2021 F1 Thread.

[Andyg]

I thought it might be worth starting this thread as the season will hopefully will start again in March, and which is shaping up be a belter.

Alonso joining Alpine (under new management), alongside Ocon
Vettel to Aston Martin (Tracing Point 2.0) alongside Stroll (Sr and Jnr) - a new start for Seb
Danny to McLaren along side Norris - now with Mercedes power
Sainz to Ferrari alongside LeClerc - should be spicy
Perez to Redbull alongside Max - should be very spicy.
Mick Jnr joining Haas alongside someone, nobody really cares about
Tsunoda joining Alphatori alongside Gasly
No change at Alfa - Kimi remains (which surprised me to be honest)
No change (currently) at Williams - but under new management.

and finally Hamilton alongside Bottas (or perhaps Russell at some point), or will it be Bottas and Russell given that Hamilton still hasn’t officially signed a contract yet.

All of which should create some very interesting inter team dynamics as well as interesting battles between teams. Perhaps the most interesting will be Mercedes Vs Redbull vs Aston Martin vs McLaren (if they have been able to fit the new PU, although I don’t expect them to be in the frame until mid season) and Ferrari. Plus AT vs Renault and hopefully Williams (yep I think we will see a big improvement this season). I don’t see Alfa and Haas doing much to be honest, but happy to be surprised.

No idea who will win the WCC and WDC, however Hamilton and Mercedes are mostly favourites given the small number of changes to regs this year and having the most stable team set up, but Mercedes will be without DAS so that levels the playing field a bit. That said, Ferrari cannot be worse than 2020, plus Aston Martin, Redbull and McLaren have stronger teams than last year.

The real wildcard in all of this is Renault. The PU is good enough (just), but will Alonso have the X Factor. He has the speed, skill and ego, but he also the attitude.

Anywhoo fingers crossed all the races take place (just a shame that Turkey isn’t currently on the list), and WE can avoid the personal attacks and nasty comments directed at members and or drivers/teams. Nasty comments towards Tilke tracks, the FIA and Liberty are of course welcome

Enjoy the season.

Revised F1 2021 calendar
March 28 - Bahrain (Sakhir)
April 18 - Italy (Imola)*
May 2 - TBC (TBC)
May 9 - Spain (Barcelona)
May 23 - Monaco (Monaco)
June 6 - Azerbaijan (Baku)
June 13 - Canada (Montreal)
June 27 - France (Le Castellet)
July 4 - Austria (Spielberg)
July 18 - United Kingdom (Silverstone)
August 1 - Hungary (Budapest)
August 29 - Belgium (Spa)
September 5 - Netherlands (Zandvoort)
September 12 - Italy (Monza)
September 26 - Russia (Sochi)
October 3 - Singapore (Singapore)
October 10 - Japan (Suzuka)
October 24 - USA (Austin)
October 31 - Mexico (Mexico City)
November 7 - Brazil (Sao Paulo)
November 21 - Australia (Melbourne)*
December 5 - Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)**
December 12 - Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi)

[mr noble]

What is the situation with Hamilton, currently?

Is he still being a demanding child and risking Toto telling him to sod off, or is it all just for the PR and media?




ETA - I’d love to see Russel get a Merc drive, but that would be fantastic if it was Russ/Ham and not Russ/Bott. Not going to happen though, is it?

[ViperStripes]

Can this thread remain free of criticising / discussing Hamilton’s off track character. It’s boring to read and frankly painful and drags on and on.

If you want to discuss Hamiltons life and character start a new thread.

[tommyzzj]

What's happening to Seb seriously?

[Andyg]

What is the situation with Hamilton, currently?

Is he still being a demanding child and risking Toto telling him to sod off, or is it all just for the PR and media?

ETA - I’d love to see Russel get a Merc drive, but that would be fantastic if it was Russ/Ham and not Russ/Bott. Not going to happen though, is it?

Not sure I understand this. First you are asking about the situation, then you are telling us he is a demanding child and risking being told to sod off - what is it?

Actually I imagine it’s like most contractual negotiations, nobody knows except those involved.

Current speculation (depend on the media source) includes.

