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]

Anyway, it only takes 1 dnf from Nico and its on again. Saw in Malaysia how quickly that can happen where Nico himself was lucky not to be taken out at T1.

Lewis has to win every remaining race though.

[Guest]

I have a feeling this year Rosberg is going to be dominant.  I think whatever he was lacking before he has now overcome.  Hamilton seems a little muted.  Perhaps being a three times champion plus his celebrity lifestyle has taken a little from him.

I think Hamilton took the gas off the pedal this season when he really had to remain focussed and as hard working as ever.  His numerous poor starts and mistakes suggests he hasn't been practising enough, visualising, and keeping razor sharp throughout the season.  Luck has played a part in this with the blown engine but I suspect he could have done more to know his car inside out.  There was one race he didn't know what engine setting to put his car in.

[Guest]

Not surprised by Lewis' start. Engine failures & starting issues have typified the F1 championship all season, in separating the Mercedes duo. Been a shambolic season really & another gifted win to add to the collection for Nico, means there's a pretty slim chance of Lewis winning this championship now.

33 points clear, you just can't make a case for Lewis now, given his form & starts.

[GSC]

Mercedes have lodged a complaint against Verstappens defence on the penultimate lap.

Be surprised if it sticks given what Verstappens gotten away with this season but I hope someone takes him off at some stage.

[Fernando]

It will held in 'Murica cos both had gone home by then.

the result is provisional.

[Guest]

No chance with this protest. Desperation by Mercedes. I personally didn't really see much wrong with it at all, in comparison to Max's previous manoeuvres with Kimi.

[GSC]

And now Merc have withdrawn it, Lewis called it off.

[Guest]

Lewis called it off.

Body language post race looked like he's given up now, so not surprised. The starts won't be fixed, so he has zero chance of winning this title, let alone people thinking he can reel off four wins in a row from nowhere. Just looks like he wants the season over ASAP.

[GSC]

Little bit in that for Red Bull, the we're champions we don't do that part, after RBs protest at Silverstone.

[Jermaine2015]

Driver news for Renault, Nico Hulkenberg has agreed a three year deal to join the French manufacturer to become their lead driver. As a massive fan of the Hulk's I'm delighted his long term future as been secured. Hulkenberg has finally bagged a factory seat, granted at present its not one you'd sit up a d shout about. But Hulkenberg's f1 future and life after f1 is now safe. Fellow German Pascal Wehrlein could land the second seat at Force India.

[GSC]

At some point Hulkenburg is going to have to demonstrate there's substance to his hype.

[Jermaine2015]

At some point Hulkenburg is going to have to demonstrate there's substance to his hype.

We're going to fall out if you take down my man the Hulk!

Joking aside Hulkenberg is a GP2 champion and Le Mans winner, so he's not a bum by any stretch of the imagination. He was good enough to be considered by Ferrari when Massa left, only for Alonso to block the move.

Move to Renault could be the start of something significant for Hulkenberg...or the drastic end of his f1 career....

[Guest]

Not surprised he's moved to a works team, nothing much going to be achieved at FI, other than remaining stagnated in & around the mid-pack. At 29, he needed financial security & just some kind of new motivation, which is important for an older driver, who could potentially be losing faith & love for the sport.

In general terms, we're heading into an 'aero' formula now, instead of an 'engine' formula, so you never know how competitive Renault could become, but all things point to the beginning of a new Red Bull era. No wonder Toto has been saying last week, that the new regulations for 2017 are a mistake. He knows what's coming.

[dyrewolfe]

Well Mercedes have as much time as anyone else to analyse and interpret the new regs, so they only have themselves to blame if they find themselves off the pace next season.

I'd also argue about the "aero formula" to some extent, as the new regs specify larger wheels, which will increase mechanical grip.

As for Hamilton, it looked like there was a significant damp patch on his side of the track, which could have contributed to his bogging down at the start. Still it didn't look like he was really up for the fightback until the end when he chased down Verstappen.

To be honest I didn't see that Max did that much wrong. Lewis just attempted a similar overtake to the one Hulkenberg pulled off, but got it wrong.

