2022 Mexican Grand Prix - Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Oct 28 - 30

[DGP123]

But it’s also likely that they will throw some unnecessary SCs in the mix to spice things up as they tend to do these days

Unfortunately, this is the direction the sport has headed, and we all know who it’s for.

[InsaneX_Badger]

For the neutral I think it would be great for both Mercs to get ahead of Max and all cars to come out of the first lap undamaged, will be great to see Max fight his way through, and I don't doubt he is more than capable to do so. One of the most fun drivers to watch.

[TNTHead]

I'm afraid Merc will not be able to jump Max at the start, and then the straight line deficit still too heavy imo especially considering the weakness of both Merc in S3.
I expect a boring race

Mercedes has been quick of the line this season, really among with the best. So if they do get off the line quickly here too they will both have a chance imho. That first few turns will be an absolute nailbiter. As they always are here.

I am very curious what VER will do: try to keep them behind at all cost at the first lap, or let them by to avoid carnage and get them back on race pace and DRS? Heavy cars with tyres not up to temperature could be the wrong moment for elbows out.

[DGP123]

Max should play the long game. Russell will unfortunately play the short game, and will no doubt focus on Hamilton at T1.

F1 this season has usually disappointed and been anti-climatic, so I’m expecting a couple of DNF’s at T1 that will ultimately ruin the race.

Hopefully proved wrong.

[chrisc90]

It could be interesting.

If the Mercs get off the line well/slip stream then they could well get past Max. I dont think he will put up a great fight at the start of the race - the race is long. However I do think he will put his car in a very good spot on the run down into the first corner.

If the Mercs do get past, then I think they will take a lap or 2 before they can get some temperature in their tyres. Then of course you have the MASSIVE DRS zone down the start/finish line. That will be where the Red Bull will play into its strengths. I dont suppose anyone knows of the speed differentials between the teams with DRS on/off?

I really think we will see some more engine failures today. If Ferrari have reportedly turned down their PU, they could get swallowed up from behind.

[djones]

I too feel George is going to focus on Lewis and ultimately compromise the potential win as a result.

Lewis would have been P2 in qualifying was it not for the engine issues and he is consistently much better over a race distance than George. If Lewis is stuck behind him at the end of lap 1 then expect Max to just drive away and ruin any hope of a battle for the win.

Don't get me wrong, I think the Redbull is almost untouchable for the win here. But at least if Lewis is behind Max it might give us all something remotely interesting to watch at the front.

[PlatinumZealot]

The DRS zone has been extended for this year giving a much better chance for the RedBull to undo any mistakes. It will be like shooting fish in a barrel. Objectlively I don't see Mercedes standing a chance unless theRedBull chews it's tyres.

[johnny comelately]

Martin Brundle had an amusing take on Adrian Newey "...can see air molecules..."

[101FlyingDutchman]

I hope the mercs get in front. Could do with some spicy wheel to wheel action. Championships are over. Now let’s unleash them all. Have fun. Compromised strats should bring others into play too. Game on

[wogx]

I too feel George is going to focus on Lewis and ultimately compromise the potential win as a result.

Lewis would have been P2 in qualifying was it not for the engine issues and he is consistently much better over a race distance than George. If Lewis is stuck behind him at the end of lap 1 then expect Max to just drive away and ruin any hope of a battle for the win.

Don't get me wrong, I think the Redbull is almost untouchable for the win here. But at least if Lewis is behind Max it might give us all something remotely interesting to watch at the front.

Max should play the long game. Russell will unfortunately play the short game, and will no doubt focus on Hamilton at T1.

Marko was right last year

Marko: Russell matching Hamilton would help Red Bull

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko believes George Russell's arrival at Mercedes for the 2022 Formula 1 season could be advantageous to Red Bull.

[...]

Marko is wary of Russell's one-lap pace, and hints that it will be a good thing for Red Bull if he is able to match Hamilton over a race distance.

"I first have to see how fast Russell really is," Marko told La Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if Russell could take points away from Hamilton in the Drivers' Championship.

"If he can indeed match Hamilton's speed, that could be an advantage for us."

https://racingnews365.com/marko-russell ... p-red-bull

[hollus]

3 pages of posts have been deleted. If all you want to talk about is Sky and politics, and if villains must be flund in every post… are you sure this is the right forum? There is a subtle hint in the site’s name.
Less drama, less vitriol, less extreme opinions (both sides), less fights, less black and white, less superheros and supervillains, thanks.

[Spoutnik]

I'm afraid Merc will not be able to jump Max at the start, and then the straight line deficit still too heavy imo especially considering the weakness of both Merc in S3.
I expect a boring race

This is a very likely scenario. But it’s also likely that they will throw some unnecessary SCs in the mix to spice things up as they tend to do these days, so strategy might still come into play. I have a feeling that a couple of the top 6 cars will be out of contention after the first lap also given the nature of turn 1…

To contradict myself I would just add that Merc were visibly better at braking yersteday, they were braking so much later and got so much more stability while braking too. It could help them at T1.

[El_KaPpa]

I too feel George is going to focus on Lewis and ultimately compromise the potential win as a result.

Lewis would have been P2 in qualifying was it not for the engine issues and he is consistently much better over a race distance than George. If Lewis is stuck behind him at the end of lap 1 then expect Max to just drive away and ruin any hope of a battle for the win.

Don't get me wrong, I think the Redbull is almost untouchable for the win here. But at least if Lewis is behind Max it might give us all something remotely interesting to watch at the front.

I think these things are already discussed considering how important a win is in these circumstances. In such particular scenario will be interesting to see if Russel will keep Lewis behind if he can't keep up with Max considering Hamilton has better race pace.

[ab_f1]

It could be interesting.

If the Mercs get off the line well/slip stream then they could well get past Max. I dont think he will put up a great fight at the start of the race - the race is long. However I do think he will put his car in a very good spot on the run down into the first corner.

If the Mercs do get past, then I think they will take a lap or 2 before they can get some temperature in their tyres. Then of course you have the MASSIVE DRS zone down the start/finish line. That will be where the Red Bull will play into its strengths. I dont suppose anyone knows of the speed differentials between the teams with DRS on/off?

I really think we will see some more engine failures today. If Ferrari have reportedly turned down their PU, they could get swallowed up from behind.

When it comes to Lewis and Max, normal rules don't apply. If Russel does not take Ham out, likelihood of contact is high.

[mendis]

With start straight being so long, can the lead pack afford to start on Mediums to do a one stop? Can we expect one of the Mercs to go on Softs?