Nico Hulkenberg, Haas (Retired, lap 1): 4/10
For all his experience and mileage in F1, Nico Hulkenberg barreled down to Turn 1 after the start seemingly oblivious of his cold tyre temperatures. Furthermore, the Haas charger was the odd man out on the grid, having elected to launch his race on the Hard compound tyre. Add all this together and it should have instilled a sense of caution for the Hulk. Instead, his spin wreaked havoc on the races of Esteban Ocon and Franco Colapinto. Hulkenberg was unjustly able to continue on his way, making it as far as lap 39 when he spun into the gravel trap, never to be seen again.
Alex Albon, Williams (P15): 6.5/10
Any bullish plan Alex Albon may have devised before the start of the race didn’t survive the opening lap as the Williams driver was thrown into a spin by Aston’s Lance Stroll. But even if he had he been spared the Canadian’s clumsiness, it’s doubtful Albon would have claimed a championship point at the end of the day, given his Williams’ subdued pace around the Lusail International Circuit.
