klose wrote: » Toto alluded in France to what their train of thought is for the rest of year, you either put all your resources into next seasons regulations and be up and running there and then or keep some focus on this season aswell as next but risk starting on the backfoot. I think Mercedes will be happy to "punt" this season if it means they can start the new regulations top of the pile.
Hijpo wrote: » All valid... I guess I'm just waiting for Merc to reveal something or pull an absolute master stroke
Frank Bullitt wrote: » I can't say I agree with any of this at all. Last year they had DAS and a very optimised floor to run with their low rake concept. This worked wonders for them with set up, tire deg and getting the car into the window for performance. Merc aren't struggling for answers, they know how they lack pace and where. RB's concept and the floor changes have played better for them, they knew this and spent their tokens redesigning their rear suspension to plant the rear of the car. The RB16 had an unstable rear, the RB16B is the opposite. If Merc were sitting and waiting for better tracks, then that is a huge mistake on their part. RB have thrown a lot at this car already and have beaten them at each race in the past 5, the gap getting more and more stable at each race. France was to be a Merc stomping ground, and they came up short there. There is also a theory that RB can run at a lower engine mode on Fridays now and ramp it up for when it matters, just like Merc last year. I just don't see this "potential" that Merc have in reserve, and why they wouldn't be using it right now, when it matters.
Hijpo wrote: » I just feel that Merc have plenty more to give in performance. Russels drive last year was a hint of it i think. I don't believe RB gets such a jump in performance that they surge past merc and have them struggling for answers. Now, I know it sounds absolutely mental but in my mind, merc have run the calander in reverse. Now they know how far into the calendar they can nurse the car before a string of suitable tracks to unleash it's full potential without having to worry about reliability.
Frank Bullitt wrote: » If they are waiting for retirements for that...can't say that is a very clever strategy. There is also the limit of their car philosophies that are in play here too. Merc are so close to the absolute max of the car, that any upgrades probably are minimal over time. RB reworked the rear of the car more and their high rake car has way more potential around the diffuser and bargeboard area, hence why we see so many parts around that area of their car. RB are probably sacrificing a lot for next year, but can they really pass up on a championship?
Hijpo wrote: » I think RB are maxing the car to get ahead of Merc. I think Merc are limiting the car for reliability for the run in to the end of the season. Merc are hovering in the background waiting for the DNF's to hand them points.
quokula wrote: » Given that the Australian GP slot is right before Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, it would surely make sense to go to Bahrain and use the outer circuit again. The Bahrainis don't seem to have covid concerns and were happy to host an extra race last year. Or come back for a 3rd race in the A1 Ring... Pirelli just need to get working on developing a snow tyre.
ELM327 wrote: » That's another "if" though. I know Murray always said IF is F1 spelled backwards, but when speaking about car and driver performance you can only look at actuality. Otherwise you're getting into the nonsense like the AWS graphics.
ELM327 wrote: » If all those ifs ands and conditions happen then yes it's clear RB have the better car. Max got pole in france but did not have the race pace.
El_Duderino 09 wrote: » Yes i remember the races before Austria. You say the mercedes was faster than red bull in france but max got pole by a quarter of a second in france. You think he did that in the slower car? Quarter of a second?If red bull are even equal with Mercedes or lose but it's close, then its in RB's favour. Mercedes has a few upgarded parts coming to the last few races but RB had had a solid stream of updates coming to each race. The red bull has improved more than the mercedes so Silverstone will be the test of where they stand in mercedes home territory where mercedes usually dominates. If its close in Silverstone and Rb dominate the high downforce circuits, how is mercedes still the best car?
duploelabs wrote: » As much as I love Suzuka, vaccination roll out in Japan is truly woeful so I doubt they'll be going there any time soon
flazio wrote: » Anyone for a double bill in Japan?
Jordan 199 wrote: » Cool. I think I will watch it on C4 that weekend, just for a break from the Sky coverage
Harika wrote: » https://mobile.twitter.com/ausgrandprix/status/1412275229800292353 Australien GP 2021 cancelled
Debub wrote: » not sure if this is off topic but... I have an Android (Sony) telly, but cant find the ALL4 app on it (to watch FI on C4). I have to cast from my phone's app to the built in Chromecast on the telly. But, I am unable to cast the live program, only after its over - the live program I can only watch on the phone or tablet. Is there a way to watch the live program on C4 on the app on my TV? thanks
AMKC wrote: » What do you mean?
flazio wrote: » Live watching is UK only.
ELM327 wrote: » Even if it costs them the constructors?They clearly still have a better car than RB, except the RB being better suited to the RB Ring. With two competent drivers they should be able to beat RB - who arguably are only where they are because Max is outdriving the car. Much as I dislike lewis as a person you can't claim he's not a good driver, but Bottas is so below par that he'd struggle to get a williams seat on merit right now.
“The car was on rails. On every tyre set we put on it was really enjoyable to drive. Pretty insane. I’m a bit amazed myself how today went. I didn’t expect it to be like this. Incredible job by everyone to deliver something like this.”