Was this the race where Rosberg won the title? Realistically Hamilton has to win every race now and hope Nico has at least one race where he DNFs or finishes out of the points. Current form of both drivers suggests this is unlikely. Lewis' behaviour during the press conference also suggests his mind may not be fully on the job.

[GSC]

Mugs don't make F1 in general (even Maldonado won a race).

But for all the hype, FI and Renault both favoured Perez, he hasn't really delivered in F1 yet. Yet to podium and Perez has had 4 racing in the same car.

Hes talented for sure but at some point you have to deliver.

[Jermaine2015]

Mugs don't make F1 in general (even Maldonado won a race).

But for all the hype, FI and Renault both favoured Perez, he hasn't really delivered in F1 yet. Yet to podium and Perez has had 4 racing in the same car.

Hes talented for sure but at some point you have to deliver.

I don't really like defending drivers(even if they are my favourite like Hulkenberg) but granted Hulkenberg's lack of podiums is a concern, but let's not forget he came close to winning a race before he crashed into Hamilton. Hulkenberg didn't look out of place leading the race.

I think Renault favouring Perez and Sainz wasn't only determined by talent but also by the budget they bring. It's no secret in Germany that Hulkenberg hadn't bring much of any cash to the table. Perez has a bottomless pit from the Carlos Slim and Sainz Jr had backing from various Spanish sponsors.

In terms of talent I think Hulkenberg, Perez, Sainz and Grosjean are similarly matched and in the right car at the right time could easily become champion.

[GSC]

Part of the problem Hulk has is I don't think he's ever really delivered those "wow" drives that you need to catch the eye of a bigger team, Perez nearly won a race in a sauber. Bianchi and Weirlein have points in a Major etc. They don't make career as Maldonado demonstrates but they put you in the spotlight. Very rarely has Hulk really shined.

[Fernando]

Lewis pulls out of 2017 tyre test with a sore foot, Replaced by Werhlein.

[Guest]

Saw him limping quite badly in Brackley at the Constructor's celebrations, so not surprised. Rosberg's test yesterday was deemed 'worthless' due to the wet weather.

[Fernando]

Hulkenburg to Renault is done, Looks like Bottas will his teammate.

[Guest]

BBC reporting that Hulkenberg's contract will be worth around £17m over two years. No brainer in moving, especially at his age.

[Fernando]

Ron Dennis to leave mclaren again
Alex Lynn to go into Formula E
Ross Brawn confirms he left mercedes because couldn't trust Toto

[Guest]

hamilton pole & rosberg second

which means

rosberg leads into turn 1, with hamilton down in fifth

[Fernando]

Whiting made it clear that he would view moving under braking as a breach of regulations.

The note said: "Article 27.5 of the Sporting Regulations states that '...no car may be driven...in a manner which could be potentially dangerous to other drivers...', furthermore, Article 27.8 prohibits any manoeuvre '...liable to hinder other drivers, such as...any abnormal change of direction'.

"With this in mind, and with the exception of any move permitted by Article 27.6, any change of direction under braking which results in another driver having to take evasive action will be considered abnormal and hence potentially dangerous to other drivers. Any such move will be reported to the stewards."

In the event of a breach of rules, stewards would have the right to impose a penalty of their choice, which could be a time penalty or even full-on disqualification.


Well Max is screwed.

[GSC]

Well past time.

[Fernando]

Mercedes changed the fuel system in Hamilton's car due an pressure issue after practice.

#It'sAConspiracy

[Guest]

Looks like VSC ruined any kind of excitement from this race. Hamilton leading, with Rosberg in second. Gap down to 26.

Kimi reversing back though the pits was a highlight

[Fernando]

Yeah that was a good highlight not the best one though was blatently Ricciardo calling Rosberg a motherf**ker

[GSC]

Barring any late engine shenanigans we stay as before then. Both Mercedes drivers did what they had to this race.

[dyrewolfe]

Yeah that was a good highlight not the best one though was blatently Ricciardo calling Rosberg a motherf**ker

Heh - I enjoyed that one too.


Not a scintillating race by any means, but at least Hamilton beating Rosberg keeps the title race alive (congrats Lewis on his 50th career win ).

Good drives by Ricciardo and Vettel. Seems Lady Luck chose to strike down Kimi and Max today when both were on course for top 5 finishes.

