Formula One 2021.

[Cleoriff]

So the new season will start in March and Australia was planned as usual to be the opening track. Now it looks set to be cancelled. (March 21st)

I have heard via someone who lives in Australia that although Covid related, nothing to do with that per se. More due to the fact, they are not prepared to run it without spectators. It's a street circuit and they make millions from the fans and ticket prices.

I'm inclined to agree with that. The Covid Bubble teams have put in place seemed to work well, 3 drivers out of 20 catching a mild dose and 3 team staff...

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/formula-1-season-opener-in-australia-set-for-postponement/4935595... 

It means that the Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled for 28 March now looks poised to become the 2021 season opener.

[Anonymous]

@Cleoriff Normally the drivers and constructors titles go hand in hand as in finishing positions, but the big difference is the fastest lap point this season. I know it's highly unlikely, but imagine the scenario of Hamilton and Vestappen both being out of position and Verstappen having the fastest lap and level on points with Hamilton,  Bottas is on for a podium and thus gives Mercedes the constructors title, but if he comes in for the fastest lap it gives the drivers championship to Hamilton. Call that one! 😄

[Cleoriff]

I'm just fed up of that fastest lap point. Red Bull are far better at it than Merc.  You can always expect Checo in for new 'boots' to take it off Lewis. Rarely happens with Merc..

Strategy better be spot on next two races because it will win or lose the championship.

[pgn]

Just seen: 

F1 team boss Sir Frank Williams dies, aged 79

[liggerz87]

Sadly just heard the news myself

[Cleoriff]

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@pgn wrote:

Just seen: 

F1 team boss Sir Frank Williams dies, aged 79

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He was an inspirational boss of Williams. A legend of his time and the sport. 😢

[Anonymous]

The Saudi track is being described as like the fastest street track in the world, I can definitely see a few incidents and the safety car deployed here 😀 

Here is SIM hotlap of the track: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.first-look-f1-2021-hot-lap-of-new-jeddah-circuit-ahead-of...

[Cleoriff]

Problem is @Anonymous, it's barely finished. Still doing the tarmac was the last I heard today. 🙄

[Anonymous]

@Cleoriff That could be a problem.

AND... Not insinuating anything, but, a double DNF would suit Verstappen with 8 points the good, it's a very tight track with no runoff... Hamilton need to be up front and stay up front. 

[Cleoriff]

Well Hamilton is using the engine he used in Brazil. The one whiny Horner was inferring was 'too fast'(so bring in the FIA)

I think this race, on an unknown track, is the most important on the calendar. Valium time for me. 😂

[Cleoriff]

JEDDAH!!

FP1. What a damn fast track with lots of walls!!

First 'blood' to Lewis (just)