2021 F1 Thread.

[RichS]

Regarding Russell’s conduct after the incident; to be fair he had just got out of a 190mph shunt where he thought (erroneously) that Bottas had squeezed him off the track. I would suggest that adrenaline was flowing. It certainly wasn’t a Schumacher hunting down Coulthard or Verstappen on Ocon. 5/10 at best for Russell v Bottas. :)
Looking forward to this weekend. Will show whether Mercedes are getting on top of things, or if Verstappen has a consistent challenger underneath him.


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[Andyg]

I read something today suggesting that the top teams had already recovered the down force lost as a result of the changes to the floor, although the times didn’t reflect that. Currently 2 secs slower than last year. If Pole position is around 1.16.8, then that might be the case, but times today were a couple of seconds slower.

Mercedes and RedBull seem to have been joined by Ferrari and Alpine. Stroll looks pretty handy in the AM, but the McLaren were less impressive. Not a good day for Vettel or Perez, but it’s only practice today so hopefully they will have more to offer tomorrow.

I love this track and really hope we have a race worthy of it.

[tommyzzj]

What's happening to Seb seriously?

[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.

[dkpw]

Echo. Echo. Echo. Echoooooooo...

[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.

[Andyg]

On to Barcelona (which is not a great track in my book) but has delivered some drama in the past. Specifically 2016 when Rosberg and Hamilton crashed out handing a young Max his first win. Amazing to think that was 5 years ago,

Since then it’s been a bit of a dog and pony show, with Hamilton wining every race since, with Max and Bottas sharing the podium in the last two seasons - who wouldn’t bet against that happening again.

RedBull will be up against it, based on the aero improvements Mercedes have made since Race 1, (going purely on the straight line speed it has over the RBR in Portugal), which was impressive. But RBR continues to have the edge in twisties, which should suit them in sector 2 - assuming they stay on the track. So it should be close, but Hamilton seems to be on a different level at the moments especially his racing IQ.

Pretty sure that McLaren will be best of the rest, but Danny needs to step up. Alpine are also looking good and I expect Alonso to make maximum effort in front of his home fans, plus will be looking to beat/dominate Ocon, partly to justify his salary.

I expect Ferrari and Aston Martin to continue to struggle.

[Andyg]

Well, an exciting and entertaining qualifying session. I am starting to enjoy this as much as the actual race. High drama and nothing really settled until the last few seconds.

Firstly congratulations to Hamilton for securing his 100th Pole. Not too shabby given he has only 269 actual starts.

Personally I thought that Max would beat him. He was super quick in Q1, he was massively quick in Q2 on the mediums, where Hamilton was finished 3rd and had go again just to make sure. That said, Sky suspected that Hamilton might have taking it easy because these will be the tires he races on tomorrow. In Q3 (on softs) Hamilton put in a sublime lap, which Max couldn’t quite match. Their second runs were a bit of a non-event because neither Max nor Hamilton could improve. Perhaps because Max decided to go behind Bottas who seem very slow (perhaps on purpose).

Bottas put in a creditable performance to get 3rd, edging out LeClerc, who also looked pretty good. Ocon was 5th, demonstrating once again what a talent he is (and most likely pis*ing off Alonso who could only manage 10th). Perhaps the biggest disappointment was Perez who managed to spin, wrecked a set of tires and was down in 8th. Perhaps he wasn’t the miracle RedBull was hoping for.

Mclaren finished 7th (RD) and 9th (LN) with the Ferrari of Sainz taking 6th.

Tyre management will be the order of the day tomorrow, especially if it’s a one stop race. But should be pretty close between the front 3. The question however remains what impact Perez will have on the WCC.

The battle between Ferrari, Alpine and McLaren should be pretty close as well.

[awright101]

Looking forward to the race tomorrow. It was mentioned there is a long run to the first corner so should be interesting

[Andyg]

Looking forward to the race tomorrow. It was mentioned there is a long run to the first corner so should be interesting

Indeed. It’s a tricky one for Max being on the inside at the first corner of the complex. If he try’s to “send it”, he is more than likely to simply collect Lewis, or he simply out brakes himself and misses the corner. A better move might be to yield the corner, but make sure he blocks Bottas, who might himself decide to send one up the inside. To finish finish, first you have to finish.

Max is very much the meat the Mercedes sandwich. That said it was the straight after the complex that caused the problem in 2016.

