Motosport General discussion tread --- Formula1, MotoGP, WTCC, ETCC, DTM.....

[Davidvictorson]

We have left the FP1 behind and it was really exciting. There was a very close gap between Hamilton and Verstappen. Hamilton ended it as the leader by only a 0.056 second gap. This even proves that we are gonna watch a very exciting qualifying session and race. But on the other hand, it is still early to talk like this. There are still two more Free Practice sessions.

Horner, Marko and in part Jos Verstappen need to get off of Max’ nuts and let him be himself and race. Instead they protect him from everything and everyone like their lives depends on it, let him learn from his mistakes instead of giving him a pass on everything. Max needs to get on with his life without these babysitters.

[swogerino]

Practice 1 for the Saudi grand prix is done... Hamilton edged Verstappen by a tiny amount.
Can we read anything into this? Is Max closer than expected?
I know it's only first practice, and it's also earlier in the day than qualifying or the race will be, so the conditions are probably unrepresentative... but are there some signs here that it could be closer than the Hamilton steamroller that we might have expected?

^  It’s weird that Hamilton is trying to be fast at FP1.  The Mercs usually sand bag at FP1 and FP2 then shows their real pace at FP3 or they even wait til qualifying.

I think Hamilton is starting to play mind games against Verstappen..  Not sure why but it’s the impression I got when he said that beating Verstappen would be his most significant F1 title.    Ouch.  So yeah..  expecting FP2, FP3 and quali to be all Hamilton here.

Yes it looks like the track is run at 250 km/hour average speed at least that is what all drivers have been talking about during all this week before finally diving into FP1 Practice.I think Mercedes should be the better engine here but we have seen that even Honda when properly setup by the race engineers not rarely has had the top speed and this track is a top speed one so let's see.I think qualifying will not decide much as this being a fast track will have a lot of room for overtaking so I am looking forward to the race more than quali.

[coinlocket$]

Free Practice 1 results, after all if it will be possible overtaking it will be a nice GP.

Pos   Driver   Nat.   Team   Time
1   Lewis Hamilton   GBR   Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team   1m29.786s
2   Max Verstappen   NED   Red Bull Racing   1m29.842s
3   Valtteri Bottas   FIN   Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team   1m30.009s
4   Pierre Gasly   FRA   Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda   1m30.263s
5   Antonio Giovinazzi   GBR   Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen   1m30.318s
6   Carlos Sainz   ESP   Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow   1m30.564s
7   Charles Leclerc   MON   Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow   1m30.600s
8   Daniel Ricciardo   AUS   McLaren F1 Team   1m30.608s
9   Fernando Alonso   CHI   Alpine F1 Team   1m30.842s
10   Sebastian Vettel   GER   Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team   1m30.886s
11   Sergio Perez   MEX   Red Bull Racing   1m30.960s
12   Esteban Ocon   FRA   Alpine F1 Team   1m31.023s
13   Lando Norris   GBR   McLaren F1 Team   1m31.029s
14   Lance Stroll   CAN   Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team   1m31.044s
15   Yuki Tsunoda   JPN   Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda   1m31.099s
16   Kimi Raikkonen   FIN   Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen   1m31.296s
17   George Russell   ISR   Williams Racing   1m31.343s
18   Mick Schumacher   GER   Uralkali Haas F1 Team   1m31.525s
19   Nicholas Latifi   CAN   Williams Racing   1m31.821s
20   Nikita Mazepin   RUS   Uralkali Haas F1 Team   1m33.464s

Source: https://www.crash.net/f1/results/993985/1/f1-2021-saudi-arabian-grand-prix-free-practice-results-1

[Real-Duke]

Formular 1 Free Practice 2 results:
..ups I made a mistake here! Final results look here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1393430.msg58613075#msg58613075

Session was stopped by red flag a few minutes before the end because Leclerc has had an accident in turn 22

[aesma]

6,6s difference between FP1 and FP2, with no rain, that's crazy. The track was really really green ! I guess logical for a new, sandpit circuit.

Keep in mind on Friday drivers can use any engine, then change it for Saturday without penalty, so it's possible the leaders were on old, tired engines, not delivering as much power as the ones they'll use tomorrow.

[sana54210]

The excitement rate is increasing after every day we leave behind. The end of the season is down to only 2 races and the next race weekend is starting tomorrow in Saudi Arabia. Verstappen are still maintaining their lead by an 8-point gap with Hamilton. But Hamilton's incredible performance in the last two races helped him drop the gap to this level. As he is in a great form, Verstappen has a very hard job in this GP. But he is aware that he can even announce his championship by this race. So, I expect him to do his best. Still, I think that we will see the title competition going on in the last race.

