Official 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Thread **SPOILERS**

[HardtopManual]

I can't see how a car that was faster in Saudi won't be faster around here.

[Hungrymc]

HardtopManual said:

I can't see how a car that was faster in Saudi won't be faster around here.

I think we had one car that was very fast on softs and over a lap.
And one that was very fast on hards over a longer spell.

I’ve no idea which I would rather be in…

[eps]

Hungrymc said:

HardtopManual said:

I can't see how a car that was faster in Saudi won't be faster around here.

I think we had one car that was very fast on softs and over a lap.
And one that was very fast on hards over a longer spell.

I’ve no idea which I would rather be in…

The circuit configuration is quicker than it was last time here and they have the softer range of tyres vs. the tyres run in Saudi Arabia. The ambient temperature will almost certainly be different (hotter) and the track surface may well be different.

[Jon_Bmw]

When do the teams have to set the "power mode" of the engine? Is it before P1 or before Q1?
If it is later in the weekend do the Mercs evaluate how quick they think Red Bull are and turn it up a notch if the RB is flying?

I think for both teams it is critical their no2 drivers put in a good performance and split the strategies so they can be used tactically. Either to undercut the oppositions no1 driver or stay out long to defend against the opposition undercut. I always think the latter is harder to do with destroyed tyres, so I reckon one of the no2s will be in early as soon as they find a gap.

[shirt]

The local touring car series ran at Yas last month, TCR class being about 18sec a lap faster than last season due to the changes. That’s much more than I thought it would be and doesn’t bode well for RB.

[Byker28i]

sandman77 said:

mick987 said:

Wonder if Mercedes will put a new power unit in the back of Hamilton and give him a rocket ship?

And take a grid penalty? That would be a huge risk to take.

They don't have to though? They've already stuffed the pool with fresh engines

[Altrezia]

shirt said:

That’s much more than I thought it would be and doesn’t bode well for RB.

Why's that?

I am struggling to work out who it's going to suit.

[Byker28i]

Jon_Bmw said:

When do the teams have to set the "power mode" of the engine? Is it before P1 or before Q1?
If it is later in the weekend do the Mercs evaluate how quick they think Red Bull are and turn it up a notch if the RB is flying?

I think for both teams it is critical their no2 drivers put in a good performance and split the strategies so they can be used tactically. Either to undercut the oppositions no1 driver or stay out long to defend against the opposition undercut. I always think the latter is harder to do with destroyed tyres, so I reckon one of the no2s will be in early as soon as they find a gap.

From the start of qualifying isn't it?

[Deesee]

Well done @piginapoke, thanks for persevering with us lot, you got a lot of grief mid season from some posters but you’ll always have the support of us PH F1 regulars (whatever your allegiances ).

I think this is Hamilton’s championship, the circuit changes removing the slow speed corners have made this a very power focused track, & Merc are untouchable on high and mid speed corners.

Until last weekend however I have been super impressed with Max Verstappens consistency, the things he has been criticised for seem ironed out.

However if I were Max I think a change of scenery would be a good idea, I don’t think it’s good for him working with Horner/Marko in what seems to be a toxic environment.

What ever the result I hope he takes the positives from this season.

The last race of this formula, and it’s a to the wire championship battle we have been waiting for since 2012.

WDC
WCC
Confirmation of the inter team mate battles

& looking back

6 race winners
13 drivers on the podium

Cracking season

[ChocolateFrog]

shirt said:

The local touring car series ran at Yas last month, TCR class being about 18sec a lap faster than last season due to the changes. That’s much more than I thought it would be and doesn’t bode well for RB.

That's a huge difference.

[shirt]

Altrezia said:

shirt said:

That’s much more than I thought it would be and doesn’t bode well for RB.

Why's that?

I am struggling to work out who it's going to suit.

RB seems to works best in slow sections and also seems to have better acceleration. Even in saudi that was apparent, lewis was only closing up down the last sector.

Changes to yas aren’t just limited to the 2 areas where corners have been removed, the whole of the hotel section has been reprofiled to increase speeds.

I think it’ll suit merc’s more stable car and rear end set up.

[shirt]

ChocolateFrog said:

shirt said:

The local touring car series ran at Yas last month, TCR class being about 18sec a lap faster than last season due to the changes. That’s much more than I thought it would be and doesn’t bode well for RB.

That's a huge difference.

