F1 2021 Season

Max has avoided a penalty for gearbox change as RB have looked at it and it's ok.

Also I have no idea who said Max's qually lap would have been the greatest ever if he hadnt of hit the wall. That utter b.s. It was a balls to the wall great lap until the last corner. If he had pulled it off it would go in the list with the ones below.

There have been other drivers who have pulled out amazing qualifiying laps: lewis at singapore in 2018 (probably his best qually lap ever), schmacher at monaco in 96, senna at Monaco in 1988, who finished 1.4 seconds on pole ahead of 2nd place Alain Prost who was his teammate! Mansell at Silverstone in 1992. Trulli at Monaco in 2004 who took pole by over 0.4 seconds in a benetton.
 
i hope max gets a grid penalty for a gearbox change. being back in the pack with so much on the line and managing to cut through the field without crashIng into someone could be a career defining moment for him. he’s clearly a generational talent, i get the feeling he is his own worst enemy at the minute and doesn’t think he does much wrong. if you’re winning and acting like a prick, you can at least just say people are jealous, when you’re acting the prick without any success, people just think you’re a prick.

Verstappen hasn't done much wrong this season though now did he? Or at least up until now, he made less mistakes than Hamilton. That's why he's leading the table going into today's race after a long season. He really hasn't been that much of a prick either, compared to any other driver this season, they've all had their moments.

State of the comments in here, not just your post by the way, but Jesus Christ. Imagine feeling so threatened about potentially not being able to have a petty little circle jerk about how much of a deity Sir Lewis Hamilton is and how he's the best driver that has ever graced this planet, that people resort to posting the stuff they did, and not just in the heat of the moment, but consistently throughout the year. About a 24 year old kid who's worked his way up with a great team but still from an underdog position, because unlike Lewis over the last years he hasn't had the luxury to be a part of the very richest team with a lame duck driver in Bottas completely dedicating his career to obey and serve the success of Mercedes.

What Verstappen tried last night might've been too much, but it's his style, always has been and trust me, it always will be, age and experience will change very little about that. Relentlessly pushing for every opportunity and not wanting to play it smart or acting calculated but going for the true maximum. That's pure racing. Some like it, others apparently not, fair enough.

Win or lose, I think it's been a fantastic season for Verstappen, and Hamilton has only been very marginally less fantastic. I've enjoyed the shit out of watching this year and am really, really looking forward to tonight's race. Going by the reactions all around the world, and the influx of new fans it seems a lot of people feel similar. How about we just sit back in these weird pandemic times and try to enjoy the show? Would that be possible, or is that just too much to ask?
 
Glad he's avoided a gearbox penalty. I'd forgotten about Hamilton being able to repair the car during a red flag. That is one weird rule. I think you should be starting from the garage if you repair. Perhaps tires are ok since there's likely debris and potential for random flats.
 
Verstappen hasn't done much wrong this season though now did he? Or at least up until now, he made less mistakes than Hamilton. That's why he's leading the table going into today's race after a long season. He really hasn't been that much of a prick either, compared to any other driver this season, they've all had their moments.

State of the comments in here, not just your post by the way, but Jesus Christ. Imagine feeling so threatened about potentially not being able to have a petty little circle jerk about how much of a deity Sir Lewis Hamilton is and how he's the best driver that has ever graced this planet, that people resort to posting the stuff they did, and not just in the heat of the moment, but consistently throughout the year. About a 24 year old kid who's worked his way up with a great team but still from an underdog position, because unlike Lewis over the last years he hasn't had the luxury to be a part of the very richest team with a lame duck driver in Bottas completely dedicating his career to obey and serve the success of Mercedes.

What Verstappen tried last night might've been too much, but it's his style, always has been and trust me, it always will be, age and experience will change very little about that. Relentlessly pushing for every opportunity and not wanting to play it smart or acting calculated but going for the true maximum. That's pure racing. Some like it, others apparently not, fair enough.

Win or lose, I think it's been a fantastic season for Verstappen, and Hamilton has only been very marginally less fantastic. I've enjoyed the shit out of watching this year and am really, really looking forward to tonight's race. Going by the reactions all around the world, and the influx of new fans it seems a lot of people feel similar. How about we just sit back in these weird pandemic times and try to enjoy the show? Would that be possible, or is that just too much to ask?
I think he'll dial it back each year just like Hamilton has done. Either way, multiple WC heading his way.
 
Glad he's avoided a gearbox penalty. I'd forgotten about Hamilton being able to repair the car during a red flag. That is one weird rule. I think you should be starting from the garage if you repair. Perhaps tires are ok since there's likely debris and potential for random flats.

Source?
 
Race start today is so key. If any of the front 3 get a bad start it could really spell trouble because if it pushes them into the midfield area, where I’m struggling to see how a collision is avoided in the first few corners of the race given the nature of those corners. Someone is surely bound to collide there, you don’t want that to be you. And the advantage of being at the front will help if they all get away well.
 
