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Post by René on May 18, 2022 17:51:32 GMT
 We’re back in Europe for the Gran Premio de España!
 Home race for ‘Chili’ or, as some would call him, Carlos Sainz jr.  It’s the first time in his F1 career he will have a car capable of winning his home race. At least, that is what is expected of the Scuderia who will bring the first major upgrade package on the F1-75 to Spain. Word is in Italian media this could bring them 3 to 4 tenth. But let's wait and see of course and Red Bull will not be sitting on their hands either. Or is Red Bull already burning through most of their available budget as Binotto suggested? Time will tell but for now, the battle will be fierce again between the Cavallinos and the Bulls. And what about Mercedes? It is said this race will be crucial in their decision to continue with the current concept or switch entirely to a (by now) more proven concept à la Ferrari or Red Bull. Hoping to see Carlos and Fernando do well here and of course Valtteri and Kevin scoring big points again. 
Vamos!
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Post by René on May 19, 2022 19:51:05 GMT
Spanish Ferrari drivers.  Alfonso de Portago  Fernando Alonso  Carlos Sainz jr. |
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Post by René on May 20, 2022 14:39:28 GMT
Looking good so far, a Ferrari 1-2 but Max would likely have had the same time without the slow cars in front of him. George not far off the pace so far but that was also the case in Miami. Fernando going well as well!
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Post by René on May 20, 2022 16:37:45 GMT
And Leclerc fastest again in FP2 just ahead of the Mercedes boys who are looking promising. There seems to be more pace in the silver arrows. Spanish hopes Sainz and Alonso in 4th and 6th and Verstappen 'only' 5th but looking best on race pace so far. The Ferraris are obviously fast over one lap but they were struggling a bit more with the tyres in the hot conditions. But a surprise to see Mercedes going well and also Seb Vettel in the green Bull not far behind in P8.
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Post by René on May 21, 2022 18:09:44 GMT
Wow, that was some lap from Charles Leclerc! Fourth pole of the year, the Monegasque is becoming a real qualifying expert. But Max is next to him on the front row and will be a big threat again in the race. It will be crucial for Ferrari to manage the tyres and of course keep Max behind. Carlos solid in third but the gap to Leclerc is quite big. Mercedes is clearly getting more to grips with the W13. It will be interesting to see how they perform over the race distance. Bottas and Magnussen both very good again! Very nice to see.  |
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Post by Carl on May 22, 2022 23:42:53 GMT
Damn shame for Charles, who was perfect until he lost power. Many in Italy will be praying for the curse to be lifted from Ferrari. There is a remarkable difference in temperament between three drivers. Hamilton is a constant crybaby, Verstappen petulant when something goes wrong, and Leclerc accepting, however reluctantly, of bad fortune with a mature grace. david croft, who during practice wondered whether someone at Red Bull had drawn chassis specifications on a toilet stall wall at Aston Martin's corporate headquarters, believes devoutly that Hamilton is infallible, but I accept Kevin Magnussen's take that he was punted off track on purpose. It wouldn't be the first time. Next week: Ferrari 1-2  |
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Post by René on May 23, 2022 10:50:22 GMT
You're so right Carl, that was a damn shame indeed!
Man, I still feel disappointed but at the same time also proud of the team and what they achieved this year. The way Binotto talked about the positives they could take from Barcelona after such a blow, confirms again that this is a different Ferrari team. No blaming or finger pointing but supporting his team to focus on the next challenge.
Charles would have won this race without the engine issue, no doubt, and that gives confindence for the rest of the season. The updates worked and the team also managed to solve the tyre deg issues which they still had on the saturday.
Charles was a class act as always. Losing always hurts, certainly like this, but maybe because Charles knows what real loss is he also knows how to see things in perspective. Cheering up his down beat mechanics was top class, a real team player. Sorry for Carlos he could not shine in front of his fans. I don't know exactly what it is but it seems like Carlos is driving too much on the limit at the moment. It's probably a mental thing. Fantastic to see George Russell fighting for second and than the lead. The way he held of Max through the first sequence of corners was very strong and he obviously made a point to Max; "don't mess with me"! Lewis's drive from the back to the front was also very good and shows the steps Mercedes has made. Bottas again with a strong drive to 6th and also a very good drive from Lando Norris who completely blows Danny Ric away. If only McLaren can give Lando a car to fight for podiums that would be wonderful.
Oh yes..  good result for Red Bull of course. Max is the type of driver who's always a factor as long as he's in the race, even if he's dead last. He went off (identical to Carlos) but recovered strongly. Checo should have no illusions. Not about his position in the team but also not about his abilities compared to Max. On to Monaco. Yes Carl, a Ferrari 1-2! Forza!
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Post by chrisb on May 23, 2022 14:47:32 GMT
gutted for you Ferrari fans - that was cruel - but the guy's class just shines through, so brightly, how refreshing he is
I was a bit overwhelmed by so much sport going on yesterday, what with WSB and BSB, end of the football season [for me as a Liverpool fan of some 45 years a bit disappointing - but roll on and fingers crossed for Saturday] I was following the F1 race but admit I lost interest when Charles retired and only half heartedly followed it then. Although I have watched the brief highlights this morning, muted as Croft grates at 06:30 - well, actually he grates at any time, and there were some good drives from a number of people. I am never happy when a team lets it be known who is number one and who isn't, things like this have always existed and one can understand the logic, it's just I think the number one shouldn't need pitlane assistance to be number one
My take on Carlos is similar Rene, he is watching Charles walk away and wondering why for the first time he isn't staying with him - feels a bit like overdriving, I guess once he wins one then the floodgates will open.
I was please to see the Mercs do well - although the drawback of course is that means you have the Wolfman back in the spotlight, not enjoyable, Wondering what people's takes on the lewis and Kevin incident?
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It’s the first time in his F1 career he will have a car capable of winning his home race. At least, that is what is expected of the Scuderia who will bring the first major upgrade package on the F1-75 to Spain. Word is in Italian media this could bring them 3 to 4 tenth. But let's wait and see of course and Red Bull will not be sitting on their hands either. Or is Red Bull already burning through most of their available budget as Binotto suggested? Time will tell but for now, the battle will be fierce again between the Cavallinos and the Bulls.
good result for Red Bull of course. Max is the type of driver who's always a factor as long as he's in the race, even if he's dead last. He went off (identical to Carlos) but recovered strongly. Checo should have no illusions. Not about his position in the team but also not about his abilities compared to Max.
