Charles Leclerc, Ferrari (P2): 9/10
Leclerc was understandably disappointed to not appear on the top step in front of a fervent home crowd, but second place was a superb result given the machinery beneath him. He was oh-so-close to pole, setting a time just over a tenth shy of that of polesitter Norris. The Monegasque had the pace to stick very close to Norris for a large chunk of the Grand Prix, remaining within DRS range of the McLaren for a number of laps. Traffic paradise spiced things up a bit towards the end of the race, but an overtake was never on the cards for the Ferrari driver.
Lando Norris, McLaren (P1): 10/10
Has Norris finally screwed his head back on to hold a candle to his McLaren teammate? Pole position was vital for a chance at victory, and the Briton aced his fast lap with a record time, the first under the 70-second mark. He held the lead on the opening lap despite locking up into Sainte-Devote, and never looked in doubt for the win from that point onwards. For once Norris got the measure of teammate Piastri, leveraging his experience rather than letting his emotions cloud his visions for the Championship. Here’s hoping he can continue this form into Spain, and grant us fans a proper intra-team battle for the Drivers’ Title.
