Last year, Max was 0.5 seconds slower on qualifying against Hamilton.
Hamilton on pole, followed by Max and then Bottas. Bottas wins the race, followed by Max and then Hamilton.
Mclarens did not do particularly do very well.
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Last year, Max was 0.5 seconds slower on qualifying against Hamilton.
Hamilton on pole, followed by Max and then Bottas. Bottas wins the race, followed by Max and then Hamilton.
Mclarens did not do particularly do very well.
Hamilton will be questionable for the next race, not because of the last race - but he traveled to the United State and went to the Met Gala mass gathering and was not using a mask.
I won't be surprised if he comes down with Covid as the delta variant has been infecting people with the vaccine here in the U.S.. The saving grace for him might be that since he has had covid, he may be better protected.
Attachment 2169
Based on how the teams are performing on the same tracks as last year, I am projected the following qualifying
1. Hamilton 1:32.7
2. Verstappen 1:32.7
3. Bottas 1:32.8
4. Norris 1:33.4
I give Hamilton the nod because I think the Mercedes has improved more of late and the averages washed out some.
Attachment 2170
Report that Mercedes will be introducing the 4th engine for Hamilton (timing of what race it will be brought in has not been decided).
Verstappen can take major step towards title at Sochi
Date published: September 22 2021 - Jamie Woodhouse
Should Max Verstappen once again weather the storm of a Mercedes stronghold, then his route to the World Championship will look far clearer.
https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-ve...tle-bid-sochi/
Marko assures disaster scenario won't happen again: "System has been improved".
22-09-2021 14:29
by GPblog.com
Red Bull Racing is known for their lightning fast pit stops. The team starts almost every race with the award for the fastest pit stop, but at Monza things went completely wrong. The rule change regarding the stops caused confusion, causing Max Verstappen to stop for over eleven seconds.
This caused the Dutchman to fall way back, and he ended up right next to Lewis Hamilton after he too made a poor stop - the rest is history. Helmut Marko explains what caused the confusion and that the team have taken measures to prevent a recurrence in the future.
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/94603...-improved.html
Marko assures disaster scenario won't happen again: "System has been improved".
22-09-2021 14:29
by GPblog.com
Red Bull Racing is known for their lightning fast pit stops. The team starts almost every race with the award for the fastest pit stop, but at Monza things went completely wrong. The rule change regarding the stops caused confusion, causing Max Verstappen to stop for over eleven seconds.
This caused the Dutchman to fall way back, and he ended up right next to Lewis Hamilton after he too made a poor stop - the rest is history. Helmut Marko explains what caused the confusion and that the team have taken measures to prevent a recurrence in the future.
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/94603...-improved.html
Verstappen title win better for the sport reckons Berger
by Ryan Wood
A Max Verstappen Formula 1 championship win would be better for the sport than another Lewis Hamilton title, reckons former F1 driver Gerhard Berger.
Berger, a ten-time grand prix winner, has applauded the title fight between Verstappen and Hamilton as “exactly what Formula 1 needs” following several years of dominance by Hamilton and Mercedes.
Wading into the clashes between the pair this year, Berger called the latest crash in Italy “a racing incident”, but welcomed the competition.
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2021/...eckons-berger/
Ferrari is coming with an upgraded engine this weekend.
Nice! Would be great for the championship if they could also get in the mix at the front.Quote:
Originally Posted by F1nKS
Could you imagine the excitement if RBR, Mercedes, Mclaren, Ferrari, and even Williams were in the mix every week. It would be great.Quote:
Originally Posted by Zico
That's ultimately what to aim for but I can't see how with the current regulations that will ever be achievable. It may happen that there is a freak year at one point but that's about it.Quote:
Originally Posted by F1nKS
HELMUT MARKO
Marko: Wolff's comments were a tactical violation!
22nd September 2021, 16:30
Red Bull's Helmut Marko has poked fun at Toto Wolff's expense, saying that the Mercedes boss' comments after Italy were a "tactical violation".
Helmut Marko has sent a jibe in Toto Wolff's direction, as a result of the Mercedes boss' comments about the Max Verstappen/Lewis Hamilton crash at Monza.
Wolff had questioned whether Verstappen's attempt at passing Hamilton constituted a "tactical foul", with Marko taking the opportunity to poke fun at Wolff's suggestion.
Speaking to RTL, Red Bull advisor Marko said that Wolff's own words were a "tactical foul".
"There was no intent here and it was obvious," stated Marko, looking back at the clash.
"Max was launched from the kerb which was very high, throwing him out and flying over Hamilton's car.
"It wasn't on purpose, it certainly wasn't the case."
Referring to the comparisons between the Verstappen/Hamilton rivalry and the Alain Prost/Ayrton Senna feud over 30 years ago, Marko said that there's a critical difference between the two pairings.
