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

The engines aren't frozen, they can be developed for next year. The regulations are the same so it's not an overhaul like the chassis, but there will definitely be performance gains. Honda are still involved but they're in the process of handing things over and that's almost certain to be a distraction from performance development.

I'd be surprised if Red Bull don't fall back a little bit next year for that reason, but by the same token I wouldn't say that means it's a slam dunk for Mercedes. The new regs give the likes of Ferrari and Alpine the perfect opportunity to move forward, who if they have any sense will have been totally focused on 2022 while the others were preoccupied with the championship.

They wont want another Rosberg situation but I couldnt see him troubling Hamilton in any case.

I think the opposite will happen. If Russell shows speed from the off then I think they will let them race. They will both be out to knock Max off his perch. That will be the target, not each other.

Could get very feisty between Red Bull and Mercedes next year. Hamilton had to drive on eggshells around Max for the last 4 races to get back into championship. The leash will be off from get go next season.

That's assuming another team or two doesn't join the party at the front of the grid. Even better if it does.

Overtaking rules will be clarified over the winter so everyone will also know where they stand.

Rosberg mentioned on Sunday that Mercedes always start the season allowing both drivers to race. As to how accurate that is, I don't know but I reckon Russell will be given a fairer shot than Checo.

Hopefully we can get at least a 3-way battle though - the polarisation this year was very tiresome.

Didn’t they hire a load of Merc people over the past year for the engine division also?

They did, and they will need some time to gel with the ex Honda people to form a team, plus as late as the Russian Grand Prix in September, they still didn't have a base as it was still under construction. (Channel 4 visited the site). Doubt Honda allowed another team develop an engine on their site.

Mercedes-Benz won't be resting on their laurels either, especially as one of those laurels was taken away at the very last second. Their engine was superior towards the end of last year. Remember Hamiltons and Perez drag race in Turkey. Yes Checo went into T1 first but he had the inside and had that been a last lap dash for the finish line, Hamilton had it won. Plus the incredible field carving in Brazil. No two ways about it, that was impressive. Red Bull are on a back foot right now. That could change come pre season testing but I can't see how.

Best thing that can happen in 2022 is that Russell wins the first 3 races. Max is 2nd/3rd in each of them. Lewis fails to point in any of them.

Mercedes would then be in a position where they'd have to let both cars race each other, and not favour Lewis, as Russell would have a good lead. It could give us a great Championship.

Very unlikely to happen, but I'd love to see it.

They won't WANT another Rosberg situation but they have little choice but to manage it IF it arises. They won't tell Russell to slow down in quali or give the win to Hamilton if Russell is ahead. They'll just have to manage it so the team stays united and doesn't turn into civil war.

They learned loads about what happens in an intra-team battle in 2016. I think they'll just have to implement those lessons if that situation arises next year.

Yup, its been on and off track all year. Clever from RB to try and get them, I think Aston also got a few for their aero department, so Merc have indeed lost quite a few personnel.

I love the way Toto said he won’t be attending tonight’s ceremony because of “personal integrity”. I would have thought that showing integrity would mean putting your personal gripes aside, presenting yourself as a professional and attending as the principle for the constructors champions! What do I know eh!

Hamilton is snubbing the prize giving event too along with Wolff. Sour losers. Interesting that the Sporting Regulations require Hamilton to attend:

Well precisely, it gives a perfect insight into his personal integrity. James Allison is there at least and he's the one responsible for the actual car which makes him the most valuable member of the team in reality. I'd imagine he and many other staff at Mercedes are utterly embarrassed at the way Toto and Lewis have behaved.

Jesus.

The old ones are the best, so they say!

I'd nearly prefer if they went ahead with the appeal. All we're going to get now is Toto and Hamilton crying and moaning like babies.