djones wrote: ↑10 Dec 2021, 18:06
By desperate I mean they know they can't win on pace so have to try something a bit crazy.
Realistically I expect Max and Lewis to start on the same tyres like they always do.
I don't think it's that crazy TBH. In theory, if the quicker car starts in front, it's more likely to finish the race also ahead. To overcome that disadvantage, you either need better race-pace during the race and then you win on merit (strategy also plays a factor, as well as speed differential and how good overtaking works on the track) or if you don't have that, or enough of it, ulterior strategy.
Ulterior strategy means starting on a different tyre for example, that might gain you an early advantage or simply put you on a different strategy that might work out as a gamble.
In my opinion, I think what ever happens, RedBull will put both their drivers on very different strategy. Perez isn't the best qualifier, so I think with that in mind, he might go very different than Max. If they can get Perez ahead, he might be able to cause trouble that could benefit Max. If Perez ends up 4th, he might/could be placed to go long and be a pawn for when the first stops arrive.
It's going to be a fascinating chess game of strategies.
If I were RedBull, I would also play to the fear that any crash would result in Max being champion. I.e. track position will be key as that would mean Hamilton would need to attempt an overtake and put his car in a potentially vulnerable position. So if I were Mercedes, I would make damn well sure Hamilton starts in front with Bottas in 2nd to buffer him at all cost.
All IMO of course.
