Parth Sherla
The Styrian GP 2021 was, in a nutshell, boring! It’s like Styria decided to tip the balance scale after France turned out to be slightly interesting. Be that as it may, a dull race indicates that the finishing position of every driver at the Styrian GP 2021 is what they truly deserved since there was minimal external support caused by any race drama. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s deduce the other winners and losers from the Styrian GP 2021.
Let’s start, shall we?
Again, we will start with the losers first, as it is always better to end things on a positive note.
THE OTHER LOSERS OF THE STYRIAN GP 2021
Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel just can’t breathe a sigh of relief, can he? Being at the top of his game in one weekend, only to suffer at the next one. It seems like he has started a new trend for himself. Although in a race where many drivers failed to finish higher, Daniel’s P13 in qualifying and the race, doesn’t do justice to the McLaren he is driving (or even his talent, to be honest). It just sucks to see a multi-time race winner struggling to keep up with his teammate who is yet to win his first race. What seems to be the problem is still unknown. Is it the car or his confidence? Or does he not feel at home with McLaren?
Lewis Hamilton
Surprise, surprise! Not so much though. We all knew he messed up. Hate to be aggressive here, but Hamilton’s performance this weekend was just unacceptable and immature. He sabotaged his own qualifying when he tried to get a better track position for his final lap, which ironically messed up his lap. A very bland drive, not worthy of a 7-time world champion looking to win his 8th title. His P2 race finish does not build a strong case. He has been struggling a lot against Max. Seems like Max was able to do what Vettel couldn’t; get in Hamilton’s head. We have seen Hamilton as a calm and composed driver. But when against Max? It’s like seeing a hot-blooded, ruthless (in a way that doesn’t help him) young driver. Is Hamilton over his prime now? Agreed Mercedes is struggling a lot, but Hamilton’s performance is still unacceptable considering what the half-dead Mercedes car can do. Makes you wonder, whether it really is the car more so than Hamilton’s talent that’s bringing in the wins.
Esteban Ocon
Esteban simply couldn’t push his Alpine to the level his teammate did. It wasn’t the case of a mediocre car, as Alonso did show what it is capable of with his P9 (both in qualifying and the race). It’s one thing being knocked out into Q2, not good but still acceptable. Howbeit, getting knocked out into Q1 itself. Now, that’s a shame. The 3-place recovery doesn’t help either since he managed to finish merely P14 in a car very well capable of being in the points section.
That was a lot of negativity. But, here comes the good part. Some of you might be ecstatic with this one, especially Ferrari fans.
THE OTHER WINNERS OF THE STYRIAN GP 2021
Valtteri Bottas
Well, well, well! How the turntables have……umm, turned. It’s one of those rare moments where Bottas outdoes his ‘legendary’ teammate! Let me explain why I see him as one of the other winners here. It’s not an easy task to perform and deliver under rising pressure and negative criticism. Let’s not forget the constant fear of losing your ‘seat at the table’. It’ll force any driver to commit mistakes. We have witnessed such drivers erring. But, not Bottas. Sure, he got off to a rocky start to the weekend with a 3-place grid penalty for the little pit-stop incident. But, the way he made up for it in qualifying, you just cannot ignore that. If anything, Bottas is more under pressure than Hamilton and yet he managed to keep his calm and deliver a wonderful qualifying lap and well-recovered P3 in the race. This season’s ‘tyre manager’, Sergio Perez, was breathing down Bottas’ neck in the race. Closing the gap every corner, every lap. But, unlike the French GP, Valtteri managed to hold him off to take the final podium place. That made the Bottarmy very happy.
Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz has rarely failed to deliver results. And when he does, he makes sure he makes it up at the next race. Well, that’s exactly what he did. Qualifying wasn’t that great for the Spaniard as he managed P12, which let’s face it, is even worse considering Ferrari’s poor form standards. But, he delivered a statement during the race. A pretty strong one. Racing the pack to finish the race in P6 that too ahead of his teammate. Yeah, I can think we can let the poor qualifying performance slide in exchange for that.
Charles Leclerc
We all knew this was coming. A clear definition of a masterclass drive presented by Leclerc at the Styrian GP 2021. A slight but costly mistake in the opening lap forced him to the back of the pack, but what a drive to right that wrong. I insist everyone reading this, please go and view Leclerc’s onboard camera of the entire race. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Overtaking at corners where even the experienced ones have failed, take a bow, Charles. Describing every great overtake might turn this article into, say, a report on Charles’ talents. But, the move he made on Esteban Ocon at Turn 4. I just can’t get enough of it. Again, I insist, go and watch the tape.
Needless to say, Ferrari surely knows how to reassure and win over their fans from time to time.
So, there it is folks. My thoughts on the other race winners and losers of the Styrian GP 2021. Boring, just like the race.
