The Portuguese GP as a three-way battle in the Algarves

A third party could intervene in the duel between Formula 1 leader Lewis Hamilton and challenger Max Verstappen on Sunday (16.00 p.m.) in Portugal. Valtteri Bottas starts the third race of the season in Portimão somewhat unexpectedly from pole position, the two title favorites have to line up behind the Finnish Mercedes driver at the start. “Hats off to Valtteri,” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

ATTACK: The question at the start is whether Bottas will do better than Hamilton did last time in Imola. Verstappen also started the race there in third place, but pushed past the world champion after just a few meters and didn't relinquish the lead until the end. “Let’s see what we can do. We will put pressure on,” promised Red Bull driver Verstappen. There is a lot at stake for Bottas. He had repeatedly disappointed in the past races and his future at Mercedes is uncertain. He therefore described his journey to pole position as a “nice feeling”.

Max Verstappen wants to put Hamilton in his place once again. © APA/afp / GABRIEL BOUYS

LOTTERY: The unpredictable wind and the slippery asphalt are also likely to play a big role on Sunday. “This is a real challenge for everyone. With these gusts of wind you can be unlucky and then you don’t make the corners,” said Hamilton. Many drivers complained about problems with the tires not having enough grip. Careful handling of the rubber rollers and the correct pit strategy are likely to be crucial again.

TREND RETURN: Sebastian Vettel finally feels a little more comfortable in his new Aston Martin. “It clicked a bit,” said the 33-year-old after finishing tenth in qualifying. For the first time since the Grand Prix in Silverstone at the beginning of August last year, the Hessian made it back into the top ten in the hunt for starting positions. “It was tricky, but I was happier with my drive,” said Vettel. The first World Cup points for his new employer could give the four-time world champion a further boost.

SETTLEMENT: Mick Schumacher is already feeling “great progress with the team” before his third appearance in Formula 1. Even though the 22-year-old had to settle for 19th place on the grid in the inferior Haas, he is getting better and better in the car. “I feel better as soon as I get in. I feel more comfortable taking the car to the limit,” said the newcomer. He has already “learned a lot”. But his hopes for the race remain modest: reaching the finish and 307 more kilometers of learning.

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The Portuguese GP as a three-way battle in the Algarves

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