F1 Chat

[MikeO 12,986]

28 minutes ago, Gwlad all over said:

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12027684/sebastian-vettel-aston-martin-now-top-of-formula-1-options-for-2021

Harsh on Perez if this happens.

Would be plain stupid.

[Romey 1878 13,624]

1 hour ago, MikeO said:

Would be plain stupid.

This. Perez would be a much better bet. 

[MikeO 12,986]

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36306/12029055/lando-norris-from-f1-rookie-to-2020-star

[MikeO 12,986]

This is great if you have a couple of hours to spare.

 

[Romey 1878 13,624]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/53402340

[Palfy 3,427]

4 minutes ago, Romey 1878 said:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/53402340

Great attitude, the sort of person you would be proud to know. 

[MikeO 12,986]

Well that was an exciting finish! Open goal missed by Red Bull/Verstappen but easy to say with hindsight. Another good points haul for Lando, 4th place in the table; just a shame the Renault was a bit better tyre-wise towards the end so he got taken by Ricciardo.

[Romey 1878 13,624]

36 minutes ago, MikeO said:

Well that was an exciting finish! Open goal missed by Red Bull/Verstappen but easy to say with hindsight. Another good points haul for Lando, 4th place in the table; just a shame the Renault was a bit better tyre-wise towards the end so he got taken by Ricciardo.

Didn’t Hamilton have a pit stop over Verstappen even without Verstappen stopping? So I would imagine that if Verstappen hadn’t come in they’d have brought Hamilton in because that would’ve been too big a risk to take.

[MikeO 12,986]

11 minutes ago, Romey 1878 said:

Didn’t Hamilton have a pit stop over Verstappen even without Verstappen stopping? So I would imagine that if Verstappen hadn’t come in they’d have brought Hamilton in because that would’ve been too big a risk to take.

I'm pretty sure not, Verstappen after stop was only thirty seconds back whan Hamilton punctured so must've been 10/12 secs back pre-stop, nowhere near enough.

[Romey 1878 13,624]

4 minutes ago, MikeO said:

I'm pretty sure not, Verstappen after stop was only thirty seconds back whan Hamilton punctured so must've been 10/12 secs back pre-stop, nowhere near enough.

Pretty sure to have a pit stop in the bank was only around 15 seconds for this race, and after Verstappen had his stop it was a 33 seconds gap. I think he’d have had just about enough to get the pit stop in.

We’ll never know now like, but what a weird and exciting end to the race it was anyway!

[Palfy 3,427]

2 hours ago, MikeO said:

I'm pretty sure not, Verstappen after stop was only thirty seconds back whan Hamilton punctured so must've been 10/12 secs back pre-stop, nowhere near enough.

Hamilton did slow down to try and protect his tyres straight after Botas blow out, not sure if that would have made any difference if he had just come straight in for a tyre change. 
Anyway Italian tyres are like Italian footballers, start off well but let you down at the end. 

[Gwlad all over 572]

Rest of the 2020 calendar announced

.https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12056210/f1-confirms-final-2020-races-with-turkey-return-and-bahrain-double

 

Suitable protest about Bahrain's record on human rights?

 

[barryj 1,176]

The Ferrari’s decline this season is spectacular 🤦‍♂️🤣

[Romey 1878 13,624]

15 hours ago, barryj said:

The Ferrari’s decline this season is spectacular 🤦‍♂️🤣

And hilarious. Long may it continue.

[barryj 1,176]

1 hour ago, Romey 1878 said:

And hilarious. Long may it continue.

I’m in that camp as well! Watching Vettel fighting at the bottom against the Williams’ and Alfas brightens up my weekends. 

[Romey 1878 13,624]

Would’ve been a brilliant day for Mercedes if not for the brain fart of pulling Hamilton in for his pit stop. 

[barryj 1,176]

Haven’t enjoyed a Grand Prix like that for a long while. It had it all. 
 

[Romey 1878 13,624]

Hamilton showed, once again, that Bottas isn’t in the same league as him. It’s not even close. To finish where he did after that fuck up was incredible really. Meanwhile, Bottas looked lost and didn’t have a clue how to get past anyone really.

People say anyone could win in that Mercedes but Bottas shows that that simply isn’t true. 

[barryj 1,176]

7 hours ago, Romey 1878 said:

Hamilton showed, once again, that Bottas isn’t in the same league as him. It’s not even close. To finish where he did after that fuck up was incredible really. Meanwhile, Bottas looked lost and didn’t have a clue how to get past anyone really.

