Race Pace Analysis - BelgianGP 2017
Sebastian Vettel vs Lewis Hamilton
Comparison of the drivers Sebastian Vettel VS Lewis Hamilton - BelgianGP 2017
Final Position Sebastian Vettel - P2 Lewis Hamilton - P1
So, as requested by my anon, here’s the first comparison of the Belgian grand prix. The question is whether or not Seb had the pace to actually overtake Lewis during the race.
Truth is, the data shows that they were very close.
Both cars had a similar strategy, with a two-stop race, and had a similar choice in tyre compounds, although Ferrari opted for Seb to use a set of ULTRA to attempt a comeback.
Stint #1 Both Lewis and Seb started on a set used Ultra Softs - leftovers from qualifying the previous day. Lewis got 15 laps out of them, whereas Seb got 17 laps.
Sebastian’s average lap time in the first stint was 1:50.731
Lewis’ average lap time in the first stint was 1:50.722
meaning that the difference between the two was a mere
+0.009
which proves that the Merc and the Ferrari were extremely close timing-wise while running the same compound.
Stint #2 Going for the same compound once again, both went for a set of new Softs, which makes me wonder if they were going to finish the race with them or attempt a tyre change at the very end for Ferrari, which was jump-started by the Safety Car caused by the two Force India.
Sebastian’s average lap time for the second stint, which was 16 laps for him, was 1:52.002
Lewis’ average lap time, on his 18 lap stint, was 1:51.842
despite being on the same compound, the difference this time was bigger at
+0.160
Stint #3 - pit stop caused by safety car After the messy accident between the two Force Indias, the Safety Car came out and prompted a general rush to the pitlane to change tyres. Seb went for new Ultras, and Lewis for another set of Softs
Sebastian’s average lap time was 2:04.494
Lewis’ average lap time was 2:04.358
obviously the lap time is longer due to the yellow flags laps and the SC car laps. The difference in the last sting was
+0.136
Overall Taking in consideration the lap times, overall
Sebastian’s average lap time for the race was 1:55.572
Lewis’ average lap time for the race 1:55.519
Which means that the difference between the two was
+0.054
Lewis’ fastest lap, a 1:46.603, came at lap 35, when the yellow flag ended. Sebastian clocked the fastest lap towards the end, at lap 41, with a 1:46.577. The difference is of -0.026, determined by the lack of traffic at that point and the fact that Seb was running a set of new Ultras








