248 replies to this topic

[ExEd]

It's not only the car, but also the driver that mattered. Not only Alonso, but also the other drivers if you know what I mean. 

 

I think Hamilton and Mercedes are a very tough combination to beat. There are hardly any weak points that their competitors can leverage. Especially now that they have ironed out the early season issues, they are just like a steam roller maximizing their potential. 

 

Yes but RB and Max are not far off. In a way that If Max keeps slotting it at 2nd, at some point (needs to be sooner than later i must admit) RB can take over with an upgrade and its open game again. 

Having said that, it will take tremendous effort and practically zero mistakes by Max and RB or anyone really that wants to break the Lewis and his car combo.

in addition to an edge on R&D. And that's difficult by itself, but  we all knew that.

The difference is that this year they made a strong car out of the box (Red Bull) and they could have a shot as opposed to other seasons where they only competed 

when it was too late.

[Requiem84]

Yes but RB and Max are not far off. In a way that If Max keeps slotting it at 2nd, at some point (needs to be sooner than later i must admit) RB can take over with an upgrade and its open game again. 

Having said that, it will take tremendous effort and practically zero mistakes by Max and RB or anyone really that wants to break the Lewis and his car combo.

in addition to an edge on R&D. And that's difficult by itself, but  we all knew that.

The difference is that this year they made a strong car out of the box (Red Bull) and they could have a shot as opposed to other seasons where they only competed 

when it was too late.

 

Very true.

 

Last year in a regular weekend Bottas would have a lot of chance to be ahead of Verstappen, taking away much more points. This year Bottas hasn't been a factor yet, so despite Hamilton winning 3 out of 4, his lead isn't that big. But it's only 2 more wins and 2 second places for Max and Lewis is a full race win ahead. Meaning he could retire the following race, Max could win it, and Lewis would still be ahead (!).

 

So to remain in the battle, it's pretty important for RB to not let Mercedes extend the lead a lot more.... and we're just 4 races in, reliability hasn't come into play yet. But by the looks of it, the Mercedes PU/car combo is still more reliable than what Honda brings to the table...

[r8c8r]

I don't agree with the manipulation claims, but also don't see the connection you're making here.  There are enough reasons to debunk conspiracy theories without having to make them all about one driver

 

Why is it important to you that someone admits Hamilton is the best?

The real question is why are you trying to twist my remarks while simultaneously deflecting? There's nothing confusing about what I said. People (not just on this forum), are breaking out the 'sandbag' talk. I've even seen comments that Mercedes is literally putting on a formulaic 'show' where they almost have a pre-written spiel that they run through to make it seem like they're working harder than they really are. It's a loser mentality. I don't need anyone to admit anything about Lewis. The results speak for themselves.

Edited by r8c8r, 10 May 2021 - 19:47.

[shure]

The real question is why are you trying to twist my remarks while simultaneously deflecting? There's nothing confusing about what I said. People (not just on this forum), are breaking out the 'sandbag' talk. I've even seen comments that Mercedes is literally putting on a formulaic 'show' where they almost have a pre-written spiel that they run through to make it seem like they're working harder than they really are. It's a loser mentality. I don't need anyone to admit anything about Lewis. The results speak for themselves.

I'm not sure how I'm twisting anything?  And how (or even what) am I deflecting?

 

I already agreed that the conspiracy theories from the previous poster shouldn't be taken seriously.  Just curious why you're trying to make it about Hamilton.  By way of reminder, you brought up the admit thing yourself, so...

[FrontWing]

Too close to call yet, it's going to be a tight season where reliability is probably going to play a huge part. I suspect there will be massive ups and downs for both drivers.

Edited by FrontWing, 10 May 2021 - 20:49.

[Lurifax]

Hope for Max, would be good with change!

But brain says Lewis (Mercedes) will win again.

[shure]

Too close to call yet, it's going to be a tight season where reliability is probably going to play a huge part. I suspect there will be massive ups and downs for both drivers.

