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Post by René on Mar 27, 2021 17:34:21 GMT
A clean sweep for Max Verstappen with an impressive pole position! Well done.
It looks like the Mercedes dominance is finally coming to an end even if they are still very strong.
Impressive laps by Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly who both got the better of the McLarens. I think Carlos Sainz will be a bit disappointed as he was faster than Charles almost all the sessions. But still a strong debut with Ferrari.
The old fox Alonso showed he still has what it takes. Vettel obviously needs more time to adjust to the Aston Martin.
I am sure we're going to see some good close racing tomorrow! 
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Post by robmarsh on Mar 27, 2021 18:47:23 GMT
A Ferrari win is not out of the question. Charles will need to make a good start and take max advantage of his soft tyres.
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Post by charleselan on Mar 27, 2021 19:49:42 GMT
An interesting session where Verstappen had everything fall into place and looked to have MB on the back foot, but I have my doubts that they will be that easy to beat here or anywhere else. Disappointed to see Perez so far off Verstappen's time, hopefully not a portend of things to come.
Brilliant lap by Charles (again) and got due credit from Jensen after the qualifying, I think he said it was even more impressive than Verstappen's lap, some praise indeed from one who knows. Carlos was quick all weekend but it didn't come together when it mattered, however he is a Sunday man par excellence so look out.
Pierre Gasly hugely impressive once more, as was his young team mate in Q1, he has serious speed.
What about the old war horse Alonso, all credit there that was some performance.
Have no doubt, that the Marzipan kid has no place on the grid.
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Post by robmarsh on Mar 28, 2021 8:34:06 GMT
I agree MazaSpin should not be in the field and not just because his ability is suspect. Looking forward to seeing how Yuki Tsunoda and Sainz go in the race. I feel sorry for Sergio but not for Red Bull. Having watched nearly two seasons of Drive to Survive the Red Bull management deserve the result after the way they tried to destroy both Gasly and Albon's careers because they couldn't qualify within two grid spaces of Verstappen. The continuous criticism from Christian Horner that those two youngsters were not quick enough was disgusting, especially coming from someone, who as Martin Brundle said, "Shame you were not quick enough to get into Formula 1". I don't know what management practices Horner and Marko follow but consistently running down your newest driver doesn't resonate with any good management practices I believe in.
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Post by chrisb on Mar 28, 2021 9:20:32 GMT
you and me both Rob, I believe their are two main methods of managment, motivate or intimidate, I know what works best for most folk but obviously Horner etc don't believe it motivating people
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Post by charleselan on Mar 28, 2021 12:46:53 GMT
I agree MazaSpin should not be in the field and not just because his ability is suspect. Looking forward to seeing how Yuki Tsunoda and Sainz go in the race. I feel sorry for Sergio but not for Red Bull. Having watched nearly two seasons of Drive to Survive the Red Bull management deserve the result after the way they tried to destroy both Gasly and Albon's careers because they couldn't qualify within two grid spaces of Verstappen. The continuous criticism from Christian Horner that those two youngsters were not quick enough was disgusting, especially coming from someone, who as Martin Brundle said, "Shame you were not quick enough to get into Formula 1". I don't know what management practices Horner and Marko follow but consistently running down your newest driver doesn't resonate with any good management practices I believe in. We are truly blessed at the moment to have two great team principles, the best since Briatore in my opinion  . (sarcasm) I completely agree that the treatment of Gasly & Albon was absolutely disgusting, as was with Ricciardo and before him Webber all because no-one should get in the way of the chosen one. As I have mentioned previously they really dropped the ball when they let Carlos Sainz slip through their sticky fingers, but he was too close to Verstappens pace and they couldn't have that could they. Hopefully Pierre Gasly will either make the Alpha Tauri his own or will move on to someone like Renault as has been mooted. Alexander Albon was brought on way too quickly and never really had the chance to develop, a crass managerial decision in the first place. |
