:strip_icc()/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_bc8228b6673f488aa253bbcb03c80ec5/internal_photos/bs/2020/c/g/gaPn2uTDqvAM1E103DRw/gettyimages-1282138240.jpg)
[ad_1]
The Portuguese GP was marked by Lewis Hamilton’s 92nd victory in Formula 1, but the hectic start to the race brought out three drivers: Carlos Sainz Jr., Kimi Raikkonen and Sergio Pérez. The first two, for a massive climb on the first lap, and the Mexican for falling to last place, but then reacting incredibly for the rest of the race.
+ Hamilton wins and breaks record
+ Championship standings
Sainz overtook Bottas on the second lap and led the Portuguese GP – Photo: Getty Images
The highlight of the first lap was Sainz. After starting seventh, the Spaniard climbed to fifth even before the first corner, then gained a position with the return of Pérez, passed Verstappen in two corners later and, taking advantage of the difficulty of Lewis Hamilton to generate temperature for medium tires in little abrasive asphalt. Portimão, went up to second. So the McLaren driver would still pass Valtteri Bottas to take the lead.
Portuguese GP: see how it started
When his soft tires collapsed, Sainz was easy prey for Bottas and Hamilton and, by lap 12, he had returned to fifth place. After falling to 14th after the tire change, Sainz grew again in the race and, after overtaking Pérez on the last lap, he finished sixth.
Another highlight of the first lap was Kimi Raikkonen. With the experience and intelligence to shake off the confusion in front of him, the Iceman outscored his opponents one on one until he opened the second round in the seventh and moved up to the sixth shortly after.
Check out Kimi Raikkonen’s impressive start to the Portuguese GP
However, despite the exceptional first lap, the Iceman was unable to maintain its peak due to the limitations of its Alfa Romeo. After a very close race, the Finn lost 10th to Sebastian Vettel with 12 laps remaining and had to settle for 11th.
– We did two very good first laps, I got into a good position and managed to pass many cars. The car was fine, but there is still a bit to finish in points at the moment – said Kimi.
Pérez overtakes Giovinazzi during the Portuguese GP – Photo: Getty Images
Finally, Pérez rose to the peloton after falling to the last position with the scare of trying to overtake Max Verstappen. After a pit stop at the end of the first lap, the Mexican from Racing Point was 20th for 11 laps, but gradually moved up the rankings and only finished in the pits again on lap 45.
Portuguese GP: Pérez passa Ocon
Pérez finished fifth, but his set of soft tires lost performance in the final laps and he was overtaken by Pierre Gasly and Carlos Sainz Jr.
– If you take into account how the race started, seventh position is a very good result and we can be proud of the recovery – commented the Racing Point driver.
