Then to open up a 63-point lead in the Drivers’ standings, Lewis Hamilton reckons it will be “fairly smooth sailing” to a second world title for Max Verstappen.
Although the Scuderia has become Red Bull’s main challenger for this year’s title, it seems that every step forward is followed by a step back.
Charles Leclerc made a small foray into Verstappen’s lead at Silverstone and again at the Red Bull Ring only to pounce on him at the French Grand Prix.
The Monaco driver withstood early pressure from Verstappen and, having seemingly ended his challenge, went and lost him at Turn 11.
Instead of rejoining the Dutchman, he left the Paul Ricard circuit with his championship hopes in tatters, the gap down to 63 points.
Back-to-back wins at Le Castellet for @Max33Verstappen ✌️#FrenchGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/srvhRO2tH5
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 25, 2022
“I’m gutted for Charles,” Hamilton said. “He has been doing a great job.
“But it is not easy to have this performance and rhythm and to be able to maintain it. I feel for the whole team because I know how it can feel.
“It’s a huge gap for Max, so it’s pretty smooth sailing for him in that space.
“But many things can go wrong. I would just advise Ferrari to keep their heads down and keep pushing.”
While Leclerc trails Verstappen by more than two race wins, Ferrari are 82 points clear of Red Bull in the constructors’ championship race.
Verstappen admits both his and Red Bull’s lead has been helped by Ferrari’s disasters.
“Of course the lead we have is great, but it’s probably a bit bigger than it should have been when you look at the car performances between the two cars,” he admitted.
Ralf Schumacher summed it up after the French GP, a race where Ferrari also threw away a podium for Carlos Sainz with a baffling strategy call to put him on the hunt for new tires even though he was on pace to take third place in Sergio Pérez.
The former F1 driver told Sky Germany: “The biggest support for Red Bull in the World Championship is called Ferrari.”
Last season it was Hamilton who Verstappen had to fight for the world title, both trading blows throughout the season.
Such was their battle that they entered the title decider tied on points, winner takes all. Verstappen took victory and a first drivers’ championship title, denying Hamilton a record eighth.