I think the stars aligned for this win to happen, but boy am I glad for it. As is usually the case, a performance shift is often the result of a combination of factors.
- Obviously Max Verstappen performed exeptionally well.
- Honda allowed prolonged use of their highest racing power mode to the extent that they took some life out of the unit ahead of plan. Great confidence, and also it goes to show what Mercedes and Ferrari have been able to do at times and how it can transform a stint. Basically delivering several tenths a lap by the flick of a switch.
- FW upgrade seems to deliver, although we are yet to see the exent of its progress. Silverstone should be interesting. At least Verstappen was positive about car behavior already in qualifying. PU re-mapping appartenly helped too.
- Mercedes underperformed miserably. They mentioned overheating issues and I think that's really what Toto ment when he mentioned them being disadvantaged by altitute. Nothing to do with downforce. Mercedes got plenty. I'm not buying the Mexico comparison at all, I think Mercedes just got their cooling calculations slightly wrong or were over aggressive or it's their long term car design strategy to be on the edge of overheating even for F1 standards.
- Ferrari messed up. First with Vettels car in qualifying, then at this pit stop. Despite consistently lacking two tenths in practice to Leclerc, I think Vettel drove a great race. His start was sublime. They wasted another opportunity. Also arguably they should have gone for a medium-hard strategy just like Verstappen and Mercedes. Leclercs pace would've been stronger at the end.
Still I think the larger part of reason for success was due to driver+team+engine partner delivering. Well done to all and special congratulations to Honda
