Abu DhabiGP/Fernando Collects £800 & can pass go Thread - Contains Quali & Race spoilers

[Fernando]

First topic message reminder :

Yas Marina wants for nothing in terms of facilities. If only the same could be said of its track.

Track data: Yas Marina

Lap length 5.554km (3.451 miles)
Grand prix distance 305.355km (189.739 miles)
Lap record (race) 1’40.279 (Sebastian Vettel, 2009)
Fastest lap (any session) 1’38.434 (Lewis Hamilton, 2011, qualifying two)
Tyre compounds See drivers’ choices
2015 Rate the Race 5.25 out of 10
2015 Driver of the Weekend Sergio Perez
Yas Marina track data in full

But the circuit which has the honour of holding this year’s title-deciding race leaves everything to be desired when it comes to challenging the world’s best drivers and cars.

It’s wide, smooth, flat and – aside from a pair of lengthy straights – slow. Whatever brief the track designer was given, showcasing F1 at its best was not it.

“It’s not the most thrilling of tracks,” says master of understatement Daniil Kvyat, “as many of the corners are very similar”. Other drivers have been similarly dismissive of its untaxing, stop-start nature.

The track has produced few riveting races since it first appeared on the calendar in 2009. The surprise outcome of the 2010 title-decider and Sebastian Vettel’s race through the field two years later stick in the mind. But last year’s forgettable finale was more typical of what we’ve come to expect from this venue.

Abu Dhabi’s stable climate means we can discount the possibility of surprising weather changes playing a role in Sunday’s championship finale. But Pirelli’s decision to bring its most aggressive tyre selection could offer the drivers new strategic options this year.

A lap of Yas Marina


From the start line the drivers arrive quickly at turn one. This is the first of many 90-degree corners but is quicker than the rest, typically taken in fourth gear. Accelerating out of the left-hander the drivers approach what passes for the most interesting section on the track – the flat-out sweep through turns two, three and four.
The pit lane entrance joins the track at this point and we have seen some near-misses as drivers blend in with traffic. Fernando Alonso took a punishing ride over the kerbs here in 2013.

As the drivers leave turn four at speed they are quickly upon the next sequence of corners: a slow chicane followed by a hairpin. “You go down the hill, braking into six – very tricky braking turning into six, then straight away into seven,” explains Romain Grosjean. “You need to be well positioned for the hairpin going down the back straight. It’s tricky to get the car to turn.”

Two long straights separated by the turn eight/nine chicane follow. “Again you need to be well positioned between the left and right-hand side corners,” says Grosjean. “Then it’s another straight line on to 11, 12 and 13. It’s a triple chicane and as soon as you exit that part you go flat out then brake for turn 14, which is a 90-degree left-hand side corner.”


Following the tricky curved approach to turn 17 the final sector of the lap involves a sequence of slow bends, most of which are right-angles. “As soon as you go out of 17 you have to brake again for 18,” says Grosjean. Two left-handers lead them beneath the Yas Viceroy hotel, with a “tricky exit” as the cars straighten up ahead of the final pair of bends.
“The second to last corner is good,” comments Grosjean. “It’s high speed in fourth or fifth gear.”

After that the run-off area at the final corner invites drivers to run wide. “The last corner is very tricky,” Grosjean explains. “It’s very wide on the entry phase with the pit lane on the right-hand side. It’s not easy to find a line.”

[GSC]

Turning the steering wheel while braking is really only likely to cause a lock up which would've ended both races. In any case it would increase his braking distance.

It was the last lap of the GP, Nico outbraked himself on damaged brakes and cost himself 6 points. Move on to Silverstone.

[Guest]

It cost him 13 points

[GSC]

If he retained the lead. Which was unlikely on worn tyres, off the racing line and if he braked at the right spot.

[banbrotam]

Mansell said it best, rarely have I seen 2 teammates so unprofessional to each other.

