2024-07-21 21:25:03
This all handed the lead to Leclerc, who was yet to stop. “Keep it up, this is really good driving,” the Monegasque was informed over the radio – before making his visit to the pits on Lap 24 and crucially getting back on track in P5 ahead of Tsunoda, with the RB not having pitted yet.
Sainz, meanwhile, had managed to overtake Perez for P8, while Hamilton – who had taken third from Verstappen thanks to making the undercut – was showing good pace. But so was Verstappen, having pumped in another fastest lap on Lap 26, hinting at an interesting battle for that final podium position.
Alonso was looking racy as he tried to find a way past Hulkenberg for 11th, with the Aston Martin getting incredibly close before having to back out. However, a lock-up from the Haas allowed Alonso through, which also brought Stroll into the fight with Hulkenberg. The next target for Alonso was Gasly, while Stroll soon snatched P12 behind.
On Lap 29, Perez made his first pit stop for the medium tyres, bringing him out in P15 behind the Kick Sauber of Bottas. Elsewhere, Ricciardo – who had started the race from P9 – made a second visit to the pits and emerged at the rear of the field, having lost out during the earlier round of stops.
Perez’s fresh rubber was helping the Mexican to make gains, having picked off several cars in the laps after his stop to go up to 11th by Lap 33. Up ahead, Piastri had a slight off but remained in the lead, while Hamilton had Verstappen breathing down his neck in the scrap for third place.
