F1 2019

[Flyinspanner]

@Bellow it didn’t seem like the team were listening to LH either, he was saying the track was too wet for slicks, but of course was overruled by someone in an office miles away with “a plan”.

Sounds like typical management, who always perceive that they know better than the workforce ‘on the scene’.

 

[Bellow]

@Bellow it didn’t seem like the team were listening to LH either, he was saying the track was too wet for slicks, but of course was overruled by someone in an office miles away with “a plan”.

I missed that - but when I saw the first car fit slicks my eyes popped! The advantage was short lived though in those earlier laps - where LH presumably made his point (but was ignored).

Sounds like typical management, who always perceive that they know better than the workforce ‘on the scene’.

A friend tells me Germans aren't good at deviating from a plan...
Pre radio coms, drivers were much more on their own in terms of the decision making - the most extreme example being Lauda's decision at Mt Fuji in 1976.

 

[GeeJayW]

I missed that - but when I saw the first car fit slicks my eyes popped! The advantage was short lived though in those earlier laps - where LH presumably made his point (but was ignored).



A friend tells me Germans aren't good at deviating from a plan...
Pre radio coms, drivers were much more on their own in terms of the decision making - the most extreme example being Lauda's decision at Mt Fuji in 1976.

I don't know how 'German' the Mercedes F1 team is, but it is my experience that German management can be very hierarchical and process oriented. Off-the-cuff/Innovative ideas from the minions are often not well received.

 

[GeeJayW]

Well, that was interesting. Will hopefully get to see the race tomorrow.

 

[AMGeed]

First pole of many for MV. That Red Bull Honda is flying.

 

[GeeJayW]

First pole of many for MV. That Red Bull Honda is flying.

Max has been driving really well this year, I hope he gets away better at the start tomorrow than he did last week.

 

[Mactech]

Now! Hands up who thought "Vercrash'em" and a Honda engine were likely to be the genuine pace setters a couple of years ago?
Even George's Williams was showing some signs of progress.

 

[bob6600]

...and another poor/off the pace performance from Gasly. I do feel for him but that's what expected in a top seat. It either makes you or breaks you.

 

[Stratman]

That win is down to the team. Inspired!

 

[GeeJayW]

You need a driver that can really pedal to pull that off. Outstanding drive from Lewis, outstanding!

Surprise for me is that Red Bull didn't pit Max for a new set straight after Lewis. Ball dropped or what?

 

[Mactech]

Mercedes were in a different situation. If they didn't stop again they were going finish to 2nd, so nothing to loose. Fresh tyres allowed the possibility of a win.
Red Bull were in the driving seat until the Mercedes stop. Nobody knew if the hard tyres were going to stay alive or not on that track on that day, but indications were good. Was Lewis really going to gain 20 secs in 20 laps? This time Mercedes gambled and won.
Nobody thought they would be in a position of being 30 secs up the road from the Ferrari's!

 

[Stratman]

I wonder how much was taken out of Verstappen's tyres by having to defend so much from Hamilton? It wouldn't be the first time he's worn out the bloke in front's tyres

 

[Nat]

Great result for Lewis and I'm very impressed with Max for pole and been 2nd - he done well and has matured to a likeable driver so much from last year. Whenever the media get into the Max and Charles topic they seem to favour the younger drivers all but admitting the likes of LH and SV are nearly past it through age so it's good both LH and SV proved them wrong today.

Another 10 race wins for Lewis to equal the all time record. Like him or not he's rewriting the records book and deservedly so.

 

[Steveml63]

That was a genuinely exciting race today!

 

[ShinyF1]

Another good race. What is the world coming to!

Anyway - spontaneous decision made to go to Spa for a little road trip, and now looking at the lack of availability or vast expense of digs near the circuit. Has anyone got any recommendations on where to stay? Don't want to camp or be too far away. Local villages (Francorchamps, Malmedy & Stavelot) are all chocka so looking wider afield. Any advice gratefully appreciated on good towns to try. Liege? Maastricht? Or are they bad ideas?
Sean

 

[neilrr]

That win is down to the team. Inspired!

Silly me, I thought it was down to the tyres.

 

[GeeJayW]

Silly me, I thought it was down to the tyres.

...chosen by the team?

 

[bob6600]

Bad race for Bottas. Not sure what he could do to avoid the lap 1 incident but it ruined his race and I hope for his sake doesn't lose him his drive next year. It's going to be a hard decision for Toto as Ocon is waiting in the background and ready to go. It could trigger other driver movements.

 

[190]

Bad race for Bottas. Not sure what he could do to avoid the lap 1 incident but it ruined his race and I hope for his sake doesn't lose him his drive next year. It's going to be a hard decision for Toto as Ocon is waiting in the background and ready to go. It could trigger other driver movements.

And yet if Lewis had been put in the same position I expect he would have made more progress through the field. Toto will be thinking that Bottas may have been unlucky but did he do enough to turn it around.

 

[rf065]

It won't have escaped their notice that LeClerc is performing as well or better than Vettel.