2021 British Grand Prix - Silverstone, July 16 - 18

[Jolle]

If that’s truly the case then I don’t understand why they put him on red’s

They hoped that he could jump Verstappen at the start.

[NathanOlder]

On Sky, everybody is praising Alonso. Button, Norris, Ricciardo...... the guy is a true motorsport legend!

Remember that when they praise Lewis and call him one of the greats. As you always change your opinion of Button Brundle etc when they praise Lewis

[NathanOlder]

Max's tyres were also dropping fast at the end despite all that clear air and almost let Lewis get DRS down the hanger straight.

He slowed down on purpose for sure, just to not risk anything, it's obvious.
Max's and Lewis's front right tyre were looking excatly the same.

They were indeed. One possible advantage for the Merc was, Max seemed to be the only driver on the grid to do this is clean air. Lewis spent the whole race between 1-2 seconds behind Max other than the final couple of laps. Blistering is much more likely for the following car.

[Big Tea]

Every time Russell gets into a good position, something seems to come up and spoil it (often his own fault)
Is he about to get the 'unlucky' tag? It may be surprising how superstitious some team bosses are, and it could well have an effect on his seat.

[basti313]

Max's tyres were also dropping fast at the end despite all that clear air and almost let Lewis get DRS down the hanger straight.

He slowed down on purpose for sure, just to not risk anything, it's obvious.
Max's and Lewis's front right tyre were looking excatly the same.

They were indeed. One possible advantage for the Merc was, Max seemed to be the only driver on the grid to do this is clean air. Lewis spent the whole race between 1-2 seconds behind Max other than the final couple of laps. Blistering is much more likely for the following car.

To me it looks like France. The pace of the Merc is much better, otherwise they could not stay in DRS over several laps. This is the reason why it is so bad that Perez is not in the game. Now the track position does not help as Merc can easily go for a two stop with Ham with an undercut and a one stop with Bot.

I think Ves needs to gamble on a two stop. But once he goes aggressive with an earlier stop he needs to pass both Mercs on the track....

[proteus]

Fred was spectacular. He’s lost none of his talent despite his age...unlike other 30+ year old guys on the grid. I hope he kills it tomorrow again. Incredible off the line starter and always has been. What a talent to watch!!

Great start indeed, but then he started to show his shady side. Slaloming on the straight against 3 drivers. Dirty driving on his part.

[214270]

Every time Russell gets into a good position, something seems to come up and spoil it (often his own fault)
Is he about to get the 'unlucky' tag? It may be surprising how superstitious some team bosses are, and it could well have an effect on his seat.

Unlucky?? RUS was tight into Brooklands, couldn’t hold the line and washed wide into SAI.

Lack of skill/awareness if you ask me.

[Big Tea]

Every time Russell gets into a good position, something seems to come up and spoil it (often his own fault)
Is he about to get the 'unlucky' tag? It may be surprising how superstitious some team bosses are, and it could well have an effect on his seat.

Unlucky?? RUS was tight into Brooklands, couldn’t hold the line and washed wide into SAI.

Lack of skill/awareness if you ask me.

I agree this was his fault, as was binning it behind the safety car etc, but it always something happens when it hits him worst even if it is his own fault.

[214270]

What does it actually mean these days when drivers ask for more power during the race? What process is involved?

Engine maps are fixed so it changes battery deployment.

I guess Hamilton wanted to go from "stable" battery to a plan that gradually decreased it's level, it was just a few laps from the end after all.

Anyway, awkward to have a race that barely gives points and the winner doesn't feel like celebrating.
Any of the things that happened here would be better saved for sunday.

Appreciate the explanation. So prior to the engine mode ban the extra power they could summon could be sustained indefinitely (fuel usage dependant) by working the ICE harder. With this iteration of the rules, extra power is effectively diminishing potentially below ‘stable’ if used for long enough?

[djones]

Despite his great qualifying pace, George has shown (to me at least) that he is still not ready for a top tier drive.

I would not be surprised if we see Bottas in a Merc next year. Him going on reds for the sprint and also backing off out of an overtake on Hamilton tells me he is now playing the team game and support role. That’s all Mercedes really need while they have statistically the greatest driver of all time at the front for them.

[Unf]

Bottas clearly lifted off to not overtake Hamilton at the start. He's trying hard to get the next contract.

It's not only contract case. It is his role in the team since beginning, nothing new.

[214270]

Every time Russell gets into a good position, something seems to come up and spoil it (often his own fault)
Is he about to get the 'unlucky' tag? It may be surprising how superstitious some team bosses are, and it could well have an effect on his seat.

Unlucky?? RUS was tight into Brooklands, couldn’t hold the line and washed wide into SAI.

Lack of skill/awareness if you ask me.

I agree this was his fault, as was binning it behind the safety car etc, but it always something happens when it hits him worst even if it is his own fault.

Yup I see what you’re saying, but it’s of his own making pretty much every time. It’s not particularly even-keeled therefore to label it as ‘unlucky’ IMO, which mirrors the debate about RUS in general on here I find - lacking steadiness.

[jjn9128]

Every time Russell gets into a good position, something seems to come up and spoil it (often his own fault)
Is he about to get the 'unlucky' tag? It may be surprising how superstitious some team bosses are, and it could well have an effect on his seat.

Unlucky?? RUS was tight into Brooklands, couldn’t hold the line and washed wide into SAI.

Lack of skill/awareness if you ask me.

I agree this was his fault, as was binning it behind the safety car etc, but it always something happens when it hits him worst even if it is his own fault.

Seems to be a bit of desperation IMO. He's over driving to try and get the Merc seat, which IMO he should already have. I'm not sure the penalty was fair, I've not seen an offboard to know how close Vettel was on the inside. Lap 1 they usually go more lenient as the cars are more in a pack.

[Sieper]

Max's tyres were also dropping fast at the end despite all that clear air and almost let Lewis get DRS down the hanger straight.

He slowed down on purpose for sure, just to not risk anything, it's obvious.
Max's and Lewis's front right tyre were looking excatly the same.

They were indeed. One possible advantage for the Merc was, Max seemed to be the only driver on the grid to do this is clean air. Lewis spent the whole race between 1-2 seconds behind Max other than the final couple of laps. Blistering is much more likely for the following car.

Matt b, Gianpiero Lambiase even called it in to Max in the radio, 2 laps from the end, you have a 3 second gap, stay off the kerbs please. That is why Lewis came back, Max had a time gap to “use” on trying to prevent a possible tire rip. Lewis was chasing full out, despite similar tire issues.

[i70q7m7ghw]

Seems to be a bit of desperation IMO. He's over driving to try and get the Merc seat, which IMO he should already have. I'm not sure the penalty was fair, I've not seen an offboard to know how close Vettel was on the inside. Lap 1 they usually go more lenient as the cars are more in a pack.

I guess they are treating the sprint differently because incidents have a much bigger impact on a short race. Seems counterproductive to the idea of the sprint race if you ask me.