6 Memorable Moments From The Spanish Grand Prix

Image source: Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton scored his fourth victory in five races at the 2014 Spanish Grand Prix, but unlike the last race in China, he didn't have an easy run to the chequered flag. The Brit came under intense pressure from his team-mate Nico Rosberg in the closing stages, but he just managed to hold on to the win.

Daniel Ricciardo scored his first official podium (after his Australia exclusion) in third, with Sebastian Vettel recovering from 15th on the grid to finish fourth. Valtteri Bottas, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen were next up, with Romain Grosjean, Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg completing the top 10. Here are six memorable moments from the race:

1. A thrilling conclusion

Image source: Mercedes AMG Petronas

Formula 1 fans were treated to another close finish at the front of the field, with Lewis Hamilton just edging ahead of his team-mate Nico Rosberg by the chequered flag in Spain.

Like the frenetic Bahrain Grand Prix, both drivers were on different tyre strategies in the final stint. Despite running with the faster compound, Rosberg couldn’t get close enough to attempt a pass. Had the race gone on a few laps longer, the story could have been very different.

2. More Maldonado madness

After his embarrassing crash in qualifying, it took Pastor Maldonado all of 13 corners to collide with someone in the race. He made contact with Marcus Ericsson as the Swedish driver attempted to overtake him. Despite the considerable hit and a trip across the grass, both drivers managed to continue.

3. Battles, battles and more battles

Image source: Sahara Force India F1 Team

It didn’t beat the dramatic F1 round in Bahrain, but the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya still produced an exciting race with some close scraps up and down the field. Sebastian Vettel started from 15th but put in a strong drive to finish fourth after some fantastic overtakes. Meanwhile, the two Ferraris were forced to fight it out for sixth and the Force India drivers enjoyed a race-long battle for ninth.

4. Jumping the gun

Image source: comfybear

Following the premature waving of the chequered flag in China, this week the winning driver graphic was shown to TV viewers on lap 20, declaring Nico Rosberg the victor. Oops. Someone working in F1 will be feeling very awkward and embarrassed right now.

5. Iceman not happy

Image source: Ferrari

Kimi Raikkonen was clearly not happy to finish in seventh place, behind his team-mate Fernando Alonso. Sky Sports News reporter Rachel Brookes’ question in the post-race media pen obviously didn’t impress the Iceman:

6. No brakes for Kobayashi

Image source: Caterham F1 Team

Kamui Kobayashi suffered - as he described it - "a pretty scary moment" at the wheel of his Caterham CT05 on lap 44 of the race, after his left-front brake failed at turn one. Not the best place to have no brakes. Fortunately he just managed to steer the car out of the barriers, but was forced to retire.