The first lap should be spicy, but I feel the race will be settled by tyre strategies and possibly safety cars/good fortune.

[dkpw]

Andy's echo chamber. Echo. Echo.

[tommyzzj]

what a start by Max..

[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.

[Andyg]

Andy's echo chamber. Echo. Echo.

Echo. Echo. Echo. Echoooooooo...

Shouldn’t that be your echo chamber. But if you don’t want to partake, why post. Pointless.

[awright101]

Thanks Andy, I was listening on the radio and it sounded exciting towards the end. Looking forward to seeing the highlights later and the interviews

[Papa Hotel]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/57126721

Go on Romain! Well done chap.

[MalaMD]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/57126721

Go on Romain! Well done chap.

Definitely, what a great comeback.

[Andyg]

It’s Monaco weekend and the circus is in town, and although I hate the track, you cannot question it’s history and importance in F1 and motor racing history. It’s amazing to think that Chiron came 3rd in his Bugatti at the ripe old age of 51, or that Senna won it 6 times. The true King of Monaco.

Actually this year looks as if it could be a cracker. We have Hamilton’s Mercedes, fresh from back to back wins in Spain and Portugal. We have Max with back to back runner up places and very racey, although it will be interesting to see what the FIA do (if anything) about bendy wings, plus we have a resurgent Ferrari, driven by the local boy LeClerc. Who I mention because the Ferrari performed well in sector 3 in Spain which is a good sign of improved handling, if not power. Throw in Lando/Danny, Bottas and Sergio both who needs to up their game, Alonso (twice a winner), Vettel (twice a winner) and the young guns like Ocon and Stroll, then it could get rather spicy.

Tyres will be critical and Pirelli are offering C5 (the softest they make), C4 and the hardest option is C3 (which was the softest option in Spain), all of which looks like it might favour RBR, who were super quick on the C3 in Spain. A one stop strategy seems the best option, however given the nature of the track and safety cars it could easily become a 2 or 3 stopper.

If it’s anything like 2019, with Hamilton and Max banging wheels at the Chicane , then it should be very entertaining. Hopefully no one will end up in the harbour.

[Andyg]

Well what a disappointment.

Firstly it was just a shame that LeClerc wasn’t able to start the race, secondly what a shame that the only person who might have have been able to pressure Max had a pit lane disaster. Thirdly what a shame that Monaco is such a pointless event, which failed to yield a single on track overtake, and more surprisingly failed to give us a single safety car. Even Mazepin managed to keep it between the Armco.

On the upside. A very mature performance by Max. Fortunately to inherit pole, but didn’t disappoint. Great performance by Carlos, who inherited second and didn’t disappoint. Super drive by Lando, who inherited 3rd place and didn’t disappoint. The stand out however for me was Vettel. Yes he was fortunate to get up to 5th during the pit stops, but a 5th is worthy of note.


Anywhoo, thank god thats over, and so on the Baku, which is a proper street circuit.

[EBB21]

I'm sure it's better if you watch at the track, but compared with the brilliant races we've seen so far, Monaco was dull on the track. Respect the history and past races, when cars were different, but it's time something was done. What about demolishing some of Monaco and creating, at least, a decent straight and one wide, fast corner.

[tommyzzj]

Well what a disappointment.

Firstly it was just a shame that LeClerc wasn’t able to start the race, secondly what a shame that the only person who might have have been able to pressure Max had a pit lane disaster. Thirdly what a shame that Monaco is such a pointless event, which failed to yield a single on track overtake, and more surprisingly failed to give us a single safety car. Even Mazepin managed to keep it between the Armco.

On the upside. A very mature performance by Max. Fortunately to inherit pole, but didn’t disappoint. Great performance by Carlos, who inherited second and didn’t disappoint. Super drive by Lando, who inherited 3rd place and didn’t disappoint. The stand out however for me was Vettel. Yes he was fortunate to get up to 5th during the pit stops, but a 5th is worthy of note.


Anywhoo, thank god thats over, and so on the Baku, which is a proper street circuit.

heartbroken for Charles... he's genuinely so unlucky around Monaco. Good to see 3 different teams on the podium however

[Andyg]

I'm sure it's better if you watch at the track, but compared with the brilliant races we've seen so far, Monaco was dull on the track. Respect the history and past races, when cars were different, but it's time something was done. What about demolishing some of Monaco and creating, at least, a decent straight and one wide, fast corner.

