F1: Spanish GP fastest lap times

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff was all giddy after the Spanish GP because Lewis Hamilton’s fastest lap was just 3/10ths slower than the Red Bull of Max Verstappen.

However, further dissecting of the data reveals that Hamilton had DRS open the full length of the main straight on his fast lap and Verstappen did not.

DRS is worth close to 4/10ths. In addition, Verstappen already had three warnings for exceeding track limits, hence could not push too hard for risk of a penalty.

Hence, Mercedes is still at least 8/10ths behind Verstappen. We say Verstappen because the Red Bull in the hands of Sergio Perez is slower.  Verstappen is on another level to all the other drivers.

2023 Spanish GP Fastest Race Laps