|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 10, 2020 9:36:33 GMT
It does seem a touch contrived, but you have to ask the question how did Red Bull cope so well with the same tyres? The Merc tyres looked shredded after 10 laps, the RB ones looked fine. It was mooted that it's a downforce issue (Merc having too much), but it remains an interesting technical conundrum.
Barcelona will be a similar scenario, if not quite as fast as Silverstone. The Merc technical guys will be working overtime on the problem and are likely to come up with at least a workaround. Interesting that the Williams suffered just as badly with tyres.
I'm happy that Verstappen is up there and fighting, as if it was just Bottas versus Hamilton we all know how that would pan out. Verstappen will not stop fighting and is a definite future champion. He will keep Hamilton honest.
|
|
|
|
Post by jachawk on Aug 10, 2020 21:18:21 GMT
A good race indeed with no safety car which in this race would have helped the Mercs stay in contention. In reality the Merc engine has considerably more power than the Honda in the RB so you would expect Merc to run with more wing so they sacrifice a little top end but gain in the corners, maybe the Pirelli at that pressure has hit its limit with the extra load the Merc exerts. Personally in 44 years of watching F1 i've never seen tyres go off as quickly it was like watching a carpenter on a lathe shaving wood off, unbelievable!
Can't wait to see what happens in Spain
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 15, 2020 20:59:27 GMT
Interesting Qualy today. The Ferraris still appear to have fallen off a cliff, but Vettel especially so. There are strange splits between Leclerc and Vettel, Verstappen and Albon, Raikkonen and Giovinazzi.
Hamilton's 150th front row start.
Times
1 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:15.584
2 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 0.059s
3 Max Verstappen Red Bull 0.708s
4 Sergio Perez Racing Point 0.898s
5 Lance Stroll Racing Point 1.005s
6 Alex Albon Red Bull 1.445s
7 Carlos Sainz McLaren 1.460s
8 Lando Norris McLaren 1.500s
9 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1.713s
10 Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri 1.552s
11 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 1:17.166
12 Daniil Kvyat AlphaTauri 1:17.192
13 Daniel Ricciardo Renault 1:17.198
14 Kimi Raikkonen Alfa Romeo Racing 1:17.386
15 Esteban Ocon Renault 1:17.567
16 Kevin Magnussen Haas 1:17.908
17 Romain Grosjean Haas 1:18.089
18 George Russell Williams 1:18.099
19 Nicholas Latifi Williams 1:18.532
20 Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo Racing 1:18.697
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 16, 2020 15:30:40 GMT
This was one of those races of pure Hamilton domination. Not so easy with the heat and tyre management, but he didn't put a foot wrong and even changed the tyre strategy to suit his preference for the medium tyre over the soft. Verstappen once again showed that he can maximise his points. Bottas, sadly, is starting to let those errors slip into his driving that, for me, will forever deny him a championship. Impressed with Stroll in 4th, Sainz in 6th and Vettel in 7th.
Result
1 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
2 Max Verstappen Red Bull 24.177s
3 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 44.752s
4 Lance Stroll Racing Point 1 Lap
5 Sergio Perez Racing Point 1 Lap
6 Carlos Sainz McLaren 1 Lap
7 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 1 Lap
8 Alex Albon Red Bull 1 Lap
9 Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri 1 Lap
10 Lando Norris McLaren 1 Lap
11 Daniel Ricciardo Renault 1 Lap
12 Daniil Kvyat AlphaTauri 1 Lap
13 Esteban Ocon Renault 1 Lap
14 Kimi Raikkonen Alfa Romeo Racing 1 Lap
15 Kevin Magnussen Haas 1 Lap
16 Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo Racing 1 Lap
17 George Russell Williams 1 Lap
18 Nicholas Latifi Williams 2 Laps
19 Romain Grosjean Haas 2 Laps
Did not finish
Charles Leclerc Ferrari lap 38 engine
|
|
|
|
Post by robbiegong on Aug 16, 2020 16:15:14 GMT
This was one of those races of pure Hamilton domination. Not so easy with the heat and tyre management, but he didn't put a foot wrong and even changed the tyre strategy to suit his preference for the medium tyre over the soft. Verstappen once again showed that he can maximise his points. Bottas, sadly, is starting to let those errors slip into his driving that, for me, will forever deny him a championship. Impressed with Stroll in 4th, Sainz in 6th and Vettel in 7th. Result 1 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 2 Max Verstappen Red Bull 24.177s 3 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 44.752s 4 Lance Stroll Racing Point 1 Lap 5 Sergio Perez Racing Point 1 Lap 6 Carlos Sainz McLaren 1 Lap 7 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 1 Lap 8 Alex Albon Red Bull 1 Lap 9 Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri 1 Lap 10 Lando Norris McLaren 1 Lap 11 Daniel Ricciardo Renault 1 Lap 12 Daniil Kvyat AlphaTauri 1 Lap 13 Esteban Ocon Renault 1 Lap 14 Kimi Raikkonen Alfa Romeo Racing 1 Lap 15 Kevin Magnussen Haas 1 Lap 16 Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo Racing 1 Lap 17 George Russell Williams 1 Lap 18 Nicholas Latifi Williams 2 Laps 19 Romain Grosjean Haas 2 Laps Did not finish Charles Leclerc Ferrari lap 38 engine Yep! spot on. |
|
|
|
Post by MikeMusic on Aug 17, 2020 9:35:12 GMT
Very interesting to read
Lewis Hamilton, from BBC
He had found the fabled "zone" - a place where performance flows easily, where new levels are achieved - that is the goal of all athletes.
