USA GP in Austin: The Formula 1 maturity certificate

KIMI RAIKKONEN/FERRARI: It took a long 2044 days until Kimi Räikkönen was able to celebrate another victory in Formula 1 - after 113 races the time had come. And everyone in the paddock was probably happy for the quirky Finn, who showed an absolutely top performance in his old age and restored Ferrari's honor a little bit. The Iceman acknowledged the hustle and bustle around him with his usual stoicism. It's a shame that Raikkonen won't be the center of attention as much next year at Sauber.

SEBASTIAN VETTEL/FERRARI: Mercedes was weak, Lewis Hamilton was beatable in the USA - but Sebastian Vettel missed this chance. The German first received an unnecessary penalty for the start, then he took too many risks again and spun after a collision on the first lap. From the dream of shortening the championship gap to Lewis Hamilton a little. Vettel didn't lose the title in Austin, but his performance fit the picture of the season.

Lewis Hamilton has not yet become world champion in Austin. © APA/getty / Mark Thompson

LEWIS HAMILTON/MERCEDES: It had almost been forgotten, but the old and probably new world champion doesn't win every race. And that really bothered Hamilton in Texas, even though he got the most out of his Silver Arrow. He refrained from making wild attacks at the end, even though he really wanted to win, and scored important points. This is how you become world champion.

MAX VERSTAPPEN/RED BULL: From 18th place on the grid to second place: Max Verstappen has once again shown why many experts see him as a future champion. The Dutchman has always been super fast, but can now channel his aggressive driving style into the right direction. He has to be all the more annoyed that the Renault engine in his car develops so little power. The 21-year-old hopes that everything will be better with Honda next year. But there is definitely room for doubt. Max Verstappen is considered a huge talent in the Formula 1 circus. © APA/getty / Mark Thompson

LANCE STROLL/WILLIAMS: The Canadian with the rich father is already viewed with suspicion in the paddock, but in Austin he gave his critics new fodder. Immediately after the start, Lance Stroll sped through the field in his Williams and crashed into Fernando Alonso's McLaren. The Spaniard then complained about "amateurs" and was surprised at the "inferior level" of some colleagues. Despite his potential for improvement, the 19-year-old doesn't have to worry about his place in Formula 1. His dad recently bought the Racing Point Force India racing team, where Stroll will drive next season.

SAYING OF THE WEEKEND: “I’m getting older, but apparently I can still do it.”

Ferrari driver Kimi Räikkönen, now 39 years old, after his victory in Austin

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

USA GP in Austin: The Formula 1 maturity certificate

The USA Grand Prix in Austin is history. Here you can find an overview of the protagonists.

Suggestions

Comments (0)