RACE REPORT
The shape of the rest of the race for the podium places was defined by
the first pit stops. Verstappen and Rosberg pitted on lap 11, replacing their
opening supersofts with a second set of the red-banded Pirelli tyres. However,
Ricciardo, who pitted on lap 12, and Hamilton (lap 14) opted for soft tyres and
the split strategies would define the race.
The second stop saw Rosberg attempt an undercut on Verstappen. The
Mercedes man pitted on lap 27 for soft tyres, leaving Verstappen to circle for
one more lap before he too pitted for softs.