Poll: Japanese Grand Prix 2018, Suzuka - Race 17/21
- Thread starter Shimmy
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Caporegime
IIRC, at the last rain affected Quali, didn't the same trick effectively win them Pole? I guess they had different expectations on the rain from other teams. Either way they stuffed it and Vettel botched it.
Like the other post I guess it was desperation. Which in some ways was worth it. They know they can't win without exceptional events. Like merc DNFs, gambling the other way.. But it didn't help vettel botching his second attempt.
Renault engine is clearly worst of the lot now.
McLarens engine change not looking great move.
Precisely. If it's a gamble, you gamble on the FASTER TYRE, not the slower and safer one. It wasn't a gamble, it was a **** up.
As for Ricciardo, he had a throttle actuator failure - Red Bull part, not Renault. For Ricciardo this year it's actually been 5 Renault issues and 5 Red Bull issues.
Soldato
Hilarious, anything else's fault except Ferrari's.
Pirelli, hybrid engines and now the weather
The point of the gamble is they do the opposite strategy to Mercedes, if they'd mirrored Mercedes on the faster tyre it was the safe strategy but they had zero chance of getting pole from Hamilton short of him making a mistake. I think it's a immensely short sighted going all out to get pole though because the only realistic chance of Vettel winning the Championship at this stage is if Hamilton retires from a race and Vettel is there to pick up the 25 points.
Associate
Ferrari, the team that just keeps giving.
Man of Honour
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This. It was an absolutely bizzare strategy call followed by a massive screw up by Vettel.
Hilarious, anything else's fault except Ferrari's.
Pirelli, hybrid engines and now the weather
It is quite comical.
It isn’t over yet though. That said, whatever the weather does tomorrow I would rather be on pole than stuck in the middle of the pack.
I wonder if Vettel has mentally switched off now.
He knows the only way he is winning this championship now is if Lewis has mechanical issues that lead to DNFs in a couple of races, so he now has to rely on complete luck to win.
Lewis can come second to Vettel in all the remaining races and Lewis would still win the title. However much of a competitor you are, subconsciously that must affect you quite badly.
Soldato
Renault themselves don't seem to break down half as much as RB do though?
Hilarious, anything else's fault except Ferrari's.
Pirelli, hybrid engines and now the weather
No, it's not just the PU that is unreliable for redbull. But the Renault engine is slow too. Really hope Renault bring something to table that's competitive next year. Its hard seeing them fall down the grid
Man of Honour
Ferrari crumble every year without fail
They've done it again
They've done it again
Soldato
Ted mentioned on Sky that Merc did actually have the inters on both cars in the gap between Q2 and Q3, so Ferrari were seemingly trying to copy them. However Merc actually changed to dry tyres after the Ferrari's had gone out. Whether this was a dummy, or a genuine change of strategy - who knows. If Ferrari were copying it just highlights that they're spending too much time watching others instead of figuring out the best way to go all by themselves.
The Renault is always poor in qualifying, but races much better - at least in Hulk's hands. Sainz has only scored 1pt in the last 8 races, to Hulks 28. I'd hazard a guess they've stopped all development already this year in the hopes of getting a jump on next year with Ricciardo in the car.
Soldato
Err, are you referring to RB or Renault team? Because RB are using Honda next year.
Soldato
I meant blaming Renault for RB's woes is a little unfair as Renault themselves seem to do better with the same unit. Yes it's on the slow side but Max has been dragging it along quite nicely of late.
I think the smart thing for Ferrari to do is give Seb a new gearbox and engine and start him from the pit. He's starting from a spot where it's highly likely to be involved in first lap drama and he should be able to clear the mid-pack without much issue later in the race, but this is Ferrari so they won't.
Redbull in first part. Renault in second
No team is going to win championships by gambling like that. It's as if they said "let's do the opposite of Mercedes and see if we get lucky". They did the opposite of the top team, and instead of being second/third/fourth to pick up any pieces if there are problems or a DNF, Vettel is back at ninth in the middle of the pack. He's going to spend the race doing damage limitation, and if he's lucky and Raikkonen moves over for him, he'll get to fourth, unless lady luck gives the others a DNF. Under normal circumstances, I expect the Mercedes cars and Verstappen to disappear into the distance.
Man of Honour
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I know what if, what if, but if not for that engine in Malaysia then Hamilton would likely be chasing number 7 next year, not to mention mclaren throwing away his rookie year in China. Never thought I would see anyone get close to that in my lifetime. That with Vettels 4 in the mix too.
We need more tracks like Japan, every sector is fantastic.
We need more tracks like Japan, every sector is fantastic.