Despite a lightning-fast qualifying performance and some dramatic driving in the first few laps, mechanical problems and strategic setbacks kept both Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport drivers from finishing the Austrian Grand Prix.
The weekend started strong with Valtteri Bottas clocking in a qualifying lap a fraction of a second ahead of Lewis Hamilton, giving the Silver Arrows a 1-2 lockout of the front row.
https://twitter.com/TIBCO/status/1013381948213874688
The race began with a brave move by Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, attempting to position himself between Bottas and Hamilton around turn one, nearly taking the lead.
LAP 1/71
Hamilton powers into the lead past polesitter Bottas
Kimi SURGES off the line and challenges the Mercedes
But the Iceman drops to fourth behind Verstappen#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/zxHZUMvVKD
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 1, 2018
Hamilton moved up into P1 while Bottas slipped into P2, and continued pushing forward on the hot tarmac. Temperatures on the track rose to 48ºC/118ºF, adding additional stress to both the drivers and their cars.
#F1 #BBCF1 #AUSTRIANGP RACE Ahead of start, air temp 22C and track 48C. Remaining dry & fine throughout.
— Ian Fergusson (@fergieweather) July 1, 2018
Suddenly on lap 15, despite an incredible start to the race, Bottas’s hit another spell of bad luck.
VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR ⚠️ (LAP 15/71)
BOTTAS IS OUT! The polesitter's rotten luck continues 💔
A reported hydraulic issue ends his race in Austria#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/nTNreBf9hP
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 1, 2018
With Bottas out, it was up to Hamilton to bring home a win. After heading into the pits, Hamilton returned in P4, just behind Sebastian Vettel.
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1013417904476508160
As both the track and the race heated up, tires began to blister on multiple vehicles. First, Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo began to show visible wear.
LAP 35/71
That doesn't look like a birthday present 😬
Ricciardo's blistered left-rear tyre could be cause for concern#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/oKOYPVevmE
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 1, 2018
Soon after, Hamilton’s began to show signs of damage.
LAP 53/71
"I don't know what to say to you guys, these rears are not gonna ******* last!"
Hamilton pits for Supersoft tyres and rejoins behind Ricciardo#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/1gFkWfOSTt
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 1, 2018
Just one lap later, Ricciardo was sidelined.
LAP 54/71
Ricciardo is OUT! 😭
He pulls over reporting a gearbox issue… on his birthday 💔#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/Nvg6eJT9Jd
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 1, 2018
Despite managing to bring in several fastest laps on damaged tires, a loss of fuel pressure forced Hamilton into his first race retirement since 2016.
LAP 64/71
HAMILTON IS OUT!
It's a double-retirement for Mercedes 😱#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/42cU8Zdlw9
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 1, 2018
On the final lap, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen crossed the line first, followed by both Ferrari drivers.
🏁 TOP TEN (CHEQUERED FLAG) 🏁
VER
RAI
VET
GRO
MAG
OCO
PER
ALO
LEC
ERI#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/JlJjC2Ik6D— Formula 1 (@F1) July 1, 2018
With only a week to go before the British Grand Prix, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport will undoubtedly be leveraging the team’s incredible skills to learn from the tough race today, analyze their data, and prepare for another round of Formula One action.
We’ll come back stronger next week @MercedesAMGF1 @LewisHamilton #LH44 @ValtteriBottas #VB77 @TIBCO #DrivenByEachOther 💪
— Thomas Been (@tombee74) July 1, 2018
Learn more about TIBCO’s partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport that provides the team with a data-driven competitive edge.