It is sad to see the interest to it is nowhere around here. I mean we are down to just 2 last races and it would in any other sport be super exciting and everyone would write to this topic, and here we are with just few messages a day at the very most. I mean even during the season there were more people talking about it, wonder maybe this excitement made them look somewhere else? Reddit /formula1 right now is buzzing, there are many chats about what the races will be like and there are tons of drama going on as well. I really can't wait to watch it, it is definitely something that would be very entertaining to see, we just need to check and see if Hamiltons car is still that fast or not.

[coinlocket$]

6,6s difference between FP1 and FP2, with no rain, that's crazy. The track was really really green ! I guess logical for a new, sandpit circuit.

Keep in mind on Friday drivers can use any engine, then change it for Saturday without penalty, so it's possible the leaders were on old, tired engines, not delivering as much power as the ones they'll use tomorrow.

Nah, he posted the wrong table.

this one is the correct

2021 F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - FREE PRACTICE RESULTS (2)
Pos   Driver   Nat.   Team   Time
1   Lewis Hamilton   GBR   Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team   1m29.018s
2   Valtteri Bottas   FIN   Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team   1m29.079s
3   Pierre Gasly   FRA   Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda   1m29.099s
4   Max Verstappen   NED   Red Bull Racing   1m29.213s
5   Fernando Alonso   CHI   Alpine F1 Team   1m29.441s
6   Esteban Ocon   FRA   Alpine F1 Team   1m29.555s
7   Carlos Sainz   ESP   Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow   1m29.589s
8   Yuki Tsunoda   JPN   Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda   1m29.597s
9   Sergio Perez   MEX   Red Bull Racing   1m29.768s
10   Charles Leclerc   MON   Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow   1m29.772s
11   Daniel Ricciardo   AUS   McLaren F1 Team   1m29.968s
12   Lando Norris   GBR   McLaren F1 Team   1m30.004s
13   Antonio Giovinazzi   GBR   Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen   1m30.110s
14   Kimi Raikkonen   FIN   Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen   1m30.276s
15   Lance Stroll   CAN   Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team   1m30.442s
16   Sebastian Vettel   GER   Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team   1m30.502s
17   George Russell   ISR   Williams Racing   1m30.506s
18   Mick Schumacher   GER   Uralkali Haas F1 Team   1m30.652s
19   Nicholas Latifi   CAN   Williams Racing   1m31.039s
20   Nikita Mazepin   RUS   Uralkali Haas F1 Team   1m31.629s

Source: https://www.crash.net/f1/results/994015/1/f1-2021-saudi-arabian-grand-prix-free-practice-results-2


ACCORDING to Pirelli simulations poleposition could be 1.27.2

[aesma]

OK that makes more sense, thanks !

[AndySt]

We have left the FP1 behind and it was really exciting. There was a very close gap between Hamilton and Verstappen. Hamilton ended it as the leader by only a 0.056 second gap. This even proves that we are gonna watch a very exciting qualifying session and race. But on the other hand, it is still early to talk like this. There are still two more Free Practice sessions.

Horner, Marko and in part Jos Verstappen need to get off of Max’ nuts and let him be himself and race. Instead they protect him from everything and everyone like their lives depends on it, let him learn from his mistakes instead of giving him a pass on everything. Max needs to get on with his life without these babysitters.

Let everyone do their own thing and if this happens successfully enough, then why change the established state of things. Max should concentrate on racing and should not yet bother his head with other issues that may interfere with doing this effectively, especially when dealing with confrontation with his father and the leadership of his own team. I don't think that the influence of these people can have any significant impact on Verstappen's driving style and, accordingly, the results. Moreover, judging by the sound of negotiations with the team live during the race, Max is able to insist on his own point of view in tactical matters.

[waelov]

6,6s difference between FP1 and FP2, with no rain, that's crazy. The track was really really green ! I guess logical for a new, sandpit circuit.

Keep in mind on Friday drivers can use any engine, then change it for Saturday without penalty, so it's possible the leaders were on old, tired engines, not delivering as much power as the ones they'll use tomorrow.

yeah the track is new and most of the teams drivers needs plenty of testing so my many will be on seeing red flag. cause the circuit is brand new plus its narrow and closed like Baku and Monaco so and lock or slip or squeez and since there is not much for or runaways thats will lead to a crash and with the tight circuit it will need a red flag to remove the damaged car and to to mention this is the end of the season drivers will try to push hard and gain more points as constructors championship and rankings still wide open this will make the drivers going adventuress.

[Cnut237]

I think Hamilton is starting to play mind games against Verstappen.

I think he is, yes. The last time he was in a serious title challenge it was against Vettel, and Vettel wasn't strong enough mentally to deal with it. But Verstappen is strong enough, I think. He's not shown any signs at all of buckling under the pressure. He's certainly a worthy opponent for Hamilton.

