Really looking forward to the telemetry review compared to Nico's prior laps.
No way did Nico do that intentionally. He royally screwed up but Lady Luck was on his side. Just a simple bit of fortune. Nothing to see hear- and I'm a Hamilton fan. Back to business tomorrow.
I was disappointed in the post race interview by Ricciardo. When asked about his prospects in tomorrow's race he should have said, "GREAT because chances are these two nit-wits sitting next to me will wind up in a fist fight sometime between the end of this interview and the exit of turn one tomorrow afternoon........... bwaaaaaaa ha ha ha" Sadly, he took opted for the PC response.
Lauda is a figure head at best. If there was anything insidious I highly doubt he would mention it as it would only harm Merc
Nico has just renewed his contract, then this happens and the German team is behind him. I have a feeling Lewis won't look as confident for the rest of the season. At least we'll have some entertainment!
Really? That's a stretch. Perhaps some gamesmanship from Rosberg, but I think we'll see two HIGHLY motivated drivers at the start tomorrow. Merc may be running away with things, but there are fireworks between the two drivers.
He acted a little sheepishly in that interview. I think it may have been gamesmanship. I thought it was just a mistake, but it was a bit too under control. Should make for an exciting race tomorrow.
Great point as always. Thanks Alex I should clarify, I meant Lauda's opinion is valued to me as a driver above many others, and most certainly not as an official with MB
I just dunno.... You *could* be right, but I don't think he should be penalized, unless the telemetry (presumably being studied by the stewards as we write) shows solid evidence in some way. He was balls out and we've seen a few visits to the escape roads all weekend - Just not there though (?) - I agree, it was an awfully "elegant" & damage free off, but premeditated? Seems he may be in more trouble for trying to reverse it back out on to the track. Nah, F1 is dead remember! FWIW, Lewis is now quoted as saying "I don't know if Senna and Prost talked about it but I quite liked the way Senna dealt with that so I'll take a page out of his book." Cheers, Ian PS - Thinking more, I'm surprised the TFHB haven't (yet) suggested it's all scripted by Niki/Toto to maintain interest in the show.....
What does Lauda do in your opinion? Seems to me he's the liaison with the muckety-mucks at Merc, but beyond that? He's not on the wall & has zero input to strategy and so on. Doesn't even wear a uni! I guess he's a little more than a "figurehead" where money and schmoozing sponsors/TV etc is concerned, but I don't think he has any input to the running of the team. Cheers, Ian
Before you all over react making assumptions. Read all of what was said in that interview, it was interesting. He did not mention Prost and Senner first, the interviewer did. He did not just blurt that out mid interview.
It looked like Nico was driving off the line headed for the run off area. The drivers need to learn to set their best laps early on. There was a window in 3rd qually where only two or three cars were on track and none of the front runners. Waiting for the last minute is a stupid gamble.
If he reversed while qualy was active he could face sanction. Thats the point from what the BBC is saying. Beyond that LH will have to make a better start. This was far from a bad incident during a qual period. LH expected to get pole and through the day was simply not faster. As Lauda said - LH was faster 4-5 last races, now Nico is faster its nothing. LH is alluding to a Senna/Prost solution and I hope he is just being a touch arrogant. Hitting Nico on virtual purpose will not be a good thing for himself or the team. He needs to simply beat Nico on the track. If he does something foolish I will lose some serious respect for him as I think he is maturing nicely this season.
With the feeling in the paddock overall against Nico I feel a penalty will be coming. It simply looks bad and the reversing part with his car might tip it that way. It also appears to make Mercedes in-capable now of controlling their drivers. Thats not a nice situation to have on appearance, even if not true. Toto is out in public now denying things about Nico. Long night is coming!
But you know I love things like this. It makes for a great season and shouldl go down in history as exiting toe to toe championship rivalry. And we were there witnessing it Look how great it's been so far compared to the last few years, in which i won't remember in 10 years. This year could become a classic up there with the famous P&S.
OK, but the fact remains that's what he said..... Monaco GP: Lewis Hamilton to deal with Rosberg spat like Senna - F1 news - AUTOSPORT.com *If* telemetry can confirm that, then I guess a penalty will be forthcoming. I hear you, but there's no doubt that this track in particular gets significantly quicker as the session wears on - A quick lap early isn't going to get you pole - We see it over & over again - Last man standing takes it most of the time. Cheers, Ian