F1 2021: Abu Dhabi GP - Yas Marina (Dec 12)

[Autobacs]

Originally Posted by F87source

No doubt Lewis has made mistakes under pressure, I have never denied it. Infact I've called Lewis out on his brake magic mistakes...

This was to address the notion that is constantly brought up that max is a perfect driver immune to mistakes. And to address what Nico said about pressure on the lead driving being significantly more than the one who's behind.

IMO Hamilton has made more mistakes than Max this year, and has been extremely lucky not losing as much points. This I think is the basis of ALO saying Max is driving better overall this year, which to some will always think that it's all because of ALO's hate for Ham, which makes me wonder who really has not moved on.

[F87source]

Originally Posted by Autobacs

IMO Hamilton has made more mistakes than Max this year, and has been extremely lucky not losing as much points. This I think is the basis of ALO saying Max is driving better overall this year, which to some will always think that it's all because of ALO's hate for Ham, which makes me wonder who really has not moved on.

Well part of it is Alonso being salty that he was whooped by a rookie. But he's not wrong Max has barely made any mistakes all season, literally near perfect.

But the mistakes max made were pretty detrimental, and if he just backed out in both Silverstone and Monza it would be all over now. Max also did get unlucky with the punctures, but that's all part of the game. Sometimes you get unlucky.

[Bubbles]

Kid Max and his first toy.

[Autobacs]

Originally Posted by F87source

Well part of it is Alonso being salty that he was whooped by a rookie. But he's not wrong Max has barely made any mistakes all season, literally near perfect.

But the mistakes max made were pretty detrimental, and if he just backed out in both Silverstone and Monza it would be all over now. Max also did get unlucky with the punctures, but that's all part of the game. Sometimes you get unlucky.

Number one, finishing in equal points does not equal a whooping. Impressive for a rookie because the expectation was ALO would dominate Ham BUT, Ham's titles validates that ALO was most definitely up there in talent, which most experts concur with.

The few ALO bashers would like to state that it was a domination and that he can't get over 2007. That's some serious speculation there. What I really find funny at times are followers of F1 often get more emotional about perceived situations than the drivers themselves, which the media really wants to push, exploit, or blow up precisely to generate readership and hype.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by F87source

No doubt Lewis has made mistakes under pressure, I have never denied it. Infact I've called Lewis out on his brake magic mistakes...
This was to address the notion that is constantly brought up that max is a perfect driver immune to mistakes. And to address what Nico said about pressure on the lead driving being significantly more than the one who's behind.

I understand what you mean.

Cuts both ways:

First, HAM has already been reprimanded twice this season for on-track antics (unsafe entry onto the track during FP1 in Mexico + forcing Mazepin off track during FP3 in Saudi Arabia). If HAM triggers a third reprimand tomorrow during FP3 or Q1/Q2/Q3, he automatically gets a 10-place grid penalty as per FIA regulations. So the Mercedes team (pitwall) and HAM will need to be very focused. For sure the Red Bull team will take a very close look at HAM's on-track behavior. Compromising a laptime of a competitor and all other sorts of questionnable tricks: don't look for trouble.

Secondly, VER is in the lead, so HAM must finish, not before anyone, but before VER in the top 10, who is capable of winning the race and is known for not backing down and yielding. So that puts the bar high. Furthermore, HAM has to walk on eggs whenever VER is nearby: a racing incident happens quickly - enough controversial incidents this season to know this. It would be a poor gamble for Mercedes and HAM to speculate on stewards disqualifying VER if the two touch yet again. If VER can race flatout with perfect pitstops, good race strategy, no incidents and manages to get the lead: HAM has no other choice than to win. The slightest mistake by HAM, Mercedes team strategy or the Mercedes pit crew can cost them dearly.

Thirdly, the pit crew keeping their cool: a "slow" pitstop can cost the championship; the pressure on them will be massive: failure is no option. So Mercedes better uses brandnew wheelnuts to avoid a Bottas in Monaco failure (see here).

And last but not least: it's easy for all of us as 'armchair F1 pilots' to blame drivers for their mishaps; we do not have the faintest idea how bloody complex and demanding it is physically, intellectually and mentally to drive the machinery and consumables on the limit while being filmed from all angles and millions of people looking worldwide. For example most say that VER screwed up in the Saudi Arabia qualification in hitting the wall in the final corner, that it showed immaturity or recklessness. I disagree: for me that lap was the qualification lap of the year: I was no longer sitting but standing in front of my TV, shaking my head in awe when I saw purple for sector 1 and purple for sector 2: VER was dancing on the blade of a knife, aware of the risk that he could cut himself. A remarkable determination and guts rarely seen in recent F1: going all-in. Yes, tires couldn't hold grip anymore and he hit the wall. But if he had pulled it off and gotten away with it, he would have been applauded by everyone. Also HAM and BOT admitted that also their fastest laps were hairy, though with a lucky outcome, and that VER was flying. That's the way it goes at the top of F1: if you settle for just "very good" risk averse, you will never be F1 world champion. If VER would not have the ruthless gladiator mentality, you would have never heard about him.

Conclusion: HAM will encounter as much pressure as VER + I trust that VER will go all-in during the race this Sunday, taking substantial risks.

[E90SLAM]

Originally Posted by Onesie

Won't watch quali at 5, but will wake up at 5 for the race.

What??? I'll do both!!!

