2020 Formula 1 thread

[ZCanadian]

Originally Posted by Hotrodz

I'm not counting out Pérez or either of the two McLaren drivers. It should be a good race.

That said it is going to be interesting to see how George competes with Botas. George has much to prove!

And Bottas has a lot to lose - in more ways than one! Verstappen only 12 points behind in the standings, plus cannot be shown less capable than Russell.

[God-Speed]

Originally Posted by ZCanadian

And Bottas has a lot to lose - in more ways than one! Verstappen only 12 points behind in the standings, plus cannot be shown less capable than Russell.

This race will be a battle between Bottas and Verstappen. The rest will battle for that 3rd spot.

[Hotrodz]

It should be between the two three ranked drivers and it will depend on who can manage their tires the best. The pressure is squarely on Bottas's shoulders. He needs to get in front and stay in front because he sucks at overtaking other cars!

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[ZCanadian]

Originally Posted by Hotrodz

It should be between the two three ranked drivers and it will depend on who can manage their tires the best. The pressure is squarely on Bottas's shoulders. He needs to get in front and stay in front because he sucks at overtaking other cars!

Bottas does alright when he gets the undercut. But sometimes the team seems preoccupied with Lewis' strategy and forgets to throw Bottas a bone!

Meanwhile he has terrible luck for a car with two "7"s on the hood. Debris, punctures, and contact damage have really plagued him. Not an excuse for some of the worst starts on the grid, but he could make up for those in that car, in most races. Well, races with only one standing start, that is!

[Hotrodz]

Originally Posted by ZCanadian

Bottas does alright when he gets the undercut. But sometimes the team seems preoccupied with Lewis' strategy and forgets to throw Bottas a bone!



Meanwhile he has terrible luck for a car with two "7"s on the hood. Debris, punctures, and contact damage have really plagued him. Not an excuse for some of the worst starts on the grid, but he could make up for those in that car, in most races. Well, races with only one standing start, that is!

I don't think he is a bad driver and I agree he has had more than his fair share of bad luck the past two seasons. He is also the number two drive and that means you get leftover especially when you are behind the number one in F1. I do empathize some on that account but he doesn't make things easy on himself. He can't manage his tires well enough even when he leading a race and is given honors in the pits. He has shown a lack being able to pass when behind even when there is nothing wrong with his car. It cracks me up because the commentators say that Mercedes is not good in traffic and only good in clean air. Really! Why does Hamilton not have that same issue.

Next year will be Bottas's last at MB and I hope he drives well enough to last the season and be able to get a seat with another team.

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[ZCanadian]

Originally Posted by Hotrodz

I don't think he is a bad driver and I agree he has had more than his fair share of bad luck the past two seasons. He is also the number two drive and that means you get leftover especially when you are behind the number one in F1. I do empathize some on that account but he doesn't make things easy on himself. He can't manage his tires well enough even when he leading a race and is given honors in the pits. He has shown a lack being able to pass when behind even when there is nothing wrong with his car. It cracks me up because the commentators say that Mercedes is not good in traffic and only good in clean air. Really! Why does Hamilton not have that same issue.

Next year will be Bottas's last at MB and I hope he drives well enough to last the season and be able to get a seat with another team.

Tire management on the W11 is a bit hard to tell when your only comparable data point is Lewis Hamilton! But yes, there's more than just bad luck that has put him this far behind his team mate.

I think that he, along with a few other drivers on the grid, are still stuck with a style that favours rotation instead of short corners and straight line speed. This despite being a student of Rob Wilson. Might be the rally driver in him! But it's not great on tires. Lewis makes lots of small mistakes in a race, but his style favours the car. Or he's able to adapt.

Leclerc is one who can really adapt to his ride. Look where he is in the points - managing to eek out results from a car that is by all accounts un-driveable and underpowered this year. It's astounding that he's running in 6th, but only 4 points behind Ricciardo in 4th.

[Hotrodz]

Charles is the real deal and we saw that in the cheater car and we see it now in the penalized one. He has skills and need to continue to grow and learn. If Ferrari can put him in a car that is competitive he would force Max and Hamilton to elevate their games.

I can't wait for next year. I am hopeful that at least more racing for podium positions even if Hamilton wins 90% of the races. Vettel will be one to watch because the Racing Points cars are fast and will be better next year. The other team that should be competitive is McClaren because they will also be running an MB motor. Renault is a wildcard and could be competitive as they seem to be on the right path with their motor. Hopefully RB and Honda come to some agreement or it's back to the drawing board for them in 2021.

I am really enjoying this thread now that we have something to talk about. I am and always have been a Hamilton fan but like everyone I want the field to be competitive and see the best drivers showing us they are the best despite the car they are driving.

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[Spooler]

What was going on in his head.

[ZCanadian]

Russell to Toto, after being explained how to use the functions on the Mercedes steering wheel: "which switch de-rates Bottas' engine?".

OK, maybe not. But you never know!

[ZontheRocks]

So wild! Amazes me how the mind slows down and works through even the most dire situations.

[Cyber370]

Originally Posted by ZCanadian

Russell to Toto, after being explained how to use the functions on the Mercedes steering wheel: "which switch de-rates Bottas' engine?".

OK, maybe not. But you never know!

LOL - I needed that laugh!! Thanks.

[DLSTR]

The race will be interesting tomorrow. 87 fast laps!

[axmea?]

Mercs still dominate no matter who's behind the wheel.

Hey Valteri! You can wipe off that salty sweat from your brows now.

[Cyber370]

Originally Posted by axmea?

Mercs still dominate no matter who's behind the wheel.

Today we will see for sure. I wouldn’t be surprised if Russel pulls it off if he gets a good start and stays in front.

[ZontheRocks]

I’m going to continue to put faith in Charlie to make podium today. Good luck to Russell and Danny Ric as well.

With that said, I wouldn’t be surprised by some form of a Bottas, Russell, Verstappen mix at the top when the checkered flag is waving.