Star performer
• Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing): A sensational display by the teenager. Not just the fact he won the race, but how he did it, not putting a wheel wrong in the closing laps on wearing tyres as he came under intense pressure from the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen.
Under-performer
• Ferrari: Maybe a little harsh, but the team who have been consistently the second fastest package in 2016 failed to capitalise when Mercedes-GP's drivers cleared the way for them. They got Sebastian Vettel's strategy wrong and it cost them.
Key moment
The decision to put Verstappen on a two-stop strategy as his Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo went on a three-stopper. It gave him track position and the Dutchman made it work by sustaining a fast pace while looking after the tyre wear.
Our verdict
The Mercedes drivers clashing threw the race wide open. While there was no overtaking at the front it was a tactical thriller between two well-matched teams, highlighted by Verstappen’s mature performance.
• More: Race report | Watch the crash
gcaygill@thenational.ae
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