One wonders how much the new control unit helped LeClerc's speed- he was really quick today, and the speed also means Max is 15th instead of 14th. But to be that close to Checo is pretty impressive given their problems so far.
Lewis seems to be having a real confidence problem with the car, as it's so very important at this track.
Aston and Alonso get to start P2 tomorrow, which is pretty sweet for them.
Between Charles and Fernando, those are some interesting cars for Max to pass....
Stroll had a good start to his final lap but you could see him overcook it through the middle sector in one of the left/rights. Should be an interesting race tomorrow. It will probably still end up 2 x RB on the podium but there are a bunch of cars that could take third
In reply to NY Nick :
Max has the speed to catch Alonso for the lead ;)
Too bad 3 drs zones will limit how much wheel to wheel actually happens
Max is in podium position in well under 10 laps. The only question for me is, what lap does he pass Checo?
Not hopeful that it happens, just realistic.
Remember the years up to 2020 where the Merc just looked stable, smooth, fast, easy? I see that in the Aston this year. Fernando looks so fast...
Edit: Ignoring the RB...
In reply to Streetwiseguy :
I was thinking 15-20. I also figured it would take him long enough that Checo would have a big enough gap that he wins. Max 2 and probably Alonso 3, maybe Carlos.
In reply to NY Nick :
Your finishing order seems close. I'm hoping Checo gaps the field enough.
I can see Stroll or someone knocking out Max too if he gets too impatient moving up the field, will see if racecraft has improved for both.
You guys are forgetting how big of a hole Horner is- he'll call Checo back even if he's 30 seconds up. Gotta get max to win.
I'm honestly rooting for Alonso to win this one.
I think Max will be fine. He is far less argey-bargey since he won his first* championship.
Plus, that thing is a rocket down the straight.
Not sure I understand why that was a full SC instead of a VSC- Stroll was off the track, and they could have pulled him farther without being exposed. Works out for Hamilton, but it's not the fastest car....
In reply to alfadriver :
So the answer is an error in GPS for Stroll's car- noting it was on instead of off track. Oh, technology. I know I've been seen on totally different roads in my GPS, lol.
NY Nick said:In reply to Streetwiseguy :
I was thinking 15-20. I also figured it would take him long enough that Checo would have a big enough gap that he wins. Max 2 and probably Alonso 3, maybe Carlos.
I was in the game, 24 laps to podium position.
Looking like the hard tire problems the early cars had isn't being shared by anyone now, and the mediums are not really durable enough to be competitive at the end of 30 laps.
This was a good race. I renew my request to the FIA to allow cars to take a grid drop and earn extra points for passing.
Also the FIA needs to fix the penalty E36 M3. I don't see how that isn't a penalty for I properly serving a penalty but the bigger issue is 40 minutes after it happened it is a conversation. That should be decided in minutes. Not a question mark with 2 laps to go.
OK, that is bullE36 M3! The initial infringement was stupid anyway but they served the penalty from what I could see. Then to give them a 10 second penalty is total BS.
The rule makers are bent. The Alonso situation is stupid on several levels. Also, it's obvious that Max has pictures of all the FIA directors blowing goats, because a full SC for Strolls car was way over the top.
triumph7 said:OK, that is bullE36 M3! The initial infringement was stupid anyway but they served the penalty from what I could see. Then to give them a 10 second penalty is total BS.
While it seems stupid, a 5 second penalty means nobody can touch the car. Not even a jack. So IF (and I've not seen it clearly) the rear jack man has his jack against the car, he wasn't serving the penalty. As for the original penalty- he wasn't in the box, and Fernando seemed to know he did that. Very much a rookie mistake, not something he would do.
Just watched the highlight video. Yeah... the penalty thing is totally effed up. At least when NASCAR does that sort of thing, they have a steward standing there letting the crew know when the time is up.
Does anybody doubt that Red Bull is going to win every race this season? I am really cheering for Alonso and the mid field battle is pretty interesting. Too bad we won't see any other team battle for the top spot :(
I'm not prepared to give Red Bull every win, but based on reliability or luck, not speed.
There is speed to be found at Merc and Aston, speed and decision making improvements at Ferrari. The potential for a win on pace at the end of the season is there, but golly gee whiz, I'm not sure about that.
I so wanted Alonso to win that race. I am glad Checo didn't slow down to let Max the baby win.
What I would really like to see, although I doubt it, is for Checo to put up a legitimate fight for P1 every week. I'm not confident he has the talent, though.
Having said that, I'm super happy when an old guy gets a good ride. I'm even happy for Fernando, and I think he's an shiny happy person.
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