well, same old same old
started out exciting for 2nd to 10th,
but it all just fell apart...
Max in front by 14+ seconds again...
HANS look good, but have to look at the replay to see why he feel back at the start

I think the only thing that can derail RB is Jos at this point.

That would be nice...
there is still something not right with Horner situation...

The highlights were Ferrari on Ferrari action, and the interview with Guenther after the race. Sky dropped the ball in not engaging him, but I guess they figure they will get him for free?
Their commentators seemed to still be on holiday for most of the weekend. Or maybe they fell asleep when they realized that this was just an appendix to the 2023 season???
Not sure about Merc's problems - Russell explained it away that they chose too aggressive (low cooling) a body for this race. But ambient temps were very low, and what they gain in reliable power with more openings, they will pay for in part with higher drag. So, not sure where they truly sit.
Bottas sure has trouble with wheel nuts during pit stops! He's going to get a complex.
This time I don't think the Turn 1 shenanigans were Stroll's fault - refreshing to say that, as a Canadian. He actually had a decent race, though nothing to write home about. Fernando seemed very passive - practically waiving drivers past. Not so much team VISA RB or whatever they are called now. Bad team orders, or was the radio message to let Ricciardo through maybe delayed (was actually a few laps earlier???).

Now we know why Hamilton bailed on them. I would have too. LOL

But I’m sure he’s hoping Ferrari cleans up their act a bit too :tup: Let’s see how it plays out this year

Mercedes straight line speed is still one of the slowest on the grid. They have drag galore in their aero.

Yes. That would be nice. Unlikley, however.
I wonder if Lewis will bring people with him? Got to think that the key ones will have a period for "gardening leave" in their contracts, though.

Meanwhile, the only Italian that Lewis will need is: "Ehi amico, mi stanno cedendo le gomme." ("Hey man, my tires are going off"). :icon17:

Well if Max was not driving, I think it would be a fun race tomorrow.
Everyone close in qualifying, but Max out in front by .319.
Impressive...
also why is it so hard to find news about the F1 Academy, looks like L.Block was doing ok, not sure what happen in the race....
Also Berman, was impressive in the call up to Ferrari. Qualifying 11th. He was on the Pole for the F2 race, but will not race because of doing F1.

Another Red Bull 1-2.
but the race was interesting
Berman - sub for Ferrari @ 18 years old, finish 7th with 6 points, excellent drive
Norris/Hamilton on there gamble of not pitting on the safety car, made it interesting fighting each other and going after Berman.
K. Mag, holding up the field from 12th back to make sure that the Hulk had enough time for a pit stop and stayed 10th, HAAS first points

K.Mag got 20 seconds in penalties that looked questionable or not worth the 20.
Norris how he got away with a false start?

so if we throw away the first 3 cars, it was an interesting race//

This was literally the same way I looked at the race, other than being surprised Leclerc's car didn't explode.

Ollie had himself a day. GJ m8

Have not check FP2 yet for Australia , but I watch FP1, very interesting that the top 7or8 car were withing a tenth of a second of each other....

Brutal, for Sargent, with Williams giving his car to Albon.
No spare, no confidence in Sargent, team is a mess..
Yet they said no to Andretti. hmmm a mixed up world in F1
and is Haas right now in better shape than williams?

News Flash:
Carlos Sainz to race with Logan Sargeant's appendix this weekend.

I’m on the same page as you. Williams, Haas and Alpine all recently struggling with funds and the ability to compete. Yet Andretti and the millions from Cadillac (GM, right?) are not good enough? Uh, :ugh2:


Still looking forward to what happens this weekend.