Formula 1 2021 - General Discussion Thread (Read 1st post rules)

I was surprised hearing one of the podcasts I l listen to mention that they're sponsored by the Saudi GP. That's one way to make sure there is no discussion of human rights.

Might have been The Race and might have been Missed Apex. Not sure which. Interesting approach by Saudi though.

More videos have surfaced of Mercedes rear wing flexing. I'd say it won't be on the car for last two races.

I'm wondering if the engine is a red herring. Might not be as powerful as being speculated. The new engine and flex wing combined seems to where the extra performance has come from.

They used the turkey engine in Qatar. They're using the Brazil engine again in the next race. It'll only be on its second race so could be a serious advantage over Max who is still on his Russia engine, I think.

any links to the merc wing irregularities ? please and thanks

I disagree. Objectively Mercedes and RB are two sides of the same coin, two racing powerhouses that act in a very similar way, like when someone complains about Horner doing something Wolff would do the exact same in that situation and vice-versa.

I also think it’s a bit disingenuous to write off the team as a plaything and a marketing tool. I think all F1 teams are marketing tools in some respects, and I think it’s very difficult to argue that Red Bull hasn’t contributed to the sport.

Red Bull has shown more dedication to F1 than a lot of the major manufacturers, they have been involved with sponsorship since 1995. Mercedes are in there for the same reasons as Red Bull and Ferrari - to sell their products. McLaren may look like the exception, but they've sold almost every asset they have to keep going. 600 million lost last year, 35 the year before and 60 the year before that. Its a matter of when, not if for McLaren to go the way of Williams.

Mercedes-Benz have been an engine supplier in F1 for as long as Red Bull have been a sponsor, if not longer. Look at their commitment to Formula E, or lack there of. Driver and constructors champions and still pulling out after only 3 years. They spent almost 2 before that announcing their impending arrival.

One things for sure, this isn't some side project for the Daimler group.

Their engine drop off is still quite high, so it will be "fast" but probably not Brazil fast.

I was skeptical with RB barking on about this...but this video is quite strong.

Nice bit of whataboutery there.

Yes, Red Bull has shown commitment to and contributed to the development of many forms of motorsport throughout the world. I think the same could be said of Merc, Renault and McLaren. Ferrari, less so - their focus is only on F1. At least those along with Aston Martin are in the business of manufacturing automobiles. Red Bull sell energy drinks. I don't know if Mateschitz is a real motor racing fan indulging his true passion or not. He could just have easily bought Manchester United.

The video does give the FIA something to look at. They've already increased the load tests in Qatar. Whether they are still not doing real world loads in the right locations is up for debate.

Don't the FIA still have the wing from Brazil too? I hope we are not going to see another secret sweetheart deal like Ferrari got with their engine. If it's flexing then issue a new technical directive and let the public know.

After watching the video about three dozen times, I can see it now. If it is passing the FIA's current tests, then there is no problem but from a safety perspective I can see this loophole being closed off pretty quickly.

Vettel blocking of Hamilton that day was a much milder offence than Verstappens one in Brazil. Vettel was unlucky to get penalised for it if I remember correctly.

From what I understand the track itself, as in the road surface is ready. It might just be a stand or two that'll need to be refunded. Think how quickly Formula E can get Street tracks up and down.

Carlos Sainz 😂

Listening to one of the podcasts and they said the RB tends to be front tyre limited where the Mercedes tends to be rear limited (pretty sure I have it the right way around but maybe someone will correct me). They thought Qatar would be rear limited but it turned out to be front limited and that counted against RB.

I wonder will Saudi be front or rear limited? You'd think a high speed track would be front limited, is that how it works?

I think that he deserves a thread all of his own. Not even that old really. Only 79. May he Rest In Peace.