1. Yes, that would've been on Max. 2. I didn't see that as a brake check so clearly - though it could've been. Vettel's impulsive reaction to bang wheels with Ham in response did him in. We've seen stupid brake checks over the years that have had very near accidents, but the driver behind was able to do heads-up evasive action. Yesterday someone finally wasn't able to avoid an accident, and the stewards had to do something about it.
He didn't just change his pattern and take a defensive action. If Alonso and simply slowed his pace, or protected the outside on exit to defend against the DRS, I'd have had no problem with that. But that's not what he did. His intention was to slam his brakes well before the braking zone, so that his rear wing lights would come on, and cause Russel to lose momentum for the coming DRS zone. Russel would've ran into the back of Alonso had he not swerved, and they could've both gone flying through the air. Drivers can't be allowed to use such tactics.
In raw speed, I think Leclerc will be faster than Hamilton. But Hamilton may prove to be more consistent, but let's see how he adapts first.
I personally think that raw speed will be the difference over his experience and possible consistency. At least it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.
Just a racing incident. When a driver quickly moves to the inside to prevent an overtake, but didn't on previous laps, that's not potentially dangerous, erratic driving, it's just racing. Russel is crash prone late in a race, this year, with an unstable car.
the stewards and I disagree I know you’re a Fred fanboy but that was across the line (and to be fair to George he’s crash prone at the start of races too )
I don't know who compiled this data but if accurate this is an interesting stat I haven't seen before, and supports the idea RB's setup was off (or at least Checo's was) Image Unavailable, Please Login
You sort of just have to root Carlos. i don’t see the Alonso tactics as the stewards do. Is that the new standard now… that the drivers behind have to be coddled? To me it looked like George had plenty of time and room. So he was unprepared… his fault. It didn’t seem that dramatic. And what was the screaming for red flags the way he did. Not a good look.
I was so impressed with him in 2022. Seems like he has peaked. Time to find a successor. Speaking of succession, how much longer can Daniel Ricciardo keep that seat? He needs to be replaced after race 10 if not sooner to give Liam Lawson a chance.
Truth doesn't change if we're fans of a driver. I'm a Fred fanboy myself. He's one of the all time greats, even if the stats don't nearly show it. But that doesn't change that what he did was totally uncalled for. Even the great drivers cross a line once or twice - they're human. It's on us fans to hold them accountable.
Totally agree. Everyone is blowing Sainz right now and he drove a great race but Hamilton is a proven winner.
Didn't Alonso do this to Checo in Brazil last year? If I remember, he lifted in turn 12 and forced him to play catch up, Martin even commented on it there saying Alonso was playing games with Checo to throw him off in 13 and 14. Soon it will be passing in DRS zones only. I don't know, I think it's weak sauce, but then again, Herbert. If it were Norris and Gasly there would be no penalty.
Hamilton also brings ALL the benefit of the doubt for all controversial calls by the stewards. Good news for Ferrari, worth at least 10-15 points next season.
Remind us when was his last win. 2021, if I remember correctly. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since. Unless Ferrari gives him a superior car, I don't see Hamilton winning again.
Don't be surprised IF RedBull gives Perez an extension IF he currently keeps that 4 tenths delta in qualifying and in the race.