[SShandilya]

I think it’s bound to get this competitive given the scenario we are in.
7 years since Mercedes has been challenged and both teams will do whatever it takes to have an edge over the other.
We as spectator should only enjoy cause this might be the most interesting season by far.

I think red bull should take a penalty and get a new engine for Checo cause they need him upfront for both their and Max’s win and I guess Checo realises how inconsistency hampers their chances

[FURY_44]

I guess Red Bull blinked early with the engine change for Max in Russia, it was a tremendous drive to get to 2nd by Max in that race and maximize damage limitation.

Merc and Lewis have not given up on the drivers championship, on the constructors side Bottas has a huge pool of engine parts, with the latest engine change for Hamilton in Brazil, Mercs are going all guns blazing, Verstappen cannot have an engine penalty at this stage, it's his title to loose.

Seeing reminiscence of the 2018 title battle, where Lewis and Merc pulled off incredibly in the latter half of the season.

[sravankrishnan]

Pre-race updates: Verstappen has been summoned by the stewards for not respecting double-waved yellows, while Bottas and Sainz have been summoned for not respecting single-waved yellows.

There are some technicalities in the regulations that state light panels take precedence over flags in night events, so they'll probably take a while to get to a decision.

Ferrari says Leclerc had a cracked chassis and it will be replaced before the race. It will likely be the same spec to avoid a pit-lane start.

[krsna777]

Originally Posted by iamahunter

Those Mercedes were lit, totally annihilating the Redbulls.

unlike Lewis a few races ago did not leave even a single chance to crib about the faster Redbulls, and always blamed that there is something with their new engines.

And there lies the biggest reason for me being a Max fan.

Its so funny RB fans say this.

MAX: "I think just lacking a bit of pace, I think it's just been a bit more tricky for us. Checo's not even in Q3 so it shows that we are struggling a bit more than normal" .

While Gasly stands p4

Quote the full statement please

And what did hamilton crib about?

This weekend in a nutshell

Horner: "I think this is something even more advanced, it’s hidden in a way it operates, it is harder to spot from a camera. You can see the straight-line performance since Hungary and particularly since the last two races, it’s gone exponential. That obviously concerns us."


And quoting what trainspired next.
Allegedly the FIA has informed all teams about a new rear wing test. The TD [flexi wings] which was introduced in the summer, is to be extended by a new passage with a special test. Specifically tailored to Red Bull's complaint [about Mercedes].

RB is a toxic to say the least. and so is the Verstappen duo (father & son)

To put things in perspective. Lap 48 incident: Very clear its dangerous driving from red bull and what did FIA do? Nothing. And now they came out with a new test as soon as RB complains? How many GPs did they take when Mercedes complained of RB's flexi wings?

Jos Verstappen after the Brazil GP, qutoing here
“You can see from the footage that something is wrong,” he said.

“In Brazil, Hamilton gets something pressed into his hands by his trainer and then he walks back to his car and dives into the cockpit. All in all, it is just weird. Max did not stand a chance.

“It seems to me very strongly that they are doing something that is not allowed.

What is he implying, Hamilton taking drugs now?


Verstappens are toxic to the core.

[iamahunter]

Originally Posted by krsna777

Its so funny RB fans say this.

Not RB, Max.

Originally Posted by krsna777

MAX: "I think just lacking a bit of pace, I think it's just been a bit more tricky for us. Checo's not even in Q3 so it shows that we are struggling a bit more than normal" .
..
Quote the full statement please

Alright, that's the full statement, still standing with my point. Help me find the words - Mercedes are just faster, or they are doing something with their engine

Yes, Max did touch the Merc's rear wing, and you have the results. Mercedes were caught cheating!

Originally Posted by krsna777

And what did hamilton crib about?

This weekend in a nutshell

What does he have to in this weekend? But, can't ignore the previous crying!

Originally Posted by krsna777

To put things in perspective. Lap 48 incident: Very clear its dangerous driving from red bull and what did FIA do? Nothing.

Oh now the dangerous driving, I see.

By the way, did you miss the race when Hamilton has pushed the RB into wall, or spun Alex, or multiple such incidences?



I am here for the sport and no sport is clean to the core, never has!

Mercedes and Lewis has been dominating the sport for the past 4 years, it had become so boring! What's to watch if there is no race, its just one guy ahead of the others all the time, that's no sport.

Hamilton has a habit of going back on his own words, like a politician.
Quoting Hamilton's cry "Sebastian Vettel dominance could bore fans".
Source
And what's going on now?

[sravankrishnan]

BREAKING: Five place grid-drop for Verstappen.



Potentially a huge blow to his championship hopes. Bottas also receives a three-place grid drop.

[mayankk]

Bottas and verstappan handed 3 and 5 places penalties. So a first corner incident seems not forthcoming.
Wow.

[Dippy]

Originally Posted by mayankk

Bottas and verstappan handed 3 and 5 places penalties. So a first corner incident seems not forthcoming.
Wow.

And that might just translate into an easy win for Lewis. Gifted on a plate. I do hope Max can salvage a podium though. Some how I feel this race won't have a lot of action like the previous ones after these penalties.

[iamahunter]

Its literally handing over the win on a silver platter.

Let's hope that the race is kept interesting by some means.

Current Grid:


Wow, Gasley starts 2nd and Alonso 3rd.

And I speculate according to team orders - Valtteri Bottas will block Max.

[Chetan_Rao]

There was debris all over the track at turn 15 from Gasly's front wing, right on the racing line, even if the car was able to drive away from it. Why the marshals dilly-dallied with yellow and green flags and anyone behind him on track was allowed to complete their lap is a mystery.

Verstappen was still in S1 when it happened, nearly 40 seconds away from the scene. Enough time to abort the lap if clear instructions were given.

Risky marshalling.

[krsna777]

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[Chetan_Rao]

Checo looks dialed in. Good recovery after a terrible qualifying.

Oh Valtteri. Front left puncture, didn't look like a kerb strike, might have just done a few too many laps on that set.

[Akshay6988]

Such a meh race, boring track. Impressive drive by Alonso and Ocon there. Max did really good gaining 5 positions. Last 2 races will be interesting hopefully.

[Chetan_Rao]

Happy for old man Alonso. Made a one-stopper work, and the late VSC negated tire failure worries.

Can we have the same 1-2 with Hamilton fastest lap next race please, to setup a straight fight at Abu Dhabi.

[ninjatalli]

Checo, man, what a drive. Those pit stop strategies were not optimum for him yet he did such a great job overtaking some drivers (like Ocon) even twice! Poor luck for him with the virtual safety car robbing him if the chance to fight Alonso for the podium. He's only getting better and better, it'll be fun to see him perform in 2022.

And good to see teams other than Mercedes & RedBull on the podium. Wonder what's the deal with Mclaren though, both Norris and Riccardo have not been doing well lately.