"There is an immense amount of pressure on all of us to perform weekend-in, weekend-out," Hamilton said. "And in the chase for perfection and being in that zone, you can be very, very close but still be slightly out and not be quite in your perfect rhythm.
"But for whatever reason today, I can't quite pinpoint why, I felt like I was in the most… It was like a clear zone.
"The clarity I had when I was driving, I am sure I've had it before but I don't really know how really to get into that zone. It's hard to say what helps you get into that space. But of course I will evaluate the weekend and the feeling today.
Zen and the art of F1
I've had rare moments of that in Aikido and cycling
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 17, 2020 10:02:34 GMT
He claimed that he was so in the zone he hadn't realised he was on the final lap!
I believe he was certainly in the zone when he made that staggering qualifying lap at Singapore in 2018, the one where even his Mercedes team had no idea how he had achieved it.
|
|
|
|
Post by MikeMusic on Aug 17, 2020 10:10:57 GMT
For my brief moments it just happened and was gone.
Oh to have the power to access it.
Hamilton is closer than most/all of us.
So many things we don't know, just out of reach
|
|
|
|
Post by speedysteve on Aug 17, 2020 11:43:58 GMT
For my brief moments it just happened and was gone. Oh to have the power to access it. Hamilton is closer than most/all of us. So many things we don't know, just out of reach I experienced someone like this at an amateur level. Lapping the short track of Lydden Hill. Racing there often, you just groove. Know exactly what gear to be in, when to brake, how much power to apply to fine the slicks max stick but not over do it and destroy them, all to maximise forward motion! Much of it is feel through the wheel, sight, sound, through the seat (stiff Carbon Fibre). Your brain reacts faster, intuitively somehow. Even external variables like overtaking, slicing through slower machinery all seems to be calculable without taxing the mind. 10000 hrs practise at anything you have a natural bias towards goes a long way. Lewis and the greats have such an over capacity. For him from the pinnacle of many things, training, diet, practise, ability, experience; other things I'll never know about 🙂 etc etc But don't forget the other greats who had this, Jim Clarke, Nikki Lauda, Ayrton Senna etc - it can all end in the blink of an eye. The consequences these days are mercifully stacked up in the drivers favour, walking away in tact. Halo possibly the last piece in the puzzle. Previous drivers had mortality to battle too. Times I do not wish back! |
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 18, 2020 7:35:40 GMT
Otmar Szafnauer about Zak Brown: “It seems to me he knows more about historic racing than he does about F1.”
Zak Brown about Otmar Szafnauer: “I’d invite him to come and join me. He’s got a historic car that he’s currently racing.”
Hilarious!
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 19, 2020 16:39:36 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 21, 2020 11:36:18 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 29, 2020 15:42:48 GMT
Wow, Hamilton showed exactly who is boss today with a tremendous pole, breaking the lap record and beating his team-mate by over 5 tenths. Fantastic 4th for Ricciardo and good to see Albon slot into 5th.
The Ferraris have serious problems, being beaten by both AlphaTauris. I cannot see Binotto lasting much longer as team boss.
Times
1 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:41.252
2 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 0.511s
3 Max Verstappen Red Bull 0.526s
4 Daniel Ricciardo Renault 0.809s
5 Alex Albon Red Bull 1.012s
6 Esteban Ocon Renault 1.144s
7 Carlos Sainz McLaren 1.186s
8 Sergio Perez Racing Point 1.280s
9 Lance Stroll Racing Point 1.351s
10 Lando Norris McLaren 1.405s
11 Daniil Kvyat AlphaTauri 1:42.730
12 Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri 1:42.745
13 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:42.996
14 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 1:43.261
15 George Russell Williams 1:43.468
16 Kimi Raikkonen Alfa Romeo Racing 1:43.743
17 Romain Grosjean Haas 1:43.838
18 Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo Racing 1:43.950
19 Nicholas Latifi Williams 1:44.138
20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 1:44.314
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Aug 30, 2020 17:44:44 GMT
Not one of the greatest races at Spa today. Hamilton managed to avoid getting slipstreamed at the start and thereafter pretty much stayed our of DRS range the whole race. Poor Sainz couldn't even start the race due to a last-minute exhaust issue. Giovinazzi and Russell had a crash that could have been so much worse, but luckily neither was injured. Bottas once again gave Hamilton no bother while Verstappen stayed close but couldn't reach either Mercedes. Albon probably just kept his seat at Red Bull but Gasly for me was the man of the race and is giving Marko pause for thought about swapping them back around. The Ferraris were terrible. How is Binotto still in charge?