People say anyone could win in that Mercedes but Bottas shows that that simply isn’t true. 

They do struggle with overheating behind traffic. Hamilton was able to pick of the worse cars but his drive was still superb and in clean air was lapping seconds quicker than Gasly. Bottas isn’t anywhere near Lewis’ ability. Again lovely to see the red arrows failing in their home GP. 

[Gwlad all over 572]

A really good race for the fans! The pundits seem to think that Red Bull will stick with Albon next season. For me it would be a strange decision if Gasly out performs him this season. But then I can't see why Merc keep Bottas except he is a good and generally compliant team-mate to Hamilton. I guess they have a different driver in mind for 2022 and the new regulations.

Sorry to see the Williams family bow out, great memories of when they were the team to beat!

[MikeO 12,986]

On 06/09/2020 at 16:19, barryj said:

Haven’t enjoyed a Grand Prix like that for a long while. It had it all. 
 

Annoyingly could only listen because we were driving home, then missed everything after the red flag because we stopped of at my brother's place. Recorded it though so will watch this evening, annoying (as a McLaren fan) that Carlos couldn't get the win but clear third in the constructors is not too shabby considering recent years.

[Gwlad all over 572]

Carlos clearly seeing himself in the Schumacher mould ie helping Ferrari to come back. Might be tough seeing the Mclarens perform again next season and Danny Ric must be happy to go there.  Alonso probably well up for a second stint with the Enstone team too.

[Romey 1878 13,624]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/54098516

Sad to see Vettel stay around. It feels very harsh on Perez.

[Romey 1878 13,624]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/54162170

[Zoo 2.0 977]

I will probably awaken the grumpier members on here, but massive congratulations to Lewis Hamilton for equalling Michael Schumacher's record today and being one step away from being the undisputed GOAT. A 7th world title, his 4th in a row. 

A race today that he started from 6th, wasn't expected to win yet found a way to do so anyway - lapping his team-mate in identical machinery.

There won't be another talent like him for a long while and so glad that he wants to stick around to both claim more titles and pioneer the sport into a new era of sustainability and accessibility. Someone who if you take the time to research and listen to is a wonderful role model for the next generation - here's to many more. 

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[Palfy 3,427]

8 minutes ago, Zoo 2.0 said:

I will probably awaken the grumpier members on here, but massive congratulations to Lewis Hamilton for equalling Michael Schumacher's record today and being one step away from being the undisputed GOAT. A 7th world title, his 4th in a row. 

A race today that he started from 6th, wasn't expected to win yet found a way to do so anyway - lapping his team-mate in identical machinery.

There won't be another talent like him for a long while and so glad that he wants to stick around to both claim more titles and pioneer the sport into a new era of sustainability and accessibility. Someone who if you take the time to research and listen to is a wonderful role model for the next generation - here's to many more. 

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

He will go on to win 9 or 10 championships, today should go down as his best win this season quality driving in poor conditions. 
I don’t think we will see anyone coming close to replicating what he has achieved well not in my lifetime anyway, if he was Brazilian they’d treat him like a God. 

[Romey 1878 13,624]

Stonking drive from today. Showed just how much class he has and I enjoyed every moment of watching him go about his business. 

[pete0 2,022]

 

[MikeO 12,986]

Wow, you don't see crashes like that very often these days!

[Hafnia 6,627]

9 minutes ago, MikeO said:

Wow, you don't see crashes like that very often these days!

Just switched over .... Wow.  Scary stuff. How he survived that.  Fireball. 

[Romey 1878 13,624]

5 hours ago, MikeO said:

Wow, you don't see crashes like that very often these days!

Feared the worst when I was watching it and was relieved when they showed he was ok.

[Zoo 2.0 977]

Even with the fireproof gear that they wear I feared the worst, felt genuinely sick and I didn't expect to see Romain walking away from that. The fact that he has suspected broken rib(s) and burns to his hands and feet is an amazing response to what is the worst crash I've seen in the modern era. 

Questions to be asked about the barrier perhaps, and an investigation into what caused the fire and how it could be prevented but a very good outcome to what was a grim start to the race - I couldn't believe it when we got back going again and Kyvat managed to flip Stroll. 

As for the race itself, gutted for Perez DNF'ing so close to the end - another walk in the park for Lewis who didn't look under threat from the first minute. 

[MikeO 12,986]

4 hours ago, Zoo 2.0 said:

Even with the fireproof gear that they wear I feared the worst, felt genuinely sick and I didn't expect to see Romain walking away from that. The fact that he has suspected broken rib(s) and burns to his hands and feet is an amazing response to what is the worst crash I've seen in the modern era. 

