner of the crew’s drivers at each level of the weekend and managed to maintain inside affordable contact with Tsunoda forward within the RB, which may be pretty much as good as he may have hoped for.
It’s all the time troublesome to inform whether or not or not a driver is having a ‘good’ weekend in a ‘unhealthy’ automobile, however on condition that Bottas was sooner than his crew mate throughout the weekend and was inside ten seconds of an Aston Martin and RB on the end, that means his efficiency was in all probability higher than it regarded on paper.
Zhou Guanyu – 5/10
Dash race begin: 19thSprint race end: 20thQualified: twentieth (-2 locations behind crew mate, +0.214s)Begin: +1 placeStrategy: Two-stop (H-M-H)Completed: seventeenth (-1 place behind crew mate)▼ One place however half a second slower than crew mate in dash qualifying ▶ Completed final in dash after being handed by Albon late on ▶ Eradicated slowest of all from Q1 ▶ Began grand prix from pit lane after making set-up modifications underneath parc ferme ▶ Ran on the rear for a lot of the race however inside affordable attain of crew mate ▶ Hit by Alonso however appeared to not endure vital harm ▶ Completed seventeenth, final on the highway, 25 seconds behind crew mate
Zhou struggled once more to seek out tempo from his automobile that was once more the slowest within the subject on the Purple Bull Ring. He didn’t make any main errors and though he was nicely off from his crew mate by the chequered flag, his lap occasions in clear air on the identical compound as his crew mate have been really comparable and even sooner within the closing laps. However as soon as he was within the blue flag cycle, he wanted a Security Automotive to catch as much as the remainder of the sphere.
It’s all the time arduous to precisely assess a driver’s efficiency once they run within the slowest package deal, however aside from being a bit an excessive amount of slower than his crew mate in dash qualifying, Zhou was not egregiously off the tempo as Bottas within the race, helped little. For that, he simply scrapes a low 5.
Nico Hulkenberg – 6/10
Dash race begin: 17thSprint race end: 19thQualified: ninth (+3 locations forward of crew mate, -0.085s)Begin: Held positionStrategy: Two-stop (M-H-H)Completed: sixth (+2 locations forward of crew mate)▼ Knocked out of SQ1 to line up six locations decrease than crew mate for dash▼ Rose as much as 14th in dash however dropped to nineteenth after penalty for forcing Alonso off ▲ Reached Q3, not like crew mate, to safe ninth on grand prix grid ▶ Ran as ‘better of the remainder’ by bulk of the race ▲ Confirmed nice poise and consciousness to beat a broken Perez to sixth after intense battle
Hulkenberg had a Jekyll and Hyde weekend on the Purple Bull Ring. He underperformed within the dash classes and earned a penalty for his remedy of Alonso at flip three. However from Saturday qualifying onwards, he was the superior Haas driver – simply. His race tempo was strong, however his racecraft and techniques to carry off Perez within the broken Purple Bull over the ultimate laps have been precisely the sorts of expertise that Haas will miss when he departs the crew.
Though Hulkenberg was one of many stand outs on Sunday, Magnussen’s proximity to him and efficiency within the dash settings suggests the Haas had prime ten potential throughout the weekend. As he didn’t make use of that within the dash settings, he doesn’t earn a better grade this time round.
Kevin Magnussen – 7/10
Dash race begin: 11thSprint race end: 9thQualified: twelfth (-3 locations behind crew mate, +0.085s)Begin: +2 placesStrategy: Two-stop (M-H-H)Completed: eighth (-2 locations behind crew mate)▲ Simply missed out on SQ3 to start out eleventh in dash race ▲ Gained two locations to only miss out on factors in dash ▶ Couldn’t comply with crew mate by into Q3, eradicated in twelfth ▲ Gained two positions at the beginning earlier than pitting early ▲ Absorbed strain from Ricciardo over ultimate laps to safe greatest end of season in eighth
Typically, Magnussen toils away over a weekend however by no means appears to be snug, ending nicely out of rivalry with out ever standing out. And typically, like in Austria, Magnussen can ship a constantly strong efficiency over a whole race weekend. He had an excellent dash qualifying and race, however whereas he couldn’t fairly match his crew mate within the grand prix classes, he helped ship a race double factors end for his crew.
Having delivered good outcomes throughout all three days and retaining issues clear, Magnussen earns extra credit score past a easy ‘good’ grade. For that, he’s elevated to a ‘seven’, even when he was behind his crew mate within the grand prix.
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2024 Austrian Grand Prix
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