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Should be a good race tomorrow - sounds like Max only got pole because he got a massive tow off Hulk.
and Lando promoted to second now with Piastri getting a penalty for impeding.
And Yuki is making a strong case for that second Red Bull seat next season.
Should be a good race tomorrow – sounds like Max only got pole because he got a massive tow off Hulk.
Not really as he lost time on the final corner which probably evened it out.
And Yuki is making a strong case for that second Red Bull seat next season.
He's had an amazing weekend so far, it's hard to see him at Red Bull tho.
And Yuki is making a strong case for that second Red Bull seat next season.
Not sure why anyone thinks Tsonoda would do any better than Perez at Red Bull (not saying he'd be worse but.....)
Feel sorry for Piastri given KMag's wilful obstruction and dodgy driving in Miami to preserve Hulks points - I know quali obstruction rules are there for a reason, but if I was a steward I'd have seen the incident as just balancing the karma bank.
Piastri got in the way and disrupted Magnusson’s lap as the evidence the stewards found confirmed, the team just didn’t give him enough notice. It’s a slam dunk sadly. If its practice you can get away with it but not a competitive session.
Looking forward to the race. Much prefer these older proper circuits to the newer ones, might look at going to Imola or Monza next year.
Well this is dull!
Looks like zero chance of anyone being able to do an overtake.
Yep, shaping up to be a snoozefest
Well, it looks like McLaren really are right there with RB. 0.7s over a full race distance, no damage, no SC, no thing to confuse things. Max also got the B&W flag for not being able to keep the car on track early on, so hard was he pushing. Norris may not win the Championship, but could start to win a few races. Ferrari weren’t too far behind either.
McLaren's upgrade is pretty convincing, I'm pleased to see the gap to Red Bull being much closer over the last two races. What a finish!
I enjoyed watching Vettel drive Senna's '93 McLaren Ford round the circuit too. Nice tribute to Senna & Ratzenberger.
Having been curious for a while, I decided to watch the full race from Norris’ car as I thought it might be interesting.
It was ok and I kept with it to the end, but was quite strange with next to no information and pretty much no idea what was happening until quickly catching Max up to what turned out to be 2 laps from the end when a radio message confirmed it.
Would much prefer to have at least a lap indicator and maybe gap behind/ahead, plus the overall positions to get an idea of what’s happening elsewhere. But otherwise ok and the race flew by.
so hard was he pushing
You are Yoda and I claim my £5 😁
Anyone else disappointed with Ferrari?
They've been the No.2 team behind Red Bull since the start of these new regs but can't find that last few tenths. And now dropping behind McLaren.
And Aston are proving the point that you can't buy success in F1 (as BMW and Toyota found out). Dismal weekend for them and they are way behind their 2023 form.
Anyone else disappointed with Ferrari?
I think gaining an advantage this year is getting harder and harder, as all 3 of the top teams are demonstrating it's more important than ever now to have a strong driver line-up and while max is clearly still the driver to beat Perez was nowhere this weekend, I still think that Ferrari have the strongest driver line up, although it's a close thing to Piastri and Norris, and this weekend McLaren took the most points away at the race, next weekend it's just qualifying that counts, and I'd still give Leclerc the upper hand there.
Its not often Max looks like this at the end of a race, Norris must've been pushing them hard. 'nother couple of laps, and who knows...
the-muffin-man
Full Member
Anyone else disappointed with Ferrari?They’ve been the No.2 team behind Red Bull since the start of these new regs but can’t find that last few tenths. And now dropping behind McLaren.
And Aston are proving the point that you can’t buy success in F1 (as BMW and Toyota found out). Dismal weekend for them and they are way behind their 2023 form.
Yeah, a little bit. The car looked good overall, clearly it's still a way off the front. Hats off to Mclaren though, the confidence Lando had in those last few laps was brilliant to watch.
