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.

Bottas is now 6th in the championship race:
1) Verstappen .... (2) 105
2) Hamilton ........ (3) 101
3) Perez ............ (1).. 69
4) Norris ................... 66
5) Leclerc ................. 52
6) Bottas .................. 47
7) Sainz Jr ................ 42
8) Gasly ................... 31
9) Vettel .................. 28
10) Ricciardo ............. 26

I think Perez could have won the race anyway with the original overcut - but he had a poor pit stop compared to Verstappen in the first round of pit stops.  I think he lost nearly 3 seconds in  the pit stop to Verstappen.  Perez had a very strong race today, was matching Verstappen in free practice and qualifying until Q1 was red flagged.  Maybe Red Bull finally have found a driver who is close to matching Verstappen.

I think Vettel started on softs and got them to last about 7 laps longer than everybody else while maintaining fast laps.  That's where he made up most of the positions.

Thought it was a great race, probably the best one of the season so far!

Very unlucky for Verstappen, Pirelli seem to have got it massively wrong here and are pretty lucky two tyre blow ups with cars going 200mph+ didn't result in any serious injuries. Whilst his bad luck in not winning isn't quite evened out by Hamilton failing to score points (he's still lost gaining about 8-10 points on him, as seemed set to do)...it's not quite the horrible outcome it looked when it happened.

Superb race from Perez, made a fantastic start to get himself up into 4th and then 3rd...and took advantage of Hamilton's slow release to get into position if anything happened to Max as it did. What a bonus it will be for Red Bull both in the constructors, but also in helping Max win the Drivers title if Perez can get himself up the front most weekends now.

Mercedes...well a bit embarrassing really. Hamilton with a rare mistake blowing a golden opportunity to take a grip on the championship after a solid weekend, and Bottas is reaching the point now where they might have to seriously begin to look at alternative options mid-season if his form doesn't improve - can't leave Hamilton exposed up front to both Red Bulls with no protection/help from Bottas, and not good for the constructors either.

Decent weekend for Ferrari, not surprised their race pace wasn't really up there they just don't have the engine power for the big straight at Baku (or anywhere) to compete with many teams. Sainz will be a bit disappointed to only be 8th, looked quicker than that to me and his lock up really ruined his race

McLaren will be pretty happy to get out of here on similar points to Ferrari, after Saturday it looked like they might end up losing huge chunks in that battle for 3rd in the constructors, but ended up just losing a few points. Riccardo still being massively outperformed by Norris, and we're reaching the point now where the "well it's a new team/car" excuse isn't really an excuse anymore (as other drivers in new teams are showing!)...

Great result for Gasly and AlphaTauri - they seem to occasionally just have a fantastically quick car, similar here to how they were in Bahrain. Decent run for Tsunoda this weekend too.

Vettel the deserved driver of the day, he's really hooked up with that Aston in the last two races and is re-finding vintage form, a superb drive yesterday. A huge shame for Stroll, who seemed to be making that alternative strategy work really well and was set to pickup a few points before the tyre failure. They do seem to have picked up some pace in the last few races, the battle between them an AlphaTauri should be good throughout the season.

Great result also for Alonso! Seemed to be the one who benefitted most from the restart and held onto a great 6th place.

Not a lot else to speak of for the backmarkers...Kimi/Giovinazzi seemed to have a decent weekend, Haas managed to not totally embarrass themselves, that honour was left for Williams who now sit behind Haas in the championship and seem to have lost pace to a Haas team who is actively not developing the car this year (and also the Latifi red flag situation was a shambles).

No name Bertie wrote:I think Vettel started on softs and got them to last about 7 laps longer than everybody else while maintaining fast laps.  That's where he made up most of the positions.

I was amazed how long his first stint was. I kept wondering how he wasn't going backwards through the field, so props to him for setting himself up for the rest of the race like that.

Turns out Hamilton's lock-up was a complete accident. While he was overtaking Perez after the restart, he knocked the brake bias switch which basically left him without any rear brakes, hence the massive lock-up and skid into the escape road. At least thats the official explanation...

dyrewolfe wrote:

No name Bertie wrote:I think Vettel started on softs and got them to last about 7 laps longer than everybody else while maintaining fast laps.  That's where he made up most of the positions.

I was amazed how long his first stint was. I kept wondering how he wasn't going backwards through the field, so props to him for setting himself up for the rest of the race like that.

Turns out Hamilton's lock-up was a complete accident. While he was overtaking Perez after the restart, he knocked the brake bias switch which basically left him without any rear brakes, hence the massive lock-up and skid into the escape road. At least thats the official explanation...

