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Just seen the news about the tyre issues, new directive issued and a 10 minute get to know the track at 16:00 Local time, then the shoot out, and what looks like a mandatory 3 stop race...
 
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Per an article on motorsport.com, there is a risk of sidewall separation between the topping compound and the lower carcass cords. This is exacerbated by the aggressive profile of the curbs which (like Austria?) can damage the tire if you drive fully over them onto the other side (so riding them does not appear to be an issue).

In response, the FIA has revised Track Limits at turns 12 and 13 and will hold a 10 minute "familiarization session" at 4PM local so the Sprint Qualifying will be pushed back 20 minutes to 4:20PM local.

Based on tire analysis after the Sprint Race is held, if the separation threat is still present, the FIA will likely mandate new tires cannot do more than 20 laps and used tires no more than 22 laps and all the teams would be required to perform three tire changes during the race (I presume to ensure all teams "suffer" equally).
 
AKA not a repeat of "tyregate"... A 3 stop, running all 3 compounds,for no more than 20 laps, I wonder if they will force a 3 compound, or a 3 pit any compound???
 
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Piastri on pole for the Sprint. Norris second and Max third.
Yes, well done McLaren. Piastri (and Norris) are doing great. Piaistri clearly takes this very seriously and does exactly what a rookie should be doing. I love that guy. When keeps it up, learns about race pace, he'll be the one to take over the world championship from Max one year in the future :)

I'm ready in my orange like 17m other people to celebrate Max third world championship in a row this weekend.
 
It is not extending, for example what idiot thinks Monaco is a great idea.. Scrap that venue.. Race here instead...
Before i wasn't sure you were being a troll. Now I am.
Actually, I agree with Monaco being scrapped. It's only there because über rich people want a glamorous weekend. It's a poor track for modern F1 cars, has been for decades. Many drivers have voiced similar thoughts. It's just not a racing circuit. But ditto Baku, Singapore and other street circuits. They just don't work well for F1 cars which should be driven flat out as much as possible. Less speed, less overtaking, less interesting.
 
Something that has been overlooked to much imo, is Alonso's performances in the Aston Martin. The Aston is not a great car. They had some good early season results, but Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes have been doing better since. Yet Alonso is still up much higher than his team-mate. Ok; Stroll isn't the best driver on the grid, but he's not the worst either. The gap between them is huge, however, and I think even with other drivers in the same car, Alonso wouls stiull be some distance in front. Here is a superb driver, in the twilight of his F1 career, still dragging a relatively poor car up above where it really deserves to be. He's done this for most of his career, and let's not forget, beat Schumacher and Ferrari to two world titles whilst in the inferior car. Unfortunately, his various moves to different teams just haven't paid off, that's just down to luck and chance; he must be hating seeing the McLarens doing so well at the moment. He'd be winning races in that car, and giving Max some actual competition. Imo, there are two drivers on the grid right now who can really get the most out of a car; Fernando and Max. Hamilton for all his DWCs, has never done that well in a poor car, and struggles to get the most out of a car that is sub-optimal. He needs (and has had the immense luck to have) a good car to be competitive. Alonso, Verstappen and also Vettel, are all drivers who can win in a poor car. And that to me, is the mark of a true great. And looking at those three in terms of their performances v team-mates; all have routinely and comprehensively beaten their team-mates throughout their careers, mainly. Particularly galling for the likes of Webber, Massa and now Perez. Hamilton on the other hand, has been beaten a few times by team-mates. But I think Alonso deserves more credit than he is given by the English-speaking F1 press at least.
 
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Piastri on pole for the Sprint. Norris second and Max third.

Mega lap by Oscar. Land was still behind on pace before he overdrove into 16.

McLaren is really impressive with two skilled drivers currently. I think they can give Max a challenge on Sunday. I think the McLaren handles the wind as well or better than the RB19. Still lacking a bit in rear grip, but not by much.

George getting all he can out of the W14. Hopefully race pace will be good to mix it up with Ferrari. I don’t think they have anything for McLaren.

Lewis seems lost all weekend. That post Q interview yesterday was telling. Definitely hears George knocking. Will be interesting to see his pace on Sunday.
If the W15 doesn’t fit his style no way he stays through 2025 given his frustration level.
 
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Something that has been overlooked to much imo, is Alonso's performances in the Aston Martin. The Aston is not a great car. They had some good early season results, but Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes have been doing better since. Yet Alonso is still up much higher than his team-mate. Ok; Stroll isn't the best driver on the grid, but he's not the worst either.

Actually I think he is the worst driver on the grid. Anyone else in an Aston would be consistently scoring more points. Daddy Stroll is eventually going to have to sack him if he wants Aston to be a consistent front-runner in the Constructor's Championship.


But I think Alonso deserves more credit than he is given by the English-speaking F1 press at least.

Alonso still has the fire now that he is in a competitive (and the Aston is still competitive even if it has fallen behind in upgrades) car.


McLaren is really impressive with two skilled drivers currently. I think they can give Max a challenge on Sunday. I think the McLaren handles the wind as well or better than the RB19. Still lacking a bit in rear grip, but not by much.

Agreed. I think McLaren has a somewhat decent chance to end up with the Sprint win as Max only need finish sixth in the Sprint to be WDC so unless he DNFs, his third WDC is a given within the next hour so he doesn't really have to push.
 
And Perez crashes out so that's it. Max has secured his third WDC.
You couldn't make it up could you. Jeez what a muppet, sure I saw the others go into him, but come on with his experience he could have just hung back and undertake them whilst fighting. That was a stupid line of Perez.

Hey ho, Max world champion again :)
 
You couldn't make it up could you. Jeez what a muppet, sure I saw the others go into him, but come on with his experience he could have just hung back and undertake them whilst fighting. That was a stupid line of Perez.

It looked like that was exactly what Perez was doing. He hung back in the corner to let Ocon and Hulk tussle for the corner than went for the gap. Alas, three into one does not work.
 
Piastri wins!
Max second, never really in touch with Oscar.
Norris drops to sixth at the start, but comes back third.
George had a great early run, but alas the Soft tires did not hold up and he fell back to fourth.
Lewis was able to get past both Ferraris on the last lap to secure fifth.
 
That was a very exciting sprint race. Amazing drive by Oscar for a rookie. Love to see Lando in third as well.

Max awesomely world champion again.

But the one to watch is actually Lewis Hamilton, who would have thought earlier in the year that he would have a shot at becoming 2nd. If Perez isn't careful, Lewis will take that place...
 
Piastri wins!
Max second, never really in touch with Oscar.
Norris drops to sixth at the start, but comes back third.
George had a great early run, but alas the Soft tires did not hold up and he fell back to fourth.
Lewis was able to get past both Ferraris on the last lap to secure fifth.

I think we will have some racing tomorrow. Stellar job by Oscar. Great recovery for Lando.

Congratulations to Max and RBR. I don’t see Sergio holding onto P2. He is cursed.
 
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