Windsor: "Verstappen has found the sweet spot in these conditions"

Max Verstappen finished behind Valtteri Bottas in the sprint race, but according to Formula 1 journalist Peter Windsor, the situation will be very different on Sunday. He thinks it will be more in line with Friday afternoon, when Verstappen was extremely strong.

"Everyone has free tyre choice for the race, so it will be interesting to see how that will work out. Valtteri will undoubtedly start on the softs," Windsor explained in his analysis on YouTube. "In the sprint race that worked out well, but on Sunday it will be a lot warmer and Mercedes will have to take that into account."

Chances for Verstappen and Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is likely to be put on a different strategy to his opponents, as he has a long way to go to the head of the field. "I think Lewis will be put on the hard tyre, trying to drive a long first stint so he can gain some places at the pit stops," said Windsor.

Hamilton drove an impressive overtaking race on Saturday, but the analyst still belives Verstappen is the favourite for the win. This is mainly due to his strong performance on Friday, when track conditions were more in line with those expected on Sunday.

"Max has found the 'sweet spot' in terms of the temperatures we get on Sunday, combined with the Red Bull's balance with a higher fuel load. He has to start second, but will be on the inside of the track going into turn one. In addition, it will be warmer and he will have less problems with grip outside the ideal line," Windsor concluded.