Fun at the start, fun at the end and pretty bleh in the middle. The midfield battle looks like it's going to be amazing this year though. The Renault, McLaren and Racing Point cars all seem to have different strengths and come on song at different times. Perez butchered his own race at the end there. What a daft move. Interesting that there doesn't seem to be an investigation for that, but it was very close to Albon skating through the gravel again.
I was thinking that. Apparently they’re looking at Stroll’s pass on Ricciardo but I think the Perez move should be looked at too.
Looks like they decided that Stroll's move was fine. I'm not hugely on board with that sort of move. Just throwing the car into the inside of the corner and expecting the other guy to get out of the way tends to feel a bit cheap to me. Lando has come back this year a different beast. Good to see him and Sainz working together still though.
Yeah it was a bad one for me. So much so that both went off the track. Can’t understand how an overtake that goes off the track is ok. if Hamilton’s last week was worth the 5 seconds, so was that.
Common problem with F1. A lot of the penalties seem to focus on the result, rather than the infringement. There's a real lack of consistency with it. I thought the Lewis one was harsh (as I don't think he could have done a great deal to avoid it, practically), but by the letter of the law he had to be punished. Unsure how dive bombing the car in front like Stroll and Perez did is OK, just because they didn't manage to wipe someone out.
Actually, just seen a replay of the Stroll move and I can see why he was let off for that. Ricciardo tries to block him off when he's already alongside. It forces them both straight on.
About 3:30. I was wrong about Ricciardo. I don't think he turns in at all, but I think the move is on for Stroll and the front understeers away. Or he didn't get the braking quite right. It's a bit nothing in the end.
I’d feel bad for Perez if that happens. He’s a better driver than Stroll but his dad is hardly going to sack him.
Helmut says, if RP is legal Alpha Tauri will go back to copying the Red Bull chassis lol. This season is great so far.
From what I understand, RP pretty much researched the Merc car. They've not had help from Mercedes to do it. STR used to be given the designs for the previous Red Bull (I think). Although, I really don't have much of an issue with handing over the previous year's design. The cars move on so quickly that it's rare that the previous car is anywhere near as good as the new one anyway.
I think the Renault protest is regarding the brake ducts which would be harder to copy with photos. I don't have much knowledge past that. you would think, but the RP car is bloody fast this year. Perez got p6 from p17, which is a bit mental. Could have finished 4th if he didn't tangle with Albon. The Mercedes cars just look a cut above the rest of the field, even last years compared to this years midfield.
Ferrari are back! P1 Vettel!!! seriously though, that Red Bull car looks awful to drive today. I struggle to see a non Merc car winning a race this season
Russell is showing some talent again today. Pleased to see the Williams actually seems to be a car this year. Albon not looking good at all so far.
Man after such an eventful and fun first race and the chance of Mercedes issues with the gearbox. This season is quickly turning into a boring slaughter. Only real intrigues are can Racing Point beat RB to second place, and can McLaren beat Ferrari to fourth it seems. So glad for Russell. He deserves it. Sounded a bit downbeat after Williams confirmed he was staying next year. Fair play to Latifi too.
Yeah, the race tomorrow isn't likely to be about Mercedes. They're going to be off in their own world. Hopefully we get a good battle between the cars behind them though.
I think third place is Racing Point’s to lose to be honest.Ferrari look better than last week but still not great and RB look awful.