Kind of like after a movie that kept us glued to the screen, we stayed in the theater waiting for the end credits for a surprise ending, for something that would have allowed us to go home with a crumb of mystery waiting for the sequel. But in this final, in Belgium there was also the definitive closing of a chapter, of a dream that lasted 14 races. Max Verstappen wins the Belgian Grand Prix after one of the nicest and easiest rides perhaps since he has been racing in the top category. The Dutch born in Belgium, in his home race "encore" at Fanta F1 has defeated the competition with a +49 as a true champion.
The reason is not only to be attributed to his great talents, but also to one RB18 that borders on perfection. In support there is also a great team that with surgical precision follows him in his impossible sprint from pitch number 14. Once again, however, the ugliest side of the coin, and a hard lesson to swallow, is taken by Ferrari e Charles Leclerc mocked even by one penalty on the last lap. There is also a bitter taste in the mouth Lewis Hamilton who perhaps too hungry for victory ends his race with a jump on Fernando Alonso's car.
The English lesson comes from Russell who with great intelligence, given the good pace of the W13, waits for his victims, until he concludes a step away from Carlos Sainz. We have to quickly archive Spa to turn to the Dutch Grand Prix, the next appointment on the calendar, but we can't do it before having defined the tops and the flops at Fanta F1!
The Tops in Belgium
Max Verstappen: Already on Saturday with his "single lap" which gave him Pole, which then went to Sainz due to the penalties to be served, he showed everyone that the summer break hasn't affected him even a little. Victory in Belgium put him 93 points clear of Sergio Perez and 98 clear of Charles Leclerc. It is enough for him to take to the track to demonstrate his belonging to a sport which, with such a competitive single-seater, struggles to contain his greatness. 49 is the highest score ever scored at Fanta F1 so far. His super-fast comeback is also an all-time F1 record. As Cassano would say “Chapeau”.
Stephen Ocon: His double overtaking is balm for the eyes. Every now and then she picks it up and comes back, proving his hidden talents. He too started from the rear for having mounted new components on the single-seater with great perseverance he climbed 9 positions finishing in the top 10. Magnificent!
Carlos Sainz: He did everything possible to try to hold on to third place, the maximum that Ferrari could aspire to given the clear superiority Red Bull but also the good pace of the Mercedes. At the start he flies away also taking advantage of some tussle in the rear. It becomes more and more concrete.
Flop in Belgium
We arrive at the sore points with a rider among all who has extremely disappointed us.
Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes could have aspired to a great result, attacking the visibly struggling Ferrari. Lewis' race didn't end after even one lap, due to a contact with Alonso who was waiting for nothing but the arrival of a ballistic missile like the Englishman's W13. Lewis, for something that is not often seen or a mistake by him, gets his first red card of the season, interrupting the chain of podiums and unbeaten Mercedes, making all the Fantamanagers who had chosen him in Fanta F1 curse.
Daniel Ricardo: By now the marriage with McLaren has turned into an uncomfortable divorce. Daniel has left the lifeboat, and the strength to row to save what can be saved is now gone. A season finale, which with these premises will be a via crucis for the next 8 days. Al Fanta F1 is an obstacle to be dodged quickly.
Valtteri Bottas: In addition to the penalties, at the beginning of the weekend he manages to be even more unlucky, meeting the nightmare of all those who roam in the rear, namely Nicholas Latifi, who, with a spin, forces him to go off the track to avoid a bumper car. Valtteri gets stuck in the gravel and disconsolately gets out of the car. It's retreat number 4 for him, on his birthday. Happy birthday Valtteri, but also to those who bought it at Fanta F1!