"The accident is often compared to the incident between Senna and Prost in Suzuka," he commented.
"That was intentional but, in this case, they both did not want to give way and that is not possible in this chicane – there is not enough space."
https://racingnews365.com/marko-wolf...ical-violation
Max Verstappen: Dutchman offers thoughts for Russian GP as he contends with grid penalty
By George Dagless
Published: 22 Sep 2021, 12:00
Max Verstappen has said that 'nothing is lost' ahead of the Russian Grand Prix this weekend despite the looming grid penalty he is going to have to serve.
The current Formula 1 world championship leader heads to Sochi on the backfoot slightly, with him given a three-place grid penalty for this weekend's race after the Stewards deemed him to be more at fault than Lewis Hamilton in their crash at the Italian Grand Prix last time out.
Indeed, it's going to be interesting to see just where the Dutchman lines up on Sunday afternoon with that in mind, but he remains in an upbeat enough mood over his prospects and says that nothing is lost right now.
https://www.givemesport.com/1757072-...h-grid-penalty
RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX 2021
Sochi paddock floods as rain threatens Russian GP
22 Sep 2021, 14:15
Warnings of wet weather conditions are in place ahead of the Russian Grand Prix, with the support paddock at Sochi already flooded due to heavy rain.
https://racingnews365.com/sochi-padd...ens-russian-gp
That is what we expect next season. Anything short of that would mean the new regulation is a failure.Quote:
Originally Posted by F1nKS
I expect failure.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nitrodaze
There will be a reset and there will be winners and losers from the reset, but I don't see there being this big equalizer moment. Good engineering teams will do good engineering and vice versa. Some teams will get it wrong.
MAX VERSTAPPEN
Verstappen brushes off Monza backlash: There are a lot of hypocrites
23/09/2021, 17:15
Author Thomas Maher
Dieter Rencken
Max Verstappen wasn't impressed by the backlash he faced after the Monza clash between himself and Lewis Hamilton.
Comments were made by luminaries such as Sir Jackie Stewart, who said that Verstappen had "a lot of maturing to do" for failing to check on Hamilton's condition in the car after the accident.
Hamilton himself was "surprised" that Verstappen did not check on him, although images from the crash aftermath showed Verstappen looking in the direction of Hamilton as he attempted to reverse his stricken Mercedes out from under the Red Bull.
Asked about whether he had been taken aback by the comments made in his direction, a displeased Verstappen said that it had been a display in hypocrisy, but didn't specify who he was referring to.
"There are a lot of hypocrites in the world, that's for sure," Verstappen told RacingNews365.com and other members of the media.
https://racingnews365.com/verstappen...-of-hypocrites
Max: Hamilton comments ‘show he doesn’t know me’
Date published: September 23 2021 - Finley Crebolder
Max Verstappen says Lewis Hamilton’s claim that the Dutchman may be nervous fighting for his first title shows the Briton “doesn’t really know” him.
The Red Bull driver is locked in his first ever title fight in Formula 1 this season, currently leading Hamilton by five points in a tight battle.
https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-ve...lton-comments/
Verstappen Defiant On Not Changing Approach After Hamilton Incidents
Sept 23, 2021
By Jonathan Byrne
The 23-year-old was outright asked if he would change his approach to these situations in the future. "I think that goes both ways," Verstappen said. "It's not only me when we are racing each other."
While there have been some public jibes between the drivers this season, the back and forth between Red Bull and Mercedes on the incidents has been more vocalised.
https://www.balls.ie/motorsport/vers...cidents-485504
Can Verstappen beat Mercedes in Sochi? 'We often came just a bit short'
23-09-2021 17:33 | Updated: 23-09-2021 18:33
by GPblog.com
Can Red Bull put an end to their rivals' dominance at the track? "In general I expect it to be better this year, but with the chance of rain it remains to be seen. It's less predictable in the rain than on a dry track, but I think we're fast in both situations this season, so I don't have a real preference."
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/94702...bit-short.html
‘So nervous I can barely sleep’: Max scorches Hamilton comments as rivalry reaches new levels
September 24th, 2021 7:15 am
Max Verstappen on Thursday rejected suggestions from Lewis Hamilton that he may be feeling the pressure of their title fight and said it showed that the defending champion simply did not know him.
The Red Bull driver, who leads the championship by five points, but has a three-place grid penalty for this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix, added that he had put his Italian crash behind him and would continue to race as hard as ever.
“Yeah, I’m so nervous I can barely sleep,” said the Dutchman, with heavy sarcasm.
“I mean, it’s so horrible to fight for a title.... I really hate it!
“Those comments, it just shows you that he really doesn’t know me - which is fine. I also don’t need to know him, how he is.
