First of all, I'm very pleased to be around this place again. Some cracking debates on here. Spa was very disappointing and Monza has come at an apt time. I hope, we see an amazing race tomorrow regardless of the winner.
I see an enormous amount of speculation around here. I think, we'll be smart to just wait and see how many and how much these 'tokens' have shifted the balance. There are just some things I wanted to mention-
1) Mercedes has all year long kept something in the pocket. At least, Hamilton has. I don't know if he was running a conservative mode but if he was then it doesn't look great for next year as well. (in terms of competition)
I will say this though that Wolff and Hamilton looked a bit somber and worried even. Wolff has clearly mentioned that they're going to monitor the data and evaluate Hamilton's engine overnight. If they feel too much of a risk in terms of reliability, they might change the engine and take a penalty. Mind you, Hamilton would still probably start as the favorite. (Just) It's my personal opinion that Lauda likes to talk a lot and I don't ever take him seriously.
2) While Mercedes has been the class of the field, and I have no doubt they will develop this PU and chassis to the optimum, Ferrari have made a small step. It's not significant to bother Hamilton, but I think those red cars will pester Rosberg. I think, personally, Rosberg is a bit delusional and naive to say that he will get the Ferrari's tomorrow, while Hamilton is another matter. Such statements, are perhaps the reason why Rosberg is so far behind Hamilton. Unless, Rosberg leap frogs both Ferrari's off the line, or at least one, I'm convinced that at least one Ferrari will beat him. Rosberg isn't the best starter either. To be frank, Rosberg looks defeated and as much as I want to see a championship battle, it would be a travesty if Rosberg won it from Hamilton due to some weird act. Rosberg needs to 'shut up and drive,' to be blunt.
3) I hope we see a safe, exciting race tomorrow with some mixed weather conditions and a random element as well as a surprise podium. From a personal point of view, a Ferrari 1-2 led by Vettel would be sweet.
"Sebastian there's very, you're a member of a very select few.. Stewart, Lauda, Piquet, Senna, Prost, Schumacher, Fangio.. VETTEL!"