The deal is already done and Hamilton/Mercedes are just living the head of other teams/media/fans for free.
Hamilton wants a 1 year contract - Mercedes wants a 4 year contract - or visa versa.
Hamilton wants the car livery to remain black rather than 3rd Reich Silver - or visa versa
Hamilton wants a zillion dollars a week Vs Mercedes wants Hamilton to pay them to drive their car.
Hamilton wants more access to his image rights Vs Mercedes wants to pimp him out.

Personally I think the deal was done pretty much as soon as Wolff signed his contract. A bit more money, more control on his imagine rights, perhaps a reduction in corporate hospitality activities and a future role within Mercedes once he retires from driving. But one actually knows outside the discussion.

[Macca]

Very much expect it to be a contest for
2nd behind Hamilton but it’s going to be a bit spicy as you put it for sure, Ferrari will be interesting, if they can sort the car out they have a great driver pairing.
Red bull with checo and max also very strong and competitive so here’s hoping for a good season and some more different race winners


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[tommyzzj]

Another great drive by Lewis... was hoping for more actions but he was ruthless

[Andyg]

Another great drive by Lewis... was hoping for more actions but he was ruthless

Totally agreed. His pass on Bottas was sublime.

[Andyg]

Well that was good. Hamilton was once again the class of the field.

Max drove very well but will be kicking himself for missing out on fastest lap (he seem to have a problem with track limits 😂🤣), as for Bottas, he really never fails to underwhelm. He has a very fast car, he has the talent, but struggles every time he get overtaken and simply cannot react. Hamilton and Max, both love to chase down other cars, but with Bottas it’s as if he goes into sulk mode. He really should have put Max under more pressure than he did.

Other notables Lando (very solid) Ocon, who did very well and, as much as it pains me, Alonso, who drove very well in the last 3rd of the race.

Boring Barcelona next week, but it should be a good tussle between RBR and Mercedes. The problem for RBR is that Mercedes are looking very good again following their initial i issues.

[tommyzzj]

so is George Russel to Mercedes happening..?

[Andyg]

so is George Russel to Mercedes happening..?

i think it will, but it’s unlikely to happen before the end of the season (unless Bottas really checks out). My guess would be Bottas back to Williams on a free transfer (with Mercedes paying his wages) and Russell to Mercedes for the new 2022 season along side Hamilton.

But I imagine only Toto, Lewis and few close to the seat of power know for certain. Ocon is no longer an option as he had resigned for Alpine.

[Macca]

Oh and I’d really like to see Turkey have a race again, I always liked Istanbul park and an incident packed race this time so would be a welcome return


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[Nev]

Will be interesting to see what the close season holds in store for cockwomble, I hope he re signs with Merc but at demands within reason. Think Russell has made his place of negotiation less than favourable. Personally? would bin Bottas, blood Russell and allow CW a run at an historical season so long as he gets his demands in order, if for no other reason that to put Alonso deep inside his box, not a fan, never have been, never will be. A good driver? absolutely. All i can say is, you reap what you sow and what goes around comes around. Cheated his way to a championship, an extremely political animal and to date has got what he deserves. Doesn't make him any less talented but can't see Ocon troubling him this season especially if he has his number 1 status written in to his contract..............as usual.

Merc - Hopefully CW re signs, if not would love to see Russell get the drive and see the start of the Max / Charles / George rivalry of the next decade start. Bottas a spent force, only a matter of time before he heads to Indycar.

Red Bull - seriously hope Perez is allowed to, and has the talent to, put some manners on that arrogant twat "its never my fault" Verstappen. I believe he has and think this will be a defining season for one of the two. I really look forward to seeing how that pans out although i will say Chico is on the back foot from the get go given the one eyed wonders god worship of Max. Personally think that Le Clerc is the more talented on the duo that is Max / Charles from their history through the lower series, but he needs the car under him to show this and can Ferrari deliver? seriously doubt it but would be good to see.

Ferrari - for me the next decade will be the Le Clerc / Max / George Russell show assuming all get decent race seats, in this case Ferrari can deliver a decent race car. Personally think Sainz is one of the most underrated drivers on the grid, however he will end up as (hopefully) a good number 2 to the talent that is Le Clerc. Will push him but inevitably be Ferraris number 2.