Its has some of the most expensive real estate in the world so demolishing parts of the town to build a road might be a bit expensive . What some other countries might do would be build a massive artificial extension stretching out to sea, but again it would be expensive, plus it would destroy the history.

A better (and cheaper option) would be to ban the use of the front and rear spoilers - give it a more 60’s style and run it over a 100 laps like they did in the old days. Or simply allow it to go the same way as Brooklands.

[Andyg]

heartbroken for Charles... he's genuinely so unlucky around Monaco. Good to see 3 different teams on the podium however

Two others - RBR have been on the podium for every race this season (so far).

[Tatters]

Its has some of the most expensive real estate in the world so demolishing parts of the town to build a road might be a bit expensive . What some other countries might do would be build a massive artificial extension stretching out to sea, but again it would be expensive, plus it would destroy the history.

This is what they did on Reunion, as featured on The Grand Tour. It looks equally amazing and bonkers. Their excuse was the existing highway runs near the cliffs, and cars kept being clobbered by rockfalls. Horrifically expensive, but they should have the money to pay for something like this in Monaco.

[hilly10]

Unless there is a smash it the most boring race on the calendar the only overtake yesterday was under blue flags, first to corner one wins it. We have had some great racing this year but yesterday was rubbish.

[Geoff W]

Does feel like Monaco has had its day. The cars are too big for it now. As soon as I heard Charles wasn't starting I didn't bother watching and it seems I missed very little.

[MalaMD]

Does feel like Monaco has had its day. The cars are too big for it now. As soon as I heard Charles wasn't starting I didn't bother watching and it seems I missed very little.

Likewise, didn’t even bother with the highlights as it didn’t sound like there were any!

[snowman]

Interestingly the much derided Formula E event on the same circuit a few weeks ago yielded a nail biting race with an exciting pass for the lead on the last lap.

Maybe the problem is with F1 cars rather than Monaco...

M

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[Dave+63]

Interestingly the much derided Formula E event on the same circuit a few weeks ago yielded a nail biting race with an exciting pass for the lead on the last lap.

Maybe the problem is with F1 cars rather than Monaco...

M

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As I mentioned earlier, the FormulaE race a few weeks ago was an excellent race. Until this year it has always been a disappointment being run on a shortened course, but this year it was run on the full course for the first time.

[Andyg]

Interestingly the much derided Formula E event on the same circuit a few weeks ago yielded a nail biting race with an exciting pass for the lead on the last lap.

Maybe the problem is with F1 cars rather than Monaco...

M

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Little doubt that F1 and Monaco are no longer compatible, just as F1 is no longer compatible with many other famous tracks including the Nordschleife, Brands Hatch but that’s the nature of the beast.

Just because F1 races at Monaco, doesn’t mean it should.

[Andyg]

Baku is upon us. A great track from the tight twisties in the old part of town, the tree lined streets of the commercial area and the super high speed straights. Everything that Monaco isn’t.

Tyres choices for the team are C3 (Hard), C4 (Meds) and C5 (Soft) which I think will suit Mercedes a bit more than RBR,

It should be a cracker with the obvious battle, but I also fancy a good showing from Ferrari, McLaren and I even fancy Aston Martin to put in a shift. No idea how it will turn out but having the highest top end speed will be a factor. Which of course brings us to the question of “Limbo Wings”.

Its very understandable why RBR/Ferrari/Haas/AT are so keen to keep their current lwings, especially at this track, just as it’s understandable why Mercedes/McLaren/AM all want them banned.

Personally I am of the view that teams should run want they want, but if the FIA detect that the wing is moving excessively and in contradiction to the regs (which is pretty binary) (achieved with a camera mounted on the shark fin), then they risk getting disqualified - so innocent until proven guilty. However looking at the videos from Spain, RBR are as guilty as sin. RBR know it, Mercedes know and the FIA know it.

Anywhoo it all adds to the drama and excitement, but hopefully without a repeat of one WDC deliberately driving in to another WDC is a fit of pique.

Bring it on.

[awright101]

Looking forward to this one. Lewis will have a point to prove

[Tatters]

I see HAM has come strongly out in support of Naomi Osaka:

”She is an incredible athlete and human being and her activism has been just so impactful. But at such a young age, there is so much weight on her shoulders it is inevitable.

