2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix - Baku, April 26-28

[SmallSoldier]

Slipstream is very powerful around here.
Ferrari: Sending Vettel out first

Baku is tricky in regards to where to position the car... On one hand, the tow is powerful... But if someone misses a breaking point in front of you and goes into a run off, a yellow flag destroys your lap (for example Sainz - Magnussen in Q2)... So, it’s throwing the dice... Ensure that you get a lap in or gamble that you will have a quick lap behind others


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[Schuttelberg]

It looks as though Toto has warged into Hamilton and left his impression. 7 tenths behind Ferrari?

It's all becoming a bit much now. I've been a Lewis fan since his Mercedes days began, but the trolling is beginning to feel insulting. Toto was enough already!

[foxmulder_ms]

What a lame move by Merc. What were they thinking with that last moment practice starts?? It cost Hamilton the pole. He was clearly faster than Bottas. lol..

[cinquecento]

Why on earth did mercedes do practice starts...

Wow they got away but why the practice start though.

They've make sure they got the "worth 0.3 s" tow

[ispano6]

You mean the Bottas who qualified 3rd, was very distant 3rd during the race and sort of lucked into a winning position through circumstance, strategy and Vettels error on the safety car restart? Yeah he was very unfortunate to have that puncture, but likewise also very fortunate to even be in that position.

But yeah, wouldnt be surprised if Bottas again shows strong pace. He was “only” 1.5 tenths down on Lewis in Q3 last year.

I called it
But to be honest, Lewis starting 2nd might be more advantageous.

Why?

At the start of the race in Baku, the outside position is at a bit of a disadvantage if the 2nd car makes an equally good or better start. The first corner which is a left turn gives car 2 the inside and by virtue a better line. It does really come down to who gets a good start, but the short distance to the first corner helps position 2 push position 1 out wide which forces position 1 to brake or risk hitting the barrier. Lewis being a good teammate won't close the door on Valteri on the first corner so it will probably be a run up to the 2nd corner which is another left hander which again benefits whoever stays on the inside after turn 1.

Also, no one who has started from pole has won the race. Not many races to go by, but the statistic isn't in Bottas favor.

[LM10]

It looks as though Toto has warged into Hamilton and left his impression. 7 tenths behind Ferrari?

It's all becoming a bit much now. I've been a Lewis fan since his Mercedes days began, but the trolling is beginning to feel insulting. Toto was enough already!

Hamilton told that it would be tough to close a gap of 6 tenths. He perfectly know this was not the gap.
Mercedes did a good job with the tow which helped them get first row, but without tow they would have done a similar time to Vettel, so Hamilton’s words from yesterday almost seem like an insult.

Leclerc seemed exceptional on this track. Wonder which time he would have managed to do.

[cinquecento]

Slipstream is very powerful around here.
Ferrari: Sending Vettel out first

Vettel could've got the tow from the Alfas though. Don't know that the team ordered him to take the Alfas or that actually Seb's call himself.

[Schuttelberg]

What a lame move by Merc. What were they thinking with that last moment practice starts?? It cost Hamilton the pole. He was clearly faster than Bottas. lol..

Yes, every time Hamilton isn't first, it's the fault of the three pointed star.

[Schuttelberg]

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Ferrari are the favourites,
But Mercedes 1-2.

[f1316]

Clear that Mercedes’ tactic was to leave the pits - as everyone was waiting for everyone else to leave for tows - but then duck to the side to ensure they were at the back.

Nevertheless, in those conditions and temps etc. they were pretty much the fastest car in the first two sectors anyway. Don’t know if Leclerc would have been quicker - since he had 2-3 tenths on Seb all weekend - or if the conditions would have favoured Ferrari more without all the delays, but ultimately Mercedes executed really well so deserved front row.

I suspect Ferrari will be more competitive in the race, but let’s see.

[f1316]

Also I kinda think Leclerc from P9 with mediums and easy overtakes might still be in the best position!

[Carl Mccoy]

Giovinazzi have the fastest 3rd sector. Strange

[cinquecento]

It looks as though Toto has warged into Hamilton and left his impression. 7 tenths behind Ferrari?

It's all becoming a bit much now. I've been a Lewis fan since his Mercedes days began, but the trolling is beginning to feel insulting. Toto was enough already!

Hamilton told that it would be tough to close a gap of 6 tenths. He perfectly know this was not the gap.
Mercedes did a good job with the tow which helped them get first row, but without tow they would have done a similar time to Vettel, so Hamilton’s words from yesterday almost seem like an insult.

Leclerc seemed exceptional on this track. Wonder which time he would have managed to do.

Well said, man.

[aleks_ader]

Also I kinda think Leclerc from P9 with mediums and easy overtakes might still be in the best position!

P10 Sorry P9 Gio had penalty

[cinquecento]

Clear that Mercedes’ tactic was to leave the pits - as everyone was waiting for everyone else to leave for tows - but then duck to the side to ensure they were at the back.

Nevertheless, in those conditions and temps etc. they were pretty much the fastest car in the first two sectors anyway. Don’t know if Leclerc would have been quicker - since he had 2-3 tenths on Seb all weekend - or if the conditions would have favoured Ferrari more without all the delays, but ultimately Mercedes executed really well so deserved front row.

I suspect Ferrari will be more competitive in the race, but let’s see.

They've got 1-2 positions in the first run though, still have plenty cushioned to make that call.