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Post by Carl on Mar 28, 2021 23:55:02 GMT
Apparently I am the first to wake up and comment. The first 90 minutes were all about tyres and pitstop strategy and conversations in the broadcast booth sounded like a barber shop. Would you like an undercut or an overcut? I was close to falling asleep when Martin Brundle shouted "The game is on!" as Max closed in on Lewis, but after he (smartly) surrendered the position he had gained out of bounds, Verstappen slowed dramatically and the game was over...  There were some excellent duels behind the leaders, but the focus was almost entirely on 33 and 44. Some observations: 1. I thought Verstappen had a slow puncture at the end but the problematic differential could have had a seizure. 2. Sebastian Vettel continues to believe everyone should yield to him regardless. 3. Toto Wolff's mask appeared to anesthetize him. 4. Regaled by his own wittiness, David Croft declared at one point that a former Ferrari driver (Alonso) was leading a second former Ferrari driver (Vettel), who was leading "a current former Ferrari driver", an extravagant designation that applied to the first two but not to Carlos Sainz. |
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Post by charleselan on Mar 29, 2021 10:22:26 GMT
Basically a two horse race, with the old dog having enough tools in his box to see off the ambitions of his apparent (according to some) heir.
Some excellent racing down the field with an outstanding drive by Lando Norris who I feel has laid down a marker for Ricciardo.
Afraid to say this but I have seen many a star wane over the years and it looks more and more likely that Sebastian Vettel is joining that club. I know it is only the first race but someone with his credentials should have done a better job no matter what the circumstances, to me he looks like an old boxer who no longer should be in the ring.
Look at Kimi & Alonso both in their 40's now and still very combative and in my opinion deservedly in F1 right now.
Charles did his usual Gilles early laps, but in the end he wasn't that far ahead of his new (former Ferrari driver, just love that Carl) team mate who always puts together a good race.
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Post by robmarsh on Mar 29, 2021 16:55:37 GMT
There is a clip shown on Planet F1 of Valteri being cut dead by Woolfe after the race yesterday. His race was sacrificed to ensure Lewis had a chance to win so team orders rule. I think this will definitely be Valteri's last season at Mercedes and all pretense of him having equal opportunity to win or Mercedes being an equal opportunity employer will be dropped. I just hope VB comes out of it all with his dignity and spirit intact. He is too nice a person for it to be otherwise.
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Post by René on Mar 29, 2021 16:57:04 GMT
A two horse race indeed. Much better than a one horse race! 
Let's hope for the sake of the championship that Red Bull can keep this up. Max is ready for a title fight, I have no doubt about that.
My observations:
- Perez did a good job to reset his car (a new car for him) and recover to fifth. He's exactly the man they need now and he will fight Bottas if he has a decent qualy.
- Bottas should count his blessings, his wins and his bank account. He's never going to beat Hamilton and if Mercedes had not picked him up he would not have any wins and less money (like Irvine in a way).
- Sainz had a good debut for Ferrari. No mistakes and finishing close to Leclerc (who was brilliant again).
- I see a Vettel with different colours and a different environment but I still see the same Vettel on track. It's a shame but Binotto knows he made the right choice. Stroll saved the day for Aston Martin.
- Alonso has not lost it. This could end Ocon's career. Esteban needs to up his game.
- Tsunoda has talent and speed.
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Post by René on Mar 29, 2021 17:10:06 GMT
There is a clip shown on Planet F1 of Valteri being cut dead by Woolfe after the race yesterday. His race was sacrificed to ensure Lewis had a chance to win so team orders rule. I think this will definitely be Valteri's last season at Mercedes and all pretense of him having equal opportunity to win or Mercedes being an equal opportunity employer will be dropped. I just hope VB comes out of it all with his dignity and spirit intact. He is too nice a person for it to be otherwise. Rob, my judgement over Bottas is maybe a bit harsher but he was always recruited as a #2. He is indeed a very likeable guy and a damn good driver, super fast on his day. But he's not of the Lewis/Max/Charles calibre. He won't beat Lewis. I agree Wolf is a shark though.
