2020 Sakhir Grand Prix - Sakhir, Dec 04 - 06

[Hoffman900]

Russell is much taller than Hamilton and Bottas, isn't he! (about 12cm) I wonder if that's a struggle or disadvantage for him/the team seen as clearly you want as little drag as possible on this particular circuit.

I think the effect of the driver is marginal to nothing, especially with the halo.

[nzjrs]

Crashgate would be worth a lot on this circuit

[dans79]

I've been watching George's onboard and listening to his team radio. He's in a different engine mode, and is having an issue with braking, namely he is getting on them early and not as hard as Bottas!

[Hoffman900]

We call tracks like this “bullrings” in the States. Short lap times means a tight field (on paper) and means the field spreads out slower... will be interesting to see how the F1 cars and their aero sensitivity respond to that... you could get to a point that the air is pretty unstable around the entire track during a race. I think this track is big enough it doesn’t matter, but it does on more oval course or an old small one like Line Rock Park here in the States.

Also, being what will likely be the shortest lap time wise on record in F1, this will likely be the tightest grid in F1 ever (in terms of time).

[El Scorchio]

Just gone fastest. I'm sure there's lots more time left on the board for every car, though.

[Hoffman900]

Just gone fastest. I'm sure there's lots more time left on the board for every car, though.

I don’t think you can read too much into any FP1. Teams all have different agendas for it (trying parts, set up, not trying to wear out the drivetrain, etc).

[PlatinumZealot]

Bottas is choking!

The threat of George Russell is real!

[Schuttelberg]

Bottas should beat Russell by three tenths min in qualifying.

[Hoffman900]

Bottas is choking!

The threat of George Russell is real!

You can’t be serious. See my post above about FP1. George is a talent but I think Valteri has him by .1-.2 in qualifying, which on a track this short, could be the difference in 4 positions.

*.1-.2 here is like .3-.4 at a longer track.

[El Scorchio]

Just gone fastest. I'm sure there's lots more time left on the board for every car, though.

I don’t think you can read too much into any FP1. Teams all have different agendas for it (trying parts, set up, not trying to wear out the drivetrain, etc).

Agree! it's interesting to keep track of though. Mostly looking forward to qualifying. I think it's going to be a fascinating session for many reasons.

And as you mentioned in another post, the margins are going to be TINY here.

[dans79]

lol, well he just went up by 3 tenths on Bottas!

[PlatinumZealot]

Bottas is choking!

The threat of George Russell is real!

You can’t be serious. See my post above about FP1. George is a talent but I think Valteri has him by .1-.2 in qualifying, which on a track this short, could be the difference in 4 positions.

*.1-.2 here is like .3-.4 at a longer track.

It's a crazy track so any little slip up and George will steal his supper.
Bottas continues his scruffy practice as I postthis.

[proteus]

I've been watching George's onboard and listening to his team radio. He's in a different engine mode, and is having an issue with braking, namely he is getting on them early and not as hard as Bottas!

Completely understandable. This car is capable of much later braking than the one of Williams. He is trained to brake early, now he needs to adapt fast.

[MtthsMlw]

Russell hype train here we go

[Schuttelberg]

Bottas is choking!

The threat of George Russell is real!

You can’t be serious. See my post above about FP1. George is a talent but I think Valteri has him by .1-.2 in qualifying, which on a track this short, could be the difference in 4 positions.

*.1-.2 here is like .3-.4 at a longer track.

Can you prove this time gap? How do you know he's 0.1-0.2 faster? Just because he drives a Mercedes and George a Williams? What a joke!