Clearly, his memory isn't very good, ie Prost and Senna

[dyrewolfe]

Turning the steering wheel while braking is really only likely to cause a lock up which would've ended both races. In any case it would increase his braking distance.

It was the last lap of the GP, Nico outbraked himself on damaged brakes and cost himself 6 points. Move on to Silverstone.

Makes you wonder how drivers manage to negotiate corners at all, doesn't it?

Seriously - did you see the difference in the line Rosberg took? Its almost like he had no intention of making the corner at all, so focused was he on making sure Hamilton had no option but to go off track.

If he had genuinely held the normal racing line, as he claimed, there would have been no contact and Hamilton would have been able to stay on track.

[GSC]

There is a reason they try to brake in a straight line Dyre, especially in heavy braking zones

[Guest]

We know who's fault it was & we saw who was rightfully punished.

A more pressing question now needs to be asked about the Mercedes driver line up for 2017, it's beyond repair & needs freshening up, because these two are stinking the place out, with these displays. I see no real option that to remove Rosberg (who hasn't signed a new contract), with a clear no.2 driver going forward. If he loses this title, he'll be mentally shot to pieces. If Lewis loses the title, his ego won't stand around & watch Nico being paraded as Champion. With a regulation change, it might not actually be a bad career move in finding a different seat.

[GSC]

I don't think anyone's denied it was Nicos fault bar the man himself.

I deeply suspect Hamilton's watching McLarens progress with interest tbh. At least 2 years out from possibly being a reality, but Merc probably want Nico to cover them.

[Jermaine2015]

Hamilton or Rosberg could easily find their way to Maranello...

Kimi got lucky with third today, but his race craft has seriously diminished from his peak years almost 8-10 years ago. Once a fearless, aggressive overtaker, these days it's like he's forgotten how to pass anyone...

[dyrewolfe]

There is a reason they try to brake in a straight line Dyre, especially in heavy braking zones

And I'm saying if Rosberg had tried to take that corner in his usual manner, it is very unlikely there would have been an incident.

You say he had an issue with his brakes, but I find it a bit suspicious how he managed to drive normally until the very moment Hamilton tried to overtake him.



In related news Toto Wolff has said Mercedes will consider using team orders if the pair can't keep things civilised.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/36699188

Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff says he could impose team orders to stop Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg from clashing again.

The pair collided on the last lap of the Austrian Grand Prix, with Hamilton winning and Rosberg slipping to fourth.

Wolff said "one option is to freeze the order at a certain point" but said such a move would be "unpopular".

"It makes we want to puke myself but if the racing is not possible without contact that is a consequence."

[GSC]

He properly cocked up T1 which gave Hamilton a chance into T2 in fairness. And his tyres had clearly gone off. Looked more like an honest mistake to me, which Nico was the loser from anyway.

Schumi would've made sure Hamilton didn't finish from that position though.

[dyrewolfe]

Hamilton or Rosberg could easily find their way to Maranello...

Kimi got lucky with third today, but his race craft has seriously diminished from his peak years almost 8-10 years ago. Once a fearless, aggressive overtaker, these days it's like he's forgotten how to pass anyone...

No doubt his reflexes probably aren't what they used to be, but don't forget the cars and the sport in general has changed hugely from when he won his title. Maybe the modern cars and regs just don't suit him.

I certainly wouldn't say he's any less fearless or skilled. I simply think he's struggled to adapt and learn the "meta" of modern F1, which has probably had a dampening effect on his aggression / enthusiasm.


If Wolff can't find a way to keep a lid on the Hamilton - Rosberg issue, I could see Nico moving to Ferrari. Much as they may want a German Champion, they'd have to be mad to ditch Hamilton. I think they only way they would do that is if Vettel became available.

He properly cocked up T1 which gave Hamilton a chance into T2 in fairness. And his tyres had clearly gone off. Looked more like an honest mistake to me, which Nico was the loser from anyway.

Schumi would've made sure Hamilton didn't finish from that position though.

