Valtteri Bottas has won the Austrian Grand Prix, head lead the race virtually from start to finish. It wasn't all that straightforward however, with Vettel threatening to pass in the closing stages. While the Ferrari driver settled for second, Daniel Ricciardo completes the podium after fending off Lewis Hamilton on a charge.
Just seen the split comparison between the Merc and Ferrari, even when the Ferrari gets the better exit from the corners, the Merc has a serious straight line advantage.
Tire wear should be minimal, regardless which compound. Also the performance between tires should be quite close too.
Big question in determing Hamiltons race is how long the Ultras will last first stint for the top 10. Best case, he doesnt lose a position at the start. The question then will become if he can get past the cars ahead on pace alone, and if yes, how long it will take.
This will then show how effective his SS/? race will be. If he loses too much time behind slower paced cars, the tire offset will probably only get him behind the RedBulls.
Either way, this being a one stop race, i cant see him contesting for the win, unless there is gonna be mayhem due to rain or something.
I am gonnabe careful and predict 4th for more or less normal race conditions. Bottas will hopefully get the win ahead of Vettel. Then i think kimi and one of the RedBulls will finish ahead of Hamilton. Cant see much beyond that to be honest.
Something like Bot, Vet, RedBull, Kimi, Ham...
This being probably a one stop race for most, i cant see a safety car being a help either. Regardless when and if there is one, most will probably stop and finish the race on the prime tire. Hamilton will do the opposite, but not sure that will yield much advantage given how close the tires are in performance.
Not for nothing, Rosberg's Championship is the only thing that lends credibility to Hamilton's recent success. Otherwise, he'd just be the guy who's had the best car. — bhall II #Team44 supporter
I rather hope that Vettel does well and win this race. Merc will be dominant in the next few races. A chasing Hamilton is much more exciting for this championship.
it is raining in Vienna already. So rain might be ready for the start
I'm fairly certain Vienna is not any benchmark, as the clouds and therefore the weather is moving from South-West to North-East. Spielberg is quite a bit to the west of Vienna (and more influenced by the mountains).
Not for nothing, Rosberg's Championship is the only thing that lends credibility to Hamilton's recent success. Otherwise, he'd just be the guy who's had the best car. — bhall II #Team44 supporter
Apparently on ORF they just said that Hamilton has the highest topspeed, so another indication that Hamiltons car may be more set up towards starting in the midfield.
Not for nothing, Rosberg's Championship is the only thing that lends credibility to Hamilton's recent success. Otherwise, he'd just be the guy who's had the best car. — bhall II #Team44 supporter