Formula 1 VTB are-we-allowed-to-say-Russian? Grand Prix 2021Formula 1

[MatskiMonk]

Operation Kamikaze...

Operation Optimism...

Valtteri Bottas has given a quick update as to why Mercedes have opted for a power unit change.

"I think it's tactical because we want to make it to the end of the race," said the Finn. "I want to be on the podium for sure."

From BBC

 

[Rossell2]

I'm guessing they're counting on 2017-telling-vettel-to-stick-it Bottas today.

 

[Sum1s2pid]

 

[Grayfox]

Edit* Merc's social media says it's a 5th unit. Odd strategy to apply just to keep Max back.

Shouldn't this then put Bottas in 20th promoting Max to 19th?

 

[McLaren]

Shouldn't this then put Bottas in 20th promoting Max to 19th?

My understanding is that all the guys who took new power units had their qualifying places applied to them; sort of like they were treated as a "second" grid.

 

[Grayfox]

Crap, max is having a battery issue.

 

[Touring Mars]

Hamilton off to a poor start and is down in 7th already...

Up to 6th now, but the rain is coming in shortly...

 

[Grayfox]

Daniel might be back, up to 2 places

 

[McLaren]

Charles made quick work.

 

[Grayfox]

Riccardo screwed up some where, down 2 places

 

[Touring Mars]

Both Red Bulls behind Mercs.... Verstappen is now within DRS range of Bottas.

...Aaaaaand he's passed Bottas easily. Nice move, but practically no attempt to defend by Bottas.

 

[McLaren]

Name a better duo than Bottas and no defense.

 

[Sum1s2pid]

Pretty easy overtake on Bottas.

 

[Dennisch]

Boring Bottas woke up this morning it seems.

 

[PaMu1337]

That was sketchy 😱

 

[Touring Mars]

Pretty easy overtake on Bottas.

Is there any other kind?

Verstappen living a bit dangerously, almost tripped over Leclerc...

 

[Grayfox]

The balls on Max

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Name a better duo than Bottas and no defense.

Mercedes and dodgy strategy after Max takes the lead in the championship

 

[Roo]

A thought I had after qualifying, and I'm not seeing anything to change it: Verstappen will finish ahead of Hamilton.

 

[Dennisch]

Perez needs to step up now.

 

[PaMu1337]

I'm amazed that Russell is holding on, and not losing time to the leaders

 

[Touring Mars]

Rain radar looks like it will maybe just miss the circuit, but those rain clouds in the hills near the circuit are looking ominously close.

 

[Fat Tyre]

They should pit Hamilton to put him in clear air.

Meanwhile my cat is glued to the tele.

 

[PaMu1337]

They should pit Hamilton to put him in clear air.

Meanwhile my cat is glued to the tele.

Your cat has good taste

 

[Touring Mars]

Norris leads

 

[McLaren]

 

[Sum1s2pid]

Landooooooooooooo! 😮

 

[Fat Tyre]

Your cat has good taste

Yes she does 🥰.

 

[Grayfox]

Norris into 1st

 

[Jubby]

Norris leads

And the race director didn't think it was relevant... haha