2014 Russian GP - Sochi

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So i think during the race this will turn out the same. Bottas might pull one over rosberg at the start and first few corners, and defend good, but after a couple of laps, the Merc will sail pass.

not just Rosberg, I think with double slipstream on that 1km straight its not too unlikely Bottas or Button will lead into turn 2

[SectorOne]

Two tenths off Rosberg, not three. I'm sorry, you're looking at this the wrong way. Maybe you didn't get a chance to watch qualifying today but in Q3, on his last lap, Bottas was actually faster than Hamilton in both Sector 1 and Sector 2.

Ok then, let´s see what happens....
But just to remind you..Mercedes has always been much faster in the races compared to their competitors then qualifying.

Also regarding sectors,

Bottas was only faster in Sector 1. Hamilton got Sector 2 and Rosberg Sector 3.

[Blanchimont]

In the second GP2 race today, Leal lost 21 seconds by a drive through penalty. Lap times were around 1:49 min at that time, so the time loss should be comparable for F1. With the pit stop, the time loss should be around 25 seconds.

[SiLo]

So i think during the race this will turn out the same. Bottas might pull one over rosberg at the start and first few corners, and defend good, but after a couple of laps, the Merc will sail pass.

not just Rosberg, I think with double slipstream on that 1km straight its not too unlikely Bottas or Button will lead into turn 2

This is what I am thinking. Qualifying isn't as important if you get a decent start because you will have a fantastic slipstream for a huge distance. I think Hamilton will win but won't be leading into T1.

[henra]

That's just saying he isn't a top class driver. What you are saying that he needs from the car to excel would be what any decent driver would need to do well. Nothing to suggest that he's really as good as his 4wdc suggest.

From a Team perspective that depends on the actual circumstances.
With the old rule set he would have been possibly/probably the best or at least among the very best Drivers to have in your Team. With the current rule set, he obviously doesn't really seem to be really top class in the sense of top 2 or 3. Hadn't the rules changed the nature of the cars so significantly he would have been still a top class Driver. Now, apparently not so much.
As for the often discussed/argued general class of a Driver: From a Team perspective that doesn't matter, it is only important how competitive someone is in the given Environment. Adaptability of the Driver to drastic rule changes isn't that important for a Team. If the circumstances change they may hire a different Driver who is best in the new environment.
This discussion of the Overall best Driver is basically mostly relevant for Fan(boys) of Drivers, not so much the Teams.
A Driver who is quite fast in all types of cars is generally less desirable for a Team than one who excels in the current car. If he Fails in the next, well hire a new Driver then.
Therefore you have to distinguish in your rating between personal (Driver focussed) feelings and Team result focussed decisions of Teams.
In the former perspective an adaptable Driver will generally fare better, but that may not reflect the perspective of the Team.

[Hail22]

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[hollowBallistix]

Rosberg ruined it by being to impatient

[SectorOne]

Rosberg Rosberg Rosberg.... why? You could have braked early and still just squeeze out Hamilton should he come around the outside.
Another 1-2 possibly ruined.

Vergne, holy crap. thought he was behind Kvyat!

[henra]

Rosberg ruined it by being to impatient

Yup.
Will have a hard time scoring any Points today.

[hollowBallistix]

He's made that mistake a few times, trying to win the race within the first couple of laps.

Looking forward to the battle between Alonso & Button also Vettel & Ric

[zeph]

Bottas doing a good job hanging on to Hamilton's coattails. I expected HAM to be ahead by at least 5 or 6 seconds by now

[Crucial_Xtreme]

Nico cracking...

[hollowBallistix]

Bottas doing a good job hanging on to Hamilton's coattails. I expected HAM to be ahead by at least 5 or 6 seconds by now

I think Hamilton is just managing the gap which is slightly flattering Bottas

[Juzh]

Bottas doing a good job hanging on to Hamilton's coattails. I expected HAM to be ahead by at least 5 or 6 seconds by now

I think Hamilton is just managing the gap which is slightly flattering Bottas

From the onboards he looks like he's quite literally on cruise control.

[SectorOne]

Yea he´s just fuel saving taking it easy, increasing the gap a little by little. I also think Williams have settled for 2nd, only taking first should something happen with Lewis.

Shame about Red Bull, i don´t understand why they did not let Ricciardo through, let him build up a gap then box him.
They are not fighting for a championship realistically but surely you want to maximize the points.