Eifel Grand Prix – Race: Hamilton equals Schumacher, 5 retirements

Lewis Hamilton is now the equal of Michael Schumacher in Formula 1. 91 victories after his success this Sunday at the Nurburgring for the first Eifel Grand Prix. Verstappen and Ricciardo complete the podium, the first for Renault this season.

After a tumultuous start, Bottas managed to maintain his advantage after the first corner. With both Mercedes going wide, Verstappen tried to capitalize but without success. Leclerc struggled from the start of the race, running over 1.5 seconds behind the leaders, creating a gap of more than 12 seconds in 7 laps. Ricciardo, behind, lost a lot of time stuck behind the Monegasque, who was running with little downforce, thus fast on the straights. The Australian driver found an opening after 9 laps and was running just a few tenths off the leaders per lap.

Bottas, in the lead, made a big mistake that allowed Lewis Hamilton to take the lead in this Grand Prix. The Finnish driver immediately pitted to change his tires, which had become ineffective. After his stop, the ordeal continued for Bottas as he experienced an engine power issue, forcing him to retire. It’s the first retirement for Mercedes since the start of the season.

Ferrari did not find performance, battling with the Williams and the Alfa Romeo for Vettel. Leclerc moved up after his pit stop by making the most of his second set of tires. A daring maneuver by Räikkönen cost Russell the race, causing his retirement. The Finn was penalized 10 seconds for causing the accident. The virtual safety car was deployed, offering an almost free pit stop for drivers, including Hamilton and Verstappen.

At the restart, Kvyat cut the final chicane while defending his position against Albon. As the Thai driver regained his position, he swerved early, ripping off the Russian driver’s front wing. He was penalized with 5 seconds, but the team preferred to retire the car on the 25th lap. Ocon retired due to a brake failure shortly before the midway point of the race, while his teammate was contending for the podium.

Norris, experiencing a loss of engine power, must face Perez to defend his 3rd place. Despite his pit stop, he slipped in the standings, fighting to bring points home for McLaren. It was not enough, and the Briton retired, but the position of his car triggered a safety car!

All the drivers except Leclerc took the opportunity to return to the pits to get the best tires for the end of the race. Concern is rising for Hamilton, who is struggling to heat up his tires like the rest of the field.

Before the restart the top 10 is: Hamilton, Verstappen, Ricciardo, Perez, Sainz, Leclerc, Grosjean, Gasly, Hülkenberg, and Giovinazzi.

Ricciardo in the battle with Verstappen found himself defending against Perez while Gasly passed Leclerc. A very nice race by Hülkenberg, who, starting from last place, is in the points with 8th place. Renault secures a first podium for the French team with its 3rd place, a joy shared with Ocon, who stayed to enjoy his teammate’s race.

Results of the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix: