Formula 1’s first French Grand Prix in a decade was somewhat of an unexpected success, as the Paul Ricard circuit delivered a racing spectacle far exceeding initial expectations.
Lewis Hamilton’s third race victory of the 2018 season may have been a canter, but the racing behind was thoroughly entertaining on a circuit billed to be non-conducive to overtaking.
Of course, the race was provided an injection of excitement on the opening lap when Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas was pitched into a spin by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.
Both pitted at the end of the opening lap. Their respective recovery drives featured several blockbuster overtakes and a demonstration of high-level racecraft.
Vettel and Bottas’s early elimination from the lead battle opened the door for Red Bull to scoop a rostrum, with Max Verstappen claiming a second consecutive podium finish.
Kimi Raikkonen ensured that Ferrari was represented on the podium, securing third place late-on after passing Daniel Ricciardo’s wounded Red Bull.
Here are our DRIVER RATINGS for the 2018 French Grand Prix.
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