They've let loads go though to try and keep the battle closer already this season. Not sure anyone can deny that. It's the North American way, hype and drama over actual sporting merit. Liberty said they wanted 20+ 'superbowls' every year and that's what we're getting. I've actually seen SA described as a 'brilliant race' ffs. It was dreadful.
Just add that it was because of the Prost/Schumacher incidents, these rules regarding penalties etc., came into F1. Before there was a 'gentlemens agreement' regarding ceding the lead if the other driver has gotten there nose in front through a corner.
Yeah, I looked at that earlier. I think it will just suit Mercedes better. By getting rid of the chicane before you get onto the main straight and making it a sweeping left hander it will require less downforce and drivers can get on the power earlier. The Mercedes quicker is in a straight line so that should benefit Lewis.
From a dramatic point of view I was glued to it and I think I said incredible which it was, I'll admit i'm not a racing purist or claim to be an expert. Edit: Or did you mean South Africa!....
Bellend. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Max Verstappen says he is treated differently to other drivers - BBC Sport
It really wouldn't surprise me if one of Max or Lewis led from start to finish, no drama at all (hopefully Lewis).
A gentleman's agreement that sometimes went out the window when it really mattered. The Gilles Villeneuve/Rene Arnoux battle at the French Grand Prix isn't legendary because of the amount of space they gave each other. There's also the reality that, from the mid-80's on, the heavy reliance on downforce (and increased width of cars) has really changed what is and isn't possible with the cars. You can stay in corners that you couldn't in that era without skidding off into gravel, but equally there's far less track available through those corners, which means that -- particularly in a car with superior handling and inferior straight-line speed -- you can hold a position, but have much less opportunity to retake a position.
Out of the Alex Ferguson book of distraction for referees, when he would moan about the physicality of a team, before the match.
I used to go to this grand prix when l lived in the UAE. It was never an exciting race at the best of times because the circuit is so mundane (but was always a good drinking session during and afterwards). It will be interesting to see what the track modifications this year make to the whole experience.
Scrappy session by both drivers. Daytime temperature will be alot different this evening, it will have a big impact on qualifying but am not sure who that will benefit from lower track temperature.
Merc looks a fair bit quicker, but this is a mental season, so who knows. I REALLY hope it isn't a procession tomorrow, with all the casual fans tuning in, but I fear it might be.
Yeah I've got a feeling that Lewis might get pole and then sail away into the distance from the second corner.
I expect RB to be stronger in qualifying tonight. I do hope Lewis wins, chances will improve significantly if they can lock-up the front row tonight. All to play for...
