They were focused on the front on the last re-start - but there was a comment in the broadcast that Russell just had a bad restart, he made up a little ground, but obviously not enough.Eephus said:My recording cut off so I didn't see what happened to drop Russell on the last restart when he had a hold on 9th place.
One other factor that could have hurt Russell on the last restart is Grosjean and Kimi got an extra lap to put heat in their tires when they were given the wave around to make up their lap at the end of the red flag period.They were focused on the front on the last re-start - but there was a comment in the broadcast that Russell just had a bad restart, he made up a little ground, but obviously not enough.
But, yeah, hard to envision a better opportunity for Russell to grab a point than when almost half the field are taken out. Between that and Ricciardo just missing the podium, it was a bit of a let down for me - despite the Mercedes win.
Saw this today. Long term,.may be a blessing in disguise. I'm getting really bored with the status quo. I guess Mercedes is most of it.So, Honda is out after next season - leaving Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault as the remaining engine suppliers for the series.
Red Bull, and Red Bull Jr. will have to find a new supplier in time for the 2022 season, with new specs.
That was horrific.Eephus said:This also takes attention away from Grosjean's huge crash. He's lucky to be living in 2020.
I'm excited for 2021 no matter what you sayObviously a great day for Verstappen and Red Bull (and McLaren). Kind of gives you hope that the 2021 season will be a bit more competitive.
Then, you read this:
Mercedes, though, have taken a different approach to 2020. They were so dominant over the first half of the season that they chose to pretty much freeze development after the Belgian Grand Prix at the end of August, preferring to concentrate on their 2021 design.
The reason for this is that they think the rule changes for next year amount to a bigger change than is generally believed.
So, instead of the expected "just a continuation of 2020" I think Mercedes believe they have enhancements to substantially improve performance. Red Bull will be in a little disarray as they try to figure out their engine issue for 2022, and I doubt Ferrari will have solved their engine problems going into next season.
Racing Point will presumably stick with Merc's 2019 car...
Money is obviously a big issue in F1 - with Williams having sold out, and McLaren taking on a substantial investor. Hopefully they can get in a full season next year - with fans.
Me too. I’m bummed this season is over. And can’t wait to see the new drivers at new teams next year.I'm excited for 2021 no matter what you say
Latiffi: Nice Guys do finish last!F1 could use a good villain but a rookie driving the worst car on the grid isn't the way you'd script it.
I'm hoping for better intra-team battles next year. Sainz-Norris and KMag-Grosjean were the only evenly matched teammates this season--the Alfa Romeo duo were close on Saturdays but Kimi was stronger on race day.If F1 can figure out how to get the cars balanced - there are a number of good characters.
Hamilton - really so good he becomes more villain than hero the longer it goes on - everyone aiming to knock him off the perch.
Verstappen - hard charging, bit more mild this year, but has a feistiness. I don't think Albon is really up for a fight.
LeClerc and Sainz at Ferrari would be an aggressive/talented duo if Ferrari get the engine worked out
Norris and Ricciardo will be as aggressive as they can at McLaren
Vettel could be a villain at Aston Martin, nee Racing Point (but I expect the Pink Panthers to drop back next year)
Vettel will be #5 at Aston Martin, but really should have pushed for 007
What is the status of Toyota racing?Tsunoda was the most impressive of the three drivers getting promoted from F2. He was quick on single lap pace and made some strong overtakes. I always root for Japanese drivers and am optimistic Yuki has the talent to survive at the top level even after Honda exits.
Alpha Tauri has improved in recent years and have left the Alfa/Williams/Haas backmarker group and is flirting with the midfield.
Le Mans, NASCAR and Japanese series.What is the status of Toyota racing?
Any chance they get involved, or are their interests too focused elsewhere?
Perez does replace Albon.It looks like the game of musical seats is almost over:
Mercedes: Bottas, ??? (Hamilton)
Red Bull: Verstappen, ??? (Strong rumors of Sergio Perez)
Ferrari: Leclerc, Sainz
McLaren: Norris, Ricciardo
Alpine (nee Renault): Alonso, Ocon
Aston Martin (nee Racing Point): Vettel, Stroll
Alfa Romeo: Raikkonen, Giovinazzi
Alpha Tauri: Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda
Haas: Schumacher, Mazepin
Williams: Russel, Latifi
So, if Perez goes to Red Bull, that would leave Albon with out a seat, along with Grosjean, Magnussen, Kvyat - I suppose you could add Hulkenberg as a driver without a home.
ughMelbourne postponed
UK back in shutdown
I like that color scheme better - but I did chuckle when I was reading about their launch, and they basically admitted they did no real development on the car.Haas running under the Russian flag this year.
It's been widely rumored that Gene Haas will sell the team to Nikita Mazepin's billionaire father. They'll be backmarkers this year with minimal development and two rookie drivers. Things started so promisingly five years ago with their points-scoring debut but it's gone from mediocre to bad since then.
I had never heard of this until Netflix algorithm figured out I'll watch any documentary put in front of me. I really liked it, and if F1 was hoping to gain new casual fans with the series, they succeeded with me. Now that it's three seasons in, I hope they go chronological with the series, as opposed to different team each episode Even someone like me who knew nothing has a handle on the teams. Dip into whichever team is interesting over the course of the episodes, rather than telling the season story of a team 10 different times.
They did it by team again but I thought Season 3 was really well done, much better than Season 2 IMO. Ep 9 is about the Grosjean crash and is so intense.I hope they go chronological with the series, as opposed to different team each episode
I'm more bullish on Aston Martin and Alpha Tauri than you are. They have a chance to mix it up in Class B with Ferrari, McLaren and Alpine.Pre-season testing done - not terribly reliable as a predictor, but based on the conversations post-testing, it seems like we have 4 groups this season:
I follow Mercedes - mostly because of Hamilton, but I also really like just how strong the entire team is, and how they come back each year looking to improve.massraider said:I had never heard of this until Netflix algorithm figured out I'll watch any documentary put in front of me. I really liked it, and if F1 was hoping to gain new casual fans with the series, they succeeded with me. Now that it's three seasons in, I hope they go chronological with the series, as opposed to different team each episode Even someone like me who knew nothing has a handle on the teams. Dip into whichever team is interesting over the course of the episodes, rather than telling the season story of a team 10 different times.
Looking forward to watching my first Grand Prix next Sunday. I don't really know who I'm rooting for, like to see one of the middle of the pack jump up. Renault, maybe, I liked the Ocon kid, nice to see him back.
I've been going down a YouTube rabbit hole watching stuff, really enjoying it, as I wonder WTF brake ducts and downforce are.