My biggest disappointment this weekend was (once again) Mercedes. Didn't seem like there was much improvement at all from their update. Balance still seems to be all over the place and setup looks tricky. As usual George got it right for qualifying and Lewis for the race. Waste of two good drivers at the moment.
Anyone else disappointed with Ferrari?
They’ve been the No.2 team behind Red Bull since the start of these new regs but can’t find that last few tenths. And now dropping behind McLaren.
I think they've improved their car more than it appears. Leclerc is an amazing qualifier and he flattered the car in previous years. Red Bull had a car that struggled to warm up its tyres in qualifying, but was easy on the tyres in the race and could just cruise off into the distance once the Ferrari chewed its tyres up. This year's Ferrari is much closer to the Red Bull in races, with much better tyre life, it's just that McLaren have done a spectacular job considering how bad their car was at the start of last year.
the-muffin-man
Anyone else disappointed with Ferrari?
A bit, but they were explaining on The Race podcast that something to do with their engine layout/set-up didn't suit the Imola circuit, so the track was probably a tough one for them compared to some others coming up.
There's an article about Ferrari's performance here:
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/where-ferrari-really-stands-now-after-mclaren-beatings/
with this little snippet explaining the engine/power-unit deficiency:
"This is not necessarily the best layout for the Ferrari engine given its turbo arrangement provides good power delivery off corners and is perhaps lacking at the very top end. But Leclerc was also adamant that Ferrari was missing something with its engine strategy at Imola compared to McLaren and Red Bull.
He felt that its battery deployment was slightly off, as he lost time on the start-finish straight beginning his qualifying laps that he could not make up. Maybe that was a hint at a need to better compensate the engine’s characteristics on a track like this.
“We basically lost everything at the launch,” he said post-race."
Towards the end of the race, a graphic representing "battery use" was being displayed, with Norris at something like 60% and Verstappen at something like 30%, with the emphasis that this was good for Norris, bad for Verstappen First time I've seen it. I though batteries were recharged each lap? Have I got that wrong? Can someone more knowledgeable explain please?
I don't think the charge resets every lap, just the allowed 30s of usage. As Norris closed in and got within DRS range, he didn't need as much deployment to keep up whilst Max was using lots to try and defend. Another two laps and Max would've been almost out of charge and not generating enough storage to get 30s worth of deployment from it and would've been slower around much of the circuit, thus allowing Norris a better chance of overtaking.
perfect, thanks both. 👍
Imola is known to be difficult to build up charge due to the lack of proper hard braking into slow corners.
Sorry I am late to the party but I was watching the recording.o
Is there a reason they keep telling us that LeClerc is from Monaco?
I can se some interest as the race is coming up but they do it all season. I am wondering how many times they will mention is at the actual Monaco GP. I might put £5 on them saying something like:
"The local driver, Le Clerc, from Monaco is racing at his home Grand Prix and the Monegasque driver is aiming for pole in this, the place he lives"
Is there a reason they keep telling us that LeClerc is from Monaco?
A few years ago, someone discovered that the term for someone from Monaco is Monegasque and now they think they have to squeeze the word into every available opportunity as they think it makes them look clever.
Do the locals pronounce it MONaco or MonAHco?
When I heard the French speaking is sounded more like mo-na-ku and spoken with an Inspector Clouseau style accent
I can’t be the only one thinking they should have used the red and white Marlboro livery (sans name) with replica Senna helmets… how awesome would that have looked?
They must have considered it, since the green and blue parts match the shape of the red in the Marlboro livery… maybe even nameless it still qualifies as tobacco advertising 🤔
maybe even nameless it still qualifies as tobacco advertising
Even if it was allowed I'm pretty sure their current tobacco sponsor (BAT) wouldn't have let them do it.
Blimey, Andretti have signed Pat Symonds after he resigned from F1 management today!
I can’t be the only one thinking they should have used the red and white Marlboro livery
I think they wanted to have a paint scheme inspired by and reminiscent of Senna rather than one invented by a tobacco company, hence the use of his helmet colours. Don't get me wrong, I like the Marlboro scheme, its a classic. But I can see why they didn't use it.
