Max Verstappen, Red Bull – 7/10
Starting 11th, Max drove like a man possessed at the outset, clocking in 8th at the end of the opening lap. However, he met his match in Pierre Gasly. The two engaged in a heavy-weight slugfest that Verstappen, surprisingly, couldn't decisively win. P8 is a decent recovery, but seeing him blocked by an Alpine for half a race was jarring.
Pierre Gasly, Alpine – 8.5/10
Starting 7th, Gasly’s defense against Verstappen was a masterclass in positioning and grit. Every time Max got past, Pierre snatched it back. Three consecutive top-ten finishes proves Gasly is in the form of his life, extracting every ounce of performance from the Alpine. Well done the Gasman!
