Official 2024 Qatar Grand Prix Thread ***SPOILERS***

[RB Will]

paulguitar said:

When he is under significant pressure Verstappen still has demonstrated he has a tendency to fall apart and lose control of himself, as we have seen on occasions this season, as well as in the past.

Not sure fall apart is the right phrase. He does make some spectacularly arse moves but he admits himself, even in an interview just this week that he knows what he is doing and in control of things.
Only exception springing to mind is maybe Hungary this year?

Whenever he is under pressure he does seem to achieve even if by dastardly means. It’s not like when he is under pressure he is making big mistakes and costing himself a load of points sticking it in the wall or gravel or being slow

[Mr Tidy]

paulguitar said:

When he is under significant pressure Verstappen still has demonstrated he has a tendency to fall apart and lose control of himself, as we have seen on occasions this season, as well as in the past. To be considered amongst the very best in history, I think that he'd need to put a stop to that. He has the talent to be amongst the best. I think he deserved the title this season, even allowing for some unacceptable behaviour.

Not sure about Perez. He's never been a top-level driver but surely he's better than he's looked in 2024.

It would be great if one day we could see Verstappen against a top-level teammate.

Exactly, he just loses the plot when he is under pressure.

Based on his performances this season Perez just needs to go!

We'll probably never see Verstappen against a top-level teammate. I mean who would want to go there to compete with his ego and arrogance?

Anyway thanks to PAIP for all his effort keeping on top of things.

[PhilAsia]

Mr Tidy said:

paulguitar said:

When he is under significant pressure Verstappen still has demonstrated he has a tendency to fall apart and lose control of himself, as we have seen on occasions this season, as well as in the past. To be considered amongst the very best in history, I think that he'd need to put a stop to that. He has the talent to be amongst the best. I think he deserved the title this season, even allowing for some unacceptable behaviour.

Not sure about Perez. He's never been a top-level driver but surely he's better than he's looked in 2024.

It would be great if one day we could see Verstappen against a top-level teammate.

Exactly, he just loses the plot when he is under pressure.

Based on his performances this season Perez just needs to go!

We'll probably never see Verstappen against a top-level teammate. I mean who would want to go there to compete with his ego and arrogance?

Anyway thanks to PAIP for all his effort keeping on top of things.

He does not lose the plot, he reverts to type and being an unsportsmanlike of the lowest order. Drivers with his level of skill do not suddenly lose control, they relinquish all ability behind the wheel voluntarily.

It is frustratingly Schumacher V.2, and a sad spectacle to watch.

[Jasandjules]

Mr Tidy said:

We'll probably never see Verstappen against a top-level teammate. I mean who would want to go there to compete with his ego and arrogance?

It is more that when he is getting beaten by his team mate then they have a bit of a tiff and complain etc see Carlos and Danny Ric for details. As such there is no point being his team mate because you won't get a fair crack of the whip in any event as he is the marketing boy.

[Sandpit Steve]

PhilAsia said:

He does not lose the plot, he reverts to type and being an unsportsmanlike of the lowest order. Drivers with his level of skill do not suddenly lose control, they relinquish all ability behind the wheel voluntarily.

It is frustratingly Schumacher V.2, and a sad spectacle to watch.

That’s a bit hard. On unsportsmanlike s.

[Sandpit Steve]

Having just watched the first support series practice session:

There’s been a few thin gravel traps added to enforce track limits.

From the RD’s event notes.

25) Changes to the Circuit
• 2.0 m wide gravel strip installed behind kerb at exit Turn 1.
• 2.0 m wide gravel strip installed behind kerb at exit Turn 2.
• 2.0 m wide gravel strip installed behind kerb at exit Turn 3.
• 2.0 m wide gravel strip installed behind kerb at exit Turn 4.
• 2.0 m wide gravel strip installed behind kerb at exit Turn 5.
• 2.0 m wide gravel strip installed behind kerb at exit Turn 12.
• 2.0 m wide gravel strip installed behind kerb at exit Turn 13.
• 2.0 m wide gravel strip installed behind kerb at exit Turn 14.
• 2.0 m wide gravel strip installed behind kerb at exit Turn 15.
• Kerb height reduced at exit Turn 1.
• Kerb height reduced at exit Turn 2.
• Kerb height reduced at exit Turn 3.
• Kerb height reduced at exit Turn 4.
• Kerb height reduced at exit Turn 5
• Kerb height reduced at exit Turn 10.
• Kerb height reduced at entry and exit Turn 12.
• Kerb height reduced at exit Turn 13.
• Kerb height reduced at exit Turn 14.
• White line moved to a distance of 1.5 m to the gravel at exit Turns 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 13, 14, 15 and entry
Turn 12
• White line moved to a distance of 1.5 m to the back edge of the kerb at the exit of Turn 10

https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-d...