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Post by robmarsh on Mar 29, 2021 17:16:05 GMT
There is a clip shown on Planet F1 of Valteri being cut dead by Woolfe after the race yesterday. His race was sacrificed to ensure Lewis had a chance to win so team orders rule. I think this will definitely be Valteri's last season at Mercedes and all pretense of him having equal opportunity to win or Mercedes being an equal opportunity employer will be dropped. I just hope VB comes out of it all with his dignity and spirit intact. He is too nice a person for it to be otherwise. Rob, my judgement over Bottas is maybe a bit harsher but he was always recruited as a #2. He is indeed a very likeable guy and a damn good driver, super fast on his day. But he's not of the Lewis/Max/Charles calibre. He won't beat Lewis. I agree Wolf is a shark though.
Hi Rene I agree he is not the same as Lewis, Max, Charles or Alonso but he is better than many in the field. My issue is that Mercedes have made out they both drivers have equal equipment, equal opportunity to win etc when in fact that is not true so why not just be honest and say what it is. Irvine knew where he stood, Ferrari made it quite plain. I don't believe Mercedes has been as honest. How are they going to treat George Russell? |
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Post by René on Mar 29, 2021 17:20:26 GMT
Rob, my judgement over Bottas is maybe a bit harsher but he was always recruited as a #2. He is indeed a very likeable guy and a damn good driver, super fast on his day. But he's not of the Lewis/Max/Charles calibre. He won't beat Lewis. I agree Wolf is a shark though.
Hi Rene I agree he is not the same as Lewis, Max, Charles or Alonso but he is better than many in the field. My issue is that Mercedes have made out they both drivers have equal equipment, equal opportunity to win etc when in fact that is not true so why not just be honest and say what it is. Irvine knew where he stood, Ferrari made it quite plain. I don't believe Mercedes has been as honest. How are they going to treat George Russell?
You have a point there Rob. I do believe they give him equal equipment (well, most of the time at least) but certainly not equal opportunities. His races are very often sacrificed to help Lewis, that is true.
But on the other hand, they pay him only a fraction of what they pay Lewis (which is still a lot)...  |
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Post by Carl on Mar 29, 2021 17:56:01 GMT
There is a clip shown on Planet F1 of Valteri being cut dead by Woolfe after the race yesterday. His race was sacrificed to ensure Lewis had a chance to win so team orders rule. I think this will definitely be Valteri's last season at Mercedes and all pretense of him having equal opportunity to win or Mercedes being an equal opportunity employer will be dropped. I just hope VB comes out of it all with his dignity and spirit intact. He is too nice a person for it to be otherwise. Rob, my judgement over Bottas is maybe a bit harsher but he was always recruited as a #2. He is indeed a very likeable guy and a damn good driver, super fast on his day. But he's not of the Lewis/Max/Charles calibre. He won't beat Lewis. I agree Wolf is a shark though.
"Win any way you can as long as you can get away with it."
"Show me a good loser in professional sports, and I'll show you an idiot."
"Nice guys finish last"
- Leo Durocher [ baseball player and manager ]
The problem with the hyper-competitive are the ones who push others down to be first on the train
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Post by chrisb on Mar 30, 2021 11:41:35 GMT
I thought for Bottas's self-esteem he would be better off elsewhere but that would mean a lot less money and an opportunity if a problem with Lewis happened of winning, maybe he is resigned to the silver pennies and secondary role - I just think he is a good driver - a good one and a half - not quite a number one but not a number two either and a jolly decent chap, who deserves better than Wolff is offering, wonder where he will go to next year. If this is a one year contract for Lewis is that suggesting anything?
Carl, far be it for me to disagree with Leo and I am not sure I am, but Fangio, Jimmy amongst others were pretty nice guys, however, that was a long time ago and does it still apply?
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. (sarcasm)
