[Jody Barton]

GPS traces tell a very different story I'm afraid, the RBR has an apex speed advantage over the Mercedes at almost every corner we've raced at, with Verstappen AND Perez, so I disagree. I think again looking at it the cars are probably nip and tuck this year, but in low fuel trim I do think the RBR is the slightly quicker car. Then from what I've seen in race trim that switches and it's the Merc that looks happier on heavy fuel and worn tyres. There will be circuits where those general trends flip, I'm sure, but I think it could come down to the development race between the two teams.

As to the Perez Vs Bottas thing, Perez is no one lap specialist. Never been quick over a single lap. I do think he's probably an all-round better driver though, but even in junior formula Bottas was one of the very best one lap specialists. Here is how I see it:

One lap pace = Bottas
Wheel to wheel racing = Perez
Over a race distance = Perez

I happen to think Perez is struggling with a pointy car. Most of the very best drivers we've seen in F1 like pointy cars, be that Lauda, Senna, Schumacher, Clarke etc. have preferred pointy cars. I can only think of Prost of the very top drivers who didn't like a pointy car & preferred a stable / smooth car. 

We've seen time & time again when what we think of as decent midfield runners in F1 get into a team with a top driver they struggle with the pointy car the superstar likes. I think this is kinda what we're seeing with Perez right now. But I have seen some improvement. Plus in Imola he did out qualify Verstappen. RBR need that sort of performance consistently from him though.

[morini]

GPS traces tell a very different story I'm afraid, the RBR has an apex speed advantage over the Mercedes at almost every corner we've raced at, with Verstappen AND Perez, so I disagree. I think again looking at it the cars are probably nip and tuck this year, but in low fuel trim I do think the RBR is the slightly quicker car. Then from what I've seen in race trim that switches and it's the Merc that looks happier on heavy fuel and worn tyres. There will be circuits where those general trends flip, I'm sure, but I think it could come down to the development race between the two teams.

I take it this is in response to Anti's comment the Mercedes is faster? Not really clear who you are disagreeing with

I agree with you, it is very, very close performance wise between the two cars at the moment. Nothing in it, but I had a feeling Mercedes were sandbagging through the FP sessions (I was wrong, or RBR were carrying equal sand). When Max posted that Q2 time I did not think Mercedes would be able to match that and it was a bit of an eye opener. I don't look at GPS traces, but I have a gut feel the RBR has an advantage in low fuel trim.

Put it this way, I reckon Hamilton would have taken pole yesterday in either car.

[Jody Barton]

Yeah, it was Anti I was responding too. 

I also think you are right, Lewis would've taken pole in either car I think. I know many won't like hearing that, but I think it's the truth. 

We'll see how things go in the race. But I think Lewis qualified on a well worn / scrubbed set of tyres so I don't know how that'll play into things. Should still be an easy one stop by my reckoning, but some are suggesting two stops might be quicker if you're willing to burn the rubber to get there, but overtaking here is mental.

[PapaofGags]

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/for...2021-05-09

Small chance of rain, fingers crossed.  

[morini]

Lando just said there were a few spots around. We can but hope.

[morini]

They have a piece on just now about Hamilton and quali. That singapore 2018 lap was something else.

[PapaofGags]

They have a piece on just now about Hamilton and quali. That singapore 2018 lap was something else.

listening to Lewis talking was amazing, really enjoyed that piece, some of his laps were stunning, Singapore was out of this World.     


Catch up later, enjoy the race peeps.    

[morini]

Spain is usually very dull, but that was compelling viewing. Great entertainment.

Fantastic team effort, congratulation James Vowles and the whole Mercedes team. The best start to a season Hamilton has ever made. Look out

[NeilP]

One of the biggest things I take from this race was the acknowledgment from Christian Horner that the Mercedes was able to follow so closely behind the Red Bull. Routinely through commentary and again today (Surprise, Surprise) we are told by Mr. Croft that the Mercedes is not built to follow but to lead. Can we please put that to bed its so yesterdays news.

Mercedes do have the better all round car but its so close as to almost be irrelevant.

I think Mazepin's license needs to be revoked that guy does not belong on any race track he is a major liability.

Bottas needs a dressing down, he made a comment in interviews that he did not see Hamilton. Please that is total BS. Unacceptable. Totally unacceptable.

Overall a good race, it reminds us that strategy does have a role to play.

[pennywise]

Don't know what the folk are thinking when they say Max had the racing line going into turn 1 at the start,,,,,bollocks lads...Max was on the inside behind Lewis and dive bombed the space.......that was an accident waiting to happen with any other driver on the grid....Lewis pulled out knowing Max's previous and his 14 years experience...I hope Lewis repays the move during the season