“I’m very relaxed about all those things and I really can’t be bothered. I’m very chilled.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...f56eaf6c95237f
Pressure? What pressure?: Verstappen shrugs off Hamilton comments
Issued on: 23/09/2021 - 21:00Modified: 23/09/2021 - 20:58
A defiant Max Verstappen on Thursday rejected suggestions from Lewis Hamilton that he may be feeling the pressure of their title fight and said it showed that the defending champion simply did not know him.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-new...ilton-comments
Ron Dennis offers surprising prediction on title fight
Michael Delaney24/09/2021 at 07:0624/09/2021 at 07:14
Although Dennis and Hamilton have remained friends over the years, the former McLaren chairman boss is surprisingly putting his money on his former driver's archrival and his team, Red Bull Racing, in this year's title battle.
"I have a tremendous respect for the technologists at Red Bull," Dennis told Sky Sports when asked to predict the championship's outcome.
"I think Honda has stabilized their engine performance very well.
"I think it's going to be Verstappen. If it's not, it will not be because they lacked performance but because they make mistakes.
"The question is, in what circumstances are these mistakes going to be made?
"It's going to a very colorful end of season, but I would probably back Verstappen.
https://f1i.com/news/419090-ron-denn...tle-fight.html
So , was that the Merc "magic button" again , showing itself as an unsafe toy , or was that just a small misjudgment on the brakes for Lewis when he knocked down the jack man ?
Your Verstappen propaganda machine is in full swing this weekend. At least you do not hide your bias. However, it is interesting that Ron Dennis tips Verxstappen for the title. His wise old highly experienced head probably see something that is lost to us mere mortals. With the improvements coming from Honda at the moment and Mercedes not doing much else with this seasson's car, he might be on to something there.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fortitude
We might not see much Hamilton Verstappen action at Sochi. But Turkey would be a real gloves off scenario. Any sign of weakness by Hamilton or Verstappen would essentially write him off for the title.
We may , in fact , be seeing Max and Lewis close together , as Max is using fresh power units , and starting amongst slower cars at the back , and Lewis is starting 3 places down from qualifying position with a new gearbox amongst much quicker cars .
Then you add rain .
It all fits with the sandbag theory as well if they get nearer each other .
Last race had each scoring the same amount , keeping that title race crazy tight .
It sure is gonna be a "real" battle for the rest of the season .
yup.Quote:
Originally Posted by F1nKS
Just like in 2009 and 2014
and in 2008 by the end of the year, we actually had 6 teams capable of winning races because the regs had stayed in place for years and other teams finally caught up.
If we continued on these regs for another year, then I am pretty sure that Alpha Tauri, and Alpine would close the gap, and we would see 6 teams capable of winning races next year.
But now we are going to get a reboot and as you say, there are goin g to be winners and losers for sure.
Then it is going to take another few years for others to catch up, and when they do, the regs will inevitably change again...sigh
FORMULA 1 VTB RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX 2021 - PRACTICE 1
24 26 Sep 2021 Sochi Autodrom, Sochi
https://www.formula1.com/en/results....ractice-1.html
FORMULA 1 VTB RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX 2021 - PRACTICE 2
24 26 Sep 2021 Sochi Autodrom, Sochi
https://www.formula1.com/en/results....ractice-2.html
Red Bull confirm Max Verstappen to start Russian Grand Prix from the back
Charles Crook
25th September 2021.
Red Bull have confirmed that driver Max Verstappen will start Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix from the back due to engine penalties.
The Dutch driver entered the weekend of the race in Sochi with a 3 place grid penalty for his crash with championship rival Lewis Hamilton at Monza last time out.
https://citiblog.co.uk/2021/09/24/re...from-the-back/
FP3 canceled.
Remains to be seen if qualifying is moved to Sunday or not.
Not a good week-end for Hamilton thus far, hitting his mechanic on Friday, the pit-wall today and spinning on his final qualifying lap. So it's only P4 for him and P7 for Bottas, but still ahead of the Red Bulls.
Congrats to Norris, the McLaren revival continues.
Well, well, well. Mercedes continue with their self-inflicted wounds. Not sure why Mercedes letvtheir drivers do an additional lap after their cooldown lap. Just another strategic blunder. And Wolff will go out there and talk about it being “the right decision” At least p4 has been salvaged with a good Hamilton initial lap.
But all congrats to the top3 Norris Sainz and Russell. A very tasty grid to start the race.
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Hmmmm .
Another curious uncharacteristic screw-up from Merc , when they had Max at the back on his heels .
And Hamilton , normally a pretty fine wet driver , first tags the wall , compromising his team mate's car as well , and then spins , himself .
So , if he's getting a gear-box penalty , he'll start 7th , and he and Max are pretty likely to see each other in the race at some point .