[SenorFunkyPants]

Originally Posted by Autobacs

Number one, finishing in equal points does not equal a whooping. Impressive for a rookie because the expectation was ALO would dominate Ham BUT, Ham's titles validates that ALO was most definitely up there in talent, which most experts concur with.

The off at China (bald wet weather tyres on a wet pit entry) and the gearbox glitch at Brazil separated Hamilton from taking the championship in his rookie year (and a big points difference over Alonso)
Most everyone knows Alonso was bested that season (including Alonso).
Even as a two time world champion having beaten Schumacher (in an arguably inferior car), Alonso's stock never fully recovered from that year.
Trying to make out otherwise is a tough challenge.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

Thoughts ?

No Marina for him trying to wind up Max

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

Of course , that's the meaning of the situation .
MAX runs race number '8 with his HONDA ICE.

If Mercedes goes for it , I really hope so HONDA as well ..

Yeah . We'll see ..

If this doesn't convince the doubters then nothing will.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

Thoughts ?

...or he could be hinting that all dangerous crims should be freed now ..

[M5Rick]

So it's him quickest with Max 2/10's behind and Bot being used as dogsbody to tow his master.

[F87source]

LOL Lewis impeded Mazepin again (in FP3 as well), guess he is not used to being behind Mazepin. Wonder if that'll get him in trouble which would mean a 10 spot grid penalty if repremanded again.

I don't know if the situation is different this time seeing mercedes weren't just lagging on the track like last time, but they just freshly came out of the pits.

But if Lewis gets a penalty then Max can get a new PU for essentially free.

[Wakka]

Originally Posted by Autobacs

IMO Hamilton has made more mistakes than Max this year, and has been extremely lucky not losing as much points. This I think is the basis of ALO saying Max is driving better overall this year, which to some will always think that it's all because of ALO's hate for Ham, which makes me wonder who really has not moved on.

As a Lewis fan (at least more of a fan of his than max's) I agree with this. Lewis has made several mistakes where he could be ahead right now if it weren't for them. The Baku restart comes to mind.

I expect max to win this championship and I have since the usgp. I will give it to Hamilton for really pushing himself to get to where he is now though. It's the season we've all wanted

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

So it's him quickest with Max 2/10's behind and Bot being used as dogsbody to tow his master.

Throughout FP3 BOT was apparently used as a tow for HAM and HAM also looked elsewhere for a tow. But some laps had to be aborted. The best time of FP3 was with a tow. For sure we will see Mercedes using BOT as a tow for getting HAM to P1 during Q3.

Horner said that Red Bull have been experimenting again with fuel loads.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by Artemis

First, HAM has already been reprimanded twice this season for on-track antics (unsafe entry onto the track during FP1 in Mexico + forcing Mazepin off track during FP3 in Saudi Arabia). If HAM triggers a third reprimand tomorrow during FP3 or Q1/Q2/Q3, he automatically gets a 10-place grid penalty as per FIA regulations. So the Mercedes team (pitwall) and HAM will need to be very focused. For sure the Red Bull team will take a very close look at HAM's on-track behavior. Compromising a laptime of a competitor and all other sorts of questionnable tricks: don't look for trouble.

Originally Posted by F87source

LOL Lewis impeded Mazepin again (in FP3 as well), guess he is not used to being behind Mazepin. Wonder if that'll get him in trouble which would mean a 10 spot grid penalty if repremanded again.
I don't know if the situation is different this time seeing mercedes weren't just lagging on the track like last time, but they just freshly came out of the pits.
But if Lewis gets a penalty then Max can get a new PU for essentially free.

This is Saudi Arabia all over again. HAM at risk for reprimand #3. If served: 10-place grid penalty. I was referencing last night that they should have kept focused. Unbelievable how Mercedes and HAM failed to pay attention ...again.

Abu Dhabi FP3:

Compare with Saudi Arabia FP3 (HAM got reprimand #2 for that one):

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by F87source

LOL Lewis impeded Mazepin again (in FP3 as well), guess he is not used to being behind Mazepin. Wonder if that'll get him in trouble which would mean a 10 spot grid penalty if repremanded again.

I don't know if the situation is different this time seeing mercedes weren't just lagging on the track like last time, but they just freshly came out of the pits.

But if Lewis gets a penalty then Max can get a new PU for essentially free.

Let's hope so , but I'm pretty sure the FIA won't touch HAM..

BTW ...I've bought cake today !

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

So it's him quickest with Max 2/10's behind and Bot being used as dogsbody to tow his master.

Meanwhile in QF2 : MAX is 0.004 sec. slower than HAM !

[Blindside_137]

But with a flat spot now. The drama continues

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by Artemis

This is Saudi Arabia all over again. HAM at risk for reprimand #3. If served: 10-place grid penalty. I was referencing last night that they should have kept focused. Unbelievable how Mercedes and HAM failed to pay attention ...again.

Abu Dhabi FP3:

Compare with Saudi Arabia FP3 (HAM got reprimand #2 for that one):

Attachment 2762942

*****

[M Hybrid V8]

Both Redbulls starting on softs. Interesting.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

If this doesn't convince the doubters then nothing will.

*****

[Blindside_137]

I like the idea of a two stopper for redbull with max chasing down Lewis the final 5 laps tomorrow.

If both teams are on the same tire and same strategy it will be fairly uneventful as whoever is on pole will walk away.