Yes I agree anything could change and the gaps are close enough that a single update could swing things either way.  I think Merc have the development momentum at the moment so be interesting to see how RB respond.  Not every track will be tyre limited to the same extent so still a lot to play for.  I'd say advantage Merc/Lewis but the fat lady hasn't sung yet

[fed up]

What does Bernie think?
 

 

“Finally this sport has two drivers who can compete on equal terms as Senna and Prost did.

 

“Unfortunately, I think Verstappen is unlikely to beat Hamilton. Lewis is an experienced, intelligent

and impeccable driver. He knows when he can and cannot make a move and always treats his rivals with great respect.

“In recent years he has changed his lifestyle a lot, for example by going vegan. This makes him much stronger physically and mentally. Verstappen may be in the same condition in terms of the car, but the team that Hamilton has is the strongest.

 

“I’m pretty sure he will become World Champion for the eighth time without too many problems.”

I’m with you Bernie - well said.

Edited by fed up, 11 May 2021 - 21:45.

[yolo]

Since when going vegan = much stronger physically and mentally?

Edited by yolo, 11 May 2021 - 22:11.

[PlatenGlass]

I don't think Bernie's opinion is relevant or insightful one way or the other.

Edited by PlatenGlass, 11 May 2021 - 22:45.

[Kao18]

Well some posts in here didnt age that well.

Anybody care to change their vote? Its not to late yet ;)

In all seriousnes Monaco was the perfect result to keep this battle going a while longer.

The longer it stays close the more pressure it will generate on both sides.

We already saw a little bit of the other side of Lewis, the side when things dont go his way. I am also not sure I agree with Bernie that Lewis is the stronger one mentally perse. Guess we'll find out in the coming weeks (months hopefully).

Edited by Kao18, 24 May 2021 - 08:06.

[rf90]

This is the first season that Max is realistically in the title fight isn't it? as opposed to just fighting for second place or the odd win now and again. I'm not sure if any driver has won the title in their first year of having a car giving them a realistic chance of the title?

So, even if RB can provide a title-capable car for the whole season, Max would upset the odds if he was to win it. It will be his first experience of having title thoughts affecting him. That is quite different to just trying for a win when knowing the title is out of reach, which has been the case in each season beforehand. I would be surprised and delighted if he wins the title this year but for reasons above, I wouldn't put a bet on it.

[Requiem84]

With most of these title fights you mostly see a momentum for a few races with one guy and then the momentum gets back to the other guy. A few years ago Vettel looked to be really putting up a fight with Hamilton, until a few bad races in a streak hit him hard and he was out of the title fight after the summer already. 

 

If I'd have to put (all) my savings in a bet, I would still put it on Lewis. Red Bull capitalized on Monaco, but I fully expect Mercedes to be more reliable over a full season and to withstand the title pressure just a little bit better than RB given their experience.

 

Also the question mark remains: can Perez become 'a Bottas'? Hamilton didn't show up in Monaco, but Bottas was close to outqualifying Verstappen and had a shot at passing him with the start. Perez wasn't a factor until Mercedes messed up their strategy in the race. If Perez will keep qualifying like he does, he won't cause any problems to Hamilton... for RB to increase their chances, they need Perez to take away points from Hamilton every now and then, or at least be a strategic factor in the races. 

[Ferrim]

I'm not sure if any driver has won the title in their first year of having a car giving them a realistic chance of the title?

Many have done so: Alonso, Schumacher, Hakkinen, Lauda. You could easily argue Vettel or Senna as well.

[rf90]

Many have done so: Alonso, Schumacher, Hakkinen, Lauda. You could easily argue Vettel or Senna as well.

Ah, ok, thanks for that. I was too lazy to go check to be honest.

[Clatter]

Many have done so: Alonso, Schumacher, Hakkinen, Lauda. You could easily argue Vettel or Senna as well.

 

Add Button to that list.

[messy]

Not Vettel - surely the 2009 Red Bull was at least a realistic title winning proposal? Button though, for sure. 

 

Keke Rosberg is the one that comes to my mind - he'd barely even scored a point before 1982.