Questions to be asked about the barrier perhaps, and an investigation into what caused the fire and how it could be prevented but a very good outcome to what was a grim start to the race - I couldn't believe it when we got back going again and Kyvat managed to flip Stroll. 

As for the race itself, gutted for Perez DNF'ing so close to the end - another walk in the park for Lewis who didn't look under threat from the first minute. 

Was a shame for Perez but as a McLaren fan I got over it

But seriously ridiculous if he doesn't get a seat for next season, replacing him with Vettel is a barking mad decision.

[Romey 1878 13,624]

6 hours ago, Zoo 2.0 said:

Even with the fireproof gear that they wear I feared the worst, felt genuinely sick and I didn't expect to see Romain walking away from that. The fact that he has suspected broken rib(s) and burns to his hands and feet is an amazing response to what is the worst crash I've seen in the modern era. 

Questions to be asked about the barrier perhaps, and an investigation into what caused the fire and how it could be prevented but a very good outcome to what was a grim start to the race - I couldn't believe it when we got back going again and Kyvat managed to flip Stroll. 

As for the race itself, gutted for Perez DNF'ing so close to the end - another walk in the park for Lewis who didn't look under threat from the first minute. 

What caused the fire was that the car was ripped in half right where the fuel tank is.

This accident should put an end to any people still against the halo. Grojean himself has said tonight that he wasn’t a fan of it but he’s changed his mind now. It’s probably responsible for his head still being acquainted with the rest of his body. 

[Zoo 2.0 977]

13 hours ago, MikeO said:

Was a shame for Perez but as a McLaren fan I got over it

But seriously ridiculous if he doesn't get a seat for next season, replacing him with Vettel is a barking mad decision.

I'm aware of the reasons why but the fact that Lance Stroll is guaranteed a seat each season and manages to kick superior drivers out of the sport (Ocon, then Perez) doesn't sit well with me. Sergio has been in excellent form this season and at the very least deserves to retain his seat - the fact that they're swapping him out for Vettel who has been over the hill for years now is insane management.

It's the same up and down the paddock though, Russell was rumoured to be losing his seat with Latifi safe due to his sponsorship deals, it's just ridiculous.

[MikeO 12,986]

George Russell in Hamilton's seat this week-end, will be interesting. He has a bright future I think.

[Romey 1878 13,624]

1 hour ago, MikeO said:

George Russell in Hamilton's seat this week-end, will be interesting. He has a bright future I think.

As long as he doesn’t throw it into the barriers under no pressure again 👀. 

[Gwlad all over 572]

Great chance for Russell, not sure Mercedes reserve drivers Vandoorne and Gutierrez will be feeling that way. Also overlooked at Racing Point when Hulkenberg replaced Perez.

[Zoo 2.0 977]

8 hours ago, MikeO said:

George Russell in Hamilton's seat this week-end, will be interesting. He has a bright future I think.

Excited for this race more than most to be honest, was secretly hoping that it would be George but thought that they would either go with the safe option in Vandoorne, or Williams would refuse to let Russell go. He's got all the makings of a future champion, so calm and collected (apart from that crazy SC incident) and has done a very good job of improving the Williams team from where they were to where they are now (though points don't show for it). 

I thought that they might have let him have the Mercedes car for good in 2021 before Bottas signed on, but a strong race in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi if Lewis can't make it would make very interesting viewing. One can only hope that he takes the opportunity with both hands. A top 5 quali/finish would be a good weekend IMO, it's not out of the question that Bottas under a considerable amount of pressure now to be the top dog finishes below him which would make his secure seat next season questionable. 

[Gwlad all over 572]

Still don't understand why Merc retained Bottas. No denying his ability but can't push, will always be second fiddle. How much influence does LH have for second driver?

[Zoo 2.0 977]

11 hours ago, Gwlad all over said:

Still don't understand why Merc retained Bottas. No denying his ability but can't push, will always be second fiddle. How much influence does LH have for second driver?

Pretty sure I saw somewhere (and can believe) that it's written into Lewis' contract that he has a say on who lines up with him. I'm pretty sure that it was in Vettel's contract at Ferrari too, as there was talk of him being involved in discussions when Kimi left from Sauber. 

