F1 2021 Season

First topic message reminder :

The season opening Australian Grand Prix & the Chinese Grand Prix have been postponed.

Bahrain Grand Prix on the 28th March to be the first race of the 2021 season.

Formula 1 to revert to 2pm race start times at European races this year.

F1 practice sessions will be shortened to one hour during Fridays across the 2021 season.

Cognizant have been announced as Aston Martin’s new title sponsor. They will be called ‘Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team’.

Alex Albon will drive in DTM this season, on selected race weekends

Lando Norris has confirmed he has contracted Covid, while staying in, Dubai.

He won't be starting at all.

FFS. Curse of the botched pit stop strikes Bottas yet again. Any bad luck that seems to be going round Mercedes seems to happen to him.

Retired thanks to a damaged wheel nut which meant they could only change 3 out of 4 tyres.

Some smart pit stop work by RB and Aston jumps Perez up to 4th and Vettel to 5th.

Pretty drab race in all honesty but one that Verstappen, Sainz, Perez, Vettel and Giovinazzi needed.
Aston Martin really ticked all the boxes this race. Vettel was pretty much superb after the last 18 months of woes.
It’s quite clearly a 2 man championship as Bottas is already 50 odd pts off the top two.
The real intriguing factor will be whether Bottas will yield or will he ignore team orders as he’s most likely looking for a new seat.

1. Verstappen
2. Sainz
3. Norris
4. Perez
5. Vettel
6. Gasly
7. Hamilton (FL)
8. Stroll
9. Ocon
10. Giovinazzi

Pretty routine win for Max in the end. First Monaco win for him...also now has a narrow lead over Hamilton in the championship.

Decent drive by Perez, made up for a poor qualifying session...helped in part by a good pit stop to finish 4th.

Great drive by Sainz to salvage something for Ferrari. Would have been hoping for a win after Leclerc got pole, but I think they won't be too disappointed with 2nd.

Another great result for Lando Norris, picking up another podium for McLaren. Did well to hold off a late charge by Perez.

Fantastic result for Vettel and Aston after being pretty much nowhere so far this season. Stroll also in the points. Things finally starting to click for the green Mercedes...or just an anomaly due to it being Monaco?

Gasly keeping the points coming for Alpha Tauri. If Perez ends up well off Max's tally at the end of the season, he should be worth another look.

Decent damage limitation by Hamilton - finished where he started, but picked up an extra point for fastest lap to keep the gap to Verstappen to a minimum.

Race lived up to its reputation for being the most boring on the calendar. History be damned - they really do need to scrap this venue.

Hard for me to feel too bad for LeClerc when he only had pole because he binned it.

Routine win for Max, pretty open goal but there's always a risk at Monaco.

Tough for Bottas. Even when he does outperform Lewis, he has to retire.

Sometimes these strategic masterclasses come off for Mercedes, today it didn't. As much as Lewis may whine on the radio, the blame starts with where he lined up on the grid. Most important quali session of the season.

Good results for Sainz, Norris and Vettel.

I think they need to widen the track at Monaco. These modern cars are too wide so passing is impossible. Whether it’s by land reclamation or changing the configuration. I don’t really enjoy this track.

Mercedes should really be looking at Pierre Gasly to replace Bottas. I don’t really think Russell is worthy of the hype. Gasly has turned his career around.

Typical Monaco race. Uneventful, and with LeClerc not starting, this was always a procession for Verstappen. Mercedes always have at least one horror weekend, and this was probably it. Tv director was also woeful.

Interesting to see if Mercedes bounce straight back in Baku

Jeff Navarro wrote:I think they need to widen the track at Monaco. These modern cars are too wide so passing is impossible. Whether it’s by land reclamation or changing the configuration. I don’t really enjoy this track.

Mercedes should really be looking at Pierre Gasly to replace Bottas. I don’t really think Russell is worthy of the hype. Gasly has turned his career around.

