The Formula 1 maturity certificate: Barcelona

SEBASTIAN VETTEL: Sebastian Vettel had exactly one chance to give this race a different direction. He reached for it - and he forgave it. A successful maneuver at the start would have opened up opportunities for the Ferrari driver, even against superior Silver Arrows, on this track that makes overtaking so difficult. But by braking in turn one, Vettel also took the chance to seriously fight for the podium. Fourth place behind Max Verstappen's Red Bull showed quite clearly that Vettel has nothing to do with the title fight at the moment - and there are indications that it will stay that way until the end of the season.

FERRARI: Because the hopes that Ferrari would build on the actually strong year of 2018 and follow it with an even better 2019 were dashed after just five races. This season is a huge step backwards for the Scuderia, Mercedes is suddenly far ahead again. The Italians have lost their most recent strength, an adaptable, always fast car - and retained one of their weaknesses: the racing strategy also seemed somewhat confused in Barcelona. Ferrari has not yet found the right way to deal with the team duel between Vettel and the aggressive youngster Charles Leclerc.

LEWIS HAMILTON: Five races have been completed and the world champion is once again at the top of the rankings. Hamilton doesn't seem nearly as difficult to defeat as in some phases in recent years. The Englishman pointed it out himself: His beaming is currently a beaming of the team - perhaps driven by the very strong Ferraris of the first half of 2018, Mercedes has improved once again. Car, reliability, pilots, pit stops, strategy, race analysis - the 2019 Silver Arrows impress on all levels. And made Formula 1 history with five double victories in five races.

VALTTERI BOTTAS: The “new” Valtteri Bottas played a large part in this success. The Finn has never been as strong as he was this year, and Barcelona could have been his race. On Saturday he led Hamilton in the duel for pole position, but on Sunday technical difficulties robbed him of the advantage of first place on the grid, which was so important in Barcelona: the clutch caused problems when starting off. “Every point counts,” said Bottas afterwards with grim determination. This season can still be his.

SAYING OF THE WEEKEND: “It would be nice to fight for victory again with a Ferrari and a Red Bull.” (Winner Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are starting to feel lonely at the top after five double victories.)

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The Formula 1 maturity certificate: Barcelona

In our Monday section we'll once again take a closer look at the protagonists of the past Formula 1 weekend.

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