It was a tough day at the office for Haas F1 Team driver Esteban Gutierrez, who struggled with tyre and brake issues towards the end of the race, after getting a good start off the line.
“I managed a good start and spent the first two laps fighting for position and moving up the grid. After that I was pushing the limits in every stint, not really being able to save the tires fighting in front and behind me.
“Toward the end I started to run out of tires and I had a few issues with the brakes. It became challenging to finish the race. However, the team did a great job to keep everything under control and I want to thank them for their hard work this weekend. They worked well and performed some great pit stops.
“We need to continue in this direction, improving, and getting the best out of our car as we head to Germany.”
The Mexican also caused some controversy when he ignored the blue flags being waved to indicate he should move over as a backmarker, and allow race leader Lewis Hamilton through, who at the time was being closed down by Mercedes AMG PETRONAS team-mate Nico Rosberg. Gutierrez was somewhat delayed in his response to the order, which the Brit felt held him up in his quest for victory, and the current world champion made his feelings clear with a hand gesture as he drove by.
The stewards handed the Haas F1 man a five second time penalty for ignoring the flags, which Gutierrez felt was somewhat harsh stating that he was just looking for the safest place to let the two cars come by. In the end the penalty did not affect the Mexican’s overall finishing position of thirteenth place, a result Gutierrez will be hoping to improve upon in Hockenheim this weekend.