Edited by messy, 24 May 2021 - 11:54.

[A.Fant]

Many have done so: Alonso, Schumacher, Hakkinen, Lauda. You could easily argue Vettel or Senna as well.

I'd argue the 97 McLaren was on par with the 97 Ferrari which Schumacher brought to within an inch of the championship, so Häkkinen is borderline. Schumacher didn't win though and if prime Schumacher can't take a title in a car it's hard to argue the car is realistically capable of a title. Though neither were on the level of the 2009 Red Bull IMO for the Vettel comparison.

[EndlessMotion]

I still have a hunch Lewis and Merc will come out on top over the course of the season but it wouldn't surprise me one bit if Max and Red Bull triumphed. It's abundantly clear now that Mercedes no longer have the kind of gap to the rest that made it the dominant car, no matter how many pessimists like to decare it season and title over anytime Mercedes have a better weekend than Red Bull. This RB with Max behind the wheel is good enough for the title.

 

2012 was probably the last time we had two different cars and two drivers that had the machinery and ability to take the titles (maybe 2017 but Seb's abilities had waned a little by that time). It could easily come down to reliability but even at this early stage, I feel comfortable saying either driver would be more than worthy winners. Max and Lewis are a cut above the rest and it couldn't be closer between the cars, even with their differing strengths and weaknesses.

[NixxxoN]

Many have done so: Alonso, Schumacher, Hakkinen, Lauda. You could easily argue Vettel or Senna as well.

Vettel lost in 2009, so, no

[renzmann]

If I'd have to put (all) my savings in a bet, I would still put it on Lewis. Red Bull capitalized on Monaco, but I fully expect Mercedes to be more reliable over a full season and to withstand the title pressure just a little bit better than RB given their experience.

 

Also the question mark remains: can Perez become 'a Bottas'? Hamilton didn't show up in Monaco, but Bottas was close to outqualifying Verstappen and had a shot at passing him with the start. Perez wasn't a factor until Mercedes messed up their strategy in the race. If Perez will keep qualifying like he does, he won't cause any problems to Hamilton... for RB to increase their chances, they need Perez to take away points from Hamilton every now and then, or at least be a strategic factor in the races. 

I don't think Verstappen will win either, but for different reasons. I do agree Bottas is doing a better job than Perez, but not to a degree he's making a huge difference in the title fight. Bottas was crucial in pit strategies, while Perez did cost Hamilton points in Monaco. I'd say their performance for their teams is fairly balanced. Also, Bottas is already showing signs of restive behaviour - imagine him when it's clear he won't get another contract. Next, I think Mercedes isn't more experienced than Red Bull at all - in a close title fight, that is. Sure they've won again and again, but this year's fight seems to be tougher than Merc vs. Ferrari 2017 and 2018. I don't see either team stronger than the other on that front.

 

I just think Mercedes has the faster car on most tracks, and, crucially, is unbeatable on straights. The W12 is softer on the tires, too. Red Bull's advantage over a single lap (if there is one) won't matter because of that. I reckon Verstappen's only hope is that Mercedes will actually stop developing way earlier than Red Bull (not unlikely) and/or Mercedes and Hamilton keep blundering like in Italy and Monaco (not likely at all).

Edited by renzmann, 24 May 2021 - 15:11.

[PlayboyRacer]

I'd argue the 97 McLaren was on par with the 97 Ferrari which Schumacher brought to within an inch of the championship, so Häkkinen is borderline.

No chance. McLaren didn't hit proper form until Newey started having some influence over the '97 car, they didn't show proper pole winning/race winning pace until Silverstone onwards. From then onwards, at some races, they genuinely had the fastest car over everyone.

But Ferrari had greater consistency all season and developed very quickly. Schumacher was racking up podiums, wins and sticking it on pole as early as Canada. Irvine was taking podiums too from early on. Ferrari > McLaren across 1997 easily.

