F1 2021 – spoilers here

I know it’s only practice, but some big dollar superstars looking a bit overpaid from this list.

? TOP TEN (END OF FP2) ?

Verstappen
Norris
Hamilton
Sainz
Bottas
Ricciardo
Tsunoda
Stroll
Gasly
Perez#BahrainGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/YkATq5m5NF

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 26, 2021

Andrew Benson reckons Ham and Ver are neck and neck on long run pace, but they thing Ham has his engine turned down. I think he said that Norris is way off on long run pace, but I might have misheard.

The Merc weakness in testing was rear end instability. They seem to have dealt with that, but now have an understeering car.

https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-first-signs-that-mercedes-is-solving-its-main-weakness/

Merc and Hamilton have a history of looking weak on Friday and then looking like geniuses on Sunday. The Honda engine looks like the real deal on power, but my money is on Merc being able to turn it up when they need to without blowing shit up.

Interesting to see Vettel already faster than Stroll – I would expect that to be a sign of things to come?

Depends how you read that I suppose, I looked at it and thought ‘Stroll’s only a tenth off a four-times world champ’ Vettel will be a good benchmark to judge him against, Perez is good but he only had one year against a top-class driver, I hope he can take the fight to Verstappen

There’s plenty of speculation that Mclaren have done a “Braun” and come up with a rear diffuser concept different to everyone else within the new aero regs

That’s not speculation, there are photos and videos of it all over the place. Unclear at this moment the level of improvement it makes, certainly not a double of blown diffuser level though

Interesting times. Fully expect Hamilton to be closer to Verstappen in qualifying. Lando and the McLaren still seem like a wildcard until then, but if last year’s season start was anything to go by you’d be unwise to bet against Lando’s pace, especially if that diffuser is as trick as it might be.

Remains to be seen how close Ricciardo and Perez get. But then Perez has never been a qualifier, he’s very much Mr Sunday.

I’m already inching forward in my seat to see turn 4 on lap 1 of the race. There’s gonna be a wing or two lost there.

Verstappen on Pole, Hamilton second, Norris third.

Turn 4 on lap 1 of the race, Hamilton throws it up the inside of Verstappen, who turns in, wipes them both out and Norris takes the lead, which he never relinquishes on his way to his first win?

Not impossible, though I’m not sure Hamilton would go all-in on lap 1 of the season. Plus if there’s an incident like that at the sharp end then my money’s on Perez. Norris could very well be in the mix either way, though…

Okay, so the conditions at Bahrain today were apparently quite windy, historically something that has not been good for McLaren so it’s clear that they’ve made strides here, as have Red Bull who have a car that’s both fast and can be leaned on. The weather might explain why Aston were so far back?

On outright quali pace McLaren look good, but I suspect their race pace is a somewhat different story. I don’t think they’ll be bothering Merc or RB just yet, but strategy calls have been McLaren’s strong point since Siedl was appointed.

think mercs will be pleased. I doubt we’ve seen the anything like full grunt from that motor yet.

Ha ha, Mazepin spins on his first qualifying lap.

Vettel booted in Q1!

Ha ha, Mazepin spins on his first qualifying lap.

And the second – couldn’t happen to a nicer bloke.

The Alfa Tauri is a little rocket.

oops redbull hiccup

How long before Gasly is back in the A Team?

If I was Gasley, TBH I’m not sure I’d be in a huge rush, I think I’d rather be fast and happy at AT than in the poisoned chalice that seems to be the 2nd seat at RB.

Props to Vertsappen though, what a drive! Purple in every sector, fastest across the speed trap…perfect start

What a great start to the season. I’m a massive Lewis fan but this gives a chance to see him rise to the challenge and there are so many other stories to be played out over 2021. 👍🏼

How long before Gasly is back in the A Team

Don’t think he will be. Think his next move (if there is one) will be out of the ‘family’, his choice too.

Oof, unlucky for Vettel and Ocon having to slow for Mazepin – who managed to spin twice during Q1. It’s a real shock seeing Perez knocked out in Q2 and how bloody quick is the Alpha Tauri? That’s a fast car on merit, would love to see Gasly bring home a lot of points tomorrow.

The other surprise is Leclerc’s qualifying pace in the Ferrari.

After Mazepin skipped the queue to overtake Vettel (not sure about Ocon) on their warmup lap. Really does seem like a great guy

After Mazepin skipped the queue to overtake Vettel (not sure about Ocon) on their warmup lap. Really does seem like a great guy

Such a nice bloke out of the car though.

No, wait…

Eight tenths is quite a gap to Schumacher too

My mate who loved Ferrari passed away last night, then Channel 4 started with Murray 🥲. That nearly finished me. He’d have loved to see Ferrari improving again.
looks like we’ll have a good season based on that qualifying

Loved Steve Jones quip on C4 when talking about the 2021 driver lineup: “More change than Guenther Steiner’s swear jar…”and Steiner walking past on camera “bleep bleep bleep…”

My favourite bit from drive to survive, Guenther was asked if he wanted a brolly to provide shade from the sun. ‘An umbrella? **** off!’

Is it me, or is the new Channel 4 commentator a bit “Smashey and Nicey”?!

No not just you. Typical slightly over enthusiastic delivery. Good job Billy and DC are there.

I thought the same about the new guy, sounded very radio style. Billy does such a good job for someone so young, really going to miss Ben Edwards.

I thought he sounded like a DJ too. I dont known who he is, whether he’s done much commentating before? It is quite annoying but he’s new so hopefully just need to give him some time to lose the nerves and get used to it all.

One of the annoying things for me (in life, not just F1 coverage) is overly loud and excitable obnoxiousity.

Don’t know why there is suddenly a need to get far far too over excited. David Croft in particular has to be turned off at most starts which is a shame as the action is usually great.

Suppose the late great Murray Walker is proof that it’s always gone on but today they seem to over do it just that bit too much so it appears plain shouty rather than passionate.

“He’s looking down from above” ffs who are these idiots.

LOL the worst band ever playing a dreadful tune!!!

ooops

well he made three corners! completely untouched!

LOL

Ha ha!

Nice new Safety Car, very smart.

Lol, booted the throttle and binned it all by himself.

Will become a familiar sight, I reckon…

Pure class!! Certainly living up to his new name – Mazespin! 🤣🤣