George to start 10th after Tsunoda penalised for impeding Bottas! He still gets free tyre choice as well !!!! Fingers crossed he can keep his calm and get his and Williams first points.
Just me that thinks it's harder and harder to see past Max winning the WDC? I really thought Merc would edge RB once wed got to France and Austria. Admittedly Merc should have won in France, but only because of the MV error on the first lap. Pace wise, RB have had the edge at France and today. Unless Merc are set up better for the race tomorrow (which looks unlikely), I can't see how they are going to win more races than RB for the rest of the year.
It does seem like Red Bull have found a low drag aero package that still allows them enough downforce at slow speeds to get round the corners. Merc can't seem to find as low a drag config that allows them to get round the corners! The fun bit is Merc can't just throw money at development to dig themselves out of the hole as they don't have the spare budget! I really didn't think the budget cap would make much of a difference this year but I was wrong. I am liking the budget cap. Only way Merc have a chance is using strat, but Merc aren't good at that!!! Much as I would like Lewis to get his 8th WDC I think it's 30:70 in Max's favour.
I can't see Merc winning either WDC or WCC as it stands. Perez is 25 points clear of Bottas, and set to increase that further tomorrow. Merc just don't seem to have any weapons to fight with, other than the talent of Hamilton. They don't seem to have the speed on the straights, or the outright lap pace, or the strategy, or the second driver....
We'll see what happens after the summer break, that's been when Mercedes have turned the screw on any challengers. Ricciardo's reputation is getting ruined by Norris, in much the same way as he ruined Vettel's.
It's certainly looking like their championship to lose, but I can't help but think there is another twist in this tale to come. Merc seem to be failing where they should potentially have the upper hand, but there is a long way to go yet. I have a feeling this season could turn out to be one to remember.
Lando is impressing quite a lot. There are times he's making Ricciardo look bang average. Which is quite something.
Emotionally I am reconciled to Max and RB winning both titles. Lewis has made two uncharacteristic errors this year, I see him rattled, neither he nor Merc are used to this level of competition. While I think Lewis will pull himself together Max has stolen a march on Lewis and with it comes increased confidence. Both he and Red Bull have grown into a new mood, capable of winning with confidence at the tracks. Merc and Lewis have tensed up. I actually feel Toto has let himself down, even last year, blaming others for the failure, even in public. Last year, the tyre confusion with George, he used the 'F' on TV blaming the team, a good leader does not publically do that. This year I suspect the team has cracks after having to double some salaries to avoid losing key players to Red Bull. Performance, not having it all their own way, budget, morale, does not suggest a capability to win. RB have the momentum. If Merc don't pull it off over this and next weekend I can't see the summer break solving it. There are, in my opinion, multiple issues not just the car. And don't forget, Jenson won the mind game over Lewis, Max can too. I will be glued at 2!
The way this could get quite interesting is if Norris could jump into the lead early on those soft tyres and then cause a bit of a hold up for a few laps- it would potentially bring Bottas and Perez into play as rear gunners - and not ruling out Gasly either who has looked very handy. Lewis and Max going hammer and toe could also allow the others to sit in the pocket with better tyres- it will be interesting.
I really hope he doesn't. Williams and George have definitely found some pace this weekend, hope it can continue and he gets first Williams points.
Yes I used to hate him , but that was because of his immaturity and his Dad and Grandad. He is now a top driver. The shame is Horner and Marko .