I err did find it a bit strange that they hung Bottas out to dry for the Monaco incident (where apparently him missing his marks in the pit lane by a few inches, meant the wheel gun didn't work or something)...surely a line similar to how they have handled this Hamilton situation would have been more correct? Mistakes do happen, it's not the end of the world!

Certainly been a few "un-Mercedes" like incidents to start the season. Be interesting to see how the next few races go, you'd think Paul Ricard and Austria will suit their car more than Red Bull.

dyrewolfe wrote:

No name Bertie wrote:I think Vettel started on softs and got them to last about 7 laps longer than everybody else while maintaining fast laps.  That's where he made up most of the positions.

I was amazed how long his first stint was. I kept wondering how he wasn't going backwards through the field, so props to him for setting himself up for the rest of the race like that.

Turns out Hamilton's lock-up was a complete accident. While he was overtaking Perez after the restart, he knocked the brake bias switch which basically left him without any rear brakes, hence the massive lock-up and skid into the escape road. At least thats the official explanation...

I do find this slightly concerning. They are obviously highlighting the Pirelli tyre issue currently, and rightly so. However, the ability to 'knock a switch' and disable rear braking seems just as dangerous, but almost being kept quiet in comparison.

I’m hearing that Bottas has been informed his services are no longer required and his time at Mercedes will end.
Mercedes made contact with Gasly, they wanted him of Red Bull waived the rest of his contract. Unsurprisingly Red Bull said no.
George Russell has already signed up for 2022 - announcement expected at the British GP.
Bottas could still be sacked early if he doesn’t pull himself together

Jeff Navarro wrote:I’m hearing that Bottas has been informed his services are no longer required and his time at Mercedes will end.
Mercedes made contact with Gasly, they wanted him [if] Red Bull waived the rest of his contract. Unsurprisingly Red Bull said no.
...

Gasly must feel angry at Red Bull. They were quite harsh when saying he would not get back in a Red Bull because of his driving style and attitude. Having an opportunity to drive for Mercedes this year (if Bottas sacked) or next year (contract not renewed) must have been a highly interesting proposition for him. Surprised they would consider Gasly ahead of Russell given Russell has been parked at the back of the field at Williams for three years. Russell is saying he wants to be either at Mercedes in 2022 or moved to a competitive car (presumably away from Williams).

Gasly is still fortunate to be in the Red Bull family. He made a side deal to join Renault/Alpine for the 2021 season. Red Bull knew nothing about this until Gasly told them the French team had offered him more money. Once again Red Bull refused to release him and they signed Ocon instead.
Gasly after his win in Monza signed a new improvement deal with Red Bull until 2023.
It makes no sense for Red Bull to let him go as there’s a big drop off after Gasly in the second team, unless someone buys out the contract.

Esteban Ocon sign new deal with Alpine until the end off 2024.

Seems RB/AM were running low tyre pressures in Baku. No sympathy.

This was despite the teams in question following the prescribed starting parameters for the tyres, Pirelli said.

Mercedes moaning about some of the kerbs being "too aggressive"

How about don't drive over them then

Equally, comments that the paint off track is so abrasive that it shreds the tyres when they go off line etc. That sounds like the required compromise to stay on track, compared to a street circuit or a track that has gravel traps and you could get beached in them.

Just John wrote:Seems RB/AM were running low tyre pressures in Baku. No sympathy.

Pirelli report into Pirelli tyres exploding decides Pirelli not at fault

I don’t trust any of the parties involved, but wouldn’t be surprised if RB were pushing the boundaries, and we know AM/RP are proven liars, after their scandal.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Mercedes moaning about some of the kerbs being "too aggressive"

RB’s Jonathan Wheatley was moaning like stink too.

Verstappen quickest in FP3. Hamilton struggling.

Jeff Navarro wrote:Esteban Ocon sign new deal with Alpine until the end off 2024.

Think Alpine might regret that at some point. Ocon’s bagged a new deal, thanks to Alonso’s poor early form, but I think the Spaniard is starting to settle in now, and the tables are turning.

No surprise to see Ferrari & Aston Martin going backwards, away from street circuits.

Merc will be content with second and third. Great lap by Max though for pole.

Rumours Albon could be replacing Tsunoda relatively soon. Not surprised

Just John wrote:

Jeff Navarro wrote:Esteban Ocon sign new deal with Alpine until the end off 2024.

Think Alpine might regret that at some point. Ocon’s bagged a new deal, thanks to Alonso’s poor early form, but I think the Spaniard is starting to settle in now, and the tables are turning.