[Cliff]

I don't think Verstappen will win either, but for different reasons. I do agree Bottas is doing a better job than Perez, but not to a degree he's making a huge difference in the title fight. Bottas was crucial in pit strategies, while Perez did cost Hamilton points in Monaco. I'd say their performance for their teams is fairly balanced. Also, Bottas is already showing signs of restive behaviour - imagine him when it's clear he won't get another contract. Next, I think Mercedes isn't more experienced than Red Bull at all - in a close title fight, that is. Sure they've won again and again, but this year's fight seems to be tougher than Merc vs. Ferrari 2017 and 2018. I don't see either team stronger than the other on that front.

I just think Mercedes has the faster car on most tracks, and, crucially, is unbeatable on straights. The W12 is softer on the tires, too. Red Bull's advantage over a single lap (if there is one) won't matter because of that. I reckon Verstappen's only hope is that Mercedes will actually stop developing way earlier than Red Bull (not unlikely) and/or Mercedes and Hamilton keep blundering like in Italy and Monaco (not likely at all).

I agree, it’s clear as day that the Mercedes is quicker over a race distance on any normal track. Then there’s also reliability which has been RB’s pitfall way too many times in the past few years.

[zanquis]

While I am still expecting Lewis to win the title. If any of the 2 drivers seem to be cracking under pressure it is actually Lewis more than Max.

Max seemed unfazed so far even when now leading or when Lewis beats him on a day. He is very in control at first corners with taking risks but nothing extreme.

Lewis on the other hand:

In Bahrain he had to resort to slight cheating with to stay in front (and not even talking about how often he cut the corner). But stewards allowed it, so good for him.
In Imola he nearly binned it and was extremely fortunate to scrape some points again. Lucky for him the rules allowed him to unlap fully and just get back in there.

 

In almost all the starts Max has been beaten Lewis, Bahrain, Imola, Portugal after SC, Barcelona.

 

I don't expect Max to win the title Lewis will win enough races to secure the title but Max will not likely make any big mistakes. Maybe Ferrari will come in the mix also. Them sneaking away points could be crucial in the title fight.
 

 

[MKSixer]

While I am still expecting Lewis to win the title. If any of the 2 drivers seem to be cracking under pressure it is actually Lewis more than Max.

Max seemed unfazed so far even when now leading or when Lewis beats him on a day. He is very in control at first corners with taking risks but nothing extreme.

Lewis on the other hand:

In Bahrain he had to resort to slight cheating with to stay in front (and not even talking about how often he cut the corner). But stewards allowed it, so good for him.
In Imola he nearly binned it and was extremely fortunate to scrape some points again. Lucky for him the rules allowed him to unlap fully and just get back in there.

 

In almost all the starts Max has been beaten Lewis, Bahrain, Imola, Portugal after SC, Barcelona.

 

I don't expect Max to win the title Lewis will win enough races to secure the title but Max will not likely make any big mistakes. Maybe Ferrari will come in the mix also. Them sneaking away points could be crucial in the title fight.
 

 

Pls share where Lewis was cheating in Bahrain.  He followed the rules to the letter based on the stewards notes.  And stating that Lewis was, "lucky", to be able to un-lap himself is blatant bias.  The rule wasn't made to help Lewis.  It's been if F1 for years and is applied equally to everyone.  

[jAnO76]

Pls share where Lewis was cheating in Bahrain. He followed the rules to the letter based on the stewards notes. And stating that Lewis was, "lucky", to be able to un-lap himself is blatant bias. The rule wasn't made to help Lewis. It's been if F1 for years and is applied equally to everyone.

The luck part was the safety car.. not the rule

[Ellios]

I'm really enjoying seeing the young drivers deliver every race. It's refreshing to see. 

 

Most likely Mercedes/Hamilton combination, with slightly faster car in the open tracks and ability to develop the car quickly and continuously, plus age and experience will probably get them over the line in first place. However they do look rattled by Red Bull. 

 

It's how close can Red Bull and Verstappen get to them, there's an air of inevitability about Verstappen becoming WDC. 

[Gambelli]

Since when going vegan = much stronger physically and mentally?

 

Maybe he means opinionated and annoying?

