I know you're a fan, Jasper, but sorry, yes he does have reasons to race. Many reasons. Not least, professional pride.
I just hate the idea someone would piffle around because they're leaving or feel they're being mistreated a bit. Racing cars is a laugh. It's great. It's what they purport to love. So go do it, no matter how much you're thinking about next year.
Also foolish because this is almost certainly the last time that Bottas will race in a top-tier F1 car. He has 6 (or 7?) races remaining in which to chase wins, after which he'll be a backmarker for the remainder of his career. I don't think that's the issue here. Rather, it's that Mercedes has taken a step back relative to the field, and that has further exposed the fact that Bottas just isn't that good. He's not a bad driver either, but all things equal I doubt he's one of the five quickest drivers in the field, and the Mercedes no longer offers the luxury of being able to simply blast away into the distance from the start.
Mercedes probably have regressed slightly but I think Red Bull and McLaren in particular has made huge improvements this year. Having said that Verstappen is the only driver who can beat Hamilton on a regular basis so the Mercedes isn't too bad!
Like I said, Mercedes has taken a step back relative to the field. Doesn't mean that the Mercedes is markedly worse, but where they have shifted their attention to next season, teams have gained on them. And that has impacted Hamilton somewhat (being unable to get out of a train of cars he'd have breezed past last year is an example) and has impacted Bottas much more.
Definitely not one of the top five, no. Not even in doubt. For starters - quicker you have - Hamilton Verstappen Norris Russell Leclerc Sainz Alonso And you could make a case for Gasly/Ocon - he's probably around their level in reality.
I also reckon the Mercedes car next year with the new regulations will be super strong. I suspect they saved some money this season for that purpose.
Hamilton, laps led on the year: 133. Verstappen, laps led in just the Austrian and Dutch Grands Prix: 135. I was also, uh, mildly surprised to see who holds third place on the laps led chart for the season.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/58775065 This is an amazing feat , I watched the race yesterday and Lizzie was awesome. I have done the Paris Roubaix sportive and quite frankly it was the worst day I have ever had on a bike. Well done to her team Trek Segafredo for topping up her winnings to equal the men's prize.
Hamilton is streets ahead of anyone else for pace. He'll surely qualify on pole before getting the 10 place penalty. If this pace carries on tomorrow he shouldn't have many problems getting on the podium.
I wouldn't rule out Lewis winning the race tomorrow TBH. Mercedes definitely have a pace advantage over Red Bull for this one so unless Bottas ****s up the start it's tough to see Max winning this one.
Is it a track with good overtaking opportunities? Or one of those boring tracks with maybe one chance per circuit, that turns it into a procession?