No surprise to see Ferrari & Aston Martin going backwards, away from street circuits.

I agree to a point but you have to factor in Alonso’s $20m salary as well.
We all know Alpine wanted Gasly but having to buy him out from Red Bull plus probably offering him more money than whatever Ocon accepted isn’t probably feasible in the current global situation.

Fluxy wrote:

dyrewolfe wrote:

No name Bertie wrote:I think Vettel started on softs and got them to last about 7 laps longer than everybody else while maintaining fast laps.  That's where he made up most of the positions.

I was amazed how long his first stint was. I kept wondering how he wasn't going backwards through the field, so props to him for setting himself up for the rest of the race like that.

Turns out Hamilton's lock-up was a complete accident. While he was overtaking Perez after the restart, he knocked the brake bias switch which basically left him without any rear brakes, hence the massive lock-up and skid into the escape road. At least thats the official explanation...

I do find this slightly concerning. They are obviously highlighting the Pirelli tyre issue currently, and rightly so. However, the ability to 'knock a switch' and disable rear braking seems just as dangerous, but almost being kept quiet in comparison.

Well it was the "official" explanation.

Given its the first time something like this has been mentioned (to my knowledge) I'd bet Lewis was just being overly ambitious with tyres & brakes that weren't up to racing temp yet.

I mean its possible...but unlikely IMO. Otherwise you'd surely see a lot more instances of this happening?

Fluxy wrote:
Equally, comments that the paint off track is so abrasive that it shreds the tyres when they go off line etc. That sounds like the required compromise to stay on track, compared to a street circuit or a track that has gravel traps and you could get beached in them.

Agreed. I bet they'd complain a hell of a lot more if they did bring back gravel traps. Go off and your race is likely over.

I actually would love to see this...but it won't happen as it apparently spoils the spectacle when there are fewer cars on track.

Tsunoda and Mazepin would never finish a race!

Chance of a wet race (or partially wet) today apparently - let’s hope so

Just John wrote:Merc will be content with second and third. Great lap by Max though for pole.

Rumours Albon could be replacing Tsunoda relatively soon. Not surprised

I was thinking AT might be wondering if they could have Albon back. Or maybe RB giving them a friendly nudge and a wink.

Tsunoda clearly knows how to drive fast...just a shame he can't keep his car on track.


Does seem like this season is shifting towards Max and Red Bull now...unless Mercedes can find some performance from somewhere.

Given what happened in Baku, it looks like they will have to do some serious strategising, if they are to have any hope of snatching the win from Verstappen. For starters Bottas is going to have to try and keep Perez behind him, so Lewis only has to focus on Max.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Chance of a wet race (or partially wet) today apparently - let’s hope so

Cooler weather could also help Mercedes...or at least hamper RB in terms of tyre temps.

Team also confirmed Lewis' lock up in Baku was a driver issue. They have a "Brake Magic" button on the back of the steering wheel that automatically shifts 90% of the brake bias to the front wheels.

They've modified the surround in an effort to stop him accidentally hitting it.

Whoa - Verstappen goes off track at Turn 2, handing the lead to Lewis!

Max masters Paul Ricard with a brilliant drive. Hamilton second and Perez third.
Third straight win for Red Bull.

Verstappen wins. Think Merc had the pace to win this, just being under cut and then being unable to overtake on equal tyres, cost them. It’s was an inevitability that Max would win this, once Merc committed to a one stop.

Advantage RB, but you’d never count out Mercedes to turn it around.

Red Bull are out Mercedesing Mercedes

Welp. Congrats Red Bull - they got their strategy spot on today. As well as seeming to have a pace advantage, they made sure they also had a tyre advantage to make full use of their low downforce setup.

Max pulls further ahead in the drivers championship and RB increase their lead in the constructors' championship. They look so much better as a team now they have 2 quick drivers in their cars.

Bad day for Mercedes, stubbornly inflexible with their strategy - left both drivers with no tyres to defend their positions. Bottas rightfully angry at the team...both he and Lewis called it and they ignored their drivers.

Good day for McLaren with Norris & Ricciardo best of the rest. Think they now leapfrog Ferrari.

Points finishes for Gasly & Alonso. Astons rounding out the points places.

Max's retirement in Baku keeps it in touching distance, but Lewis probably needs to make a dent in this momentum with back to back races at the rbr

Only a 12pt deficit, with 15 races remaining. Long way to go. Like they’ve said, Mercedes had the pace today, they just were out-done by RB strategically, and by the fact overtaking on equal tyre condition around here was nigh on impossible.

