Lewis Hamilton earned his record 93rd race win in Formula 1 at the 2020 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday, as Mercedes claimed their seventh consecutive constructor’s championship title.
Hamilton started second on the grid at Imola, before falling back to third early in the race but was able to move to the front thanks to a virtual safety car and Valtteri Bottas suffering when a chunk of debris wedged underneath his car.
Daniel Ricciardo emerged third in a race of high-attrition, scoring his and Renault’s second successive podium on the day.
Here are how the drivers rated:
Lewis Hamilton – 8
Not the best weekend of the season for Hamilton, who missed out on pole and then fell back at the start. Probably would not have won without Bottas being slowed by the debris, but still showed great pace and tyre management to extend his first stint.
Valtteri Bottas – 9
Much better than at Portimao, Bottas’ potential in the race was compromised thanks to the debris after an impressive pole lap. Given how hard it was to overtake, he would have had a great shot at winning without it.
Daniel Ricciardo – 8
Was fortunate that Sergio Perez decided to pit out of third, but did well to hold off a charging Daniil Kvyat at the end. Ahead of Esteban Ocon in qualifying again, continuing a great season for the Australian.
Daniil Kvyat – 9
His best drive of the season by some margin for Kvyat, who may have waited slightly too late before showing this kind of form. Helped by the safety car and his teammate’s retirement, but very good nonetheless.
Charles Leclerc – 8
Good again from Leclerc, but saw his finishing position inflated slightly by the attrition ahead of him. Continues to outdrive the car and his teammate.
Sergio Perez – 8
Good driving, bad strategy. The Mexican was certainly unfortunate and would not have been able to make the call himself, but will have been so disappointed to be pitted out of third place. Has shown since mid season that he has the edge over Lance Stroll.
Carlos Sainz – 8
Probably maximised the result given what potential there was in the car. Did a brilliant job to avoid the spinning Alex Albon and maintain his position.
Lando Norris – 7
Just a step behind his teammate recently, while McLaren seem to be just a step behind their competitors Renault and Racing Point.
Kimi Räikkönen – 8
Another good drive from the Finn, who has really come into form to end the season. Beat his teammate once again and scored some points on the weekend he signed a new contract.
Antonio Giovinazzi – 7
Got a point from the back of the grid, but largely due to the attrition ahead. Many were confused as to why he was given a new deal, and he did not do too much to convince.
Nicholas Latifi – 6
Stayed out of trouble and nearly picked up a point as a result, which seems like his best option. Still far too far behind his teammate George Russell in qualifying and race trim.
Sebastian Vettel – 6
Would have been in contention for a point before his race was wrecked by an incredibly slow stop. Still, he was too far away from Leclerc once again.
Lance Stroll – 4
Since returning from his illness he has been really struggling. Ran over his mechanic, slow in qualifying and unable to make progress in the race. Needs to get his head together and return what he was doing at the start of the season.
Romain Grosjean – 6
Beat Magnussen in qualifying again, which will have pleased him. Picked up a penalty in the race for track limits and finished ahead of only Albon, who spun.
Alexander Albon – 4
His struggles continue and this was surely his last chance to impress. Adrift in qualifying and did not show enough speed in the race, before a late spin that cost him any chance of points.
George Russell – 7
An agonising end for a driver that had been so good all weekend. Cannot go higher than a seven given the mistake he made, but was pretty much excellent for the rest of qualifying and the race. He will surely get over the hurdle and score a point very soon.
Max Verstappen – 9
Really good weekend from Verstappen, who gave Bottas and the Mercedes all he had. Desperately unlucky to miss out on a second-place finish due to the tyre blowout.
Kevin Magnussen – 5
Has been adrift from Grosjean in recent weeks and retired due to headache. Leaving the sport very soon and will hope to finish on a high.
Esteban Ocon – 5
Still adrift of Ricciardo and missed out on going through to Q3. Had his race ruined by a gearbox failure, but was not making progress on a weekend when his teammate was on the podium.
Pierre Gasly – 8
Brilliant in qualifying once again, but desperately unlucky being forced to retire early on.