Charles Leclerc, Ferrari (P8) – 5.5/10
Leclerc spent the first half of the afternoon masquerading as a ghost before finding late speed on slicks. Unfortunately, his racing instincts deserted him when he clumsily collided with Lawson at Turn 12. The resulting five-second penalty was entirely justified, capping off an uninspired and scruffy afternoon for the Scuderia.
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls (P7) – 8.5/10
Lawson launched like a missile to snatch the lead early and showed immense grit defending against superior machinery on grainy rubber. Getting punted at Turn 12 by Leclerc was harsh, but inheriting seventh via the Ferrari driver's penalty was poetic justice. A gritty, elbows-out display from start to finish.
