Topic: Push Square Formula 1 thread - F1

@BearsEatBeets What is going on? Russell out in SQ2 (I put the mockers on him. lol) Piastri almost missing out. What have they been feeding these cars during the break.

Wow! That was some crazy evolution in SQ2. The Haas and Sauber cars pushing the McLarens down. Good job Lando was on another quick run.

@themightyant Did you catch the commentators say at one point that Toto had stated that both their drivers will have a relaxed summer break? Sounds like Merc aren't seriously going for Max (now at least) and have signed them both up for next year.

EDIT: Hadn't even noticed about George that got crazy so quickly. The Astons also, strong in SQ1 suddenly both at the bottom.

@BearsEatBeets yes I heard them say that about Toto and it makes sense. As I’ve said before if I was Max I would stay at Red bull next year but keep his options open for the season after once it’s clear who is most on top of the new rules. Who wouldn’t want him? Perhaps only McLaren. Lewis’ contract I think is up after next year, so Ferrari might chase him too.

Piastri crushed them. Almost by half a second that’s crazy. Hopefully an interesting sprint with lots of displaced drivers. But it’s on at the same time as the Lions game, will have to two screen it… or three screen it with the cricket. Which I’m back off to watch now. Enjoy!

Dont think Lewis will be happy with rear suspension upgrade, it was clearly an issue with rear locking that sent him spinning and looked like that was an issue in earlier runs too.
great drive by Piastri and Verstapen. Could be an interesting sprint with so many cars looking out of position.

Max has no need to go anywhere till its clear whos best adapted to new regs....

I rushed off for tennis after but looking back I forgot what a great showing it was from Haas. Like you guys mentioned it's a well mixed up grid that could make for a eventful Sprint.
Having a Sprint at one of the longest tracks means it's only going to be 15 laps and at such an unusual time too (don't recall anything else starting at 11am). Not heard any mention of the likely weather but should be good regardless.

Pretty dull sprint imo. Other than Max passing Oscar there wasn’t a lot of action. Bit of a procession. Focus back to the Lions and the Test match.

@themightyant Yeah it's odd how a track that I used to think was great for overtakes had barely any. I guess the power of a slipstream has diminished even with DRS. I wonder if the McLarens and possibly others will chance trimming some downforce for a bit more speed on the straight.

@BearsEatBeets it’s the main thing I’m so nervous about with the new rules. Will cars be able to follow each other closely and overtake. Yes you are always going to have an aero impact from the wash of the car ahead but it’s been woeful where even with DRS (and no train) cars are still struggling to get past quite often.

EDIT: equally you don’t want it the other way either where an overtake is basically guaranteed with the push of a button. Though that would be more interesting with places constantly shifting. Balance needed.

Good Pole from Lando but will it actually help him at the start? Great final lap from Albon and it seems the new floor might have finally made the Red Bull drivable for Yuki.
Sounds like reasonable chance for rain tomorrow. Hopefully it's the exciting mix up type and not race red flaging type.

EDIT: @themightyant yes finding that balance is extremely hard. I suppose the sport is just suffering for how incredibly efficient these cars have become at carving through the air whilst being sensitive to the 'wash' of following.

I hope this doesn't get bad enough that we get a delayed start or red flags. A fine line between making it better and spoiling it. At least a 3 safety-car lap race is no longer possible.

come on, lets get some racing!!

Blimey! Hamilton wet driving masterclass at the moment.

@BearsEatBeets 5 places in 4 laps! 🤘

Ooh! Split strategies for McLaren.
Lewis twisting and winning in the rain. (11 places gained in 10 racing laps)
George all over Max.

Feels like a thriller.

Do we think Piastri is going to pit? I'm leaning towards not at the moment unless the tyres go off badly.

@BearsEatBeets I think he will need to… but I thought the same about George last year!

@themightyant I think Piastri has got it in the bag, barring some dramatic tyre drop off, which I don't see happening. I bet Hamilton wishes it stayed wet for longer, he has stalled since it dried out.

@BearsEatBeets interesting what Ant Davidson was saying about lift and coast I hope there isn’t excessive plank wear and a DSQ for Lewis.

Re: Oscar. Yes it feels like it. Tires would have to drop off a cliff.