Formula 1. In Barcelona Hamilton triumphs over Verstappen, good 4th place for Leclerc

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09 May 2021 In Barcelona Hamilton triumphs who authoritatively puts Verstappen behind (who had led for 60 laps) and extends in the world championship standings.

The other Mercedes of Bottas completes the podium.

Good fourth place for Leclerc, the best for this Ferrari.

Fifth Perez, sixth Ricciardo, seventh Sainz.

Verstappen's explosive start, passing Hamilton at the first corner (with a twist between the two). Leclerc also did well, blowing the virtual podium in Bottas. The first two fly while the Monegasque defends himself from the Finnish. The entry of the safety car (electrical problems for Tsunoda who stops in a dangerous position) compacts the group that restarts on lap 11 without jolts in the standings. Sainz, who remained bottled in eighth place, is the first to pit stop. Bottas follows him, unable to catch Leclerc.

Hamilton forces the pace and sticks to Verstappen, who decides to anticipate his rival in the tire change. The Briton remains on track for a further five laps and returns to the track behind the Dutchman. Identical choice for Leclerc who, however, clearly gives the position to Bottas. The race takes on its physiognomy, moreover the one predicted: the two Mercedes plus Verstappen, then the void. Hamilton begins to be seen in the Dutchman's mirrors.

At the start of the 43rd lap, the surprise: Hamilton makes the second stop (always medium tires) and returns to third place well over 20 "behind Verstappen. The hypothesis is that the seven-time world champion has had a problem with temperatures. stop (but it was planned) also for Sainz. Meanwhile, Hamilton takes Bottas who is 'invited' to step aside by the team. Immediately after a stop also for the Finn, who gives up third position to Leclerc and takes it back a few laps later strong fresh tires (soft compound) Perez's choice (fifth) to make the second stop leads Leclerc to the same option in order not to take risks.

Last part of the race with Hamilton who has now taken over Verstappen. Red Bull can't keep up with the Mercedes pace and the Briton passes authoritatively on the straight when there are 6 steps left. Second stop, then, also for Verstappen who takes home the additional point for the fastest lap.