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

The National's Formula One analyst Graham Caygill gives his verdict on the Spanish Grand Prix.

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

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

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