I'm pretty sure its impossible to make any significant changes to Monaco...its a small seaside resort with lots of high-end businesses...hotels, casinos and the like. Not to mention the marina. Lots of very wealthy & influential residents who would likely object to any major construction / redevelopment work (and I wouldn't blame them...its a very pretty place). Thats why I said they should just bin the venue, regardless of its history.

As for George Russell, he's only had 1 race in the Mercedes, but he showed he's more than capable of stepping into Bottas' seat when the time comes.

In any case Gasly is a Red Bull driver, so if he makes a step up, it will be back to the senior team (should Perez not deliver the results expected).

I’ve heard from reports that Gasly’s deal with Red Bull won’t be renewed. Marko absolutely hates the Frenchman. And as we all know Marko is the true boss of the Red Bull f1 project.
Gasly was supposedly close to joining Alpine, but that got ruined when Alonso resurfaced.
If Ricciardo continues to get battered by Norris, Gasly may well end up at McLaren...

As for Monaco without modifications it’s a waste of a slot on the calendar. Like today the race was over as soon as Verstappen got to T1.

Jeff Navarro wrote:As for Monaco without modifications it’s a waste of a slot on the calendar

Climate change is likely to take this track off the calendar, before the F1 owners ever do. Too much history, heritage and money involved.

As for Gasly, he was banking on Alonso bending over Ocon, and that isn’t happening. I don’t see McLaren binning Ricciardo. I do envisage Albon replacing Tsunoda in the AT, before season end.

Only watched the start then dipped in and out of the race from there (cos nothing happens at Monaco) -agree with the general consensus, they should bin it but there is like a 0.1% chance they actually do...it's a huge money making event, the teams all get treated like royalty for a week, there's no way they turn that away.

Obviously a fantastic weekend for Red Bull and a disaster for Mercedes - for once I thought Bottas was having a good weekend (clearly better than Lewis), and yet again the team screw up a pitstop for him. Felt for him yesterday.

Aston Martin with a superb weekend, great race from Vettel to get ahead of Hamilton/Gasly in the pit stop phase, and then for Stroll to go deep into the race and leap Ocon/Kimi and grab 8th.

Norris is putting Danny Ric in a bodybag at the minute, destroying him. Another fantastic weekend for Lando

Also, a shoutout for Mazepin...who beat Mick, and generally had a weekend where he didn't embarrass himself.

I would imagine Baku is going to be another Red Bull track

Monaco suffers even more than other circuits due to lack of overtaking in F1. It is already tough enough to overtake and with no DRS effects to help either it suffers even more. I don't think the circuit is to blame as much as the product in my opinion as I can recall several exciting races at Monaco.

CaledonianCraig wrote:Monaco suffers even more than other circuits due to lack of overtaking in F1. It is already tough enough to overtake and with no DRS effects to help either it suffers even more. I don't think the circuit is to blame as much as the product in my opinion as I can recall several exciting races at Monaco.

Hamilton was reported as saying his car was too long to navigate the twists and turns of the circuit quickly, others say the cars are too wide, others say it is also because of the extreme aerodynamics of the car - where downforce and hence grip is lost when following cars ahead.  Net result was that there was only two on track overtakes - Giovinazzi on Ocon in lap 1 and Schumacher on Mazepin also on lap 1 I believe.  Other changes in position were mainly due to overcuts when pitting.

No name Bertie wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:Monaco suffers even more than other circuits due to lack of overtaking in F1. It is already tough enough to overtake and with no DRS effects to help either it suffers even more. I don't think the circuit is to blame as much as the product in my opinion as I can recall several exciting races at Monaco.

Hamilton was reported as saying his car was too long to navigate the twists and turns of the circuit quickly, others say the cars are too wide, others say it is also because of the extreme aerodynamics of the car - where downforce and hence grip is lost when following cars ahead.  Net result was that there was only two on track overtakes - Giovinazzi on Ocon in lap 1 and Schumacher on Mazepin also on lap 1 I believe.  Other changes in position were mainly due to overcuts when pitting.

