It’s the new Monaco.
Rent free in his head, what a topper! 😂
I am also hoping for a VERY boring race where Hamilton leads from lights out to chequered flag and well and truly hands Verstappen his arse on a silver platter. I said that about the last race too mind and we all know how that worked out!
Be nice to have a boring procession, Hamilton handing Verstappen his arse on a plate all weekend, Bottas in 2nd and the rest I don't care about. Mayne fastest lap for Hamilton on the last lap just to rub salt in the wounds of RB.
It’s amazing that for all Hamilton’s virtue signalling BS he was happy to drive in Qatar on a track which has been built by slave labour. What a detestable hypocrite!
Tired hater nonsense.
I assume you feel the same way about all the footballers that will be playing there next year?
Damn I was enjoying this thread now we have a troll - Well done burner.
Personally, I would like to see Verstappen run wide again to push Hamilton off and both break their front wings, then have them fight their way back through the field, but with Verstappen having a five second penalty. Verstappen would have to decide whether to go for it and try and get clear of Hamilton through the traffic, or to try and block him so that neither got back to a points paying position.
thols2
Free Member
Personally, I would like to see Verstappen run wide again to push Hamilton off and both break their front wings, then have them fight their way back through the field, but with Verstappen having a five second penalty. Verstappen would have to decide whether to go for it and try and get clear of Hamilton through the traffic, or to try and block him so that neither got back to a points paying position.
You've given this a lot more thought than me, but yeah, that scenario would work for me though I'd prefer if it was REALLY OBVIOUSLY Max's fault so I didn't have to listen to Karen moaning. Thankfully, I'll be watching the official F1 steam so I don't get to listen to DC...
I think the C4 live stream will have the Sky commentary, so no DC. Win.
See MV now complaining about being treated differently.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59593834
No Max, you exceed track limits so you can't be overtaken, Muppet.
As earlier a Perez win by a large margin, showing the car was capable, LH anywhere in the points. MV in the garage having blatantly nerfed LH breaking his own suspension by returning to track at a ridiculously steep angle.
That link above goes to formula1.com, not BBC. Here's the correct link.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/59593834
I mean, he's right....he didn't get punished in Brazil for running Hamilton off the road, but Lando got punished for a less severe defence in....er....somewhere.
I wish one of the journalists had pointed that out.
None of the journalists I’ve seen have come close to asking the blatantly obvious questions to Max on driving standards or even stated the position that it’s absolutely ludicrous to be behaving like this at the pinnacle of motorsport. They all appear to be shit scared.
The closest any of them came was Martin Brundle during the Saudi race itself.
It’s amazing that for all Hamilton’s virtue signalling BS he was happy to drive in Qatar on a track which has been built by slave labour. What a detestable hypocrite
So it would be better if he made no effort at all?
Our of interest does it bother you when they take the knee?
I think the C4 live stream will have the Sky commentary, so no DC. Win
I quite like the C4 commentary, especially when it's Webber and Coulthard. I think Webber is a good antidote for DC's nerdiness.
Under Rotation Vs stick some new bags on.
Obviously you have to try and look past the bias.
Can't remember who, but I recall a story about someone working with Robert Redford - someone asked them what he was like, and they replied "imagine what anyone would be like if, for sixty years, no-one had ever said no to them". That's how I think of Max.
Me, I would love it if they end up going wheel-to-wheel, Max does his take-no-prisoners "driving himself off the track to take/defend a position" spiel, and Lewis just gently (and accidently, officer!) turns him into the kittie litter. 🙂
As earlier a Perez win by a large margin, showing the car was capable, LH anywhere in the points. MV in the garage having blatantly nerfed LH breaking his own suspension by returning to track at a ridiculously steep angle.
Almost that, but a huge race-long battle between Checo and LH where they swap places fifteen times, cleanly, showing how it should be done, and checo just edges it on the line.
LH would never risk it though, if MV is out he would just cruise around being as safe as safe.
Which race was it where LH and Checo were side by side for about three corners? They did alright in Brazil too
Lewis just gently (and accidently, officer!) turns him into the kittie litter.
