Sakhir Grand Prix - Bahrain Outer Loop Circuit

[robmarsh]

Saw that clip on Charles and Checo. Pure class and nice to see the genuine pleasure on Checo's face when Charles dropped by. I often think the media reports more distrust/animosity between the drivers than is actually there. Good point re MB. He does seem to be minding his Ps and Qs more than is necessary these days. I am sure the Sky commentators have to sign a PC checklist before they go on air each time.

I read somewhere that Toto was rather scathing about Bottas when talking to Sky TV. What happened to the oft publicly stated ethos of Mercedes that we win and lose together as a team...or is that only trotted out when they win.

[charleselan]

That would not surprise me in the least Rob, got to keep singing from the same song sheet haven't they. I am sure they hammered Charles because Verstappen was squealing about it being reckless. Can't wait until the day comes when Verstappen has to drive a car as bad as this current Ferrari for a season, should be interesting watching the various acts of desperation.

I really cannot stomach Wolff; I haven't seen that but it would not surprise me. Let us not forget he was the one who went behind Brawn and saw him ousted at MB. I wonder if Ross' revenge was to ensure that Tonto did not get the big gig that went to a far more decent person in Stefano Domenicali.

[chrisb]

I think that was my point John, given a bit more room all could have survived it, but sometimes discretion may be better in the longer run, but I wouldn't criticise Charles for trying it,

that is a nice story Rob, I do wonder why we are encouraged to think the drivers don't have the rapport previous era's may have enjoyed, not at the same levels obviously as they are much more sheltered these days and don't have the social structure or risk factors yesteryear drivers had but some shows of real respect is nice to hear  

Tonto is a bit of an enigma to me, not sure I understand him or where he is coming from or going to, what is clear is how much Niki is missed, it wouldn't surprise me him criticising Bottas, one has just to remember what he said about Nico, but one wonders if his days at MB are numbered, makes you consider if Valteri's days are?

[charleselan]

Valteri is getting quite a hammering all over the place currently, which in some ways is a tad unfair. He can be very fast and is a race winner on merit but he isn't able to challenge Hamilton in the same way that Nico did, or for that matter Jensen when they were at McLaren.

I believe him to be a worthy F1 driver but is he good enough to be a lead driver in one of the top teams, in my opinion no. He could however lead a team like Williams as he did in the past, some guys just aren't cut out to be in top line teams.

I did read the other day some commenters on other sites stating that Hamilton would demolish George Russell if they were teamed together. Doubt it to be honest, given a car that is designed for him, continued skill development George would match Lewis Hamilton more often than not. Also remember that when consistently challenged Hamilton gets a bit flakey, and age is on George Russell's side.

Another thing i noticed last Sunday was the radio messages, George was not only super quick but his observations and thought process was outstanding, reminded me of Sebastian at his peak. One such "how much kerb is he (Valteri) using".

[charleselan]

So Hamilton has been passed fit to return this coming weekend. Wouldn't have hurt to have let George Russell have another go, and right the wrong of last weekend would it. But no that might have been too inconvenient for certain people in the MB management environment.

It also would not have hurt Hamilton to show some magnanimity and allowed George another go, considering the lad is going to have to waste another season trolling around in the Williams. It would take a big man to do that!

[robmarsh]

I must admit I was disappointed to see that Hamilton was returning. The last race felt so free without him being there and I was hoping for another one to give GR a chance to right the wrong as you said Charles. I hope Valteri Bottas wins on Sunday, it would be so good for his morale.