My drivers of the day have to be the McLaren duo. Majestic display by Alonso to finish 5th - loved his yell of delight as he passed Sainz. Excellent job by Button to finish 9th after starting 19th.

[Fernando]

I enjoyed Ricciardo post race

Commentary trying to figure out what you meant... It means a errrrrrr a really nice guy....one of my best mates....

[dyrewolfe]

Also thought it was funny when he made Gerard Butler (a teetotaller) drink Red Bull out of his boot.

[Scott is Back]

Forgive my ignorance - but do Ricciardo & Rosberg not get on?

I notice that Rosberg is usually stood alone in the pre-podium room....is he not the most popular of guys?

Im not keen on him, but didnt realise nobody else was...

[GSC]

Ricciardos been in a bit of a sulk in general this year, with everyone.

[Guest]

Purely down to frustration at the events of this year & Ricciardo knowing he's superior to Rosberg & jealous of the drive he's got.

Rosberg is a pretty smug git, not surprised he's one of the least popular drivers, amongst fellow drivers, fans & even his fellow countryman. Throw in Bernie's comments about wanting Lewis to win the title, for the good of the sport globally & you get the idea that not many people are a fan of Rosberg.

Having said that, he's driven well this year & capitalised on Lewis' bad luck. If he wins the title, he wins the title, but I couldn't envisage seeing him repeat the feat, similar to Button's achievement.

As for Lewis, I feel it's going to be too little, too late. He needs a DNF to happen to Nico pretty sharpish to have any hope now.

[Jermaine2015]

Purely down to frustration at the events of this year & Ricciardo knowing he's superior to Rosberg & jealous of the drive he's got.

Rosberg is a pretty smug git, not surprised he's one of the least popular drivers, amongst fellow drivers, fans & even his fellow countryman. Throw in Bernie's comments about wanting Lewis to win the title, for the good of the sport globally & you get the idea that not many people are a fan of Rosberg.

Having said that, he's driven well this year & capitalised on Lewis' bad luck. If he wins the title, he wins the title, but I couldn't envisage seeing him repeat the feat, similar to Button's achievement.

As for Lewis, I feel it's going to be too little, too late. He needs a DNF to happen to Nico pretty sharpish to have any hope now.

Sorry but Rosberg might not be the greatest driver that ever lived, but Ricciardo isn't superior in any case. Ricciardo beat Vettel granted, but he lost to Kvyat, whom they sold down the river for Verstappen.

[Jermaine2015]

Don't think it's been mentioned previously, but Daniil Kvyat has been retained for 2017 by Toro Rosso. Fellow Red Bull protege Pierre Gasly seemed to anger Red Bull earlier in the year when he claimed he was going to take Kvyat's seat...

Anyway it seems like Red Bull are hedging their bets on future line ups at the senior team. Verstappen and Ricciardo aren't pals, factoring in Sainz isn't mates with Verstappen either. Therefore if Ricciardo leaves Kvyat could replace him. But if Verstappen leaves Sainz could replace him.

[dyrewolfe]

Where would Verstappen go?

Mercedes are probably happy with their driver lineup - tensions between Rosberg and Hamilton notwithstanding. Ferrari likewise don't look like changing any time soon.

I think some people are being unduly harsh on Max and forgetting this is only his 2nd season. Everyone was praising him to the rooftops when he was driving for Toro Rosso.

Maybe the pressure of being drafted to the senior team so soon is making him drive more aggressively than normal. Even though he won his first race, maybe he still feels he needs to justify his place in the team. At RB you are expected to deliver results, after all.

I don't see what he could have done to upset that many people. Sure he's done a few questionable moves, including the one on Hamilton at Suzuka, but its not like he's regularly causing accidents, like certain other drivers have done in the past, or crashing out, blatantly infringing the rules etc.

I think perhaps someone should have a quiet word with him about his defensive driving, but thats it. I'd certainly hate for his natural aggression and racing instincts to be curbed, as he is one of the few exciting drivers we have at the moment.

[GSC]

He drove like a knob last year, just no one paid attention when he was divebombing 12th place.

