[StarrySky]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

Does a slower time than an earlier lap in sector 3 necessarily mean he backed off

It could also be he was actually slower on this lap (in sector 3) than the previous one.

Did you spot any mistakes in S3 on his fastest lap, which escaped the commentators?

Looking at Bottas' S3 times just before he stopped:
22.840
22.653
23.615 (stuck behind Kubica/Latifi in S3)
22.840
26.661 (In-lap)
22.285 (Out-lap)
23.043 (FL)

So on new softs, he was slower than his sector 3 times set on old tires before his pitstop. No obvious mistakes in S3 on fastest lap, but he didn't back off? Ok.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by StarrySky

So on new softs, he was slower than his sector 3 times set on old tires before his pitstop. No obvious mistakes in S3 on fastest lap, but he didn't back off? Ok.

If he did back off, it was useless (results remember), didn’t serve any purpose, but was done on purpose. Like I said earlier, drivers of this caliber know where they are fast, slow, what they need to do to improve on a lap or go slower if need be. He didn’t do enough to guarantee the fastest lap shouldn’t come to him. So useless endeavour, with no advantage to him except showing up the team.

Guess you must have read the Alpha Romeo announcement about Bottas driving for them from 2022. He obviously knew it was coming and decided to exhibit his displeasure and frustration to the team. From now onwards (to the season end) I am sure he will be the perfect number two, a certain Mr. Wolff must have taken care of that

I can see absolutely no other explanation for such an experienced driver who doesn’t manage to go slow enough to not get fastest lap.

Cheers

[SilentEngine]

Not sure what you guys are arguing about . Bottas did try to get FLAP and then aborted the attempt by leaving some margin for Hamilton to get it back in his attempt. He was already told that Lewis was coming in before end any way, so whether he actually got a temporary fastest lap is immaterial.

I think the actual reason to box him was not really vibrations, but to make sure they didn't have to order him to let Hamilton though on track if he ended up behind him (gap was close around 25 seconds). Plan to pit Hamilton was made before deciding to pit Bottas.

Pit radio transcript:

Ross: Okay Valtteri so box, box, box.
Ross: So brake balance for the line, you’ve got plenty of time in hand.
Ross: Think positioning in the box, clutch position shallow.
Ross: So you’re on the soft, we’re going plus one. We are not going for fastest.
Bottas: Why not?
Ross: So Ricciardo sector one is one lap down.
Ross: So Lewis will have a free stop at the end.
Bottas: Why did we stop then?
Ross: Precautionary. Tyre vibrations.
Ross: Four laps remaining.
Ross: Got blue flags.
Ross: Okay Valtteri, strat seven.
Vowles: Valtteri it’s James. Please abort the fastest lap attempt before the end of the lap.
Bottas: Just playing around.
Vowles: I know. It’s a strong lap. Thanks.
Ross: Thank you.
Ross: So Lewis is in for fastest lap.

https://www.racefans.net/2021/09/05/...stest-lap-bid/