If Hamilton has the faster car here, then one thing that could be important is the pace of the second drivers. Bottas looks like he should be up near the front for a change, but Perez seems to be struggling a bit. That could hand Mercedes a tactical advantage if it stays like that through qualifying. Of course I don't expect Bottas to beat Verstappen in the race itself, but he might be able to assist Hamilton.

[tokeweed]

6,6s difference between FP1 and FP2, with no rain, that's crazy. The track was really really green ! I guess logical for a new, sandpit circuit.

Keep in mind on Friday drivers can use any engine, then change it for Saturday without penalty, so it's possible the leaders were on old, tired engines, not delivering as much power as the ones they'll use tomorrow.

Nah, he posted the wrong table.

this one is the correct

2021 F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - FREE PRACTICE RESULTS (2)
Pos   Driver   Nat.   Team   Time
1   Lewis Hamilton   GBR   Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team   1m29.018s
2   Valtteri Bottas   FIN   Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team   1m29.079s
3   Pierre Gasly   FRA   Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda   1m29.099s
4   Max Verstappen   NED   Red Bull Racing   1m29.213s
5   Fernando Alonso   CHI   Alpine F1 Team   1m29.441s
6   Esteban Ocon   FRA   Alpine F1 Team   1m29.555s
7   Carlos Sainz   ESP   Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow   1m29.589s
8   Yuki Tsunoda   JPN   Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda   1m29.597s
9   Sergio Perez   MEX   Red Bull Racing   1m29.768s
10   Charles Leclerc   MON   Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow   1m29.772s
11   Daniel Ricciardo   AUS   McLaren F1 Team   1m29.968s
12   Lando Norris   GBR   McLaren F1 Team   1m30.004s
13   Antonio Giovinazzi   GBR   Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen   1m30.110s
14   Kimi Raikkonen   FIN   Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen   1m30.276s
15   Lance Stroll   CAN   Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team   1m30.442s
16   Sebastian Vettel   GER   Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team   1m30.502s
17   George Russell   ISR   Williams Racing   1m30.506s
18   Mick Schumacher   GER   Uralkali Haas F1 Team   1m30.652s
19   Nicholas Latifi   CAN   Williams Racing   1m31.039s
20   Nikita Mazepin   RUS   Uralkali Haas F1 Team   1m31.629s

Source: https://www.crash.net/f1/results/994015/1/f1-2021-saudi-arabian-grand-prix-free-practice-results-2


ACCORDING to Pirelli simulations poleposition could be 1.27.2

Boom...  There it is!  Hamilton is starting to play mind games with Verstappen.  He’s gonna take it a notch higher at FP3, that’s starting in around 10 minutes or so...  By the time qualifying starts, Verstappen will be having lots of doubts in his head.  I hope Horner and Newey sees this and figure something out to at least give Verstappen a bit of a boost out there.  I mean it doesn’t have to be top of the grid but at least get him top 3 spot.

Edit:  FP3 done just now.  Verstappen’s revenge!

[Real-Duke]

Edit:  FP3 done just now.  Verstappen’s revenge!

Very good practice result vor Verstappen with 1:28.100 but I gues we will still see Hamilton on the pool at the end of the Qualifiying

[Cnut237]

Edit:  FP3 done just now.  Verstappen’s revenge!

Very good practice result vor Verstappen with 1:28.100 but I gues we will still see Hamilton on the pool at the end of the Qualifiying

Well... Hamilton has been called to the stewards, facing two potential penalties, one for ignoring double yellow flags, one for impeding Mazepin. Would be kind of harsh as this is only practice and not a meaningful session in the way that qualifying is... but still, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a grid penalty, which would probably then give Max the championship. I really hoped this would be decided on the track and not by the stewards, but we will see. Wonder if the fact it is practice and not qualifying will affect anything? I mean, it's not like he could gain an advantage... but then if it's unsafe and he's responsible, that's another matter.

[coinlocket$]

Final session of free practice

2021 F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - FREE PRACTICE RESULTS (3)
Pos   Driver   Nat.   Team   Time
1   Max Verstappen   NED   Red Bull Racing   1m28.100s
2   Lewis Hamilton   GBR   Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team   1m28.314s
3   Sergio Perez   MEX   Red Bull Racing   1m28.629s
4   Yuki Tsunoda   JPN   Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda   1m28.641s
5   Pierre Gasly   FRA   Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda   1m28.715s
6   Valtteri Bottas   FIN   Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team   1m29.019s
7   Charles Leclerc   MON   Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow   1m29.101s
8   Carlos Sainz   ESP   Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow   1m29.149s
9   Esteban Ocon   FRA   Alpine F1 Team   1m29.177s
10   Lando Norris   GBR   McLaren F1 Team   1m29.300s
11   Fernando Alonso   CHI   Alpine F1 Team   1m29.418s
12   Antonio Giovinazzi   GBR   Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen   1m29.590s
13   Kimi Raikkonen   FIN   Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen   1m29.689s
14   Daniel Ricciardo   AUS   McLaren F1 Team   1m29.717s
15   Lance Stroll   CAN   Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team   1m30.030s
16   George Russell   ISR   Williams Racing   1m30.034s
17   Sebastian Vettel   GER   Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team   1m30.296s
18   Nicholas Latifi   CAN   Williams Racing   1m30.366s
19   Mick Schumacher   GER   Uralkali Haas F1 Team   1m30.933s
20   Nikita Mazepin   RUS   Uralkali Haas F1 Team   1m30.979s

