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]

Bit underwhelmed by Hamilton's effort at pole, not even close to Verstappen. 

I know Verstappen got a tow from Perrez, but Mercedes had time to try it also! There was no way Hamilton was going to find half a second without one (Yet another Mercedes balls up)

The only saving grace for Hamilton (Maybe) is that Verstappen flat-spotted his race tyre in P2, but this is not the time or track to be second on the grid. 

[Cleoriff]

Exactly what I said to my grandson (About the team work and tow) @Anonymous.

I was gobsmacked when I saw Lewis going out first on their last attempt. I'm hoping that he doesn't get overwhelmed by all those starting on soft tyres (basically Perez and Norris).

He needs a great getaway and Bottas to get into the mix. (bit of a joke with Bottas)

[Anonymous]

@Cleoriff Those Q3 times differences are huge, I mean Hamilton is nearly 4 tenths behind in second and then it's 8 tenths back to Norris in third! Very odd, really.

I don't know if Hamilton had his poker face on when being interviewed after, but he didn't seem bothered at all. lol. 

[Cleoriff]

Probably because he knows his medium tyres will last longer than the softs @Anonymous?

I mean those softs will probably go off after 10 laps, particularly with the skinny rear wing on the Red Bull. People saying it was a marvellous lap by Max...they seem to forget the part Perez played in it. (As did Max when he was talking post qualy)

Only thing to do is wait until tomorrow and hope that Perez doesn't take Hamilton out. 😂

[Anonymous]

Hopefully the tyres will play a part for Hamilton's chance at a win, but Verstappen's lap was fast even with the tow from Perez. I'm a bit concerned that Verstappen could be a long way ahead after the first 10 laps, especially if Hamilton loses places at the start.

As receiving a tow seems to be that much faster, it's odd that no other team tried it during Q3, as there was plenty of time to give it a go. Eight tenths to third place is huge. 

[Cleoriff]

There were talking to Lewis in the post qualy conference about this tow business and he said No we would never try it. I am more concerned about Valtteri doing the best for himself, as the person giving the tow usually compromises their position. Perez got 4th instead of 3rd. Having said that, Bottas only managed 6th so I expect he would have been lower than that had he given Lewis the tow. Bottom line  Merc expected to get pole (after their P2 and P3 showings) and Max expected to be 2nd which was why he ran the softs. (I know he flat spotted the mediums)

When they examined it, Nico Rosberg said he actually gained very little with the tow. They checked Max's time pre tow and there was minimal difference..

Anyway Lewis has a lot of work to do as he could end up 4th if he is caught by Perez and Norris Lol

By the way Mazapin is out. He has Covid.

[Anonymous]

The Ch4 race coverage is a live feed from Sky, still it's good it's free to air (Well it's not actually free, but that's another story...) 

[Cleoriff]

Yes I'm recording it. The pre and post race preamble will be CH4.(or so I read) They hand over to Sky for their race feed and commentary..then back to Ch4 for post race gabble Lol

[Anonymous]

For once I don't agree with Martin Brudle about that Verstappen lunge, Vestappen kept to the track but he positioned himself as to cut off Hamilton and push him off (Knowing that if they collided he could win with a double DNF) All things being equal - Hamilton would normally have just turned in to Verstappens position.

For once the Stewards got it right imo. 

[Anonymous]

Well,  What a shambles by race control!

The rules were manipulated at the end to get one lap of racing, but doing so was like just handing the Championship to Verstappen. Shocking!