The complexion of the race shifted dramatically on lap 39 when a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was deployed. This provided a golden opportunity for those yet to make a final stop to take a "cheap" pit stop—a maneuver that saves approximately 10 seconds compared to stopping under full green-flag racing conditions. Both Leclerc and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli took full advantage of the neutralized field to dive into the pits for fresh rubber. Hamilton, however, remained out on track. While this briefly promoted him to second place behind Verstappen, it left him on aging tires against a charging field of rivals with significantly fresher grip.
As the race resumed, the limitations of Hamilton’s strategy became painfully apparent. Despite his best efforts to manage the rubber, he was told by his engineers that he would likely need another stop to make it to the finish. Hamilton pushed back, suggesting he could nursing the car to the end, but the data indicated he would fall at least six laps short of the required tire life. Ultimately, the team opted to leave him out, hoping for a defensive miracle that never materialized.
Leclerc, on fresher mediums, quickly closed the gap to Hamilton and executed a clean pass on lap 46. Once clear, the Ferrari driver attempted to hunt down Verstappen, but the gap proved insurmountable. Verstappen’s lead was too great, and Leclerc could get no closer than 7.3 seconds before the checkered flag fell. Behind them, the consequences of Hamilton’s tire wear began to spiral. As his grip evaporated, the Mercedes became a moving target for the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as well as his teammate Antonelli.
The tension reached a breaking point on lap 54. Lando Norris, sensing an opening, launched a bold passing attempt on Hamilton at Turn One. The move forced Hamilton to run wide and take to the escape road. In the ensuing scramble, Kimi Antonelli showed the predatory instincts that have defined his season, seizing the gap to pass both Norris and the recovering Hamilton in a single sequence. Later that same lap, Norris also found a way past the struggling Mercedes, leaving Hamilton to defend desperately against the second McLaren of Oscar Piastri. Despite a resolute defense that lasted until the final lap, Hamilton was eventually overtaken, relegating him to sixth place at the finish line.
