2017 Mexico Grand Prix - Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, 27-29 October

[Restomaniac]

Apparently, Hamiltons long run pace on the ultra softs was ominous... not outright fastest but without a drop and extremely constant throughout 28 laps. No one did as many and as constant.

But the race is 71 laps, he'd have to run to lap 35 at least to make a one stop work. Unless he's planning a US and run S until the end.

On full tanks the lap time is at best high 1:20's but likely mid 21's, however the degradation and fuel effect means lap times will remain constant. The SS is useless as a race tire, the long run pace is inconsistent, the softs are marginally slower in the race but far more consistent.

I would do US to lap 31 and finish the race on Softs, the US SS strategy won't work as a one stop.

US to lap 24, US again to lap 48, and the final stint in SS would allow one to push hard the whole race without worrying about tire wear. The one stop is potentially faster but takes more management, any mistakes or inconsistency in pace will make it not work. If there is a safety car a two stop will be the faster strategy as it will mitigate the pit time loss, moreso if it's a virtual safety car.

Pirelli have stated that they estimate 35 laps on the US.

[dans79]

FP3 looked good, assuming no issues for anyone I think qualifying will pan out as follows.

1. Ham
2. Bot
3. Vet
4. Ver
5. Ric
6. Rai

[Racer X]

This season has been good for the top 3 teams it gave us mixed excitement. Not just one in full domination altho in a way Mercedes maybe had a slight edge the whole time but it was not an enormous gap. But it's sad for the 4th teams and everyone else the gap from Manufacturers and Customers is so huge....
But that's F1 it's like having 2 different championships.

[ringo]

Max is looking good to pressure for a win.
He can barge his way through vettel and lewis given they have a lot to lose.
The weekend looks like it may not be good for hamilton, i just feel something is going to go wrong..
Kimi looking weak as jolyon palmer this weekend.

[FrukostScones]

VES Victory, HAM WDC.

Qualy: HAM.VES.VET.RIC.BOT.RAI.SAI.PER.OCO.HUL.

[f1316]

VES Victory, HAM WDC.

Qualy: HAM.VES.VET.RIC.BOT.RAI.SAI.PER.OCO.HUL.

I reckon that quali prediction looks pretty spot on. I was thinking Verstappen could have a shot but that last lap for Hamilton makes me think he'll have enough come quali.

[Restomaniac]

This season has been good for the top 3 teams it gave us mixed excitement. Not just one in full domination altho in a way Mercedes maybe had a slight edge the whole time but it was not an enormous gap. But it's sad for the 4th teams and everyone else the gap from Manufacturers and Customers is so huge....
But that's F1 it's like having 2 different championships.

I'll say it again.
2018 should be great.
Mercedes, Ferrari and RedBull.
A McLaren with what seems a none to shabby chassis with a Renault in it for 2018 and Renault who will by now will have all the secrets.

[Restomaniac]

VES Victory, HAM WDC.

Qualy: HAM.VES.VET.RIC.BOT.RAI.SAI.PER.OCO.HUL.

Hamilton winning the WDC should be nailed on as you say without a DNF.

If Vettel wins then Bottas can't catch his points total. Cue Mercedes 'massaging' the top 6 positions if needed.

[Schuttelberg]

Max has never lost a race when Kvyat has been dropped!

[Restomaniac]

Max has never lost a race when Kvyat has been dropped!

Well that wouldn't help Vettel.

[ringo]

Max and redbull.. my my.. strongest chassis by far.
Mighty in the last sector, and first. This car is telepathic. Max making it known he is one of the best.

[f1316]

Wow, that was the one for Vettel.

That and Singapore pole are the best moments for him this year in my view. Maybe this one is even better.

[JonoNic]

Will Verstappen get a penalty now that he couldn't take pole? If he took it then he would've gotten away with it.

Sent from my SM-A700F using Tapatalk

[Restomaniac]

I think they should leave it after all it would 'effect the championship' to promote Hamilton.

[ringo]

Amazing from vettel. He has that X factor!!
Max fell asleep in the last run it seems, but good job by him. I thought he had it until vettel took it away.

Interesting to see how hamilton approaches this race.. He needs to try and beat vettel still. P-5 isnt looking certain if he hangs around the back. He needs to try jump max and vettel in the first stint.
If Max gets a penalty it makes life easier for mercedes. As much as it would make the race more boring, Max should be penalized. Definitely blocked Bottas.