McLaren - please God with Merc power Danny Ric gets the opportunity to shine, although i do think he will go down in history as having made the wrong choices, should really have stayed with Renault (Alpine) and did a number on Alonso to show his worth. Norris is an exceptional talent and it will be nip and tuck between DR and Lando all season, one i am really looking forward to seeing.

Aston Martin - Stroll senior says he is there to win WC's, well to do that you need to bin both drivers and recruit some talent. Vettel past it, not that I'm convinced he ever had it other than in a seriously superior machine and from out in front, and Stroll Jnr well god bless him he never had and will never have it, may as well build a wide bodied version of the car and put this fat 53yr old in it.

Alpha Tauri - Really looking forward to see how Gasly steps up this year, one of my drivers of the 2020 season. TBH I expected more from him at RB but the Max syndrome i think swallowed him up, good to see his talent come through in 2020. Look forward to seeing him progress in 2021 and expect to see him at Alpine from 2022 on.

Alpine - return of the ego, will no doubt prove better than Ocon by fair means or fowl, a solid 5th maybe as a team pushing 4th but i hope not. Want Lando and DR to kick their collective arses.

Haas - who really cares, nothing other than kindergarten for Mick to see if he can step up. Seriously hoping that they see the error of their ways and get that russian plank out of the car before he causes them some more serious PR issues or his father shoots someone.

Alfa - I love Kimi, balls out racer always was always will be but spent, retire. The other one whoever he is just less than average, other racing series await.

Williams - please god Russell gets a Merc seat, other than that nothing to see here.

[jwillans]

Looking forward to the season ahead - hopefully with a McLaren resurgence and some close battles across the field.

[rdesouza]

My company just announced the sponsorship of Aston Martin. Exciting stuff.

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[Andyg]

My company just announced the sponsorship of Aston Martin. Exciting stuff.

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Cool, back in the day when HP sponsored Williams, factory visits and passes for some GP’s were included.

[Andyg]

I found this today on Reddit and found it rather interesting.

https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/comments/51sn70/interesting_read_on_how_schumis_first_retirement/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioss mf

[ziphos]

According to Sky News, Lewis has signed a 1 year contract with Mercedes. Strange it's such a short deal, he has always had multi year deals in the past.

[Steve27752]

According to Sky News, Lewis has signed a 1 year contract with Mercedes. Strange it's such a short deal, he has always had multi year deals in the past.

That's not good news, I wanted George in the seat, oh well never mind. Probably one year owing to the change of regs for 2022

[Andyg]

According to Sky News, Lewis has signed a 1 year contract with Mercedes. Strange it's such a short deal, he has always had multi year deals in the past.

If you watch the Sky F1 video, it gives a pretty good explanation as why it’s only one year.

[Macca]

I’ve a feeling Lewis will go for the 8th title and call it a day to be honest, look for a new challenge


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[Andyg]

I’ve a feeling Lewis will go for the 8th title and call it a day to be honest, look for a new challenge


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Hmm, I am not so sure. He will be only 37, and Kimi is still driving at 42 (and Hamilton keeps himself in way better shape than Kimi ) . Plus he just watched Tom Brady win his 7th Super Bowl at 43. Legend!

Also his entire life is racing single seaters. It pretty much all he knows. I think he will only go when he feels he cannot deliver on track and thats not now. He will also want to test himself under the new regs. If he goes before 2022, then people will question his previous titles and say he was afraid to drive under the new regs, which Hamilton will not enjoy.

So my view is that he will be sat in Mercedes 44 in 2022, however the big question will be who is sitting next to him. Bottas or Russell?

[Macca]

Hmm, I am not so sure. He will be only 37, and Kimi is still driving at 42 (and Hamilton keeps himself in way better shape than Kimi ) . Plus he just watched Tom Brady win his 7th Super Bowl at 43. Legend!

Also his entire life is racing single seaters. It pretty much all he knows. I think he will only go when he feels he cannot deliver on track and thats not now. He will also want to test himself under the new regs. If he goes before 2022, then people will question his previous titles and say he was afraid to drive under the new regs, which Hamilton will not enjoy.

