Struggling for results since the start of the season, Aston Martin was finally able to score its first points in 2022 when the team’s two drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll, finished eighth and tenth respectively on Sunday at the Grand Prix. of Emilia-Romagna Formula 1.
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This harvest at the Imola circuit will certainly improve the level of confidence within the team led by Lawrence Stroll, who had experienced a disastrous course two weeks earlier in Australia.
For one, Lance Stroll fought bravely to maintain his position despite the pressing threat of opponents behind him, including Esteban Ocon (Alpine). He had started from the 15e place on the starting grid.
“I deserved it”
We also saw the Quebecer stand up to Lewis Hamilton for a few laps, proving that the Briton and his Mercedes are no longer in the game.
“This first point, I deserved it, exclaimed Stroll as he got out of the car. It feels good. This race was intense from start to finish. We had a good rhythm and it’s rather reassuring for the rest of things.
“The fact that the two team drivers managed to get points is very positive,” he added. We were more competitive than in the first three races of the season. »
like a victory
Vettel also did not hide his joy after missing his comeback in Melbourne on April 10, having withdrawn from the first two stages of 2022 due to positive tests for COVID-19.
“I’m not going to lie to you,” said the veteran German driver. This eighth place looks like a victory for me. And it’s all the more satisfying that our two cars finished in the points. »
What you must remember
Russell saves the furniture
The Mercedes team may be in sharp decline, this fourth position acquired by George Russell at the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna is an unexpected result. The young Briton made Lewis Hamilton look very bad, who had to settle for 13e rank. But what is happening with his compatriot, unable during the last 20 laps to overtake the Toro Rosso of Pierre Gasly? In car racing, the main rival is his teammate. Hamilton experienced the ultimate affront when, at 41e passage, he conceded a lap to the winner and great rival, Max Verstappen.
Toto’s apology
In lowering the curtain, Toto Wolff apologized to Hamilton on the radio. “I’m sorry,” said the boss of the Mercedes team. This car was undriveable and it was a terrible race. But we will get through this. The seven-time world champion did not hide his deep disappointment, saying he had experienced a “dark weekend”. Hamilton has already thrown in the towel on his hopes of winning an eighth F1 title.
Max, as in the maximum of… points
Winner of the two events of the weekend and author of the fastest lap at Imola on Sunday, Max Verstappen collected the maximum points (34) awarded. For the record, this is not a record because Lewis Hamilton scored 50 in the last race of the 2014 season (in Abu Dhabi), when the winner was awarded double the points in the final stage of the calendar. This format did not last long, since it was abandoned the following season.