2021 Russian Grand Prix - Sochi, Sep 24 - 26

[101FlyingDutchman]

I think it’s a pretty rubbish move. There is no good reason other than gamesmanship at play here. Ruthless indeed. I actually hope it’s going to backfire spectacularly.

NOR for the win. Fingers crossed

[djones]

Have all the Max fans ever considered maybe they actually have engine issues?

No, that would be too sensible wouldn’t it.

[TimW]

Apparently it is just a tactical move:
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2021/09/ ... on-grid/

Seems they are loosening up in parc ferme then. If they just allow engine changes, we could see a move to separate qualifying and race engines again (note that they allowed a different spec on leclerc's car in Monza!). Then it is fishy after all.

[101FlyingDutchman]

Have all the Max fans ever considered maybe they actually have engine issues?

No, that would be too sensible wouldn’t it.

Dude. Toto literally said it openly that it was a tactical strategic move. Nothing to do with an actual issue. What more proof do you need?

[darkpino]

Like said before by others: I hope it blows up in their face Hockenheim 2019 style

[djones]

Your reading into it what you want, rather than looking at it objectively.

He said it was tactical in terms of their engine pool.

[sosic2121]

Brilliant move by Merc designed to slow down Max’s attempt at charging through the field.

Ruthless tactics.

I remember people shitting on Ferrari when they intentionally broke the gearbox seal on Massas car.

Double standards...

[djones]

When the race starts and rather than backing into Max, Bottas starts making his way through the field everybody who thinks it’s designed to slow Max down is going to feel a little silly.

[search]

Your reading into it what you want, rather than looking at it objectively.

He said it was tactical in terms of their engine pool.

and that's what it is, I think. I'd be surprised if Verstappen gets to see much of Bottas' rear wing anyway, even now.

Either Bottas is way quicker (as practice times suggest), or if not, Verstappen will fly past him, as he isn't competitive in a 1-1 battle anyway. Can't really see a scenario where Bottas blocks Verstappen.

[sosic2121]

When the race starts and rather than backing into Max, Bottas starts making his way through the field everybody who thinks it’s designed to slow Max down is going to feel a little silly.

And if he drives really really good, he must be might even reach his supposed starting place. Oh boy, how stupid would critics feel then

[darkpino]

Your reading into it what you want, rather than looking at it objectively.

He said it was tactical in terms of their engine pool.

Im pretty sure Bottas took a new PU at Monza? Like…. A race ago?

[darkpino]

Your reading into it what you want, rather than looking at it objectively.

He said it was tactical in terms of their engine pool.

and that's what it is, I think. I'd be surprised if Verstappen gets to see much of Bottas' rear wing anyway, even now.

Either Bottas is way quicker (as practice times suggest), or if not, Verstappen will fly past him, as he isn't competitive in a 1-1 battle anyway. Can't really see a scenario where Bottas blocks Verstappen.

we all know it’s impossible to overtake with these cars if you don’t have a big over speed on the straights. Look at McLaren at Monza

[atanatizante]

In the morning, at the F2 feature race drivers that started on the "dirty side" of the track had a poorer than usual start due to no rubber on the asphalt ... so at the start of the race, they should quickly swap at the left rubbered side of the track in order not to lose more momentum ...

Then, it`ll be interesting to see with which tyres will start SAI and particularly HAM ...

[search]

Your reading into it what you want, rather than looking at it objectively.

He said it was tactical in terms of their engine pool.

and that's what it is, I think. I'd be surprised if Verstappen gets to see much of Bottas' rear wing anyway, even now.

Either Bottas is way quicker (as practice times suggest), or if not, Verstappen will fly past him, as he isn't competitive in a 1-1 battle anyway. Can't really see a scenario where Bottas blocks Verstappen.

we all know it’s impossible to overtake with these cars if you don’t have a big over speed on the straights. Look at McLaren at Monza

Monza is as different a track as it can get. I still expect Bottas to finish Top 3 today

[Mezger]

Russia is awesome.

I think Lewis will be DNF first lap