Grand Prix thread Formula 1 Grand Prix De Monaco 2021

The worrying thing is Merc aren’t just struggling relative to Red Bull. They are really not in a good position in general at this circuit.

Having those Ferraris in first two rows does go to show what an unusual circuit this is when it comes to reflecting the normal pecking order though.

 

Was Charlie trying to pull a Schumacher and buggered it up?

 

No . First I don’t think it’s in his nature , secondly it was too iffy there !

 

Ferrari said on Saturday evening that an initial inspection of the gearbox did not reveal any serious damage. Further checks will be carried out on Sunday morning, when a decision will be made whether to use it in the race.

From the bbc .

 

Ignoring the **** up at the end, Lewis had demonstrated he is faster than Max on the first part of the lap till the tunnel. None of us know what time Lewis was likely to deliver but I am going to predict he will make up 2 places in the first few laps. I voted Max to win but I am excited at the prospect of a Max vs Charles race, a taster and a clue to the possible duals in the future. The season is still young and if the gap narrows then the future races will be more fun to watch. I voted Max to win, not as a fan but because I believed he and the car are capable. Not ruling out an influence from Carlos as well. Hope it doesn't disappint tomorrow.

 

I'm just glad it wasn't Verstappen or Hamilton in the barrier ending qualifying in P1. Can you imagine the fallout!

It could all end in tears, imagine if Mercedes and McLaren do protest after the race, the whole podium could be disqualified. I can't see this happening though because at the end of the day they've not broken any rules and they've not cheated the test. The test just doesn't work for what the FIA are trying to achieve.

 

I think once again the rules are in conflict and open to interpretation. They say the wings must be securely mounted which they all are, it's not the mount that's moving. They have to pass a specific test, well the engineers will design things that pass the regs but only just pass. They are experts at crafting things to pass tests, so the flexi wings currently pass the prescribed tests so no foul. The issue to me is that aero devices are supposed to be non moving structures! We have seen in the vids that they all move but some move a lot more than others. Now this rule, I believe also is in effect for the front wings!!

As for 4 weeks notice of the new test I think that's fair as they have to design and make completely new wings to pass the new tests plus FIA have to have kit for the new tests.

If Merc protest the flexi rear wings than all Red Bull or Ferrari need to do is protest Mercs front wing as it moves!!! I can see the whole field being disqualified Maybe Williams and Haas don't have flex in their wings? Wouldn't that be funny Williams 1, and 2 and a Haas 3rd...

 

Max has been so quick off the line at each race so far. As such, he might jump CLC at the start and have a relatively easy race.

Qualifying today perhaps furthered the argument that the Mercs are the best car on the grid when the tyres are up to temp, but that it seems much harder to get them up to that temp in the first place...

 

The Ferrari eats its tyres, as we've seen - hence one of the reasons they've been great today, as it clearly heats them up quickly, and on faster circuits, too quickly. They've been good around slow corners too, so this just suits them perfectly.

I fear them "doing a Ferrari" and running Charles with a slightly dicky gearbox though, which won't last the race...

 

Charles first, Max second, Lewis 5th, closes the gap to 6 points, maybe +/- 1 point for fastest lap. Sends a clear signal that Max is not in a league of his own for his generation, a promising sign for the next decade. That will do nicely thank you. Bottas, Perez, Norris and Sainz can fill in the gaps.

 

pretty sure Horner has said that if the protest stands , they will protest merc front wings . I think all the teams front wings flex though ?

 

Sorry . Didn’t spot this when I posted my quote from the BBC .

 

Or max first Lewis DNF ?

 

Sugar gearbox not good.

 

Unlucky Leclerc, Hopefully Max wins the race, surley everyone wants him to win today.

 

I'd rather Leclerc won it at his home race tbh. Or Sainz. It could be their only chance of a win this year.

Max is likely to take the lead in the championship today but it would be nice if neither of them got too far ahead at this stage.

 

Not good for Charles.

Max very hard to beat today now- whether any of the Mercs or remaining Ferrari can hassle him is another thing. I hope they can and that we can keep it interesting.

Lando Norris effectively starting 4th, on the best side of the grid!

He’s got to be thinking about a Monaco podium in a Gulf livery!

 

Can see Bottas winning if he gets a good start now as he's on the good side of the grid.

 

A bit cheeky of red bull to try and rearrange the grid so max is on cleaner side of grid. FIA say no!

 

who's going to try the dive bomb into Lowes?