2020 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - Imola, Oct 31 - Nov 01

[El Scorchio]

It is also normal that any SC will always kill the lead of all front runners, not just Hamilton. That is not bad luck. As soon as a SC comes your lead is eliminated. You cannot luck out of that.

Yes exactly. But as Hamilton has been leading on probably most occasions, sometimes with a race winning lead that's instantly been wiped out, in general we can say safety cars this season have not been good news for him.
Also of course at least anyone in a clear second, third or fourth gets the same disadvantage of the car behind them closing up, but they all at the same time get the relative benefit of being closer to the car in front aside from the race leader who has no upside.

I think as you say it's actually wise to not say 'luck'. Let's say they certainly don't always 'benefit' him. (Or whoever has a big lead/gap behind them- although let's face it that's usually him.)

[Big Tea]

Yet they waited a lot of time before going to VSC. Right until the time Hamilton was approaching the pit entry.

Is this the same race director that penalised Hamilton only recently for safety car issue and practice start infractions? Or is it only a conspiracy when you think it helps Hamilton?

Somehow SCs are always to the gain of Hamilton.
As for obviously breaking a rule, of they're gonna punish anyone, other teams would go to court.

Or is it just those you recall?

I think he has lost out more, but usually made it up during the race.

[Sieper]

It is also normal that any SC will always kill the lead of all front runners, not just Hamilton. That is not bad luck. As soon as a SC comes your lead is eliminated. You cannot luck out of that.

Yes exactly. But as Hamilton has been leading on probably most occasions, sometimes with a race winning lead that's instantly been wiped out, in general we can say safety cars this season have not been good news for him.
Also of course at least anyone in a clear second, third or fourth gets the same disadvantage of the car behind them closing up, but they all at the same time get the relative benefit of being closer to the car in front aside from the race leader who has no upside.

I think as you say it's actually wise to not say 'luck'. Let's say they certainly don't always 'benefit' him. (Or whoever has a big lead/gap behind them- although let's face it that's usually him.)

Indeed, good post. A VSC can be to your benefit, with some luck but a SC will never benefit the leader(s). Unless they used too much of their tires or fuel.

[Just_a_fan]

It is also normal that any SC will always kill the lead of all front runners, not just Hamilton. That is not bad luck. As soon as a SC comes your lead is eliminated. You cannot luck out of that.

Yes exactly. But as Hamilton has been leading on probably most occasions, sometimes with a race winning lead that's instantly been wiped out, in general we can say safety cars this season have not been good news for him.
Also of course at least anyone in a clear second, third or fourth gets the same disadvantage of the car behind them closing up, but they all at the same time get the relative benefit of being closer to the car in front aside from the race leader who has no upside.

I think as you say it's actually wise to not say 'luck'. Let's say they certainly don't always 'benefit' him. (Or whoever has a big lead/gap behind them- although let's face it that's usually him.)

Indeed, good post. A VSC can be to your benefit, with some luck but a SC will never benefit the leader(s). Unless they used too much of their tires or fuel.

It can be a benefit to the leader if he has yet to do his pit stop. At least he gets a change of tyres without too much risk and comes out on fresher rubber than those behind him. But that is a rare situation, so I'd agree with your general point.

[mzso]

It can be a benefit to the leader if he has yet to do his pit stop. At least he gets a change of tyres without too much risk and comes out on fresher rubber than those behind him. But that is a rare situation, so I'd agree with your general point.

The benefit possible is the same as with VSC. Making a quicker pit-stop and jumping people, if you're not first. It's only less of a gain if you would otherwise get a substantial lead before the driver behind.