It is believed that the rain that occurred before the race washed some of the rubber off the track causing the higher degradation of the tyres.  It seems fair to say that Perez has joined the party in helping Red Bull with strategy and the constructors championships.   Lando came in fifth and is still ahead of Bottas in the overall standings, Ricciardo sixth.  Then 7th Gasly, 8th Alonso, 9th Vettel, 10th Stroll, 11th and out of the points Sainz, and a credible 12th for George Russell.  Bad result for Ferrari finishing out of the points despite having qualified P5 and P7. All 20 cars finished the race with no retirements.

Red Bull's superior top line speed will probably swing it in their favour. Austria x 2, Belgium, Italy etc is where that top speed will be invaluable.

Just John wrote:and by the fact overtaking on equal tyre condition around here was nigh on impossible.

By that measure though, Mercedes only had track position to begin with because Max ran wide at turn 1 starting on pole.

Shaping up to be a great season this, was another good race I thought - Red Bull really have Merc on the back foot at the moment, seeing a lot of "uncharacteristic" mistakes both on and off track from them. You'd figure Austria will be good for their car though, and they did seem to have good race pace here so it's not like they're on the ropes or anything.

Max/Perez seem to be in stride and both had good weekends

Hamilton drove very well, and I actually think Bottas did too - both just got done over by the strategists, despite both saying it'd be a two stop race. I really don't get why they didn't box Bottas to get the fastest lap point off Verstappen either

Disaster weekend for Ferrari, no way round it really. Shocking on their tyres, and no pace on Sunday's it seems.

Another great weekend for Lando, and Danny Ric also up there too seems to be finding his feet!

Gasly really is showing up Tsunoda (even accounting for him being a rookie), just seem on different planets at the moment those two. Tsunoda going to be lucky to last the season at this rate

Another solid enough weekend for Aston Martin, both Vettel and Stroll with good races - they seem to be able to manage those long stints and tyres really well.

Agree with comments on here about the slight bafflement at the Ocon contract extension - I can understand maybe wanting him for 2022 with the new regulations, but to lock him in for 3/4 more years seems premature. Alonso seems to be driving nicely at the moment

Alfa Romeo continue to exist

Good race for Russell

Haas got out of Q1 for once at least

Abu Dhabi approves plans to alter it’s track layout for this year’s race  

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Hamilton drove very well, and I actually think Bottas did too - both just got done over by the strategists, despite both saying it'd be a two stop race. I really don't get why they didn't box Bottas to get the fastest lap point off Verstappen either

I think the answer to both questions is Perez: they thought he might get a 5 sec penalty and that Bottas could stay in touch, and because his first stint was so much longer they weren't confident enough to pit again and come out on track behind him.

It's similar to what Mercedes did to Max earlier this year and a couple of years ago in Hungary. If Lewis pits he's gonna be behind Max who is no longer tyre limited to the end, so nothing gained. Might as well leave both out and hope Bottas can delay Max (he did a pathetic job of that).

And yes, they were hoping Perez would get 5 seconds for an off track overtake so left Bottas out.

140,000 fans permitted to attend Silverstone for the British GP.

They've junked the chicane in sector 1 in Yas Marina again and changed the section of corners after the 2nd straight to be 1 long corner to try and promote overtaking

Istanbul back on the calendar in place of singapore

Bottas continues to embarrass himself. Bizarrely spins in the pits. Fortunately didn’t clean up the McLaren guys.

Imagine he'll pick up some kind of penalty for that. Stewards usually take a dim view of pit lane shenanigans

3 place grid drop for, Bottas. Shocking season

The shortness of the lap means it is difficult to get a clear track to post a fast time, which means fastest times posted in FP1 and FP2 are difficult to assess.  Also several got their times deleted for exceeding track limits.  Qualifying and the race may be affected by rain - changeable weather conditions which means a lot of potential uncertainty.

Why are they trying to make pit stops more boring? Until they sort out overtaking pit stops and strategy are mainly the most interesting thing

Because if something goes wrong in the pit lane it has the potential to go disastrously wrong. Generally there's little to no protection for the people standing in that area. There was a tyre bouncing down the pitlane at speed a few years ago that legitimately could've killed someone.

Sochi junked from next season, in favour of igora drive in russia

Sochi is god awful, and bland. Financially, and from a spectator point of view, it makes sense to move near St Petersburg.
Ocon out in Q1. Regretting the urgency on that contract, Alpine?

Unsurprisingly, Verstappen pole, Hamilton 2nd & Norris in 3rd

Pretty big gap for Max on pole. Bottas at least limiting the damage by qualifying 2nd on pace. Lando putting it in P3 after Bottas' penalty