You wrote, “whether Niko Hulkenberg might have been a seven-time WDC if he had got Lewis' seat at M-B in 2007.” Did you mean McLaren-Mercedes in 2007?
This is likely total conspiracy theory BS, but can you imagine if MB/Toto somehow managed to purposely expose Lewis to Covid-19 in an effort to get another “hot-shoe” in the car to minimize leverage that Lewis may have during a new contract tract negotiation. Russell looks really strong in the car and if he manages a win or even an extremely close 2nd, MB might pushback on Lewis signing another $50mil/yr deal. Russell managed to get within 2 one hundredths of a second to Valerie in qualifying with only a couple days prep in the car. Again, this scenario is not likely but the possibility is not zero and it was discussed (briefly) by the commentators during qualifying...the negotiation portion of the scenario, not the possibility of intentionally exposing Lewis to Covid.
Why purposefully expose LH to COVID, MB is in the driver's seat for the contract negotiations. MB can make a take it leave it offer. If LH wants to secure a legacy that will undoubtedly never be broken he will take less to secure his eighth title and extend every other stat he has. If you were LH what would you do if your price was not met but you wanted to have the most titles and be at the top of all other stats would you say no and agree, its not like he really needs the money.
The Times is reporting that Hamilton tested positive again? So he may miss the final race. Russell must be eyeing this next opportunity and Bottas.... not so much.
Kravitz made a video regarding the Abu-Dhabi biodtome regarding Lewis and he said that it is unlikely Lewis will be allowed to enter the biodrome.
Pressure will be on George as well, being that this may be his last chance to get his first win until some time. And if Verstappen survives the first lap this time which can make it interesting.
Ha-ha, true. Poor guy just can’t win—literally. Max too, although as I wrote on Sunday, even if the Leclerc/Perez incident didn’t happen, Max would not have been able to stay with Perez.
I've no idea if Max could or couldn't. Not seen any of the practices/qualies at sakhir as I was away.
My opinion, of course, and not based on any data except the fact Perez had already passed Max and subsequently came back from last place to win. I don’t think the RBR had that pace.
Remember, for this last race, all of the motors are at or near the end of their lives. There could be some crazy explosions this time around.
I hope so but they’ve been rotated so probably not much more mileage on these end-of-season engines as earlier high mileage ones, I think.