Not much of that at Yas Marina - just acres of tarmac runoff so you can leave the track and keep your foot down without losing much. Me, I'd like Merc to take a 1-2 but for Bottas to get the win while Lewis takes the title.
FWIW I think Max will nerf Lewis off in some way and will take the championship.
But, what about the other players? Lots of screentime and reputation to be made at the start by crowding Max? Who else could get involved in a first lap punt up the inside? The grid is going to be fascinating.
But, what about the other players? Lots of screentime and reputation to be made at the start by crowding Max? Who else could get involved in a first lap punt up the inside?
Also there effectively four RBs out there, and I expect Alonso would defend like a lion if LH was behind him. Who have Merc got to help, maybe Russell but there's only so much you can legally do when being lapped and I don't think he'll be anywhere near the front otherwise
Alonso was quoted the other day as saying he’d prefer to see Verstappen get the championship.
Yeah, I think he’d defend position against Hamilton.
Similarly, I think Norris, Russell, Bottas, Ocon and maybe Leclerc could/will make life difficult for Verstappen.
There are Merc Engines in 10 of the cars. I am not for one minute suggesting theres any instruction etc, as I am sure there isnt. But if your going to buy an engine from someone in 2022, wouldnt you like that team to be the World Champions?
(This also disregards the important fact that the Drivers world championship is different from the Constructors Championship, and its the Constructors Championship that gets the big buck prizes...)
Russell is the only one really outside of the Factory Merc team that you'd say has a real obvious stake in this and hes already said this week he wants LH to win.
(Because maybe he thinks if LH wins then he hands in his notice on Monday and Russell ends up Merc #1 sat next to Ocon or a test driver....:D )
Norris, Leclerc, and Sainz are very close on points. Those three will be racing as hard as they can for fifth place in the driver's championship. If they think it's worth defending against Hamilton or Verstappen, they will. If they think they're better to conserve their tyres and let them past, that's what they'll do.
there’s only so much you can legally do when being lapped
When you're letting someone pass you can slam on the brakes and swerve towards them, apparently.
Horner really is an arse. He just asked Karun Chandhok, who was part of the team redesigning the circuit, "which car you're driving nowadays, as you seem to have taken out all the corners that Mercedes didn't like"
Horner really is an arse. He just asked Karun Chandhok, who was part of the team redesigning the circuit, “which car you’re driving nowadays, as you seem to have taken out all the corners that Mercedes didn’t like”
I'd love it if the measured response was "All? Not yet - but we have a few hours..." 🙂
I wonder how much of MV's "They treat me differently" is taken from the Trump playbook. Being blind re his own faults he's laying the groundwork so that if/when he drives aggressively or punts someone off the road and gets a penalty he can then cry "SEE, SEE! I said they'd treat me this way".
Horner really is an arse. He just asked Karun Chandhok, who was part of the team redesigning the circuit, “which car you’re driving nowadays, as you seem to have taken out all the corners that Mercedes didn’t like”
"Stop moaning. I'M the one called Karun, not you."
Me, I would love it if they end up going wheel-to-wheel, Max does his take-no-prisoners “driving himself off the track to take/defend a position” spiel, and Lewis just gently (and accidently, officer!) turns him into the kittie litter. 🙂
No, that way lies weeks of acrimony, accusations, appeals and so on. Plus a big split in the fan base who'll all be arguing that the other driver deserved the win.
If Max ended up in the barriers of his own accord (or in trying to pass any other driver) then that'd be different but the only way this works out cleanly is if neither driver comes within a second of the other for the whole race.
Completely agree crazy-legs, I'd rather not see anything that's even remotely debateable.
If Max did something like, stay out too long on worn tyres and suffered a puncture Karen would still somehow blame Merc for carrying on the race...
A dominant Lewis victory will be the only way to keep the conspiracy lot quiet.
for me though I’d prefer if it was REALLY OBVIOUSLY Max’s fault so I didn’t have to listen to Karen moaning
I admire your optimism thinking that this would stop Karen moaning.
No, that way lies weeks of acrimony, accusations, appeals and so on. Plus a big split in the fan base who’ll all be arguing that the other driver deserved the win.