Yeah I was really surprised by that. Tbh I’m not a fan of the changes as I do track days at yas and these changes will rob some of the fun for us 2l tin tops. 18secs is mega for a TCR, it will have a huge impact on the single seater performance for sure

[Altrezia]

shirt said:

RB seems to works best in slow sections and also seems to have better acceleration. Even in saudi that was apparent, lewis was only closing up down the last sector.

Changes to yas aren’t just limited to the 2 areas where corners have been removed, the whole of the hotel section has been reprofiled to increase speeds.

I think it’ll suit merc’s more stable car and rear end set up.

But RB seemed bloody fast in the first sector and the right-then-left mid-speed stuff in Saudi, right? My hunch is they'll be bloody quick at Yas Marina.

[HustleRussell]

suffolk009 said:

CustardOnChips said:

If I were Mercedes. I would want Max starting the race in pole position, with Lewis second and Bottas 3rd.

That at least gives Lewis the opportunity to see what Max is up to. And if they get lucky, Bottas has a cheeky lock up and takes Max out

The last thing Lewis wants is Max behind him at the start as it poses the greater risk.

There is still a risk of an incident during an overtake during the race, but that would be much more difficult to disguise. And there is always the opportunity to do something with strategy. Especially if Mercedes Kerr their race pace advantage.

Is the undercut the way to over take at this track?

Overcuts certainly aren't in vogue this season as they were two or three years ago. Presumably all the front runners will be one-stopping onto the C3s so the undercut probably won't be huge.

If Max gets away in front I think he'll be fast enough to keep it.

I did hear during Saudi analysis that Red Bull are a little compromised on their rear wing options for this track due to the problems they've been having so they may have to go lighter on overall downforce that would be ideal.

ETA: But they seem pretty happy in low downforce configuration. The tyres are quite soft so they may be managing tyres quite heavily on a one stop. Perhaps we'll have one of those races where Mercedes and Red Bull try to surprise one another with multiple pit stops.

Edited by HustleRussell on Tuesday 7th December 14:23

[Piginapoke]

Deesee said:

Well done @piginapoke, thanks for persevering with us lot, you got a lot of grief mid season from some posters but you’ll always have the support of us PH F1 regulars (whatever your allegiances ).

Thanks Dessee- those were hard yards mid season!

Going to be a cracking race on Sunday, I can't wait for Max to finally lift that trophy

[Piginapoke]

ChocolateFrog said:

TheDeuce said:

patmahe said:

Piginapoke said:

Lots of useful info as always

I'm another person who visits pistonheads because of Piginapoke's brilliant posts, pistonheads need to put him on the payroll.

In spite of disagreeing with you fairly often Piginapoke... I'd also like to say thanks!

And anyway, what's the point of PH other than like minded people coming together in order to disagree

Aye, I don't think I've ever seen eye to eye with him and have said some disparaging things in previous threads but I do appreciate the effort that goes into starting these threads.

Thanks both, appreciated. As Deuce says it would be a dull old Board if we all thought the same things

[paulguitar]

Piginapoke said:

Deesee said:

Well done @piginapoke, thanks for persevering with us lot, you got a lot of grief mid season from some posters but you’ll always have the support of us PH F1 regulars (whatever your allegiances ).

Thanks Dessee- those were hard yards mid season!

Going to be a cracking race on Sunday, I can't wait for Max to finally lift that trophy

Or refuse to be part of the podium because he's failed to take Lewis off.

Either way, thanks for your efforts PP, and thanks even more for your comedy predictions!

[resolve10]

Jon_Bmw said:

When do the teams have to set the "power mode" of the engine? Is it before P1 or before Q1?
If it is later in the weekend do the Mercs evaluate how quick they think Red Bull are and turn it up a notch if the RB is flying?

I think before Q1 but not 100% sure.

If Mercedes really do have a large amount of power to gain at the risk of reliability, would it not be worth the risk to turn it up to 11, secure pole, clear off on lap one then manage the revs and preserve the engine manually?

[Altrezia]

resolve10 said:

I think before Q1 but not 100% sure.

If Mercedes really do have a large amount of power to gain at the risk of reliability, would it not be worth the risk to turn it up to 11, secure pole, clear off on lap one then manage the revs and preserve the engine manually?

I suspect it's not just revs that kills 'em but boost/fuelling/etc too.

[shirt]

Cars are in parc ferme conditions when they leave the pits for the first time in quali. So engine mode locked then