So my view is that he will be sat in Mercedes 44 in 2022, however the big question will be who is sitting next to him. Bottas or Russell?

There is weight to that theory too, I just have a feeling a big money deal for something else will come along or he will throw it all into electric motorsport

Would love to see George or Lando in a Mercedes .. or both!


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[snowman]

There is weight to that theory too, I just have a feeling a big money deal for something else will come along or he will throw it all into electric motorsport

Surely he's already done that and moved on?



M

[Andyg]

I saw an interesting article which suggested that one of the penalties given to Ferrari for their “engine indiscretions” was a reduction in the amount of fuel they were allowed to use during 2020.

This came from Mika Salo “https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrar...ating-scandal/

Hopefully now that the penalty has been served, and the new regs are in, we will see them improving.

[Macca]

Surely he's already done that and moved on?



M

Ha very good I’d completely forgotten about this, I remember seeing it and wanting a nitro buggy myself, these aren’t the electric variants I used to race


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[jaytip]

Hmm, I am not so sure. He will be only 37, and Kimi is still driving at 42 (and Hamilton keeps himself in way better shape than Kimi ) . Plus he just watched Tom Brady win his 7th Super Bowl at 43. Legend!

Also his entire life is racing single seaters. It pretty much all he knows. I think he will only go when he feels he cannot deliver on track and thats not now. He will also want to test himself under the new regs. If he goes before 2022, then people will question his previous titles and say he was afraid to drive under the new regs, which Hamilton will not enjoy.

So my view is that he will be sat in Mercedes 44 in 2022, however the big question will be who is sitting next to him. Bottas or Russell?

It’s not pretty much all he knows though is it. In fact I’d say away from racing he has more going on than any other F1 driver.
He loves his music, he loves fashion, he loves social media.
Lewis is pretty busy when he’s not doing F1 stuff.
I think if he wins the title again this year, the only thing that will keep him in F1 after that would be getting the contract HE wants.
Do you really think a seven time world champion who wants to stay in the sport for a number of years would be happy with a one year contract?
We’ll never know but I believe Lewis was told “this is the contract on offer, take it or leave it” and he took it because it gives him the opportunity to beat Schumacher and not just tie with him for world titles.

[tommyzzj]

quite impressive that Bottas hasn't caught up with Leclerc yet... Ferrari's found some pace it seems?

[Andyg]

Great start by Max, how he managed to miss Hamilton was a testament to the skill of both drivers. That said Hamilton is old enough to know to don’t win a GP on the first corner, and so it proved again today.

Cracking drive from Max, but simply out classed by Hamilton (and the Mercedes). The Mediums were always going to be good on Mercedes, but catching Max at over 1.5sec a lap, was most impressive.

That said, I think Toto will be having words with Bottas. WTF! Managed to butcher the start, lost a place to LeClerc (who had a great race), who he couldn’t overtake, failed to stay within touch with Max, then seemed to make Hamilton overtake him (despite being on a different strategy and despite being told to by the team), then having put on fresh tyres he then failed to secure fastest lap. Not impressive. Toto will not be happy, and if he carries on like this he could be viewed as a liability, which is a shame, because he has pace, but lacks mental strength (IMHO.

Anywhoo a great result for Hamilton, who once again wins a race by actually overtaking someone on track.

[Guido-K]

I think Mercedes have been shrewd here; I’m positive that Russel will join in 2022; question is, will it be Hamilton, Bottas or A.N Other that’s his team mate (I’d love to see Lando and George, both at Mercedes).

[subseastu]

I think Mercedes have been shrewd here; I’m positive that Russel will join in 2022; question is, will it be Hamilton, Bottas or A.N Other that’s his team mate (I’d love to see Lando and George, both at Mercedes).

It would be great to see those two racing in the same team

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[Merod]

I really want to see 'primary' drivers challenged, or ideally embarrassed, by the 'secondary'.

Not to be nasty but just for a bit of spice, e.g.

checo > verstappen,
sainz > leclerc,
ricciardo > norris (okay, 'primary' is a bit of a stretch in this example - but let's go with experienced), and

..... pray for it (for the giggles - not because I'm a LH hater) ....

russell > hamilton (even though it would take a broken leg by a certain Finn, nothing too nasty - natch)

[tommyzzj]

what a start by Max..