No-one wants acrimony, I'm thinking in terms of them being alongside each other into a braking zone, Max moving over and Lewis not giving way, turning Max off the island - no lawsuits, no post-race shenanigans, stewards call a racing incident and Red Bull'll just have to suck it up. 🙂 Ain't gonna happen, I don't think - and I don't think Max will go out with the intention of trying to take Lewis out - but, a la Adelaide 94, if he's put in a situation where he has to make a snap judgement with the title at risk, I could see him making the wrong call and doing a Schumacher. I'm inclined to think it's going to be a dull race, one way or another.
How about a Renault engine failure just in front of Max so he goes off and punctures his Pirelli tyres. That'd keep Horner in orbit for weeks.
if he’s put in a situation where he has to make a snap judgement with the title at risk, I could see him making the wrong call
Agreed - imagine he qualifies fastest and is ahead in the race but with worn tyres with five laps to go, Hamilton chasing him down and about to take him in a high-speed corner, MV trying desperately to defend...
I couldn't see that scenario ending well.
“you seem to have taken out all the corners that Mercedes didn’t like”
Surely the obvious response is, “well, Max takes out all the ones he doesn’t like…”
Mercedes have backed the decision to highlight the potential consequences of dirty driving before the Formula 1 title decider in Abu Dhabi.
BBC link here https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59612265
Wolff said: "I think with all the controversies we had in the last few races, it is very good that Michael and the FIA have come out with a reminder of what the ISC [international sporting code] stands for."
He welcomed the decision to remind the drivers "what is on and what is not on, in terms of driving standards".
Horner said: "I can see why Toto and Lewis with the disadvantages of race wins would be pushing for that, but nobody's going into the race saying it's going to end in a crash.
Erm, sorry Karen, plenty of folk are saying that it's going to end in a crash 😂
Horner said: “I can see why Toto and Lewis with the disadvantages of race wins would be pushing for that, but nobody’s going into the race saying it’s going to end in a crash.
Translation - "we've definitely discussed the possibility of ending the race with a crash".
More Whinger Spice IC1 Bell Endery Department drivel here
About MV; 'He's just a young lad living his dream...'.
Dont read before a heavy meal unless you want to see it again...
What you’ve got to remember with Max is he’s just a young lad. He’s a 24-year-old who drives with bravery, with passion, with skill, with determination, and he’s just a guy living his dream, doing his job. And he’s up against not only Lewis but a huge machine in Mercedes-Benz.
Horner referred to the prospect of Verstappen beating Hamilton to this year’s title as being akin to a "David v Goliath”
Yes Horner, and your constant moaning and whining means that the majority of us want Goliath to smack David right across the head
So deadbull are so fly by night poorly funded team with no manufacturer support from say Honda. Karen really is getting the excuses lined up and starting whinging even earlier than usual.
Rattled Bull
Is that the same David that wasn't averse to the use of a bit of gravel to achieve his aims?
allegations about his driving, about his driving style, about his driving standards have been...there's been a narrative that's been pushed to put pressure on him.
Unlike when Horner hysterically and repeatedly accused LH of being amateurish and reckless earlier in the season which is pretty much what started this whole bitch-fest.
It's just more of the same hateful shit as before. Can't wait until Rich Energy show them how a proper fizzy drinks company behaves... 🙂
Calmer practice sessions for Merc by the looks of it. Wing problems for max
Looks like they're both having problems, Hamiltons rears were overheating
Looks like they’re both having problems, Hamiltons rears were overheating
Track temps will drop for qualifying and the race. I think that will help Merc. If Red Bull have the same wing problems in qualifying and need to repair it before the race, it's guaranteed that Merc will protest if they aren't made to start from pitlane.
Hamilton has cut up Mazepin again - late contender for someone to crash into him mid-race? (Whilst being lapped of course)
I doubt Merc will protest the wing issue if they fix it in park ferme. Would look really petty that somehow they have an issue at this race but not the previous ones
More Whinger Spice IC1 Bell Endery Department drivel here
About MV; ‘He’s just a young lad living his dream…’.
crash.net? Is that a Verstappen themed newsfeed?
That's a very low drag wing that Verstappen's RB is carrying.