Yes that is what I was getting at. The make-up of the cars now size-wise and technically makes overtaking (even on any curcuit) difficult makes it more so at Monaco. Monaco has had many great races in the past when the cars were cut-out for more exciting racing which they aren't now.

Red Bull has supposedly managed to steal 50 members of Mercedes’ engine department to their new engine program.
Andy Cowell also supposedly joining.
Statement of intend by Red Bull.

Red bull quickest in both practice sessions at Baku, while Merc’s struggles continue. Plenty of overtaking here, so easier damage limitation for Merc on Sunday, if the bulls get a front row lock out.

Singapore cancelled again.

Jeff Navarro wrote:Singapore cancelled again.

And somewhat farcically Turkey could be back again to replace it.

Stroll and Giovinazzi both hit the wall and out in Q1

Ricciardo bins it in the wall in Q2

Alonso out-qualifying Ocon. Wonder if he's starting to find his feet?

Vettel will probably feel a bit better at missing out on Q3 when he remembers he can start on tyres of his choice. Still in a good position to score points tomorrow.

Red Bull & Ferrari looking ominously quick again.

Norris likely to be penalised for accelerating past the pit lane after the first red flag. Really unlucky as the team left it too late to instruct him whether to box or stay out, resulting in some last-second confusion as he was passing the pit lane.

Leclerc Pole
Hamilton 2nd
Verstappen in 3rd

Tsunoda causes a red flag and I’m sure Albon will be in that AT before the summer break

I can't remember the last time I saw so many red flags in a quali session...quite extraordinary!

Tsunoda into the wall, while Sainz behind him locked up horribly and skidded into a run-off area. Lot of engineers going to have very busy evenings.

Leclerc actually gets to start on pole this time.

Another interestingly mixed-up grid:

Leclerc
Hamilton
Verstappen
Gasly
Sainz
Norris (penalty pending)
Perez

Could be in for a good race...

In free practice it was looking bad for Mercedes - it was looking like it could be another Monaco. However in qualifying Hamilton - Mercedes were on the pace. Shame about all the crashes in qualifying - we maybe couldn't see the final pace of everyone. However Hamilton will be pleased to be qualifying ahead of Verstappen. It was looking like Perez was going to match Verstappen in qualifying - I think both Perez and Bottas provided a slipstream for their team mates in the first part of Q1.

RB conveniently bodged Perez pit stop 4.3 to Max’s 1.9

Toto needs to give Hulkenberg a call. Bottas is rubbish.

RB just too good round here. Pretty uneventful, so far. Verstappen strolling to victory

For all the plaudits mercedes got earlier this year, kinda have to suspect they went early on Lewis because of Max and Perez behind. Bottas with a very limp final season at merc

Oof!

Stroll with a huge shunt. Looks like his left rear let go on the straight. Thankfully he seems okay. Made it back to the pits in the medical car.

On a positive note the Safety Car will bunch the field up and hopefully liven up a pretty boring race.

Red Bull have new mediums available whereas Hamilton only has new hards available.
Vettel could be looking at another top 5

GSC wrote:For all the plaudits mercedes got earlier this year, kinda have to suspect they went early on Lewis because of Max and Perez behind. Bottas with a very limp final season at merc

Yep - looks as though Merc are in for a very tough season now RB have genuine pace and Perez seems to be getting to grips with the car. As well as being an extra car to fight with on track, also means RB have more flexibility with strategy.

I really hope Russell gets the call up next season.

Disappointed for Leclerc - seems Ferrari's quali pace doesn't yet translate to race performance.

dyrewolfe wrote:

GSC wrote:For all the plaudits mercedes got earlier this year, kinda have to suspect they went early on Lewis because of Max and Perez behind. Bottas with a very limp final season at merc

Yep - looks as though Merc are in for a very tough season now RB have genuine pace and Perez seems to be getting to grips with the car. As well as being an extra car to fight with on track, also means RB have more flexibility with strategy.

