People making it sound like Max is only on pole because of that slipstream lol he was quicker on he's 2nd lap without it but back off at the end so, probably would of had 2 laps quick enough for pole.
Agree. But he was also faster in qualifying in Saudi and not in the race, which is my working assumption for this race too, based on that one.
Perrilli are forcasting the best tyre strategy is one stop, Medium and Hards, as per the top 3 last year. Only 3 drivers stopped twice last year.
Interesting as there were more corners last year and more braking. So that's logical as long as the Mediums can hang on long enough.
It's set up to be the kind of race I like, 2 cars of roughly equal pace, with 2 of the best drivers, but with different characteristics, on different tyre strats. Hoping this one goes down to the last few laps.
No, he was blisteringly fast again, nobody can say otherwise. He strat may totally screw him though, but with a bit of luck going his way,it might not work out too bad. It's almost impossible to read this one.
I think Lewis is happy to be in second, if he was that fussed he would have arranged a tow from Bottas, said without judging if it would have worked. He knows where Max is for the first corner, no lunging. Assuming he can he would prefer to take him on the straight with DRS, if he gets close enough for DRS.
I almost think this could be decided by red flags. i.e. If we get a Red flag at the right/wrong time then some will get free pit stops. So the positions could be determined by Flags!!! I really hope the flags are not created by any of the Red Bull or the Merc 'Family' of teams. I hope it's just a good clean race with zero incidents and who ever crosses the line in in front wins, no arguments or legal challenges.
Max with a beautiful lap and Merc not quite where they wanted to be over one lap. Race pace, tyres, and SC now the key! Turn 1 here we come!!
Two absolute bonafide top talent in the top two cars- for all the ups and downs both have produced some epic drives and now it’s just a straight fight one final time this season to see who edges it. Take out the personalities, the drama and the fandom, and it’s hard to argue these two aren’t by a distance the most consistent drivers on the grid this year. They have obliterated their team mates. Both have shown great character to come back from setbacks or difficult positions and it’s a fight that has deserved a final showdown. Some may argue Max may have wrapped it up already with greater luck but then Hamilton has delivered under enormous pressure since Mexico and USA to take it to the wire. Standout shouts to Norris (who has been one of the only people to make Ricciardo look average) and Sainz (who in going toe to toe with Le Clerc has backed up his close tied form with Norris).
Great news, Mazepin out of the race due to Covid. This must lessen the chance of a red flag by at least 50%?
Don't be so negative, enjoy the race. How many times did you think Lewis would not win the last race. The cup is half full, NOT half empty.
These races can throw up some funny results. I wonder what odds you could get on neither Max or Lewis winning the race (not just because of taking each other out).