2020 Sakhir Grand Prix - Sakhir, Dec 04 - 06

[Just_a_fan]

Hope Hamilton gets better soon.
Big weekend for Bottas then. How will he fare against someone else in the other car, and will he be able to win the race comfortably?

Or if Russell gets in that car and puts it top three, then Verstappen can probably kiss goodbye to getting in a Mercedes any time soon and possibly forever.

Agreed re: Bottas. He needs to put the car on pole and romp away to a win. He absolutely has to demolish who ever is the stand in driver - indeed, it's expected that he would so anything less than that will reflect very badly. He knows the car, he knows the car around this 75% of this circuit (a big plus point for him), and he's got the team around him.

There is, ironically, actually a lot more pressure on Bottas this coming weekend than there has been all season.

[Sieper]

This weekend is a guaranteed merc 1 and 2. Max was already quite clear about that post race and he repeated that in very clear words yesterday evening in “peptalk” an hour long sports talkshow on ziggo dutch television.

Get well soon Lewis. Hopefully the last in the F1 paddock to catch this dreadfull disease should the vaccine be ready this month. It will be very interesting though, for indeed a number of reasons.

[toraabe]

Hope Hamilton gets better soon.
Big weekend for Bottas then. How will he fare against someone else in the other car, and will he be able to win the race comfortably?

Or if Russell gets in that car and puts it top three, then Verstappen can probably kiss goodbye to getting in a Mercedes any time soon and possibly forever.

Agreed re: Bottas. He needs to put the car on pole and romp away to a win. He absolutely has to demolish who ever is the stand in driver - indeed, it's expected that he would so anything less than that will reflect very badly. He knows the car, he knows the car around this 75% of this circuit (a big plus point for him), and he's got the team around him.

There is, ironically, actually a lot more pressure on Bottas this coming weekend than there has been all season.

I expect Russell. And Williams have to put in their reserve driver.

[djos]

Return of Gutiérrez?

Cmon, they should shove Hulk in the car

I totally agree! He’s already familiar with driving a Mercedes, even if it is last years in drag.

[Just_a_fan]

This weekend is a guaranteed merc 1 and 2. Max was already quite clear about that post race and he repeated that in very clear words yesterday evening in “peptalk” an hour long sports talkshow on ziggo dutch television.

Hi, could you give a brief summary of what he said about it for those that didn't see it (and don't speak Dutch, as I assume it was in Dutch on Dutch TV).

[Sieper]

Sure, it indeed was in Dutch, Max usually has a FaceTime interview of a view minutes after a race weekend. The show is one of my must watches, all dutch top sporters come. Usually, if you are in to sport, and Dutch , it is very interesting. Allthough this year has been quite meager. But yeah, hasn’t it been for many.

So asked about the expectation he said, very little expectation, last weekend they used less wing as Mercedes and were able to keep up on the straights, but this weekend that option is not on the table and they lack the power.

I personally would not be surprised to also see RP in the mix.

[godlameroso]

Oooof. Verstappen must be salivating at the thought of victory No.2. I think since Hamilton wrapped up the title Mercedes is throwing Bottas a bone to help him get 2nd in the WDC.

[214270]

I really do hope it’s RUS. I’m not a huge fan of his, but he deserves an opportunity to shine.

It would at least put some context to his performances.

[Joe Hudson]

This is a huge weekend for Bottas because if his handily beaten you would think that after next year thats it for him in merc

[214270]

This is a huge weekend for Bottas because if his handily beaten you would think that after next year thats it for him in merc

BOT will be fine. I’m sure he’d relish an opportunity especially against a young buck like RUS.

[Mogster]

Jumping into an unfamiliar car on a race weekend is a big ask for anyone, even a good car. Expectation will be massive, realistically a top 5 finish would be a good result.

[Schuttelberg]

Common sense would suggest Hulkenberg.

[DChemTech]

Common sense would suggest Hulkenberg.

I hope for Hulkenberg, but expect Stoffel. He's their reserve driver after all.

[i70q7m7ghw]

Huge pressure on Bottas now, he needs to win this to prove his worth.

[Morteza]

Translation:

Vandoorne awaits news. I just spoke to him and he is awaiting confirmation. He spoke to the team this morning and is one of the candidates, even if he is the third driver. He will go to Bahrain tomorrow no matter what.