FIA clearly wanting Verstappen to win the championship, and will do any thing they can to help.![]()
I had not even seen this:I had not even seen this:
"However, Hamilton is currently under investigation after being summoned to the stewards for an alleged breach of safety belt rules."
Apparently, FIA could still investigate Verstappen for the Lap 48 incident (when he ran wide in the corner, forcing Hamilton off the track also).
Masi claims the stewards only had access to the video that was being broadcast - which conveniently cut away from the driver's view - at the time of the incident. They have requested that video post-race, and it could lead to an investigation. I think the only issue will be whether Verstappen opened up the steering, or the car simply slid wide due to the late breaking.
I expect any such "investigation" will be inconclusive, and it sets up a tense final three races.
A retroactive five second penalty would drop him to third behind Bottas.
A grid drop in Qatar would cause Horner and Marko to lose their collective rags.
Zhou has had decent results in the junior formulas. He's currently in second place in the Formula 2 championship but it's his third season in the series. I'd probably rank him ahead of Mazepin and Latifi in sheer talent (I still believe in Yuki) but it'll probably take Zhou time to get accustomed to the more powerful cars.
Bottas will be a strong teammate for Zhou. Bottas has always had good cars under him but he's certainly quick. Zhou will be hard pressed to stay close on Saturdays.
I figured you would have some info on Zhou from the lower ranks.
Mercedes have requested a review of the incident based on new evidence not available at the time - video from both cars. Both teams have been summoned for a Thursday hearing to determine if an investigation should ensue.Apparently, FIA could still investigate Verstappen for the Lap 48 incident (when he ran wide in the corner, forcing Hamilton off the track also).
Masi claims the stewards only had access to the video that was being broadcast - which conveniently cut away from the driver's view - at the time of the incident. They have requested that video post-race, and it could lead to an investigation. I think the only issue will be whether Verstappen opened up the steering, or the car simply slid wide due to the late breaking.
I expect any such "investigation" will be inconclusive, and it sets up a tense final three races.
Mercedes have requested a review of the incident based on new evidence not available at the time - video from both cars. Both teams have been summoned for a Thursday hearing to determine if an investigation should ensue.
I still think this is Mercedes planting the seed for the next time Verstappen forces Hamilton off the track, more than any expectation for a retroactive time penalty or future grid penalty.
On Thursday, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc made the same point, saying: "If this is allowed then overtaking on the outside is going to be very difficult."
I watched live and was surprised they did not slow down the final straight. Anouncers made it sound like track was clear with the car off the racing line.Verstappen is now facing a possible grid penalty for not obeying the yellow flags on his last hot lap in Q3.
ETA: Also Bottas and Sainz
My brother says that Formula One is the most popular sport in the world.
Is that accurate?
![]()
Thanks! Please post a link.Obviously depends on how you define "popular" - but a quick google search suggests its not in the top-10, but some sports that are might surprise you.
Soccer is tops, followed by Cricket - and that makes sense.
Other sports such as table tennis and volleyball have much bigger global audiences than in the US, so those may seem odd.
Basketball is up there. Hockey made the lists - but only by combining Ice and Field Hockey. Baseball, tennis and golf.
No auto-racing on any of the lists I saw.
Thanks! Please post a link.
The Jeddah street circuit should be something. It's very fast with lots of dinky corners and nearby walls. The first chicane and last left-hander look like possible overtaking opportunities depending on how close cars are able to follow through the twisty bits.
Qualifying should be a good show but I expect the crappy race that Saudi Arabia deserves.
@Eephus - have there been non-F1 races here? If so, how did they look?
Qualifying looks important, followed closely by the race to the first/second turns, and then rinse/repeat for any safety car re-starts.
Poor race but great theater.