F1 2021

[evilwebby]

Im going to go ahead and predict Verstappen wins the title. With Hamilton approaching his late 30's I think Max is probably the quickest driver on the grid now in terms of raw pace... Hamilton has the edge in experience though so will be interesting to see how it unfolds. Would not be at all surprised to see Hamilton win again.

Other predictions

Perez gets a win or 2 on the weekends Max has issues, does better than Albon/Gasly but overall gets schooled by Max
Leclerc will outperform Sainz over the season
Ric and Norris will be closely matched all season
Mazepin ends up with the most penalties
Vettel rediscovers his mojo
Alonso has underwhelming comeback (not sure on this one, just chucking in a wild card prediction for the luls)

I look forward to every prediction being wrong

Verstappen WDC is not an outrageous call. The RB looks up to the task performancewise.

In a close season a lot will depend on reliability, and RB have been poor in this area last few years and will need to improve. Differences in reliability can turn what should be closely fought championships into one-sided affairs.

 

[PhilM]

While I don't think Mercedes are anywhere near as strong as they'd like to be, I will not be surprised if they step it up another gear (or three) this afternoon.

I also feel that Mercedes have the capability to make the amendments needed to improve the car in a shorter period than any other team on the grid.

If they aren't the best team this weekend, I'd expect them to be pushing for it in within a race or two.

 

[Tubey]

One of the more interesting first qualifying sessions ever coming up.

Got a feeling Mercedes are still quickest but Red Bull more consistent. We'll see.

 

[Tubey]

Oh, well maybe not haha - unless Mercedes are sandbagging somehow, that Red Bull looks in business.

 

[evilwebby]

I think Verstappen is going to be comfortably ahead by 3-4 tenths

 

[messymascot]

Oh, well maybe not haha - unless Mercedes are sandbagging somehow, that Red Bull looks in business.

I still think Mercedes will be the quickest at more tracks that they aren't. Verstappen Hamilton title battle looks tasty.

 

[evilwebby]

I know it's a different day and different conditions, but the times they have been setting this weekend aren't especially fast.
Look at the times on the last day of testing, and even Max's best time from P3 is 1.7s slower. Obviously I expect the fastest times to be set in qualifying, so we'll see how close they get to these test times.

 

[Wizard]

Not a bad first qualifying lap in F1 for Tsunoda

 

[The binman chronicles]

Alonso shows his hand.

 

[PhilM]

I may be wrong, but like I said this morning I have a feeling that Mercedes still have something up their sleeve in terms of pure engine output in Q3.

When the chips are down, Lewis and the team are renowned for being able to do what is required to get pole. People have far too easily written them off.

 

[Wizard]

The 2nd seat at Red Bull seems cursed

 

[The binman chronicles]

Perez oh nooo.

 

[The binman chronicles]

Sainz/LeClerc could be interesting this year.

 

[Connor]

Perez lollollollollollollollollol

 

[BNJ1878]

What a refreshing change.

Hard to predict the top 3.

Lovely stuff.