Does anyone else see this weekend's McLaren livery resembling an early '90s Benetton?
It resembles something I sicked up 30 years ago. Way too messy, not a fan of it.
Seems to be a lot of chatter about Sainz to Williams. Would seem a shame if they don't make something half decent for him to drive.
Seems to be a lot of chatter about Sainz to Williams.
I've also heard Red Bull and Audi. and left-field choice: Mercedes with Russell. Although I didn't take that one seriously. I think if I was Albon, I think I'd be pissed off about Sainz coming to the team.
" I think if I was Albon, I think I’d be pissed off about Sainz coming to the team."
Why? Sainz would bring a lot of experience along with him, and help develop the car. Things may happen quicker at Williams with 2 drivers as opposed to 1.
Williams would need to come up with a huge load of cash to make it more attractive than Audi. I don't see it happening, both teams are a long way off the front of the grid but Audi are a well-funded works team with their own engine so they would seem the better gamble if Red Bull and Merc aren't interested.
Mercedes 1 and 3 in first practice
Because Albon is their number one driver currently, and I'd imagine that Sainz wouldn't be best chuffed to be number two at a team like Williams.
Mercedes 1 and 3 in first practice
Seems to be the pattern every weekend now. Starts well and by Qualis on Saturday, Hamilton will scrape into Q3 and finish 8th and Russell 6th after fighting it around a couple of corners.
Albon maybe #1 driver, but the team are at the wrong end of the grid. It would take pressure off him, Sainz won't be staying for too long.
It says quite a lot about the unusual dynamics at Red Bull that Sainz hasn't been signed to them already
Probably because he's no better than Checo? And Checo will be cheaper.
And not forgetting they have donkeys years worth of Sainz data to look back on. He's 2nd tier, not top tier IMO.
He’s 2nd tier, not top tier IMO.
Until last week he was the only non-RB driver to have won a GP in the last 18 months. He may not be the very tippity-top, but in an equal car I'd bet him against Perez every time, and RB really do need a driver that can routinely nailed 2nd on the grid now that Ferrari and Maclaren are there or thereabouts, and Perez can't do that.
According to ****ter rumours Checo has already been offered a 1 year deal but turned it down.
Probably because he’s no better than Checo? And Checo will be cheaper.
More likely that he was teammates with Max at Torro Rosso and there was friction. Sainz was hired by Ferrari ahead of Ricciardo, who was considered to be a top talent. I think Sainz is considered to be a top driver by all the teams, but just not quite up there with the elite of Max, Lewis, and Leclerc. My guess is that Red Bull don't want him back because they don't want to upset Max.
Until last week he was the only non-RB driver to have won a GP in the last 18 months. He may not be the very tippity-top, but in an equal car I’d bet him against Perez every time, and RB really do need a driver that can routinely nailed 2nd on the grid now that Ferrari and Maclaren are there or thereabouts, and Perez can’t do that.
This is how I see him too, Checo has his good days but Sainz has shown much better consistency
More likely that he was teammates with Max at Torro Rosso and there was friction
I was wondering if that was part of the decision making process, from either side
Verstappen (Sr or Jr) will have a clause stipulating who can drive the 2nd car I'm sure.
Do you think it has to be someone who can't fight too well, just in case Jos gets a bit 'overexcited' again?
Do you think it has to be someone who can’t fight too well, just in case Jos gets a bit ‘overexcited’ again?
Very possibly!
Probably, can imagine Carlos being fairly handy.
Think the main problem is Red Bull Racing as a team cannot manage 2 competitive drivers, full stop. Vettel v Webber, Vettel v Ric, Verstappen v Ric. Horner is a crap team principal.
Sainz seems a safe pair of hands but seems to go missing if the weekend isn't working out for him like last weekend in Imola. That was his first one this season but more will follow.
