Formula 1 Thread

MuttleyCAFC said:

100% Russell in the wrong. He seemed to imply Bottas should have let him overtake because the points meant more to him. Total bollocks, Bottas didn't have to make it easy and left room as per the rules. The conditions determined that passing there should not have been attempted. Russell needs to apologise. It isn't a bad thing to show you have fire in your belly, but when you are wrong you are wrong.

Similar to how I see it to. 

At the end of the day there was still space for two cars there, that is all Bottas has to leave. Russell put his car on the grass, spun and crashed into Bottas, for me that is enough to apportion blame onto Russell. 

I also thought upon seeing his reaction immediately after the crash that Bottas must've done something outrageous but that is clearly not the case, I can understand him being high on adrenaline after the crash (I mean who wouldn't be?) but in is his interviews afterwards (or atleast in the ones I've seen) he seems so blinkered to acknowledge any blame on himself or have no regrets in the way he reacted following the incident. 

He is clearly a class driver and I think he'll have Bottas seat by next season (I also reject Russell's notion that Bottas raced him differently due to this dynamic) but the way he's acted after the crash and the following interviews he's gone down in my estimation. Hopefully he'll learn from this and become an even better driver. 

I’ve now watched a few times. I can’t see how it can be anyone’s fault but Russell’s. There’s a little twitch from Bottas, so he may have overreacted to that, but Russell has just made a bad decision in my opinion. I hope he holds his hands up in the cold light of day.

sam3110 said:

Addickted4life said:

I am surprised that no one has mentioned the coincidence of Hamilton making an error and dropping down the field, only to have two Mercedes paid drivers cause a Red flag at almost double quick speed to reduce his loss. 

The following reaction is all just an act and part of Toto's Mercedes masterplan, its a fact I tell ya! 

I know a lot of people say you make your own luck, but yes Hamilton is incredibly lucky here, and every time he seems to make a mistake he then lucks out with a well timed safety car or stoppage that puts him back in with a chance.

Of course you need to be a brilliant driver to then capitals on that, but when's the last time Hamilton had to retire? It feels like eons ago

Just looked it up. 

Hamilton's last DNF was back at Austria in 2018 which is insane! 

MuttleyCAFC said:

Toto has made Russell apologise.

Fixed it for you - Wouldnt be surprised if he's been advised what to do by Toto here

George Russell into Q2... Has happened every race this season, although at the expense of Daniel Ricciardo this time round, whilst Norris goes P2 at present

I really like Russell. He's got genuine world champion potential.
The crash last race was a bit of a low point, but he showed aggression and drive and the blinkered arrogance that you need to be at the top.
He even managed to retain some respect by apologising in the cold light of day - which is want you want - when the adrenaline is flowing, the aggression and competitive spirit is there. When back at HQ, some humility.

My big fear is that he won't mature and learn from the bad days as much as you would hope. I think he will, and once he gets a seat in a 'top table' car, he'll be challenging.

DamoNorthStand said:

I think Russell is quicker than Norris, and from speaking to people in the sport, I know I’m not the only one.

It's impossible to know that at this stage of their careers.
I'm just glad that the future of British Motorsport is in good hands. 

Mazepin = awful.

Sometimes, punishments don’t fit the crime. 

ForeverAddickted said:

lordromford said:

MarcusH26 said:

DamoNorthStand said:

I think Russell is quicker than Norris, and from speaking to people in the sport, I know I’m not the only one.

Russell absolutely dominated Lando in F2, think Lando won one race at Bahrain in the first round and that was it. 

I'd love to see George in the Mercedes next season personally.

I think he will be.
A season (or two) as Hamilton’s No 2. Learn from the master, take the reins, fight with Verstappen for the title for the next 5-10 years.
Maybe. 😎

Would love to know what issue Russell has today as has had no pace... Either that or the Williams is just struggling in the wind.

Mazepin though, the less said the better, would love to know how he's a minute behind Mick let alone the blue flag incident 

Russell reported he was struggling as soon as he gets close to another car. Would suggest the car is struggling with turbulence from the car ahead. Could be a wind issue like you say though - either way, must be some sort of aerodynamics issue. 

And there goes the national anthem.....playing as I post!

MarcusH26 said:

Honestly regardless of the finances his dad brings to Haas, how long will Steiner put up with Mazepin? I can't see him lasting the season. 

When his old man is Russian mafia you dont want to be the one to sack him or your next destination will be the bottom of the Baltic.

lordromford said:

ForeverAddickted said:

lordromford said:

Sometimes, punishments don’t fit the crime. 

Mazepin is in dead last, a full minute behind the driver ahead of him, and gets a 5 second penalty. What is the fecking point of that? Ludicrous.

Unrelated point, but he’s just not good enough. I don’t care how much money he brings in, his presence makes the sport poorer. Get rid of him.

Trouble is what sort of punishment would be fitting for Mazepin that would be consistent for the other drivers as well.

Both a time or grid penalty would be pointless for this bloke

Maybe it should be points off the Super License, blue flags are such a basic rule, you shouldnt need reminding

Yeah. Super licence points would make sense. You’re right that you can’t change the penalties for different drivers. The hope would have to be that they will penalise him after the race.
The thing is, he affected the driver who was leading the race. I know Perez was only leading by default, but that move may have seriously affected a leading team’s strategy and, more importantly, had Perez not taken quick evasive action, could have seriously injured someone.
Mazepin is a fucking idiot. Shouldn’t be anywhere near f1.

Has also been given a single penalty point...

https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021 Portuguese Grand Prix - Offence - Car 9 - Ignoring blue flags.pdf