Edited by Sandpit Steve on Friday 29th November 10:53

[PhilAsia]

Sandpit Steve said:

PhilAsia said:

He does not lose the plot, he reverts to type and being an unsportsmanlike of the lowest order. Drivers with his level of skill do not suddenly lose control, they relinquish all ability behind the wheel voluntarily.

It is frustratingly Schumacher V.2, and a sad spectacle to watch.

That’s a bit hard. On unsportsmanlike s.

True. But it is also it is also a fact that both Max and Schumi can/could race wheel to wheel pretty much faultlessly (particularly MS), but on many occasions choose/chose not to. I find that quite unsettling, frustrating and unnecessary.

[honda_exige]

Overtaking rule change incoming according to Russell, Max gonna have a field day with this

“I don't think it's rocket science,” Russell told media including RacingNews365. “I think we all feel the same way. If you're overtaking on the inside, you make the corner and you're not running off, it’s your corner.

“You want to see hard racing. You want to see drivers battling wheel to wheel. It looks awesome when people are going through the gravel and sparks are being flown up.

“I think the stewards recognise that. If you're on the outside being overtaken, it's on you to yield.

“Right now there is a line in the regulations that says the inside driver needs to leave room to the guy on the outside from the apex to the exit. That's going to be getting binned off, and I hope it's going to be from this weekend onwards.”

[EmailAddress]

honda_exige said:

Overtaking rule change incoming according to Russell, Max gonna have a field day with this

“I don't think it's rocket science,” Russell told media including RacingNews365. “I think we all feel the same way. If you're overtaking on the inside, you make the corner and you're not running off, it’s your corner.

“You want to see hard racing. You want to see drivers battling wheel to wheel. It looks awesome when people are going through the gravel and sparks are being flown up.

“I think the stewards recognise that. If you're on the outside being overtaken, it's on you to yield.

“Right now there is a line in the regulations that says the inside driver needs to leave room to the guy on the outside from the apex to the exit. That's going to be getting binned off, and I hope it's going to be from this weekend onwards.”

Red Baron incoming!

[FNG]

So a divebomb to the apex means the other guy has to yield.

What about a divebomb where the other guy yields but the overtaker doesn't stay on track? Presumably have to give the place back. Or do they get a time penalty?

Can you imagine how messy that's gonna get when the overtaken car is pushed out wide / onto runoff and either is out of the race or gets overtaken by other cars behind?

Or if the overtaker makes the corner but only by biffing into the car being overtaken?

Or the overtaken car sticking to the racing line and heading to an early apex so that the overtaking car can't ever get alongside as the gap is narrowing?

It would be lovely if it was as simple as outlined but I don't see it being so.

[EmailAddress]

Magnusson approves.

[RacingStripes]

FNG said:

So a divebomb to the apex means the other guy has to yield.

What about a divebomb where the other guy yields but the overtaker doesn't stay on track? Presumably have to give the place back. Or do they get a time penalty?

Can you imagine how messy that's gonna get when the overtaken car is pushed out wide / onto runoff and either is out of the race or gets overtaken by other cars behind?

Or if the overtaker makes the corner but only by biffing into the car being overtaken?

Or the overtaken car sticking to the racing line and heading to an early apex so that the overtaking car can't ever get alongside as the gap is narrowing?

It would be lovely if it was as simple as outlined but I don't see it being so.

If you are on the outside you just need to hold your ground. If you yield they will know you will do that every time.
Don't yield and keep it within track limits then the other guy will get a penalty for causing a collision and think twice about it next time.