 

I'm not saying Hamilton is, I think he's far from it... but most Vegans I know are!!!

 

I really want to get a shirt made up that says "I'm Vegan intolerant" I think it's funny but also sadly immature and inflammatory, so it stays as a funny quip instead

[Gambelli]

I think Bottas giving Hamilton some headaches in Qualifying this year may open the door for Max to pinch the championship, but he'll need Red Bull to sort out their slight tyre wear disadvantage to have a chance.

 

To me, Baku is the biggest test so far this year, Mercedes are normally well in front of Red Bull there, lets see if Red Bull have the aero efficiency and Honda have the grunt to get it done, because I have a feeling that by the end of sector 2 Red Bull might have their noses in front... with both of them behind Norris!!!

[smitten]

Maybe he means opinionated and annoying?

 

I'm not saying Hamilton is, I think he's far from it... but most Vegans I know are!!!

 

I really want to get a shirt made up that says "I'm Vegan intolerant" I think it's funny but also sadly immature and inflammatory, so it stays as a funny quip instead

I've met a fair few people who were opinionated and annoying who aren't vegans.

[Nemo1965]

I'm really enjoying seeing the young drivers deliver every race. It's refreshing to see. 

 

Most likely Mercedes/Hamilton combination, with slightly faster car in the open tracks and ability to develop the car quickly and continuously, plus age and experience will probably get them over the line in first place. However they do look rattled by Red Bull. 

 

It's how close can Red Bull and Verstappen get to them, there's an air of inevitability about Verstappen becoming WDC. 

 

I think Mercedes ARE rattled but not so much by Red Bull... There's something happening in the background, I think. I have this feeling that Mercedes really want to win THIS championship even more than that of last year. Perhaps even as much as they wanted to win their first championship. But why? 

 

To be clear: I admire Mercedes and I have defended Toto Wolff in discussions... but I find his behaviour this year strange. Tense. Defensive. The way Mercedes as a team - including Lewis - questions and attacks the legality of the Red Bull-car does not fit with the way I have seen Mercedes operate, with the stories I have heard from people who worked there, and with the way the mother-company works (I have quite some experience with Daimler-Benz, my father used to do business with them).

 

I know that the Mercedes F1-team has pledged to stay in F1 for the lang term. But I also know that the ownership and set-up from the company is undergoing some subtle but important changes. If I would play armchair-psychologist, my guess is: Toto (and Lewis) know that Mercedes is going to get a big change. Perhaps it is going to be the EOS-F1 team or something... Perhaps Toto is going to Aston Martin. Perhaps Lewis and Toto have the secret agreement they are both going to leave after this season. They behave as if they want to seal this championship, so they have a nice ribbon to tie it all off. 

 

And now Red Bull is threatening to steal the ribbon...

[JimmyClark]

I think Mercedes ARE rattled but not so much by Red Bull... There's something happening in the background, I think. I have this feeling that Mercedes really want to win THIS championship even more than that of last year. Perhaps even as much as they wanted to win their first championship. But why?

To be clear: I admire Mercedes and I have defended Toto Wolff in discussions... but I find his behaviour this year strange. Tense. Defensive. The way Mercedes as a team - including Lewis - questions and attacks the legality of the Red Bull-car does not fit with the way I have seen Mercedes operate, with the stories I have heard from people who worked there, and with the way the mother-company works (I have quite some experience with Daimler-Benz, my father used to do business with them).

I know that the Mercedes F1-team has pledged to stay in F1 for the lang term. But I also know that the ownership and set-up from the company is undergoing some subtle but important changes. If I would play armchair-psychologist, my guess is: Toto (and Lewis) know that Mercedes is going to get a big change. Perhaps it is going to be the EOS-F1 team or something... Perhaps Toto is going to Aston Martin. Perhaps Lewis and Toto have the secret agreement they are both going to leave after this season. They behave as if they want to seal this championship, so they have a nice ribbon to tie it all off.

And now Red Bull is threatening to steal the ribbon...

