Lap 63/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris second
Aside from this front three, there is little happening in the rest of the field.
Such is the way with this track, not really one for overtaking.
Norris is dropping off the back of Verstappen, concerned about keeping his power unit cool.
As it stands, Verstappen would receive a 30 second penalty for not pitting again.
If he does pit or doesn’t he would finish fourth regardless.
Lap 61/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris second
It is an interesting battle out there now.
As Verstappen stays out there, he is causing Norris and Leclerc to close up with one another.
In a perfect world, they will tangle, causing the need to pit again to have bodywork replaced.
Lap 59/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris second
Norris is closing the gap on Verstappen in first place.
There is less than a second between the pair.
Tactically, this good be good for the Red Bull as it will cause more wear on Norris’ tyres if having to break excessively.
Lap 57/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris second
Red Bull are hoping for a red flag in this race.
If it were to happen, Verstappen could pit and keep his track position.
Hamilton heads into the pits and returns to the track in fifth spot.
Lap 55/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris second
Russell has been given a drive through penalty.
He is down in tenth spot and it does not seem like a day where Mercedes will be amongst the points.
The Brit is given the ‘box. box’ order for the penalty from his team.
Lap 53/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris second
Verstappen has a 4.3 second lead on Norris in second.
He still has to pit again so it is all about how much of a lead he can build before that happens.
Leclerc is just 2 seconds behind the McLaren.