Source: https://www.crash.net/f1/results/994066/1/f1-2021-saudi-arabian-grand-prix-free-practice-results-3

Quality is ongoing right now.

[Cnut237]

No penalties for Hamilton.

From BBC Sport on Twitter:

"The Race Director reported to the Stewards that the double yellow flag warning on the FIA Marshalling System was activated at Light Panel Number 6 accidentally, for less than one second"

"on-board video clearly shows there was no yellow flag displayed, no yellow lights were displayed to that driver and the yellow warning light was not visible on the driver’s steering wheel"

Kind of stupid it needing an investigation then, really.

And for the Mazepin incident, reprimand and 25k fine... so it's as it was, no penalties, all to play for in qualifying.
Unbelievable end to qualifying!

Insane speed from Max, right on the limit, looked like he was going to steal that pole position back... and then, almost unimaginably, took it a little too hard on the very final corner... scuppering the lap, damaging the car... potential grid penalty for replacement parts? It really shows how hard these two are fighting... every last centimetre is crucial.

Really hope car damage doesn't hurt him here, we want Max vs Lewis on the track, no grid penalties for either of them.

[Jackl87]

Unbelievable end to qualifying!

Insane speed from Max, right on the limit, looked like he was going to steal that pole position back... and then, almost unimaginably, took it a little too hard on the very final corner... scuppering the lap, damaging the car... potential grid penalty for replacement parts? It really shows how hard these two are fighting... every last centimetre is crucial.

Really hope car damage doesn't hurt him here, we want Max vs Lewis on the track, no grid penalties for either of them.

Man i feel so bad for Verstappen right now. He was only a few seconds away to produce an absolute miracle round but then in the very last corner, just like you say, it was over. I think Verstappen is under extreme pressure at the moment he has to go to the absolute limit in order to have a chance against mercedes at the moment. You just need to look what time Bottas has managed to produce in this Qualifying and then you look at Perez. Bottas was only 0,112 s behind Hamilton while Perez was 0,612 behind. I just hope that the gear box of Verstappen is not damaged and i hope for a good start for Verstappen.

[Real-Duke]

Edit:  FP3 done just now.  Verstappen’s revenge!

Very good practice result vor Verstappen with 1:28.100 but I gues we will still see Hamilton on the pool at the end of the Qualifiying

Ok to be honest, Max Verstappen deserved the Pole but lost everything in the last corner! I really feel sad for him
My tip was 1:27.600 for the Pole after the 3rd practice but if Max could it bring all together it would be easy to be under 1:27.200!

Looking forward for the race tomorrw, what a crime!

[LTU_btc]

Unbelievable end to qualifying!

Insane speed from Max, right on the limit, looked like he was going to steal that pole position back... and then, almost unimaginably, took it a little too hard on the very final corner... scuppering the lap, damaging the car... potential grid penalty for replacement parts? It really shows how hard these two are fighting... every last centimetre is crucial.

Really hope car damage doesn't hurt him here, we want Max vs Lewis on the track, no grid penalties for either of them.

Indeed, it was amazing qualifying. Max pushed limits and on first sector he made mistake when he almost hit wall. Despite it, he was fastest on first sector. On second sector he improved his time a bit more and most likely he would get pole. But that mistake on last corner was very painful for him. But seems that car wasn't damaged seriously, so I doubt that he will get penalty.
We have two Mercedes on front row, but with such pace Max is fully able to fight for a win tomorrow.
BTW, I think that safety car is very likely to appear on race and wouldn't be surprised if red flags will be needed on such dangerous track.

[swogerino]

Unfortunately for Max that saying fortune favors the bold was not true today.He was driving an amazing lap and I saw the Redbull and Honda in general in this track were not at all behind Mercedes,so at least we are going to see a good race tomorrow and I bet everything that we will see the safety car often in this track as drivers were doing errors while driving alone,imagine in the tense battle of the race.I think maybe Hamilton wins again and Max comes second and everything will be decided in the last race of the season.