[Macca]

Agree with a lot of what you said there Andy, slightly feel for Sergio though, having to reset the car on the formation lap arguably put him more on the back foot than tyres from the off, too recovery really all things considered

Max / Lewis close and battling, and seeing Lando and Leclerc back on the pace would suggest that we have a good season ahead

Alonso worked a minor miracle with that car, he really is a fantastic driver even if he is a bit silly at times and sulks!


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[Andyg]

A very interesting P1 and P2 today. The RedBull continue to impress speed wise, but the Perez accident and Max getting shafted (literally) most likely spoilt Horner’s supper. Excellent showing by Gasly who is starting to look the real deal in the AT along with Yuki. Ferrari turnaround is also looking very promising, but Charles needs to stop putting his car in the wall. Williams also looked quite good (for them) and hopefully they can get a driver into Q2. Giovinazzi is looking pretty handy as well, especially compared with Kimi, who seems to have checked out

Less impressive were Alpine, Aston Martin and McLaren, but I imagine there focus remains on 2022. Haas must be calculating the cost of the damage Mazepin does to his cars, vs the amount of money they get from his dad. You spin me right round baby, right round.

Finally we have Mercedes. Looks as if Lewis took a $10m salary cut, so is now earning only $5m more than Max. The reason given was that he felt bad because of the salary cuts and redundancies suffered within the rest of team. I believe him, but others wouldn’t. In terms of practice, Mercedes proved again that form is temporary, but class is permanent, with Bottas setting best times in P1 and P2, with Hamilton being second but a few 100th’s. Admittedly Max’s P2 session was curtailed early, but that’s not really Mercedes problem.

Qualifying should be quite a close affair with Mercedes, Ferrari, RedBull and AT all being in the mix.

[Andyg]

Well qualifying was interesting. Not so much Hamilton beating Bottas (his days are numbered), but Sergio beating Max.

Lando showed so real pace, but still managed to finish behind Danny. LeClerc marked a return to form for Ferrari, but Carlos was poor. Ocon showed pace, and hammered Alonso. Stroll panted Vettel. Good performance by Williams who are slowly getting better.

It’s raining and all about to kick off. Very exciting.

[Skier]

Every time the camera shows Toto Wolf his mask is below his nose in this race and all previous from this and last season. Clearly he's arrogant enough to believe that the rules don't apply to him as he's obviously not stupid. Someone really should have a word.

[Tatters]

Every time the camera shows Toto Wolf his mask is below his nose in this race and all previous from this and last season. Clearly he's arrogant enough to believe that the rules don't apply to him as he's obviously not stupid. Someone really should have a word.

In his defence, he has got quite a big hooter.

With all the millions they spend on engineering, they are still struggling to find masks that will stay up, especially when talking. Most of the driver's masks seem to be working OK this year. Steve Jones on C4 commentary is a serial offender. Yesterday DC had given up on the official black masks everyone else was using and gone back to the standard issue "NHS" light blue masks all of us other mortals wear.

[Guido-K]

Great opening 2-races.
I hope the the rest of the season is as entertaining.

[tommyzzj]

really enjoyed the race... Hamilton got somewhat lucky with that red flag - but did well (as usual) afterward. great to see Ferrari showing some pace

[jwillans]

really enjoyed the race... Hamilton got somewhat lucky with that red flag - but did well (as usual) afterward. great to see Ferrari showing some pace

.. and McLaren challenging near the front.

[Andyg]

Max wins a race by 25secs - “this is the sort of racing we want to see” 😂

But neither the less a great race, but I feel shortchanged because we didn’t see Max and Lewis actually battle on track, other than the first lap (a very aggressive move by Max forcing Lewis off track, but first lap and it is racing after all, but we can image the reaction from Max fans if Hamilton did it to him. Personally I cannot help thinking he would have had Max on slicks, (he was closing very quickly before his off, but we will never know because of his error). A great and exciting recovery by Lewis all the same. Plus I get the impression Hamilton really enjoyed his race and the competition.