I wouldn't be surprised to see a red flag today. The track seems so narrow at certain points. If there's a collision, I don't see how they can safely clear the track under a safety car.

Bottas needs to step up today.
 
I agree with a lot in here. I think we’re in for a stop start race. Not a chance that the first lap is completed without a collision IMO
 
So many people hoping for things from Bottas. I swear after every qualifying Hamilton hypes up Bottas and then 2 laps into the race he is on the radio asking where’s Valettri whilst Bottas is like 10th
 
I think if Bottas gets a good start, and keeps Max behind him, I can foresee this being a difficult track to overtake. Having said that, Max and Lewis are so significantly faster than everyone else - not necessarily over one lap (where it’s apparent but not so significant) but over a race - I think Max will still eventually get past Bottas.

I think the undercut has the potential to be significant on this circuit.

Does anyone know if we are looking at a one or two stopper?

If Bottas stays ahead of Max it could be critical, even if he only succeeds for 3/4 laps. If Hamilton can keep a 3 second buffer to Max that’s critical as it gives the gap he needs to avoid the undercut.
 
I think if Bottas gets a good start, and keeps Max behind him, I can foresee this being a difficult track to overtake. Having said that, Max and Lewis are so significantly faster than everyone else - not necessarily over one lap (where it’s apparent but not so significant) but over a race - I think Max will still eventually get past Bottas.

I think the undercut has the potential to be significant on this circuit.

Does anyone know if we are looking at a one or two stopper?

If Bottas stays ahead of Max it could be critical, even if he only succeeds for 3/4 laps. If Hamilton can keep a 3 second buffer to Max that’s critical as it gives the gap he needs to avoid the undercut.
I suspect lots of stops but atypical ones under red.
 
Red Bull's Sergio Perez admits that he has a few concerns about Jeddah's ultra-fast track, believing the circuit's layout is unnecessarily dangerous.

Formula 1 has praised Saudi Arabia's efforts to build its impressive facility in a record amount of time, or approximately eight months.

After Friday's opening day of running, many drivers gave the track a thumbs up, including Perez who described the new venue as "fantastic".

However, the Mexican also said that the sheer speeds reached in several sections of the track that feature blind corners are a cause for concern.

"It's a really nice circuit - very, very dangerous, though," said Perez.

"There's a lot of straights, but [they] are done in cornering, and blind corners. It feels like it's too dangerous without a real reason.

"When you look at some of the onboards, it's quite scary. I just hope that we don't see a big shunt out there.

"With the speeds that we're doing, with the deltas around the track from some of the cars, it's a bit unnecessary."


https://f1i.com/news/427220-perez-j...hl154aGGnsEIMb9YHmPCh39MG75_lv3-HxoruY46dr0vs
 
I suspect lots of stops but atypical ones under red.
I think there is a good chance of a stoppage at the start, safety or red flag.

I think once the race settles, unless there are lots of overtaking spots and cars are able to follow other cars at key points on the track into overtaking zones closely, we could potentially end up into a bit of a procession which somewhat reduces the risk. Now there is still a good chance, because any small mistake likely draws a safety car at least, but with drivers not constantly pushing right to the limit each and every lap, it might just be avoided.

The issue with this track in my eyes is, as well no overtaking spots, the design of the barrier locations means that not only is every mistake likely to end up with significant or terminal damage, it is also almost guaranteed to draw a safety car.
 
Red Bull's Sergio Perez admits that he has a few concerns about Jeddah's ultra-fast track, believing the circuit's layout is unnecessarily dangerous.

Formula 1 has praised Saudi Arabia's efforts to build its impressive facility in a record amount of time, or approximately eight months.

After Friday's opening day of running, many drivers gave the track a thumbs up, including Perez who described the new venue as "fantastic".

However, the Mexican also said that the sheer speeds reached in several sections of the track that feature blind corners are a cause for concern.

"It's a really nice circuit - very, very dangerous, though," said Perez.

"There's a lot of straights, but [they] are done in cornering, and blind corners. It feels like it's too dangerous without a real reason.

"When you look at some of the onboards, it's quite scary. I just hope that we don't see a big shunt out there.

"With the speeds that we're doing, with the deltas around the track from some of the cars, it's a bit unnecessary."


https://f1i.com/news/427220-perez-j...hl154aGGnsEIMb9YHmPCh39MG75_lv3-HxoruY46dr0vs
I think he does have a point. But, I think the risk is also partly of the way teams and drivers behave in qualifying and practice in terms of going slowly in dangerous spots on out laps.

I think during the race, that issue somewhat disappears because all cars are full go all the time. That qualifying of stacking cars is an issue across the circuits which needs addressing. The fact this circuit amplifies why it’s an issue doesn’t in my mind mean it’s a bad circuit directly because of it.

And the argument about speed deltas is odd. None of the cars are THAT slow.
 
