The Formula 1 maturity certificate: Spielberg

SEBASTIAN VETTEL: The Ferrari driver had slowly but surely earned it. Small mistakes had a big impact on him this year; he was involved in accidents and the Ferrari tactics weren't always right either. Vettel had to wait quite a while until he had a little luck himself. Finally in Spielberg: ketchup bottle effect, all at once. Both Mercedes are eliminated, so instead of a double victory for silver, Vettel takes the championship lead. The German played his part with a strong race.

MERCEDES: It's kind of funny: in the last few weeks the mood around the premier class has changed a little. According to many observers, Vettel and Ferrari are making too many mistakes and it won't work in the fight for the World Cup. And then, of all things, the supposed Mercedes holiday turns into a disaster for silver because the world champions did everything wrong, “what could have been done wrong,” as motorsports director Toto Wolff said. One of the lessons from Spielberg: Mercedes is far from the form of the past years. Even if things have been looking up recently.

MAX STAGES: Another lesson: Red Bull is back! Max Verstappen gave the former world champions their first home win since Austria's return to the calendar and had thousands upon thousands of Oranje fans cheering in the stands. The Dutchman seems to have really caught himself after difficult weeks as a crash driver; third, second and first places in the last three races are impressive. In addition, each top team now achieved three wins this season. This is how Formula 1 is fun.

GÜNTHER STEINER AND THE HAAS TEAM: The very special anniversary for the only US racing team was almost lost in all the noise of the World Cup battle. In the 50th Formula 1 race, the still young Haas team led by Meran team boss Günther Steiner achieved its best result, Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen took fourth and fifth place. Of course, this was helped by failures at the top, but the US racers also kept the midfield competition in check. "That was compensation," said the team boss from South Tyrol. At the season opener in Australia, the two cars were also in fourth and fifth place before two slapstick mistakes by the pit team led to two retirements.

SPIELBERG: Formula 1 has found a home again in Styria after its return in 2014. 185.000 fans flocked to the track at the weekend, waiting early in the morning to welcome the drivers. Host Red Bull stages the Grand Prix in front of the picturesque backdrop with a lot of pomp, but that's exactly what the owners Liberty Media want.

SAYING OF THE WEEKEND: “Unfortunately we didn't get Max and his camping trailer anymore." (Sebastian Vettel about the fast Dutchman Max Verstappen, who was no longer available for the Ferrari duo in the end)

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The Formula 1 maturity certificate: Spielberg

Who were the protagonists of the Formula 1 weekend? We have reviewed the most gripping moments and summarized the highlights in our Monday section.

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