Other points worthy of note. Great drive by Lando, even if he did get the benefit of team orders. I imagine Danny will be a little p/ssed off.

Great work by the Ferrari boys, but as Lando and Hamilton demonstrated, they still have a lot of work to do.

Regarding the Bottas and Russell incident - I thought it was Russell’s fault. True that Bottas moved but it was very slight and Russell was the one who dropped it on the grass. Hopefully George will learn from it.

The biggest losers today however were Sergio (a very disappointing race following excellent qualifying) and Bottas, who had a absolutely awful weekend other than his practice. So failed on Saturday and Sunday. I have little doubt that Toto is starting to think about alternatives which might include Lando - who might be a great fit for Mercedes. As for Vettel, Kimi and Alonso - meh!

[Tatters]

Regarding the Bottas and Russell incident - I thought it was Russell’s fault. True that Bottas moved but it was very slight and Russell was the one who dropped it on the grass. Hopefully George will learn from it.

Regardless of who was a fault (and I think it was Russell), his behaviour afterwards (slapping Bottas' helmet, and throwing a tantrum) was inexcusable. I hope Toto gives him a dressing down, and talks some sense into him. Toto needs to pinch this in the bud, and to get Russell to accept a) he was in the wrong, b) he needs to reign-in his temper.

[Andyg]

Regardless of who was a fault (and I think it was Russell), his behaviour afterwards (slapping Bottas' helmet, and throwing a tantrum) was inexcusable. I hope Toto gives him a dressing down, and talks some sense into him. Toto needs to pinch this in the bud, and to get Russell to accept a) he was in the wrong, b) he needs to reign-in his temper.

i have no idea what was said, but I agree with you. The last thing we need is a replace of Schumy and DC having handbags.

[Andyg]

really enjoyed the race... Hamilton got somewhat lucky with that red flag - but did well (as usual) afterward. great to see Ferrari showing some pace

He was very lucky, but he still had to chase down and pass 7 other cars to get his podium. There are very few other drivers that could have done that.

[jaytip]

Max didn’t force Lewis off the track at all. Max was ahead of Lewis, Lewis tried coming around the outside of the left hander and didn’t leave himself enough room to make the right hand turn because he was going to fast. Had he slowed down, Max would have remained ahead of him anyway. Max simply took the racing line which he was entitled to do as he was in the lead.

[Andyg]

Max didn’t force Lewis off the track at all. Max was ahead of Lewis, Lewis tried coming around the outside of the left hander and didn’t leave himself enough room to make the right hand turn because he was going to fast. Had he slowed down, Max would have remained ahead of him anyway. Max simply took the racing line which he was entitled to do as he was in the lead.

If you can find it, there is an overhead view of the incident. Max is not ahead, he is level (which is why their front wheels touch - if he had been ahead then this would be an impossibility), Max runs wide to the edge of the track. Hamilton is now on the outside and because two cars cannot occupy the same space (something that Bottas and Russell proved) he has to run wide. Max did not leave a car width, but it’s a tight corner.

It’s a first lap racing incident so no need to get stressed, but don’t kid yourself it didn’t happen.

[Andyg]

Max didn’t force Lewis off the track at all. Max was ahead of Lewis, Lewis tried coming around the outside of the left hander and didn’t leave himself enough room to make the right hand turn because he was going to fast. Had he slowed down, Max would have remained ahead of him anyway. Max simply took the racing line which he was entitled to do as he was in the lead.

According to Rosberg yesterday (on Sky), he thought that Max punted Hamilton off the track at the first corner in Imola and that he doubted Lewis would let it happen again. But then what does he know.

[reggie747]

According to Rosberg yesterday (on Sky), he thought that Max punted Hamilton off the track at the first corner in Imola and that he doubted Lewis would let it happen again. But then what does he know.

Irrespective of Rosbergs opinion on the matter, do you have your own ?

[Andyg]

Irrespective of Rosbergs opinion on the matter, do you have your own ?

Personally I thought the same, which is why I said as much in #37.

But it was the first corner and I think the stewards allows drivers “to get their elbows out”, hence they noted it, rather than penalised it. However as Nico said, I very much doubt Hamilton will be quite as “compliant” next time.