According to reports, the “magic brake” failed, causing the car to behave unusually. This became evident when the brake drum exploded in the pit area while Verstappen was returning to his team.
Setting aside the absence of the current Formula 1 World Champion, Sainz and Ferrari emerged victorious in a way reminiscent of Red Bull’s style. This result may raise concerns among fans in the Netherlands and in Milton Keynes.
Although I have no doubts that Max will become the F1 World Champion this year, it seems that Ferrari may have a chance in the Constructors’ title. However, this opportunity is more due to the driver duo than the cars. Unfortunately, Sergio Perez once again failed to convert the potential of the RB20 into a performance that supported the team.
Another setback for Red Bull is that an injured Sainz was able to pressure Verstappen, something he is not used to. It was intriguing to watch Verstappen’s expression in the pit area after his retirement. He was undoubtedly angry, but there was also a noticeable amount of concern. He was undoubtedly worried about how easily he was overtaken on the track.
Mr. Vamos never stood out like Verstappen and Hamilton in their early days, but such success can lead someone to believe they have reached their maximum potential when there is still room for improvement.
Sainz, on the other hand, is not complacent. He is a smart driver who continuously evaluates his performance, learns from it, and grows. This victory, combined with his newfound confidence in the car, will serve as a catalyst for him to reach new heights. Unfortunately for his teammate, he is starting to look more like a supporting actor than the main attraction.
Both Max and Carlos are probably pondering the same question at the moment: “What if he/I were in good health?”. The obvious answer will propel Sainz to the next level and potentially hinder Max’s progress. The young Dutchman has not faced significant challenges recently. Having to overcome one may result in him losing a few tenths instead of gaining an advantage.
It would be simplistic to attribute Sainz’s victory solely to Max’s mechanical issue. As Guenther Steiner pointed out in the post-race interview, “Max did not lose: Sainz won!”
Note to Guenther: Please work on your English pronunciation. Carlos Sainz’s reaction suggested that he initially understood “celebrating with the Ferrari team tonight” as some kind of group flatulence event.