Result
1 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:49.957
2 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 8.448s
3 Max Verstappen Red Bull 15.455s
4 Daniel Ricciardo Renault 18.877s
5 Esteban Ocon Renault 40.650s
6 Alex Albon Red Bull 42.712s
7 Lando Norris McLaren 43.774s
8 Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri 47.371s
9 Lance Stroll Racing Point 52.603s
10 Sergio Perez Racing Point 53.179s
11 Daniil Kvyat AlphaTauri 70.200s
12 Kimi Raikkonen Alfa Romeo Racing 71.504s
13 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 72.894s
14 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 74.920s
15 Romain Grosjean Haas 76.793s
16 Nicholas Latifi Williams 77.534s
17 Kevin Magnussen Haas 85.080s
Did not finish
George Russell Williams crash
Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo crash
Did not start
Carlos Sainz McLaren exhaust failure
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Sept 5, 2020 14:23:08 GMT
Excellent qualy with Hamilton and Bottas vying for fastest track record at Monza. Hamilton finally pipped it and Sainz got a superb 3rd on the grid! Don't mention the Ferraris - again.
Times
1 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:18.887
2 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 0.069s
3 Carlos Sainz McLaren 0.808s
4 Sergio Perez Racing Point 0.833s
5 Max Verstappen Red Bull 0.908s
6 Lando Norris McLaren 0.933s
7 Daniel Ricciardo Renault 0.977s
8 Lance Stroll Racing Point 1.162s
9 Alex Albon Red Bull 1.203s
10 Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri 1.290s
11 Daniil Kvyat AlphaTauri 1:20.169
12 Esteban Ocon Renault 1:20.234
13 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:20.273
14 Kimi Raikkonen Alfa Romeo Racing 1:20.926
15 Kevin Magnussen Haas 1:21.573
16 Romain Grosjean Haas 1:21.139
17 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 1:21.151
18 Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo Racing 1:21.206
19 George Russell Williams 1:21.587
20 Nicholas Latifi Williams 1:21.717
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Sept 6, 2020 16:17:48 GMT
What a truly fantastic race! None of the expected three were on the podium while three quite unexpected young drivers finished as the top three. Gasly was heroic in winning for AlphaTauri, Sainz tried everything to pass him for an excellent 2nd and Stroll got a very creditable 3rd.
A mesmerising end caused by Hamilton coming into the pits after Leclerc's crash but during a pit lane closed period, getting a harsh 10s stop-go penalty, while Verstappen retired and Bottas made zero progress during the race.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Sept 6, 2020 16:32:46 GMT
Result
1 Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri
2 Carlos Sainz McLaren 0.415s
3 Lance Stroll Racing Point 3.358s
4 Lando Norris McLaren 6.000s
5 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 7.108s
6 Daniel Ricciardo Renault 8.391s
7 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 17.245s
8 Esteban Ocon Renault 18.691s
9 Daniil Kvyat AlphaTauri 22.208s
10 Sergio Perez Racing Point 23.224s
11 Nicholas Latifi Williams 32.876s
12 Romain Grosjean Haas 35.164s
13 Kimi Raikkonen Alfa Romeo Racing 36.312s
14 George Russell Williams 36.593s
15 Alex Albon Red Bull 37.533s
16 Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo Racing 55.148s
Did not finish
Max Verstappen Red Bull engine
Charles Leclerc Ferrari crash
Kevin Magnussen Haas mechanical
Sebastian Vettel Ferrari brake failure
|
|
|
|
Post by speedysteve on Sept 6, 2020 22:05:48 GMT
Take out the no.1 and you have a different look.
Same thing has happened at the US Open tennis tournament.
No 1 seed, world #1 was defaulted for hitting a ball aimlessly in frustration after losing his service game.
Only problem, a linesperson's throat was in the ball's path.
Dropped like a sack of gasping spuds!
Instant DQ.
So like the F1 race today, there will be a new champion at the US Open.
Still several rounds to go there, so more open and exciting.
Bad, contrived 5call on the first safety car?
Bad lights not clear / in the wrong place for the drivers that pit lane was closed?
Wolfe said they showed a yellow X?!
Relying on team to tell driver? What if there's radio fault the FIA is not aware of?
Need better signal I think.
Penalty harsh yes.
Hamilton did well to get 7th.
Ferrari desperate!
Italians can cheer Alpha T instead😂
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Sept 7, 2020 5:31:46 GMT
You almost wonder at the Safety Car being called to bunch them up after the leader goes scampering off into the distance! I have never seen a pit lane closed sign like that, and with no red light, and it clearly caught Hamilton out. Superb recovery drive, and it showed that Bottas is again wanting in the same car.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Sept 10, 2020 7:39:06 GMT
Perez out of Racing Point, Vettel in.
Perez is a decent driver and deserves a place in F1, although I fear only Haas could accommodate him.
I'm kinda hoping that Vettel can show some of his earlier driving skills as failing again at RP would be an ignominious way to leave F1 for a four times World Champion.
|
|