Could you write a better script ?
George may have a good chance of leading out of the first corner , being on the clean side in Lando's draft , so the rest of the grid seems to be taking up their roles in the grand drama as well .
It was a fun qualifying. It's great to see Norris on pole. I hope he can come away with the win. Mclaren looking good this week. Would be great to see another 1-2 with Norris winning this time.
Red Bull really has to be wondering about Perez. Unfortunately, Gasly didn't have a very good session.
It gonna be a much more interesting race with Mercedes screwing up things. With Hamilton starting back so far - Toto going to be holding his breath on lap 1. There is a potential Hamilton could get caught up in a mess of not his making.
Russell may present a problem for Toto next year.
Several sources are stating that it was in fact again the break magic button defeating Lewis that caused the incident. Surprising being that it's been in use for quite a while apparently, and the issue has bit him twice this year.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bagwan
As for qually, another error by Lewis costs him the apparent easy pole or at least 2nd on the grid, and probably hurt Bottas just as much if not more. Though it wouldn't be the first time a slick pit entry has caused him issues, this time the overall damage was probably less. Though uncharacteristic for him, this season thus far had shown a lot of mistakes from Lewis, with some of them not being recovered from. He keeps losing easy advantages and good points, and it's making life easier for Max to challenge him for the WDC. The fact that Russell was one of the ones to benefit this time is probably just salt in the wound.
Other than Merc, I think most who made it to Q3 got at least a decent run on the dry tires. But with Q1 and Q2 being slick, it's hard to say who will really move through the pack for the race if it stays dry. We could be in for a decent race at Sochi either way.
Great to see McLaren follow up the last race with a great performance in qually. I'm glad for Lando, he's been working hard and it all finally came together this time.
We will hear team orders tomorrow?
:DQuote:
George this is James...
I agree, we have seen a number of errors from Hamilton this year. At least two race win points worth of errors. Mercedes pitwall seem keen to hand the championship to Redbull. They are making it easy for Redbull as they are failing to capitalize on Redbulls setbacks. Redbull just needs to keep on doing what they are doing at the moment and both championships is theirs for the taking.Quote:
Originally Posted by airshifter
Nah, Williams is not Mercedes. Russell would be going for the win if possible. Hamilton in 4th is still good for the win as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by F1nKS
The young junior champions are now making their mark in F1. Norris is proving to be a top shelf driver at the moment. good on him for his first poll in F1
Mercedes are not looking like world champions at the moment. They look tired and lethargicQuote:
Originally Posted by truefan72
FORMULA 1 VTB RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX 2021 - STARTING GRID
24 26 Sep 2021 Sochi Autodrom, Sochi
https://www.formula1.com/en/results....ting-grid.html
Bottas to start Russian GP from the back with Verstappen and Leclerc after Mercedes PU change
26 September 2021
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...kV3mmKMgv.html
Bottas doing a great job of keeping Verstappen behind :D
Terrible pitstop by rbr. There goes p3 minimum for Perez. All his hard work undone
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
What a shame for Norris. McLaren should have overruled Norris' choice to stay out, like Mercedes did with Lewis.
Verstappen minimizes the damage by finishing second after starting dead last and is only 2 Points behind Hamilton in the championship.
Well that was exciting!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sad to see norris lose his first victory due to 4 laps of rain.
But in the end a good result for the championship, they stay very close, it remains exciting.
Wow... what a crazy finish. I'm gutted for Lando but great call by Merc in the end.
Thanks mostly to the rain Lewis wins and congrats to him for that.. but Max with a fresh engine and starting from the back arguably ends up achieving the better result considering where he would have finished and the points difference to Lewis that he faced before the rain started falling.
What a fascinating nail biter of a race. Great stuff.
What a fun race. From start to finish. Mercedes made the right strategy call today and it paid dividends (even saved Bottas lackluster race). Congrats to Hamilton on his 100th win. He had a great drive and took what was given and kept the pressure on and seized the final moment.
Norris was hung out to dry - literally. You have to trust the people with the data in a data-driven sport. Norris will learn to trust next time. His team also has to have confidence in their calls also. They made the mistake of giving Norris a choice.
Great results for Max. It looked like he was going to get a decent recovery drive finish, but the right strategy call made the difference.
staying out could have been a very good choice for norris. anyone going off would have caused a safety car and secured his win. It just didn't work out for him.
Quote:
Originally Posted by den'
Quote:
Originally Posted by zic'
:sailor: Sorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry!
Everyone hear Toto giving "encouragement" to Lewis , saying he could win ?
Was that encouragement , or was the OK to win because Max was close enough to keep that championship close enough ?
Does Lewis really need that encouragement when he'd won 99 times before ?
There's that smell again .