"The fact is, when you are young, you are thrown into the limelight and the spotlight, and it weighs heavily on you. Most of us are not prepared.

"When I came into F1, the team had PR. I was never prepared for being thrown in front of a camera. I was never guided as to what to look out for and helped to navigate through that, so I sort of learned through mistakes.

"But when I was young, I was thrown into the pit and wasn't given any guidance or support."

[Andyg]

Wow, qualifying was interesting and rather exciting. I love this track especially the ability to give it the full beans on straight - 214mph.

Good to see LeClerc on pole (especially after Monaco), but a shame that some other drivers were denied an opportunity for another run (yet another “convenient” Ferrari accident, which looked very odd.) Initially I thought Sainz binned it to avoid the crashed Yuki, but watching the replay, unless Sainz could see round corners, I believe he lost it on his own, but not in the normal way - all very strange.

Good show by Hamilton, especially given the problems he/Mercedes had all weekend. Not sure what they did to the car, but it seemed to work. Max was also good, but didn’t seem to be really “on it” in Q3, ditto Perez who shone in Q1. Another dismal performance from Bottas even if he didn’t get a tow, but not as bad a Ricciardo, who is having a bit of a mare. Great drive again by Gasly and Lando (both of whom I am starting to really rate).

I don’t think Ferrari have enough pace to win, however given the number of red flags today who knows. I imagine the driver of day tomorrow might be the guy driving the safety car. The first lap will be very interesting especially when they come onto the straight.

It should be cracker, and possibly expensive for the teams in new carbon bits.

[thieuster]

Alonso's opinion is spot-on:

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...v5p3w6NEv.html

Good to see LeClerc on pole (especially after Monaco), but a shame that some other drivers were denied an opportunity for another run (yet another “convenient” Ferrari accident, which looked very odd.) Initially I thought Sainz binned it to avoid the crashed Yuki, but watching the replay, unless Sainz could see round corners, I believe he lost it on his own, but not in the normal way - all very strange.

For a second it crossed my mind that he did it all on purpose to secure LCL's position, not knowing that Yuki had already crashed.

[Tatters]

The off-track highlight yesterday was Toto Wolf calling Christian Horner a “windbag” for his comments on the flexi-wing controversy. This was in an interview with C4. No love lost thee then. Christian did not respond in kind later on, when C4 told him what Toto had said, so good on him.

Toto usually is calm and very measured on camera, so it was surprising to hear him openly insulting a competitor like that.

[Macca]

That was a funny moment insulting Horner like that, the race is the most important thing though, great to see Ferrari back in the mix and a bit of a topsy turvy quali should make for a good race and plenty of passing


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[tommyzzj]

Alonso's opinion is spot-on:

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...v5p3w6NEv.html



For a second it crossed my mind that he did it all on purpose to secure LCL's position, not knowing that Yuki had already crashed.

I like Alonso's take too. Really didn't think Carlos would crash on purpose - he wants the pole too

[Dave+63]

I like Alonso's take too. Really didn't think Carlos would crash on purpose - he wants the pole too

It’s been done before and that time it was for Alonso’s advantage!

[Andyg]

Alonso's opinion is spot-on:

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...v5p3w6NEv.html



For a second it crossed my mind that he did it all on purpose to secure LCL's position, not knowing that Yuki had already crashed.

I certainly hope that Alonso is right, but it wouldn’t have been the first time.

That said it was a very odd crash especially compared with every other crash on that corner (and there were quite a few). He locked up very early, completely missed the apex before he spun it into wall. It’s possible that when he locked up, he couldn’t make up his mind whether to attempt the corner or go down the escape road and did neither. But very odd all the same,

[Andyg]

The off-track highlight yesterday was Toto Wolf calling Christian Horner a “windbag” for his comments on the flexi-wing controversy. This was in an interview with C4. No love lost thee then. Christian did not respond in kind later on, when C4 told him what Toto had said, so good on him.

Toto usually is calm and very measured on camera, so it was surprising to hear him openly insulting a competitor like that.

I don’t think Horner responded because Toto was making reference to comments Horner had made previously. All add to the spice and of course Drive to Survive.

[tommyzzj]

Oh no....


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[Andyg]

And some people think F1 is boring. No spoilers. Yet

[thieuster]

Anyone been to the bookmakers with this outcome?

M

[tommyzzj]

And some people think F1 is boring. No spoilers. Yet

that was insane...