Sorry, but if you believe that, you must believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy...especially given their recent history.

Probably right about Schumacher though.

[Guest]

Think there's more going on behind the scenes at Mercedes, than meets the eye. Not really sure what the point of having Niki Lauda at the team is & it doesn't help the situation or team dynamic, when Lauda starts running his mouth prematurely after incidents, like he's done in Barcelona & Austria. He's also unnecessarily revealed that Lewis trashed a hospitality room in Baku, post Qualifying & now Lauda has labelled Lewis a 'liar'. Seems Hamilton has well and truly lost Lauda's support & I really get the impression he is in a bad place now generally within the Mercedes team.

It looks curtains for one of the drivers this winter at Mercedes, that's for sure.

[GSC]

Its impressive if Lewis had, because Lauda couldn't wait to get on tv and call Nico a knob a couple of years ago if he did something stupid

[GSC]

In any case, his comments were made before Austria apparently.

[dyrewolfe]

Well with things the way they are between the drivers, I think one of them has to go sooner or later...and I would be very surprised if its Lewis.

That said, Lauda is just your typical crotchety old geezer, who says what he thinks and doesn't particularly care if he upsets anyone. The one difference being that, as a triple world champion, he has been there and done that, therefore his opinions do carry some weight.

[Fernando]

I wouldn't be surprise if it's Lewis at all DW, They seem to be lining up taking potshots at him at the moment.

Not entirely sure why though guess their fed up of his playboy lifestyle possibly.

Apparently they've threatened to suspended one of them if have an accident with each other again.

[Guest]

Embarrasing the threats of suspension, will never happen. Team orders too, is just an absurd threat too, because the weak leadership of Toto & Lauda can't control their two drivers & they don't know what to do. Let them race, you've won both title again, so just enjoy the spectacle. If anything, sponsors will be delighted at wheel to wheel racing, otherwise, either Lewis or Nico storm off to a processional victory & barely get any airtime.

I just think the whole sport has gone soft, I mean, if a genuine race actually breaks out these days or there's a slight collision, everyone goes hysterical & over reacts. It's racing. People tune in, to see crashes & controversial stories or actions playing out.

[Fernando]

This is going around online at the moment no one is quite sure it's real but the BBC f1 guy & various other motorsport sites including Autosport has posted it

[dyrewolfe]

Embarrasing the threats of suspension, will never happen. Team orders too, is just an absurd threat too, because the weak leadership of Toto & Lauda can't control their two drivers & they don't know what to do. Let them race, you've won both title again, so just enjoy the spectacle. If anything, sponsors will be delighted at wheel to wheel racing, otherwise, either Lewis or Nico storm off to a processional victory & barely get any airtime.

I just think the whole sport has gone soft, I mean, if a genuine race actually breaks out these days or there's a slight collision, everyone goes hysterical & over reacts. It's racing. People tune in, to see crashes & controversial stories or actions playing out.

For once, I couldn't agree more. When you look at the history of F1, its been littered with characters who didn't always behave themselves and some pretty spectacular rivalries. For me its always been part of the appeal.

By contrast modern F1 is sterile and boring.

Sadly thats what you get with big-money sponsors and manufacturers these days. They want their brands to have a squeaky-clean image and not to be tarnished by any questionable behaviour. Nothing is more important than maintaining their corporate image.

This is going around online at the moment no one is quite sure it's real but the BBC f1 guy & various other motorsport sites including Autosport has posted it

Honestly I don't think it really matters whether Lewis did those things or not. The drivers' relationship has broken down to such a degree that its doubtful even the threat of team orders will prevent more incidents, if they're in a position to race each other.

I think thats the single biggest problem Mercedes face right now and the main threat to the team's continued success. Conveniently Rosberg's contract runs out next season, so I would imagine they will choose not to negotiate a new one.

[GSC]

You might imagine but Toto keeps saying he will.

[GSC]

No explicit team orders yet, but sounds like Nico and Lewis have been read the riot act and given the last warning.

