PlatinumZealot wrote: ↑05 Nov 2024, 18:43
Might have to rewatch this race one day.
I'm just sure not it was a legendary drive.
Max was clinical I would say. More of a strategic brilliance than outright driving on Godly level. Perez too looked very stable in the RedBull, he just botched some his moves.
I think what genuinely impressed me was the phase when Max passed Charles(?) and was gunning down behind Lando at breakneck pace! Best part ofthe race for me.
Max never passed Leclerc on track. He got well and truly stuck behind him until he pitted. He even praised Leclerc after the race for being the only driver to put up a fight.
I would absolutely say it's a legendary drive though. He was the only driver to really carve through the field and get overtakes done consistently prior to the red flag. He made up some 10 places before he got stuck behind Leclerc. Then he managed to overtake Ocon after the safety car, which was one of the very few turn 1 overtakes after the red flag period.
Remember he did all this in what was probably the 3rd or 4th best car as well. I can't recall a single mistake from him all race, while seemingly everyone else went off and got overtaken at least once.
Yes, he was quite lucky with the red flag timing, but even then I'm fairly sure he would've made the podium regardless. Also gambling on a red flag is a very valid strategy choice in a wet race. Red Bull had him stay out precisely because they knew it was very likely someone would bring out the red flag when the rain got that heavy and people still chose to pit for inters instead of wets. Rain that heavy also normally results in an immediate red flag regardless of if people have crashed or not. To bring out the safety car in such a situation was very odd.