I really hope Russell gets the call up next season.

Disappointed for Leclerc - seems their quali pace doesn't yet translate to race pace yet.

Leclerc Pole was a fluke mate. He got the tow at the right time. Verstappen on his final lap was set to smash LeClerc’s time.

Max crash wow

Perez wins, Hamilton second and Vettel in third

Max - what the heck?

He bins his car on the straight - another tyre failure looks like. Doesn't seem hurt fortunately.

Not enough laps left to clear the wreckage and re-start the race.

Perez to win, Hamilton 2nd and Vettel gets a maiden podium for Aston.

Pirelli have ruined F1. Substandard tyres for years.

Oh wait - red flag with 3 laps left.

Race will be re-started after all, looks like.

Always gutting when a driver is robbed of a win through no fault of their own.

Jeff Navarro wrote:Pirelli have ruined F1. Substandard tyres for years.

Well partly Pirelli and partly the FIA / FOM.

I have some sympathy for Pirelli in that they keep getting asked to change the spec - different constructions, rubber compounds etc. to work at different temperatures and pressures.

Not only that but they have to produce 5 different compounds just for slicks (on top of the wet and inter tyres).

I think a lot of problems could be solved by going back to just having 2 slick compounds - Prime and Option. Teams never use more than 2 anyway...unless its a wet / dry race.

Even more if they went back to allowing 2 different manufacturers. Competition usually helps drive improvements.

Gutting for Max. Should've been two straight races on pole but for red flags and two wins to go with it

Happens to most of the top runners throughout their career. Hamilton blowing in Malaysia while leading, essentially gave Rosberg his title.

Often when tyres are heading towards failure there is usually some sort of sign (no grip, some sort of instability, slow puncture) - but in this race we had two tyres catatrosphically failing - Stroll and Verstappen. The hard tyres were said to be good for 30 laps and I think the failures occurred when they were 31 and 33 laps old.

Hamilton out. Brakes

Max laughing now

Probably not because he's still losing a net 9 points

Oh wow - Hamilton locks up and is out of the race!

Both title contenders not scoring today.

Gasly on the podium as it stands.

Perez ordered to stop as soon as he gets over the line. Wonder how close he was to a DNF?

Wonder if it was pure failure or just a rush of blood like Seb had at that corner a few years ago.

Great to see Seb end up on the podium

Vettel was finished according to Binotto...sure he was. Great drive for the German
Perez deserved the win.without the poor stop he would’ve been ahead anyway.
Gasly what a star as well.

Max and Lewis don't finish and Bottas is still out of the points.

The hook for Russell might not be miles off

I think Mercedes needs to win at Paul Ricard and it’s a track that they’ve owned since it returned.

GSC wrote:Wonder if it was pure failure or just a rush of blood like Seb had at that corner a few years ago.

Lewis apologised to the team over the radio, so I guess he feels he messed up. His brakes were smoking like crazy at the restart though...possibly overheated and faded when he needed them?


Happy to see some new faces on the podium anyway. Perez did a great job as rear gunner for Verstappen and held it together when he had to take over, to get the win.

Amazing drive by Vettel - looks like he is starting to get to grips with the car. Obviously benefitted from the DNFs and possibly also helped by the circuit, but its nice to see Aston scoring points. Have to feel for Stroll as much as Verstappen. Could have had a decent points finish.

Gasly continuing to do the business for AT. May have to wait for a recall to RB if Checo keeps performing.

Leclerc again getting as much as he could out of the Ferrari. Didn't look as good here as at Monaco. Norris also with another decent drive, making up places after his 3-place grid penalty.

Alpine and Alonso will be chuffed no doubt with his 6th place. Another old-timer finding his feet again?


Really nice to see Vettel giving Perez a hug before their trip to the podium.