You could be right. Personally I'm finding Toto quite unpleasant and irritating to listen to this year. I had put it down to just having more competition than usual, but he wasn't like that in 2017.

Certainly it feels there's more at stake for Mercedes.

As has been said already, I think it will come down to who stops developing last - if you're right, then I think that will be Mercedes. Though they seem to be getting hit by the cost cap more than anyone (they seem to be more vocal about it - eg their comments after the crash in Imola, pulling out of the tyre test). So that's a caveat. But my gut is that it will still be Hamilton at the top come year end.

[RedRabbit]

I think Mercedes ARE rattled but not so much by Red Bull... There's something happening in the background, I think. I have this feeling that Mercedes really want to win THIS championship even more than that of last year. Perhaps even as much as they wanted to win their first championship. But why? 

 

To be clear: I admire Mercedes and I have defended Toto Wolff in discussions... but I find his behaviour this year strange. Tense. Defensive. The way Mercedes as a team - including Lewis - questions and attacks the legality of the Red Bull-car does not fit with the way I have seen Mercedes operate, with the stories I have heard from people who worked there, and with the way the mother-company works (I have quite some experience with Daimler-Benz, my father used to do business with them).

 

I know that the Mercedes F1-team has pledged to stay in F1 for the lang term. But I also know that the ownership and set-up from the company is undergoing some subtle but important changes. If I would play armchair-psychologist, my guess is: Toto (and Lewis) know that Mercedes is going to get a big change. Perhaps it is going to be the EOS-F1 team or something... Perhaps Toto is going to Aston Martin. Perhaps Lewis and Toto have the secret agreement they are both going to leave after this season. They behave as if they want to seal this championship, so they have a nice ribbon to tie it all off. 

 

And now Red Bull is threatening to steal the ribbon...

 

Agree with this - the statements and comments from the Mercedes camp this year are more bizarre than usual. And Bottas seems totally invisible to them, like it's already decided he won't be there anymore.

This year is the first that they have been properly challenged since 2014, and they know that RBR aren't going to drop the ball as easily as Ferrari and Vettel did.

[Ali623]

I think Mercedes ARE rattled but not so much by Red Bull... There's something happening in the background, I think. I have this feeling that Mercedes really want to win THIS championship even more than that of last year. Perhaps even as much as they wanted to win their first championship. But why? 

 

To be clear: I admire Mercedes and I have defended Toto Wolff in discussions... but I find his behaviour this year strange. Tense. Defensive. The way Mercedes as a team - including Lewis - questions and attacks the legality of the Red Bull-car does not fit with the way I have seen Mercedes operate, with the stories I have heard from people who worked there, and with the way the mother-company works (I have quite some experience with Daimler-Benz, my father used to do business with them).

 

I know that the Mercedes F1-team has pledged to stay in F1 for the lang term. But I also know that the ownership and set-up from the company is undergoing some subtle but important changes. If I would play armchair-psychologist, my guess is: Toto (and Lewis) know that Mercedes is going to get a big change. Perhaps it is going to be the EOS-F1 team or something... Perhaps Toto is going to Aston Martin. Perhaps Lewis and Toto have the secret agreement they are both going to leave after this season. They behave as if they want to seal this championship, so they have a nice ribbon to tie it all off. 

 

And now Red Bull is threatening to steal the ribbon...

 

I feel like Mercedes expected to be further ahead this year, remember how quickly they moved onto the 2021 car last year? I guess they assumed they'd get an easy jump on Red Bull again this season and planned accordingly to move swiftly onto 2022 with little to no upgrades on this year's car. 

 

Unfortunately for them, Red Bull have started this season very strongly, partially down to the rules change and Mercedes perhaps underestimating the affect it would have on their car philosophy compared to Red Bull's. 

 

Now they have a conundrum, because Red Bull have already brought upgrades and seem intent on going all out this season, whereas Mercedes planned to already be fully focussed on 2022. I feel like they may have underestimated the cost-cap effects this year too, see cancelled tyre tests, complaining about damage costs after Imola etc. 

