Nico Hulkenberg, Audi (P12) – 5/10
Hulkenberg was another driver whose afternoon was dictated by the tyre gamble that went sour. Starting on intermediates on a dry track left Haas playing catch-up from the opening lap. While Nico conceded that a fundamental lack of car pace also hindered his recovery, crossing the line in twelfth was the absolute ceiling for his compromised strategy.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren (P11) – 4.5/10
A nightmare baseline strategy from McLaren saw both cars start on intermediates on a dry track. But while his teammate sliced back through the field, Piastri looked sluggish in traffic. To make matters worse, a clumsy driving error saw him plow directly into Albon, ruining the Williams driver's race. An afternoon to forget, topped with a post-race apology.