[Guest]

Kind of been there & done that with the warnings & read the riot act.

Means very little.

[GSC]

After realising the driver market is pretty shallow this year, Ferrari bring back Kimi for another year

[Guest]

Not surprised, given the market, but Kimi offers very little now, other than being a clear no. 2

[Guest]

Not sure why they even had to renew Kimi right now. Sergio Marchionne has always wanted Lewis Hamilton, they were talking to Sky Italia & they confirmed that belief. Nobody knows the outcome of this year or whether Lewis will still be at Mercedes, so they could of waited to see how the drama unfolds at Merc.

Kimi staying at Ferrari is rather a dull renewal.

[Guest]

That halo looks awful

I guess Grosjean must be annoyed

[GSC]

Only way Ferrari would take Hamilton is if Vettel leaves.

Think it'll be Sainz next year.

[GSC]

Teams have been slapped down over the radio rules in Austria.

[Guest]

They were saying how the introduction of the halo is increasing safety, but the even tighter radio rules, which stopped Force India telling Perez his brakes were broken, before he crashed in Austria, are contradicting those safety movements by the FIA.

[dyrewolfe]

They were saying how the introduction of the halo is increasing safety, but the even tighter radio rules, which stopped Force India telling Perez his brakes were broken, before he crashed in Austria, are contradicting those safety movements by the FIA.

Thats just ridiculous! How are faulty / failed brakes NOT a serious safety issue?

[GSC]

I'm fairly sure a brake failure falls under safety no? Changing his settings to avoid a lockout would but haven't seen it.

[GSC]

Mercs well clear of the field in P1 on a slower tyre

[Guest]

FIA as consistent as ever

[nathan]

FIA as consistent as ever

They were other than the turn 1.

Only certain corners were being penalised

[Guest]

Hamilton pole, Rosberg 2nd & Verstappen 3rd.

[nathan]

First corner will be interesting

[Guest]

Rosberg under investigation for a potential rule breach

[GSC]

For going too slow on a warm down lap in Q1.

Been thrown out anyway, imagine Merc produced some data that showed his tyres were overheating or something.

[GSC]

Do wish the FIA would be consistent on track limits anyway.

Remember in Baku there was one corner where everyone was running wide on every lap and nobody ever got penalized. They're supposed to be the best drivers in the world, should be keeping it within the white lines at minimum.

[dyrewolfe]

First corner will be interesting

Hope to god they can manage to avoid hitting each other before the first corner this time.

Still, if not, at least it will give the Red Bulls and Ferraris a chance.

Do wish the FIA would be consistent on track limits anyway.

Remember in Baku there was one corner where everyone was running wide on every lap and nobody ever got penalized. They're supposed to be the best drivers in the world, should be keeping it within the white lines at minimum.

I think they've decided to look at it on a track by track basis, depending on whether drivers are genuinely likely to run wide and whether or not they gain any advantage in doing so. For example there is one corner at Silverstone where they can be caught by a tail wind and don't get any appreciable advantage by running wide.

I agree it would be nice if they just applied a blanket ruling, but as long as they're consistent for each track I can live with it.

[GSC]

Would imagine whoever leads into the first corner will be given the advantage by Merc and they'll be in formation for the first stint.

[Guest]

Wet

[GSC]

Saw the need for a SC start in Monaco, not so much here.

[Guest]

Never bad enough for a SC start. I imagine Lewis will enter unknown first & will lose first.

[GSC]

This is a bit ridiculous. Might as well red flag all wet sessions and bin the wet tyres.

[GSC]

They'll be on dry tyres before the SC comes in at this point. Someone might as well dive in for inters and see if they can get an advantage.

[monty junior]

Sad what the sport has become.

Contrast that with Brazil 2003, Spain 96, absolutely embarrassing.

[GSC]

Lewis almost wipes himself out on the SC

[GSC]

Seems slightly early for inters

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