Official 2021 Portugal Grand Prix Thread **SPOILERS**
Discussion
TheDeuce said:
They're leading both titles. That's an excellent job when the cars are so close. They absolutely will fall along the way and have shocking days. It's a campaign, some fights will be lost.
So now you’re admitting the cars are ‘so close’Edited by TheDeuce on Sunday 2nd May 19:07
Guess that’s why Hamilton couldn’t pull away, eh?!
WickerBill said:
TheDeuce said:
They're leading both titles. That's an excellent job when the cars are so close. They absolutely will fall along the way and have shocking days. It's a campaign, some fights will be lost.
So now you’re admitting the cars are ‘so close’Edited by TheDeuce on Sunday 2nd May 19:07
Guess that’s why Hamilton couldn’t pull away, eh?!
Pretty much every race is going to be close this year.
Mercedes did well today, they won the race, scored more points than RB and stretched their lead in both championships.
Red Bull did well today, they improved on their grid position with a well timed and executed pitstop, and undercut a Mercedes to split them on the podium.
There’s going to be a huge number of swings and roundabouts for another 20 events (hopefully!), at the end of which will will have two trophies to hand out to a driver and a constructor.
Right now, it’s advantage Mercedes and Lewis.
Mercedes did well today, they won the race, scored more points than RB and stretched their lead in both championships.
Red Bull did well today, they improved on their grid position with a well timed and executed pitstop, and undercut a Mercedes to split them on the podium.
There’s going to be a huge number of swings and roundabouts for another 20 events (hopefully!), at the end of which will will have two trophies to hand out to a driver and a constructor.
Right now, it’s advantage Mercedes and Lewis.
vulture1 said:
Safe to say aston running a mildly updated 2 year old merc is now hurting them but he isnt where he needs to be.
Perez i never had any doubts just a bit unlucky the first 2 races. His job is to beat Bottas and Lewis at a merc weak track
Alonso not sure yet
Riccardo. Oh dear needs a midfield beating few 5th places to prove it against Lando.
Aston has front aero of last year's Merc and rake angle but floor, sidepod, engine cover, rear wing, etc is there own. If Seb keeps this up he should consider retiring; if its the same next year then bye bye Seb.Perez i never had any doubts just a bit unlucky the first 2 races. His job is to beat Bottas and Lewis at a merc weak track
Alonso not sure yet
Riccardo. Oh dear needs a midfield beating few 5th places to prove it against Lando.
Perez - undecided. It's been up and down and used as a sacrificial lamb. Need to see have more solid race weekends.
Ricc - probably needs half a season to bed in as he did at Renault.
jsf said:
Verstappen will not lead the championship at any point this year, which will be keeping up his lifetime record. He makes too many mistakes, fastest lap thrown away is another to add to the list.
We don't often agree but... 
Barring a DNF or double take out at Merc, you're almost certainly right imo. Ignoring all the hyperbole about how amazing the RB is this year, his chances are at best marginal - and his composure is not on par with Lewis's, who will generally make a better job of a bad day.
TheDeuce said:
jsf said:
Verstappen will not lead the championship at any point this year, which will be keeping up his lifetime record. He makes too many mistakes, fastest lap thrown away is another to add to the list.
We don't often agree but... Barring a DNF or double take out at Merc, you're almost certainly right imo. Ignoring all the hyperbole about how amazing the RB is this year, his chances are at best marginal - and his composure is not on par with Lewis's, who will generally make a better job of a bad day.
The way that Lewis pounced on Max’s small mistake tells the whole story. I feel that Valteri now fully understands that he is Lewis’s wingman.
I feel that this year could be a bigger billing than Prost Vs Senna. I do hope that it goes down to the wire.
jsf said:
Verstappen will not lead the championship at any point this year, which will be keeping up his lifetime record. He makes too many mistakes, fastest lap thrown away is another to add to the list.
P2, P1, P2, 1 pole position, lost pole yesterday by a half a tyres width and likewise today with the fastest lap. What more does he have to do to prove himself?Not saying he will win the championship by any stretch, but if he doesn't it will be because of Mercedes/Lewis brilliance rather than his own shortfalls. He's streets ahead of Bottas and just about anyone else on the grid bar Lewis.
Speaking of driver errors, arguably the biggest mistake any of the top 4 drivers have made so far was by Lewis in Imola...
rdjohn said:
TheDeuce said:
jsf said:
Verstappen will not lead the championship at any point this year, which will be keeping up his lifetime record. He makes too many mistakes, fastest lap thrown away is another to add to the list.
We don't often agree but... Barring a DNF or double take out at Merc, you're almost certainly right imo. Ignoring all the hyperbole about how amazing the RB is this year, his chances are at best marginal - and his composure is not on par with Lewis's, who will generally make a better job of a bad day.
The way that Lewis pounced on Max’s small mistake tells the whole story. I feel that Valteri now fully understands that he is Lewis’s wingman.
I feel that this year could be a bigger billing than Prost Vs Senna. I do hope that it goes down to the wire.
Lots of stress for them, lots of excellent sport for us
I think it's going to be fascinating watching Max this year. He obviously has the talent to be WDC, but this is the first time he's got a shot at it. Will he break under the pressure and keep making small mistakes, or will he learn quickly and get his act together. I think the latter, so it could be quite a title fight.
TheDeuce said:
Give it up mate - Lewis could clearly have pulled away. He did not... The cars being close in terms of performance has nothing to do with it, obviously in clear air the guy that passed the other car to lead can continue to pull out a lead if he so desires. The reasons for not doing so are either tyres and/or backing up in to an opponent and leaving them in dirty air.
And your proof of this is what?If they could clearly gap the bulls, then why cost themselves points by allowing max to get so close....
At no point during the weekend did it look like the Mercedes had enough pace for Hamilton to drive off into the distance, nor has it all season.
‘Give it up mate’
Edited by WickerBill on Sunday 2nd May 20:12
RonaldMcDonaldAteMyCat said:
resolve10 said:
P2, P1, P2, 1 pole position, lost pole yesterday by a half a tyres width and likewise today with the fastest lap. What more does he have to do to prove himself?
Cut down on errors like leaving the track twice in one weekend costing him pole and 1 championship point. WickerBill said:
TheDeuce said:
Give it up mate - Lewis could clearly have pulled away. He did not... The cars being close in terms of performance has nothing to do with it, obviously in clear air the guy that passed the other car to lead can continue to pull out a lead if he so desires. The reasons for not doing so are either tyres and/or backing up in to an opponent and leaving them in dirty air.
And your proof of this is what?If they could clearly gap the bulls, then why cost themselves points by allowing max to get so close....
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