To be honest the Bottas scenario is an understandable, if uninspiring one from Mercedes POV. He's basically always going to be 2nd or 3rd, getting the points needed to both mop up the Constructers points and keep the likes of Red Bull (and Ferrari last year) at bay. He's not going to rock the boat, preventing a ''Rosberg'' scenario which Toto Wolff has confirmed they were really keen to avoid. 

In a nutshell, Bottas is more than good enough to consistently get the points needed to supplement Lewis winning every weekend yet isn't a big enough name to challenge behind closed doors and cause a bad atmosphere. It keeps Hamilton happy too because he has one less car to contend with and quite literally has a wingman where needed - as much as I love Lewis there's absolutely no way that Mercedes will allow him to lose a 7th or 8th title to Valtierri, team orders will come into play like they did in Russia a few years back to ensure that it doesn't happen, if Bottas ever managed to get that close of course.

[MikeO 12,986]

First practice, track layout different to anything used before. Carlos Sainz on team radio, "I turn left here, right?"

[Romey 1878 13,624]

3 minutes ago, MikeO said:

First practice, track layout different to anything used before. Carlos Sainz on team radio, "I turn left here, right?"

It seems a really shit layout, like there's absolutely nothing to it.

[MikeO 12,986]

3 minutes ago, Romey 1878 said:

It seems a really shit layout, like there's absolutely nothing to it.

Looks like something you build with Scalextric when you don't have much track.

[Romey 1878 13,624]

Russell showing what he's made of so far. I hope he keeps it up and makes Mercedes sit up and take notice.

With any luck Ocon will get his act together at Renault next season and show Mercedes they don't need to go with the safe option of Bottas.

[MikeO 12,986]

2 hours ago, Romey 1878 said:

Russell showing what he's made of so far. I hope he keeps it up and makes Mercedes sit up and take notice.

Fastest in P2 as well

[Gwlad all over 572]

No denying George is a good driver but just shows how that Merc is untouchable.

[MikeO 12,986]

1 hour ago, Gwlad all over said:

No denying George is a good driver but just shows how that Merc is untouchable.

Except for when Bottas is driving it.

[Gwlad all over 572]

I meant those Brackley Mercedes, including VB.

[MikeO 12,986]

So close

[Romey 1878 13,624]

1 hour ago, MikeO said:

So close

If this is his audition for a Mercedes seat then he should have it pretty much in the bag. Bottas should be embarrassed that he got that close - Russell hadn’t driven this car before yesterday, he’s too big for the seat and he’s having to wear a size too small boot to fit. 

[Romey 1878 13,624]

Perfect start to this race - Russell leads and the gobshite Verstappen is out on the first lap. 

[MikeO 12,986]

42 minutes ago, Romey 1878 said:

Perfect start to this race - Russell leads and the gobshite Verstappen is out on the first lap. 

Schooling Bottas at the mo after pit-stops, whatever happens now (eg mechanical failure) he's made the point. 

Bottas needs binning, but he has a contract and his presence suits Hamilton so he won't be.

[MikeO 12,986]

Ah fuck.

[MikeO 12,986]

15 minutes ago, MikeO said:

Ah fuck.

Ah fuck some more

[Romey 1878 13,624]

Devastated for Russell with Mercedes ruining that for him with their impression of being amateurs.

Still managed to get his first points which he more than deserved, and even though he ended up finishing behind Bottas he still showed him up big time and it should have sealed his future seat with Mercedes.

Pleased for Perez though, he seriously deserves this and he’s got to replace Albon. 

[Palfy 3,427]

If I didn’t know better my cynical side would say has Lewis and the car been protected in some bazaar way, to prove that it’s drivability as well as the car that keeps them at the top, because they don’t want it proven that anyone could win in that car🤷‍♂️

[Romey 1878 13,624]

2 hours ago, Palfy said:

If I didn’t know better my cynical side would say has Lewis and the car been protected in some bazaar way, to prove that it’s drivability as well as the car that keeps them at the top, because they don’t want it proven that anyone could win in that car🤷‍♂️

They’ve got Bottas to prove that. 

[Gwlad all over 572]

Had to avoid the result as out on Sunday and didn't watch the race till yesterday.

Happy to see Perez win and that little tosser Stroll didn't even mention his win till much later in the post race interview.

Shame that Russell didn't have his fairy tale but his time will come, vividly shows that anyone can drive the Merc, notwithstanding his obvious talent. Bottas was shamed but agree that no way will Hamilton entertain Russell as a team-mate as he needs a poodle.

[Bailey 4,969]

I think Hamilton would happily race anyone. I don't see him as the diva that Vettel is for instance.