Thread by @notepaddock

We've had ten different podium combinations in the #F1 season so far.

Only three have been seen more than once, so we're not looking at a dominant trend of two teams. But it's worth looking at in more detail coming out of the summer break ahead of the #BelgianGP. 👇🧵

First of all, Verstappen, Leclerc and Sainz have shared the podium twice - In Saudi Arabia and in Miami. This was Round 2 and Round 5 of the season, out of 13 races so far just to be clear.

NB. Sprint races aren't included as podiums and therefore aren't included in this thread.

Secondly, equally most common podium this year is Verstappen, Perez and Russell - also twice. In Spain and Azerbaijan, rounds 9 and 11 respectively.

And finally on the context setting, the final podium combo to be repeated this year is Verstappen, Hamilton and Russell. Both at the two most recent races at France and Hungary. Rounds 12 and 13. Which is where we start looking at a little deeper at the trend.

Ferrari achieved their podiums with Max at the start of the season, R2 and 5 out of 13 so far. Leclerc and Sainz haven't shared a podium since.

Although they did finish 2nd and 3rd in the Austrian sprint, these don't count in podium records or mean the same in points finishes.

Conversely, Mercedes scored their double podiums in the two most recent races. R12 and 13. France being the first time Lewis and George shared a podium as team mates.

The trend suggests Mercedes are now possibly the more reliable podium sitters ahead of Ferrari.

It's not a leap to suggest that Ferrari are vulnerable to Mercedes in the constructors championship at the moment if this trend continues.

Verstappen, understandably as the championship leader, has shared the podium with the joint other drivers this season so far at 6, as has his team mate Perez. Russell and Leclerc both on 5.

TLDR: We have no dominant trend for podium sitters alongside Red Bull this year. But if the current trend continues, Mercedes look very strong and possibly pushing Ferrari to third going into the second half of the season.