Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari (P4) – 8/10
Hamilton overcame a stubborn understeer issue in his Ferrari to mount a grandstand finish. Managing his tyres expertly, he picked off Hadjar and Norris late on and was eating into Verstappen’s advantage before the VSC halted his momentum. A trademark masterclass in late-race management that almost netted a podium.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull (P3) – 7.5/10
A rare day where Max had to play defense rather than offense. Plagued by engine-braking issues and a sluggish pit stop, Verstappen pulled off an emphatic pass on Norris but had no answer for Leclerc’s late pace. Podiums are standard for Max, but wrestling this flawed Red Bull home to third was top-tier damage control.
