AUTOhebdo predictions: in the retro of Portimão

Not bad for a first, right? As rightly pointed out Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari), there is no shortage of spectacular circuits around the world: you just have to get there! 

After Mugello, the F1 had a hollow nose when choosing to head to the south of Portugal for the first time in its history. The Algarve thus offered a superb setting where a spectacular track is nestled which the drivers of the field have acclaimed. 

Beyond the undulating and demanding nature of the Lusitano track, it is the level of tire grip offered by its brand new tarmac which played a determining role in the outcome of the first Portuguese Grand Prix in 1 years. If the final ranking reveals few surprises, the race was no less lively and full of twists and turns.

• Hamilton imperial

Who would have thought that Carlos Sainz (whose odds for a victory were 150) and his McLaren would lead the debates after 2 rounds? 7th on the grid, the Spaniard took advantage of his soft tires to carry out a series of daring overtakes, including a cheeky sequence on Max Verstappen then Lewis Hamilton in the space of two turns, and drop off his rivals who started on mediums. 

The slippery nature of the Portuguese route was further exacerbated by the irruption of a few drops when the lights went out. On this ice rink, Sainz bursts forth with his sharp red skates to upset the traditional hierarchy. 

The Madrilenian's dream lasted the space of 4 laps, the time for the yellow rubbers of the Mercedes heat up and allow the Black Arrows to recover their property. Lewis Hamilton's view did the rest. 

After stealing pole position from his teammate Valtteri Bottas in the final moments of qualifying, the six-time world champion agreed to be overwhelmed in the first round to respond better later. Hamilton exudes such an impression of power and ease that his victory was in no doubt, including when he played the role of chaser at the start of the race. 

The little disappointment came from Max Verstappen and Red Bull, which one might have thought more offensive on a new circuit and in precarious grip conditions. The Austrian clan admitted on Sunday evening that they should have accessed Q3 on medium tires, like the Mercedes and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), in order to be able to start on yellow tires the next day.

The Dutchman remains a fascinating metronome with a 9th podium in as many finishes this season, while his teammate Alexander albon always struggles to put one foot in front of the other. 

• A midfield still as disputed and undecided

Behind the irremovable leading trio, the fight for places of honor offered great fights between no less than 4 teams: Ferrari, Alpha Tauri, McLaren, and Renault. 

While we thought the Losange launched on a positive dynamic, the French manufacturer experienced a slight drop in speed and the sanction was immediate as the gaps are tight in this part of the grid. 

First beneficiary of this shutdown: Charles Leclerc, whose Ferrari received a third phase of developments in Portugal. The Scuderia may minimize the impact of these new developments, but the progress shown since Mugello is undeniable, even if it only affects one side of the garage. A return of the Monegasque to the podium by the end of the season cannot therefore be ruled out. A Top 3 from Leclerc in the Algarve, for example, was rated at 3. 

In Portimão, Leclerc's task was partly made easier by the collision suffered by Sergio Pérez during the first lap as he overtook Verstappen to gain 3rd place. The rise of the Mexican driver, elected Driver of the Day after his 7th place, is a reminder of the quality of his equipment. But as too often this season, Racing Point was unable to convert its potential into a big result. 

It’s quite the opposite at AlphaTauri, where we can rely on a Pierre Gasly in the shape of his life. Disappointed to be only 9th on the grid in Portimão after showing good potential in free practice, the Frenchman progressed to 5th, with several authoritarian overtakes along the way. His Top 6 also offered the best winning odds last weekend at 3,75. 

Finally, let us salute the exceptional flight of Kimi Räikkönen last Sunday aboard his Alfa Romeo. The Finnish veteran went from 16th to 6th in the space of a memorable lap. It’s a shame that the oldest member of the field (41 years old) was unable to maintain his position in the points because a Top 10 for the 2007 world champion was rated at 4,75 before the start. 

• Heading for Imola

14 years ago, Räikkönen was the only driver on the current grid to start the most recent Grand Prix held at the Imola circuit (Italy). 

The track makes a welcome return to the calendar this weekend as part of the Emilia-Romagna GP. The 13th round of the 2020 world championship will offer a new format with a condensed program over two days and a single free session before qualifying. 

However, the teams and drivers were already able to get a taste of such a scenario at the Nürburgring (Germany) 3 weeks ago when Friday practice was canceled due to the weather. 

You can already bet on the event and find all the possible combinations on the Parions Sport website: www.enligne.parionssport.fdj.fr/paris-formule-1