 

These threats etc. from Wolff and 'physcological' comments from Hamilton just are ways to try and peg Red Bull back as Mercedes try and reassess their plans this season and how they're going to balance this year against 2022 development.

[Marklar]

I do like how this went from "Mercedes is SO dominant OMG" to "they are rattled because they aren't quick enough" after the most outlier track on the calendar. Hint: neither take is true.

[Astandahl]

Baku is going to be interesting. Teams will be using C5 C4 C3 tyres again which should in theory help Red Bull.

It's hilarious that MB already said that is a Red Bull track and Max said the opposite ahahaha...

 

I like this battle.

Edited by Astandahl, 26 May 2021 - 10:01.

[Nemo1965]

I feel like Mercedes expected to be further ahead this year, remember how quickly they moved onto the 2021 car last year? I guess they assumed they'd get an easy jump on Red Bull again this season and planned accordingly to move swiftly onto 2022 with little to no upgrades on this year's car. 

 

Unfortunately for them, Red Bull have started this season very strongly, partially down to the rules change and Mercedes perhaps underestimating the affect it would have on their car philosophy compared to Red Bull's. 

 

Now they have a conundrum, because Red Bull have already brought upgrades and seem intent on going all out this season, whereas Mercedes planned to already be fully focussed on 2022. I feel like they may have underestimated the cost-cap effects this year too, see cancelled tyre tests, complaining about damage costs after Imola etc. 

 

These threats etc. from Wolff and 'physcological' comments from Hamilton just are ways to try and peg Red Bull back as Mercedes try and reassess their plans this season and how they're going to balance this year against 2022 development.

 

Ya-ha, that is funny. It might be the case that this darned budgetcap is actually WORKING! If your assessment is right, that would declare Toto Wolfs behaviour. They thought they had their strategy right and now Red Bull is the party-pooper. Because, let us be honest, purely based on the results, Mercedes has all the weapons to win this championship? But they are acting as if they don't... or is it sincere?

 

Intriguing!

Edited by Nemo1965, 26 May 2021 - 13:02.

[Ali623]

Ya-ha, that is funny. It might be the case that this darned budgetcap is actually WORKING! If your assessment is right, that would declare Toto Wolfs behaviour. They thought they had their strategy right and now Red Bull is the party-pooper. Because, let us be honest, purely based on the results, Mercedes has all the weapons to win this championship? But they are acting as if they don't... or is it sincere?

 

Intriguing!

 

Oh absolutely, personally I believe Mercedes will still win the championship (possibly comfortably) this year to be honest. Red Bull have their own problems too (Perez still not comfortable, potential Honda reliability problems down the line, having to balance with the budget cap this year too). I just believe Mercedes thought they'd have it somewhat easier this year with them switching to 2021 so early last year and Red Bull have slightly inconvienced their plans as they'll now need to focus on this year more than they orginally intended, hence Toto seeming so disgruntled this season.

Edited by Ali623, 26 May 2021 - 13:18.

[cjm321190]

I would say Hamilton WDC. RB Constructors, on the basis Perez will beat Bottas over the season.

Perez is still getting comfy and improving.

But who knows, glad we have a good season finally.*


* hopefully Hamilton does not go on an unbeaten run after the summer break.

[SUFC]

Many votes for Nikita Mazepin and I think I must agree there. If we just look at his lap times, he is not extraordinary, but there is more to it that only a trained eye can see: The distance! All he need to do to beat everyone is to stop embellishing the lines as he is doing right now. Yes, I know that he is an entertainer at first, since autoracing is entertainment, but doing 360 degree turns, when the track does not call for it, _will_ hurt the lap times. Just keep it simple, Nikita, and the future is yours!
 

I'd love to see how much further up the grid Max could get this car. It would be interesting to give him some set up time and then go for it.

[Anderis]

I would say Hamilton WDC. RB Constructors, on the basis Perez will beat Bottas over the season.

Perez is still getting comfy and improving.

But who knows, glad we have a good season finally.*


* hopefully Hamilton does not go on an unbeaten run after the summer break.