Until the inevitable safety car

I reckon 3 in the race
Keeping heat in the tyres will be key as well... I'm half expecting a safety car and when it pulls in somebody going straight into a wall and taking out others before a full stoppage as 20 cars all with cold tyres trying to swith to going flat out on a narrow walled circuit sounds at best challenging and more likley a recipie for a big old pile up
 
I think he does have a point. But, I think the risk is also partly of the way teams and drivers behave in qualifying and practice in terms of going slowly in dangerous spots on out laps.

I think during the race, that issue somewhat disappears because all cars are full go all the time. That qualifying of stacking cars is an issue across the circuits which needs addressing. The fact this circuit amplifies why it’s an issue doesn’t in my mind mean it’s a bad circuit directly because of it.

And the argument about speed deltas is odd. None of the cars are THAT slow.
The qualifying issue defo needs addressing.

Hopefully it's not as stop and start as people are fearing. There's surely been extensive safety testing and consultation with the drivers on the track.
Have there been issues with any other forms of racing they've had on the track? I know it's new, but presumably some form of racing has taken place on it ahead of today.
 
I think if Bottas gets a good start, and keeps Max behind him, I can foresee this being a difficult track to overtake. Having said that, Max and Lewis are so significantly faster than everyone else - not necessarily over one lap (where it’s apparent but not so significant) but over a race - I think Max will still eventually get past Bottas.

I think the undercut has the potential to be significant on this circuit.

Does anyone know if we are looking at a one or two stopper?

If Bottas stays ahead of Max it could be critical, even if he only succeeds for 3/4 laps. If Hamilton can keep a 3 second buffer to Max that’s critical as it gives the gap he needs to avoid the undercut.

I can see Max getting past Bottas after a few laps and then going after Lewis.
Three DRS zones so overtakes should be possible.
And then a lot depends on how much risk Max is prepared to take.
Hopefully Lewis experience should be a big factor.
 
I must say, the corner designs at 3-11 are truly beautiful. I love that it’s not like you can go fully flat out, and that you can’t always simply take the best line for each individual corner because of how they map. It’s my favourite part of this track for sure.
 
I think he does have a point. But, I think the risk is also partly of the way teams and drivers behave in qualifying and practice in terms of going slowly in dangerous spots on out laps.

I think during the race, that issue somewhat disappears because all cars are full go all the time. That qualifying of stacking cars is an issue across the circuits which needs addressing. The fact this circuit amplifies why it’s an issue doesn’t in my mind mean it’s a bad circuit directly because of it.

And the argument about speed deltas is odd. None of the cars are THAT slow.
I think his point is very valid, just have to look at the Lewis and Mazipan incident, that could have been very nasty, if we get though the race with no red flag it will be a shock.
 
There was a big crash in F2's feature race, Pouchaire stalled on the line and got hit from behind by Fittipaldi, both taken away in ambulances. Has been announced that the race will restart which is hopefully a good sign.
 
And I just read that there were a lot of safety cars in yesterdays F2 race.

I can only assume it’ll be similar in the F1 today, rendering my previous theory void :lol:
 
There was a big crash in F2's feature race, Pouchaire stalled on the line and got hit from behind by Fittipaldi, both taken away in ambulances. Has been announced that the race will restart which is hopefully a good sign.
72G impact :eek:
 
Just seen the start line crash in F2, not good.
FIA issue statement
The FIA has confirmed that both drivers have been taken to hospital, and were conscious while they were extracted from their cars.

"The FIA advises that an incident occurred during the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race start today, 05/12/21, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, involving car #10, Théo Pourchaire, and car #14, Enzo Fittipaldi,"

"The drivers were immediately attended to by emergency and medical crews. The drivers were conscious and extricated by the attending medical crews.

"Both have been transferred by ambulance and helicopter to King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah."
 
Sounds alarming. If it was a crash on the start line, it doesn't necessarily sound like any particular issue with the track, ie it could have happened on any track?

EDIT:
 
Pourchaire's car was unable to start at the lights out, several car was able to avoid him but Fittipaldi wasnt unable to do so. It was in his blank vision i think.
 
I predict a Mercedes 1-2, Verstappen dnf, I think that gear box goes

Would love them to both go into the last race, level on points if that's possible

Excited for this race hope it's not a wash out procession
 
Reb Bull not changing Ma's gearbox, this has to be a massive gamble, Ferrari tried it with LeClerc and we know how that ended.
After hitting the wall, there has to be some damage, I would have tool the 5 places and changed it, but Ican see why they did not, not that easy to overtake on this track.
 
Reb Bull not changing Ma's gearbox, this has to be a massive gamble, Ferrari tried it with LeClerc and we know how that ended.
After hitting the wall, there has to be some damage, I would have tool the 5 places and changed it, but Ican see why they did not, not that easy to overtake on this track.
Also you don’t want to be in the middle at the start as anything could happen here
 
Sounds alarming. If it was a crash on the start line, it doesn't necessarily sound like any particular issue with the track, ie it could have happened on any track?

Yeah this isn’t a track issue, just the usual stall start of an F2 race.