In FP3 they were describing it as close to Monza levels of downforce
It's gonna be close! Red Bull starting on soft tyres, Mercedes on mediums. If Verstappen is on firm like he was at the 2nd restart in Jeddah then he'll be well ahead by the first corner...
...yeah, but Lewis has his Brazil engine in. He'll let him go and take him later on in the race. Piece of piss with these straights.
And it wouldn't surprise me if Merc let Red Bull take pole so they can see where they are and don't risk getting spun with a little tag on a rear wheel at the start.
Bold strategy move from RB there, impressive stuff!
And it wouldn’t surprise me if Merc let Red Bull take pole so they can see where they are and don’t risk getting spun with a little tag on a rear wheel at the start.
That's a good shout actually, especially with Max starting on the softs.
Anywhere other than the front row is always massively more risky, you never know which mid-pack weapon is going to kick things off (it used to be easier - Grosjean)
Safest way to overtake Max is in the pits.
Hadn’t appreciated just how much bigger the 18” setup is going to be next year. Had assumed the tyre circumference would’ve been fairly close to the current setup
Safest way to overtake Max is in the pits
^ absolutely
Safest way to overtake Max is in the pits
This is my big hope for tomorrow!
Bold strategy move from RB there, impressive stuff!
Not sure it was strategic- commentary says he flat-spotted the mediums in Q2 and he has no more new mediums for the race.
I'll be honest, as much as it easy to not like RB, I do like the way they are always willing to be brave with their strategy. It's exciting to watch
Not sure it was strategic- commentary says he flat-spotted the mediums in Q2 and he has no more new mediums for the race.
I meant the tag team slipstream manouevre
A lot of boos for Lewis..he even commented on it
Nice one for Norris - 5% discount on Mercedes engines for next season if he has a little accident at the start!? 🤣🤣
A lot of boos for Lewis..he even commented on it
I'll be honest I hate the booing in F1, it makes the sport look stupid. It started back when Vettel was winning all the races but it seems to have escalated.
Nice one for Norris – 5% discount on Mercedes engines for next season if he has a little accident at the start!? 🤣🤣
Good to see him back on form, he's been a bit spooked since he came so close to winning in Sochi
I really really hope McLaren are right in the mix next year.
Not sure it was strategic- commentary says he flat-spotted the mediums in Q2 and he has no more new mediums for the race.
Yep, looks like only option for Max is to stick with the softs and go flat out at the start to try and build up enough of a lead to accommodate an extra pit stop.
Can see why Mercedes never bothered getting Bottas to give Hamilton a tow now.
LOL @ Hamilton's comment in the interview:
[i]"We are still on the front row, different tyres. It is great I can see where he is."[/i]
Just wondering if the last sentence is a barbed reference to Max piling it down the inside unseen on a corner...
Can see why Mercedes never bothered getting Bottas to give Hamilton a tow now
I thought the opposite actually- we might see a similar tactic being used at other races next year, as it worked so well. It's very track dependent if course, probably working best when sectors 1 and 2 are flat out and 3 is all bendy
Just wondering if the last sentence is a barbed reference to Max piling it down the inside unseen on a corner…
100% it was 😀
Great and well executed strategy, stonking lap as well. Really didn't expect that.
I’ll be honest I hate the booing in F1, it makes the sport look stupid.
Very much this. To be honest despite the racing being closer than for a while, everything else about the 'spectacle' has put me off, probably for good. There is more than a whiff of WWE about the smackdown around the races. The grudge match verbs, the booing, the tantrums. It feels like the sport is descenting into a branding exercise aimed at frustrated dweeby teenage boys and their adult equivalents. F1 racers were once the epitome of cool (and Lauda, who was his own brand of cool). Now, not so much.
^^ That, 100%
Sky are touting it on all their channels now, "Decider in the Desert!" with all the clips of crashes and controversy. I hate all that build up stuff, so much of it fake or manufactured.
A few years ago at a track cycling event there was a Vos vs Armitstead (as she was then) and all the posters and cycling magazines were trying their best to turn it into a clash of the titans grudge match showdown type thing. Vos and Armitstead seemed quite bemused by it all, it was just two friendly rivals doing their job. The efforts to manufacture some kind of no holds barred trash talking showdown just made the media look like idiots.