It's an interesting take because If not for Russell crashing him out of Imola and if not for his pit stop in Monaco, Bottas could've easily been 5-0 head-to-head against Perez in race finishes so far.

[zanquis]

Pls share where Lewis was cheating in Bahrain. He followed the rules to the letter based on the stewards notes. And stating that Lewis was, "lucky", to be able to un-lap himself is blatant bias. The rule wasn't made to help Lewis. It's been if F1 for years and is applied equally to everyone.

While in the lead he made a mistake and deliberately exceeded track limits to avoid being a sitting duck on the straight. In a corner he normally would lose 3 tenths of a second every lap he despite making a mistake only lost 2 tenths by going wide. This incident wasn’t even investigated do there isn’t a stewards note because he still lost time compared to Max, just not as much as he normally would.

If you honestly think Lewis had no choice but to go wide after his turn 10 error than I have a bridge to sell for you.

In comparison, in Portugal Max made a smaller mistake but followed the rules and try to stay within track limits and that allowed Hamilton the pass.

Regarding the unlapping, I am not complaining about the rule, I have defended and still defend the rule. But the fact that directly after his incident there was a red flag allowing him to recover is his great fortune. That is lucky. It isn’t being biased but being honest: Lewis ... was ... lucky!

Stating that he was lucky doesn’t mean saying the rules are different for him or that the he isn’t being helped. Just that he was in fact lucky. Calling it anything else shows a bias in itself.

[zanquis]

Baku is going to be interesting. Teams will be using C5 C4 C3 tyres again which should in theory help Red Bull.
It's hilarious that MB already said that is a Red Bull track and Max said the opposite ahahaha...

I like this battle.

Expect Ferrari to fight for the win. They have good mechanical grip, not convinced about their aero but most run virtually no aero in baku so 🤷🏼

[Baddoer]

I assume we will never know.

Abu Dhabi 2021: Verstappen leads Hamilton in the championship by one point. They do last lap nose to tail, Hamilton have DRS and closing fast on the second straight... Camera switches to more appropriate action: Lance Stroll locking his brake in the hairpin and running wide.

[rf90]

It should be no surprise that Max will get stick from certain fans who will want to post salty comments purely because of who it is that Max is fighting for the title. I would hope though that there will be more reasoned comments from those who appreciate that this is Max's first ever title fight. They will make allowance for the fact that this new experience for Max will bring pressure that he hasn't experienced before, and with a 45/55 chance of the title as it appears, he is quite likely to make the odd slip up. It is to be expected.

[Requiem84]

It should be no surprise that Max will get stick from certain fans who will want to post salty comments purely because of who it is that Max is fighting for the title. I would hope though that there will be more reasoned comments from those who appreciate that this is Max's first ever title fight. They will make allowance for the fact that this new experience for Max will bring pressure that he hasn't experienced before, and with a 45/55 chance of the title as it appears, he is quite likely to make the odd slip up. It is to be expected.

Luckily we see Hamilton / Mercedes also maling mistakes now there is actual pressure for once.

[cjm321190]

It's an interesting take because If not for Russell crashing him out of Imola and if not for his pit stop in Monaco, Bottas could've easily been 5-0 head-to-head against Perez in race finishes so far.

Of course after the season ends we can make a better judgment based on DNFs.

Baku is a Bottas circuit so let's see how he goes.

[FullOppositeLock]

Well, a null point score for the two main candidates, but even if Max effectively lost a 11 point swing through that Pirelli shitshow I suppose Lewis will be leaving Baku the unhappiest. What a massive chance blown to retake the lead and put a serious dent in Red Bull’s and Max’ aspirations.

On to more “normal” tracks now and all to play for. Game on!

[Kao18]

Max will be unhappy but knows today was out of his own control.

 

Lewis on the other hand will have taken a big mental blow, looked extremely down.

 

These things can haunt you in the remainder of the season.

 

In any case for what its worth despite his dnf Max will feel the moral victor after this weekend I'm sure.

Edited by Kao18, 06 June 2021 - 15:32.