[Nova Gyna]

PhilAsia said:

Sandpit Steve said:

PhilAsia said:

He does not lose the plot, he reverts to type and being an unsportsmanlike of the lowest order. Drivers with his level of skill do not suddenly lose control, they relinquish all ability behind the wheel voluntarily.

It is frustratingly Schumacher V.2, and a sad spectacle to watch.

That’s a bit hard. On unsportsmanlike s.

True. But it is also it is also a fact that both Max and Schumi can/could race wheel to wheel pretty much faultlessly (particularly MS), but on many occasions choose/chose not to. I find that quite unsettling, frustrating and unnecessary.

That fiery temperament under pressure is his Achilles heel, imo - and I think the other drivers are missing a trick by not playing on it more. Perhaps risk a few crashes, try and get him rattled. Wind him right up on and off the track to exploit what’s likely his only real weakness. Easier said than done I suppose. But with the field closing up and a bit of added needle, next year could be a lot tougher for the golden boy.

[paulguitar]

Nova Gyna said:

That fiery temperament under pressure is his Achilles heel, imo - and I think the other drivers are missing a trick by not playing on it more. Perhaps risk a few crashes, try and get him rattled. Wind him right up on and off the track to exploit what’s likely his only real weakness. Easier said than done I suppose. But with the field closing up and a bit of added needle, next year could be a lot tougher for the golden boy.

Agree completely. It was very interesting to see earlier this season when he'd started to come under a bit of pressure that he just reverted to 2021 Verstappen. It's a significant weakness.

[RB Will]

RacingStripes said:

If you are on the outside you just need to hold your ground. If you yield they will know you will do that every time.
Don't yield and keep it within track limits then the other guy will get a penalty for causing a collision and think twice about it next time.

Didn't work brilliantly at Silverstone and Monza 21

[MustangGT]

RB Will said:

RacingStripes said:

If you are on the outside you just need to hold your ground. If you yield they will know you will do that every time.
Don't yield and keep it within track limits then the other guy will get a penalty for causing a collision and think twice about it next time.

Didn't work brilliantly at Silverstone and Monza 21

Not sure I understand your point. Silverstone worked brilliantly for Lewis, Max turned into him, crashed and failed to finish. Monza, neither finished, so worked well for Max.

[Sandpit Steve]

Very green surface, or should that be a very sandy surface for the only practice session of this weekend. Those new little gravel strips seem to be working well, no-one is going faster by running outside track limits.

[Sandpit Steve]

No-one else here watching the practice session?

[PhilAsia]

paulguitar said:

Nova Gyna said:

That fiery temperament under pressure is his Achilles heel, imo - and I think the other drivers are missing a trick by not playing on it more. Perhaps risk a few crashes, try and get him rattled. Wind him right up on and off the track to exploit what’s likely his only real weakness. Easier said than done I suppose. But with the field closing up and a bit of added needle, next year could be a lot tougher for the golden boy.

Agree completely. It was very interesting to see earlier this season when he'd started to come under a bit of pressure that he just reverted to 2021 Verstappen. It's a significant weakness.

Nova/Paul, itis how Max got his adversaries to be cautious around him. When he had no car he would just punt into anybody as it had no impact on his season. As a result he got the label of someone that would not yield which, when he got a car which could deliver, paid off in spades.

As I said. He is a great driver but tarred by being an unsporting .

[Nova Gyna]

PhilAsia said:

paulguitar said:

Nova Gyna said:

That fiery temperament under pressure is his Achilles heel, imo - and I think the other drivers are missing a trick by not playing on it more. Perhaps risk a few crashes, try and get him rattled. Wind him right up on and off the track to exploit what’s likely his only real weakness. Easier said than done I suppose. But with the field closing up and a bit of added needle, next year could be a lot tougher for the golden boy.

Agree completely. It was very interesting to see earlier this season when he'd started to come under a bit of pressure that he just reverted to 2021 Verstappen. It's a significant weakness.

Nova/Paul, itis how Max got his adversaries to be cautious around him. When he had no car he would just punt into anybody as it had no impact on his season. As a result he got the label of someone that would not yield which, when he got a car which could deliver, paid off in spades.

As I said. He is a great driver but tarred by being an unsporting .

Calculated? Sure. Sporting? Not so much.