[GSC]

I think the thing is, despite the competitive spirit, you have to have respect for your fellow drivers when you're doing 200 mph in an open cockpit super kart. The older drivers probably have better memories of eras when accidents would often go seriously wrong which is where that respect comes from and the unwritten rules as a result.

Max (and some younger drivers also) don't show that, some of his "moves" at Spa were frankly ridiculous, Whiting letting him off was a joke.

When you're Wee weeing off Kimi, you're probably doing something very wrong.

[Jermaine2015]

Where would Verstappen go?

Ferrari hasn't got any confirmed drivers for 2018. In all likelihood Kimi will retire after 2017 season and Sebastian isn't guaranteed to stay at Ferrari or in F1 either.

So it's not just Verstappen, Ricciardo is under threat at Red Bull as well. The loser in 2017 will probably be turfed out.

[Guest]

Hamilton quickest in FP1
Vettel quickest in FP2

Ferrari look decent around here, should be the nearest challengers tomorrow

[dyrewolfe]

I think the thing is, despite the competitive spirit, you have to have respect for your fellow drivers when you're doing 200 mph in an open cockpit super kart. The older drivers probably have better memories of eras when accidents would often go seriously wrong which is where that respect comes from and the unwritten rules as a result.

Max (and some younger drivers also) don't show that, some of his "moves" at Spa were frankly ridiculous, Whiting letting him off was a joke.

When you're Wee weeing off Kimi, you're probably doing something very wrong.

I thought being peed off was Kimi's natural state of being, so how would you tell?

Even when he gets a podium the guy looks like his dog just died.

Anyway, back to Max, as I said before, someone probably should have a word with him, but I don't see that he's done anything horrendous (yet). He and the other new drivers are young, relatively inexperienced and still have the instincts from GP2 or wherever they came from, where wheel to wheel racing is a lot more common.

Of course you would pick on one of the few questionable moves he has done. What about all the brilliant moves he pulled off that most other drivers wouldn't even think of doing?

[nathan]

Vettle is such an idiot, drives around calling people idiots and swearing at them. Yet when he blocks someone he blames it on the team.

He did make me laugh about asking to go for a wee though

[Jermaine2015]

Rosberg pulled out a save in Q3, looked for all money that both Red Bull's had him covered, but a pulled out a decent lap to stay close to Hamilton. Drag to the first corner should be brilliant. Mercedes starting on softs and Red Bull on the super softs.

[Guest]

The long drag down to T1

Expect both Mercedes drivers to be nervous tomorrow, balls the start up & one or both, could be mid-pack by T1.

[GSC]

I think the thing is, despite the competitive spirit, you have to have respect for your fellow drivers when you're doing 200 mph in an open cockpit super kart. The older drivers probably have better memories of eras when accidents would often go seriously wrong which is where that respect comes from and the unwritten rules as a result.

Max (and some younger drivers also) don't show that, some of his "moves" at Spa were frankly ridiculous, Whiting letting him off was a joke.

When you're Wee weeing off Kimi, you're probably doing something very wrong.

I thought being peed off was Kimi's natural state of being, so how would you tell?

Even when he gets a podium the guy looks like his dog just died.

Anyway, back to Max, as I said before, someone probably should have a word with him, but I don't see that he's done anything horrendous (yet). He and the other new drivers are young, relatively inexperienced and still have the instincts from GP2 or wherever they came from, where wheel to wheel racing is a lot more common.

Of course you would pick on one of the few questionable moves he has done. What about all the brilliant moves he pulled off that most other drivers wouldn't even think of doing?

He should remember many of them were possible because other drivers gave him the respect he refuses to show.

[Born Slippy]

The long drag down to T1

Expect both Mercedes drivers to be nervous tomorrow, balls the start up & one or both, could be mid-pack by T1.

Bound to be Hamilton - probably 9th by the first corner.

[Guest]

Jermaine will like this story, but the Paddy Lowe to Ferrari stuff has returned & wherever Paddy goes, Lewis follows. Wouldn't surprise me to see Paddy leave Mercedes, aero formula next year & possibly the end of the Mercedes era + need new challenges in life.

[Fernando]

Esteban Gutierrez to leave Haas at end of season, Haas offered Magnussen his drive.

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