Dutch Formula One driver Max Verstappen (R) of Red Bull Racing celebrates with his teammates after winning the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit in Montmelo, Barcelona, Spain, 15 May 2016. EPA/ALEJANDRO GARCIA
Dutch Formula One driver Max Verstappen (R) of Red Bull Racing celebrates with his teammates after winning the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit in Montmelo, Barcelona, Spain, 15 May 2016. EPA/ALEJANDRO GARCIA
Dutch Formula One driver Max Verstappen (R) of Red Bull Racing celebrates with his teammates after winning the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit in Montmelo, Barcelona, Spain, 15 May 2016. EPA/ALEJANDRO GARCIA
Dutch Formula One driver Max Verstappen (R) of Red Bull Racing celebrates with his teammates after winning the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit in Montmelo, Barcelona,

Spanish Grand Prix report card: Max Verstappen stars while Ferrari disappoints


  • English
  • Arabic

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

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)