Verstappen is saying that Red Bull are struggling, but then again he said that last weekend and then went on to get pole and win
Last week actually reminds me of some of the weekends that Merc had when they were dominating but had a car that had a very narrow setup window. Often they would struggle on Friday but then send the data back to the simulator for an overnight session trying different setups, then Hamilton would come out on Saturday and put the thing on pole and cruise off into the distance in the race. Fingers crossed that doesn't happen this time, I'd love to see Leclerc, Norris, and Hamilton battling it out at the front.
Great seats yesterday. Swimming pool today.
Omg amazing!
That's awesome, great pic of the McLaren too.
Lovelt!
Some great stuff from Ferrari and McLaren there. Verstappen starts in 6th, couldn't happen to a nicer guy lol
I know Monaco doesn't produce the best races, but one of the things I like about the qualifying is that, because the track is so slow and therfore aero is less of an influence, you are more likely to see the best drivers nearer the top, which is broadly speaking what we had today
According to ****ter rumours Checo has already been offered a 1 year deal but turned it down.
Hmm. If the musical chairs stop with Sainz at Audi or Williams and then Checco decides to retire, then what? Tsunoda? Lawson? As much as I like Riccardo he's not as good as he was and Yuki seems to have got himself together lately, performance has improved but mostly he now seems a bit more mature (how much of a bollocking did he get after swerving at Daniel?) Yuki moves up, Lawson to VCARB, would Riccardo want another season at VCARB?
I can believe Max is scared of having a truly top class teammate, he was pushed very hard by both Sainz and Riccardo and for some reason I can't explain I just get the feeling he doesn't like to be pushed like that, in 2021 for instance he just looked desperate against Hamilton, much less so now when he's had the big car advantage. He is so far the only World Champ to have never had another World Champ as a teammate (yes, Hunt/Jones is a slightly contrived)
I can believe Max is scared of having a truly top class teammate
Max has said the following
Asked whether he prefers to come out on top of a tense to-the-chequered-flag duel with an equally-matched rival, or simply to crush all before him with wins of 20-second advantages, Verstappen smiled.
“At least 20 seconds!” he said.
“That’s for me… I’ve raced so much in my life in close combat. I enjoy a lot more if we can actually nail the car and are 100 percent sure that we can win by a big margin but, of course, that’s not what fans want to hear but I am honest, you know?
“I’m here to win and I’m here to create my own success.”
Havent all the F1 drivers spent their careers racing in close combat, no matter where you are in the field your fighting someone?
There is no way Max would want a top class team mate to disrupt his winning streak, dont think he would be scared but it must be a lot of stress, look at the toll it took on Hamilton and Rosberg
I think if most of them were honest they'd say the same thing.
Sainz has said that he will go to the team that values him most as a driver, so unlikely to be Red Bull then!
I’m predicting a Verstappen/Merc smash off the start. Can’t make me mind up which one.
LeClerc and Pastry to clash, Verstappen to be pitted under red, and out first
Checo's car is ready for the bin!
KMag needs to be given his P45 with immediate effect. Total cock.
the-muffin-man
Full Member
KMag needs to be given his P45 with immediate effect. Total cock.
Checo could have avoided it too - he knew he was there
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Top ten finished in qualifying order lol. Super dull race but lovely to see Leclerc win
Well, that just goes to show that there are actually more boring things than watching Max drive off into the distance.
Were there any on track overtakes?
Were there any on track overtakes?
yes - Stroll did x2! 😳
F1 without Monaco just wouldn’t be F1. I bloody love it - yes, most years it’s dull but when it does throw up a good one it’s a bloody cracker.
Were there any on track overtakes?
Just a couple at the back
I've dropped out of watching F1 due to a change in TV package but I'm in Nice for the Tour in July so I'm going to try and ride the Monaco GP circuit. I know some bits of it are custom built for the race but info online suggests that the basic circuit including the tunnel is all rideable.🤞
That Red Bull looked properly pancaked! Amazing work from the structure that the cockpit was unscathed.