653 replies to this topic

[Nemo1965]

I said earlier how well he did today too but I think it’s also fair to remind that Max has also binned it in qualifying at this very track (at the very end of an astonishing lap, if I recall.)

 

It’s a game of fine margins and sometimes the best of them occasionally go over the edge, they are only human.

 

Except I believe Max had already a banker in that qualifying. And, well, IMHO  this was one of his two big mistakes that damaged his car of his own accord from 2021 to now. (Other one was Hungary, where he crashed on his way to the grid). Max just makes very, very few mistakes. Lando not really many for a F1-driver, but... he can't afford to make them this year, I think. He's in a weird, stressful position with Piastri upping his game and threatening to take over the position as lead McLaren-driver, Max being Max, Russell also being a constant, consistent threat until now.

 

By the way: despite Piastri's comments after qualifying, I believe he did keep a slight margin during his lap. Psychologically, the chance to profit from his teammate's mistake must have made him wary of crashing as well. If true, it was very smart.

Edited by Nemo1965, 20 April 2025 - 05:15.

[Mc_Silver]

Fair play, you called it

In my defense: The car was garbage in Bahrain, and McLaren looked great in practice again. It was reasonable to expect a bad weekend for Verstappen again, and I didn't downplay the car to "build a narrative". Apparently, the RB21 is a podium car sometimes, and sometimes it's a lemon.

As I said, Red Bull has pretty rapid car in fast and flowing tracks. The only issue is its narrow operating window. Otherwise, the car is a match with McLaren or a tenth behind at most. I have always said this and some people were calling me crazy saying red bull is the 5th fastest car etc. Max is not GOD and he can only drive the car within its capabilities, not beyond. It's the same with every driver. Extracting maximum out of your car is the art drivers are doing and currently Max, Oscar and George are the ones who are doing great job about it.

Edited by Mc_Silver, 20 April 2025 - 07:12.

[MikeTekRacing]

He is come in late..and better than everyone that drove the 2nd RBR the last 2 years by far! When did you see the second RRR in Q3 last time.. let alone in 2 consecutive races?

Last two races of 2024

[jcbc3]

And we continue here: https://forums.autos...-prix-race-day/