2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix - Baku, April 27-29

[Fulcrum]

Kimi dropped pole.

[LM10]

Kimi.. he could have been on pole. How frustrating that he starts on P6 instead. Now both Mercedes with strategy advantage against Vettel. But RBR will mix everything up. Let's see.

[z.topoln]

One thing is for sure : ferrari looks like de facto best car at the moment... Best on all types of tracks.

Sent from my Redmi Note 4 using Tapatalk

[JonoNic]

It's like Ferrari doesn't want a 1 - 2 this weekend...

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

[Vanja #66]

I wonder: Mercedes is running less wing to have an advantage on the straight. But at the same time, they are struggling to get the ultras into the right temperature window. Shouldnt they add downforce (like Ferrari) to put more energy into their tires? Of course this would compromize their straight line speed.

Unless they are already setting themselves up for the race and the hope to be able to pass cars more easily...

I'd be more concerned with too much sliding in the race with such over steer, not very good for these tyres and with these walls.

[matt_b]

Kimi too aggressive in the final sector, why take such a risk he was miles up at that point, mercedes can bully seb tomorrow with strategy maybe red bull too

[F1NAC]

--- sake kimi.... Again Vettel alone exposed to two merc who can alternate strategies

[TheGkbrk]

Aaah Kimi... A pole was coming. It would be nice to see him up there again.

[foxmulder_ms]

Oh Kimi!!! this is second time in 4 races he is just missing pole..

Mercedes were dumb not to give full tow to Hamilton. He would have been on pole. Big mistake.

[LM10]

But at the same time, they are struggling to get the ultras into the right temperature window.

How do you know they don't get the Ultras into the right temperature window? I don't think (anymore) that every time Mercedes isn't on pole it's because they are struggling with tyres.

[Fulcrum]

Should be an interesting race.

[Phil]

I think the race should be fascinating. IMO Mercedes might have the better set-up. They are running less wing, thus with the speed advantage and DRS, they might be able to overtake. Ferrari will have to be quick in the corners to pull out enough gap to not be vulnerable.

Adding to that: Mercedes might be better as a result of having options starting on the SS and having a S left. They typically run well on the harder tires.

[Vanja #66]

Compared to 2017:

Vettel -0.35s
Hamilton +1.1s
Bottas +0.8s
Max +0.1s

Dani Ric and Kimi shouldn't have Q3 laps compared.

Interesting results.

[PlatinumZealot]

Eww! Vettel has something nasty on his lower lip!

[Wynters]

I think the race should be fascinating. IMO Mercedes might have the better set-up. They are running less wing, thus with the speed advantage and DRS, they might be able to overtake. Ferrari will have to be quick in the corners to pull out enough gap to not be vulnerable.

Merc seemed to struggle in Sector 2 so I'm not sure they'll be able to stay close enough to overtake. Assuming Vettel gets off the line I think he should be clear to run to the finish. Will be interesting to see if Hamilton can keep Bottas behind him.