Verstappen and Russell swapping one-two in the last two races, Baku and Singapore. Interesting. Anyone else questioning the Red Bull strategy to start Max on the soft tires behind Russell?
F1 2025 🏎️
- Thread starter smudgersmissingleg
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Some thoughts, not really my own, but overheard these.
Even if (and emphasis on the word “if”) Verstappen (on the soft tires) had been able to overtake Russell (on mediums) at the first corner, within about 15 laps as the softer tires degrade their grip advantage, Russell would have likely overtaken and regained the lead coming out of the 1-2-3 corners section (where the Mercedes was stronger than the Red Bull). No?
Nonetheless, Verstappen drove faultless the second half of the race. Despite being about two-tenths slower everywhere than Norris and being under pressure from the McLaren with its hard tires 6 laps fresher, Max managed to keep Norris at bay. Even with DRS, Lando could not get by. Lando eventually gave up and decided it was best to finish 3rd rather than risk a prang trying an audacious overtake attempt.
And the McLarens. Piastri gives a little room to Norris, so Norris shoves on in and past. Almost a role reversal of lights-out at the Hungarian, where Piastri shoved on past his teammate. Piastri got annoyed and a little petulant, but it seemed a bit of simple payback time to me. Barring catastrophe, one of them is going to be Drivers Champion. The first McLaren champion in 17 years since Lewis Hamilton, and it will be compelling viewing to the end of the season.
Even if (and emphasis on the word “if”) Verstappen (on the soft tires) had been able to overtake Russell (on mediums) at the first corner, within about 15 laps as the softer tires degrade their grip advantage, Russell would have likely overtaken and regained the lead coming out of the 1-2-3 corners section (where the Mercedes was stronger than the Red Bull). No?
Nonetheless, Verstappen drove faultless the second half of the race. Despite being about two-tenths slower everywhere than Norris and being under pressure from the McLaren with its hard tires 6 laps fresher, Max managed to keep Norris at bay. Even with DRS, Lando could not get by. Lando eventually gave up and decided it was best to finish 3rd rather than risk a prang trying an audacious overtake attempt.
And the McLarens. Piastri gives a little room to Norris, so Norris shoves on in and past. Almost a role reversal of lights-out at the Hungarian, where Piastri shoved on past his teammate. Piastri got annoyed and a little petulant, but it seemed a bit of simple payback time to me. Barring catastrophe, one of them is going to be Drivers Champion. The first McLaren champion in 17 years since Lewis Hamilton, and it will be compelling viewing to the end of the season.
Just a heads up that sprint qualifying is tonight at 10:30pm (UK time).
If Verstappen wins the main race this weekend I'm betting he takes the 2025 Driver's championship.
You might not be alone thinking that. There’s a lot of fight left in Verstappen at the moment. Just a bit of luck and McLaren DNFs and he might pull it off. Agreed.
McLaren - if they're not screwing themselves, someone else is. Should be an interesting race start.
A few races ago I thought Max was done, but I was wrong. He's most definitely back in this title race. The development of the RB has been top notch and it may even be the fastest car, now. With 5 GPs and 2 sprint races he could definitely pull it off. I'd love to see him do it.
You can never count Max out.
I don’t mind who wins. No driver is clearly running away with it, so it’s more dramatic watching the top three. I’m a long-suffering and disappointed Ferrari fan since they last won anything in 2007/2008, but they’re my team since the mid-1990s. I’m not taking applications for a new team to support now. But yes, Red Bull and Verstappen showing some of their dominance and winning ability, sans Horner, and putting pressure on McLaren is fun to watch. I kind of feel Russell is lurking about as well. Bring it on!
It's going to be a close finish I think.
Max is on the up at the moment.
Max is on the up at the moment.
Fucking shame that the virtual safety car ruined the final lap. It would've been good to see if Max could've got past Charls.
It's gonna be an interesting run in. Lando has the momentum and my money is on him winning the championship. I'd love to see Max somehow do it, though. Should be good.
It's gonna be an interesting run in. Lando has the momentum and my money is on him winning the championship. I'd love to see Max somehow do it, though. Should be good.
I didn't get to see the race (traveling), just the standings. If anyone can screw up a sure thing, it's Mclaren this year. I don't remember when it was this tight of a race.
Iirc when Sebastian Vettel won his first title their were 4 drivers going into the last race that could win the championship. Vettel, Webber, Alonso and Hamilton all had a chance to be champ in that final race.
I can see Lando Norris winning this year , with Max V second.
Was it me or was the background sounds of the race louder than the commentary on the ESPN/Sky race coverage? It was very frustrating.
I hope and wouldn’t be surprised if the championship comes down to the last lap of the last race. We’ll see, I’ll be watching every minute of every session!
I hope and wouldn’t be surprised if the championship comes down to the last lap of the last race. We’ll see, I’ll be watching every minute of every session!
Both McClaren drivers have been disqualified
. Max is now only 24 points behind Lando with 2 race weekends left. It's gonna be an interesting run in.
www.theguardian.com
. Max is now only 24 points behind Lando with 2 race weekends left. It's gonna be an interesting run in.
McLaren apologise to Norris, Piastri and fans for Las Vegas Grand Prix disqualification
McLaren’s cars failed to meet minimum skid-block wear measurements, losing second and fourth places and giving Max Verstappen a title shot
www.theguardian.com