Official Formula 1 thread

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Then why did they leave two "slow cars" (ric and Bottas) between Sainz and Max? Either all lapped cars get a pass or none, this half hearted freebie is basically unprecedented.

All the lapped cars would've jumped out of Max's way with blue flags being shown to them, it would've been a non issue with 3 laps of green and then Max would've had drs on Hamilton.

Masi took a situation with three by the book reasonable outcomes, two of which gives Max a shot at winning, and made up a fourth scenario that favors Max.

Edit actually four scenarios that would've been fair, two that seem equal, one for Lewis and one for Max. And masi magicked up a fifth.

Sure, but then there would probably have been a CF behind Max likely resulting in a red flag ending the race. And Max would have been entirely dependent on 4 competitors coordinating with no communication other than where they put their cars. Lewis could time it so there's no where to jump out of the way, plus Max would have been about a second behind on reaction time alone.

As it stood, Lewis had both position, initiative, and a faster straight line car. All in all, I think Max right behind Lewis was a bit more even than the other way around.

If there were only two other lapped cars, maybe it would have been a better call to let those two go. Though Merc proved in Jeddah that Bottas was able and willing to use safety regulations to impede the progress of competitors to Hamilton's advantage.

In hindsight, I agree mistakes were made (again, red flag was the right choice here imo), but I'm not the one having to coordinate between multiple groups of marshals, a safety car driver, and 10 team principals, with 2 of them complaining at the same time and having to make the restart happen in the next minute. I, like everyone else, was sitting on a couch watching a video screen. There's a lesson to be learned here and firing the race director as a scapegoat isn't it.

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by Spuds

There's a lesson to be learned here and firing the race director as a scapegoat isn't it.

Can we at least tar and feather him ?

[TommyW]

funny AF

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Sure, but then there would probably have been a CF behind Max likely resulting in a red flag ending the race. And Max would have been entirely dependent on 4 competitors coordinating with no communication other than where they put their cars. Lewis could time it so there's no where to jump out of the way, plus Max would have been about a second behind on reaction time alone.

I agree, Max didn't have a shot without the safety car.

[strat61caster]

Chain bear nails it, 100% agree with everything, I've got nothing to say that wasn't said in this video.

[Pat]

Originally Posted by TommyW

Russell as Hamilton’s team mate will be the thing that will be interesting IMO

I wonder how it will affect Hamilton's legacy. If Georgy-boy drives next year like he did that last time he was in a Mercedes, Hamilton's shine may tarnish a bit. I don't honestly think that'll happen, as I genuinely believe Hamilton is one of the all-time greats. But I think there will always be an asterisk given the car he's driven the last several years. It'll be really fun to watch Russell and Hamilton battle it out. If Hamilton can outrun Russell frequently it'll be super impressive.

[Pat]

You guys are missing the biggest point of all here: Isn't it time we all give Masi credit for his uncommonly abundant creativity?

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

I agree, Max didn't have a shot without the safety car.

As it stood on lap 50, not unless Lewis got a puncture or hit a bad tire cliff. But, it's a 58 lap race, not 50. Nor 57 as Mercedes seems to want it called.

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Chain bear nails it, 100% agree with everything, I've got nothing to say that wasn't said in this video.

Agree completely. Those are all the right lessons to learn from this season.

[kinghurl]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Chain bear nails it, 100% agree with everything, I've got nothing to say that wasn't said in this video.

100%. He EXACTLY captures the issues here!
Mic drop!

Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk

[reni]

MAZEPIN THE GOAT

[Martinius]

Mercedes dropped their appeal. Maybe it's for the best. Hamilton and Toto will not attend the award Gala tonight, can't say I blame them.

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by Martinius

Mercedes dropped their appeal. Maybe it's for the best. Hamilton and Toto will not attend the award Gala tonight, can't say I blame them.

Seems a bit unsportsmanlike to me.

[TommyW]

Originally Posted by Martinius

Mercedes dropped their appeal. Maybe it's for the best. Hamilton and Toto will not attend the award Gala tonight, can't say I blame them.

super hypocritical of Lewis. Being all congratulatory then a big F you by not going. Not surprised though. At least Toto was consistently pisssed off.