Let's play a game. The Rank-Checo game.
Put all 20 drivers into 3 categories.
1. Clearly superior to Checo
2. Checo and comparable skill
3. Clearly inferior to Checo
Obv do your own, before checking spoilers.
Spoiler:
1. VER, RUS, HAM, LEC, SAI, ALO, NOR
2. HUL, OCO, PIA, RIC, ALB, GAS, PER, BOT, ZHO, TSU
3. SAR, MAG, STR
Notes: 5 years ago RIC was in 1, now I am not so sure. I might have to put PIA in 1.
1. VER, RUS, HAM, LEC, SAI, ALO, NOR, HUL, OCO, PIA, RIC, ALB, GAS, BOT, ZHO, TSU, SAR, MAG, STR
2. PER, Mazepin
3. Some, but not all, of the safety car drivers
'The car is made for Max' is the dumbest argument there is and if Ricciardo does end up in that RedBull again he will get into the same issue he had with Lando. These drivers fail so badly because they can't deal with a team mate that is significantly better and that gets into their head, they try things beyond their skill and then the downward spiral begins. Lando is probably the best young driver on the grid together with Max and Piastri.
Edit:
1. Ver, Nor, Pia, Alo, Ham, Rus, Lec
2. Sai, Ric, Alb, Bot, Per, Zho, Hul, Tsu, Gas, Oco
3. Mag, Str, Sar
Ham and Alo ranked on current form. At their top they were equal 1 with Ver as being exceptional drivers. Basically 1. can win WDC. 2. Can be a good 2nd driver. 3. should not be in F1.
I thought I would like the one tire type for each qualifying session. Not so sure now. Seemed kinda gimmicky and really limited what teams could do. Seemed like a good idea on paper.
Oooh Dani takes it, just barely but got it done nevertheless. Good start for him 1-0
Great start for him as the first time he drove an AT was on Friday as previously his test was in the Red Bull.
Also, George would be down in the dumps as his car was good enough for top 4 and could easily be a podium double for Mercedes in the race.
Quote:
Originally Posted by esad
I thought I would like the one tire type for each qualifying session. Not so sure now. Seemed kinda gimmicky and really limited what teams could do. Seemed like a good idea on paper.
No it reinforces existing performance gaps between teams and takes away that ability to mix it up by some teams using the softer rubber earlier and putting pressure on the higher up teams to do the same.
Lewis and Max need to get through turn 1 first. Ideal for Lewis is Lando and Max crashing into each other as both of them are expected to have better race pace than the Mercedes. Lewis is just amazing at qualifying in Hungary.
2023 is Mature Max, he’s not as Cowboy’ish as 2021. Back then, the kid ain’t willing to give an inch, nowadays he’s more patient, knows his car is superior.
Willing to lose small battles to win the war, will back off if need be just to still be in the race.
Even though this track is difficult to overtake, staying in the game is key. Could be a 3 stop race.
12 in a row so lots on the line for Max the Stats guy. He’s also wanting to break Seb’s 9 in a row streak.
Lewis and Max need to get through turn 1 first. Ideal for Lewis is Lando and Max crashing into each other as both of them are expected to have better race pace than the Mercedes. Lewis is just amazing at qualifying in Hungary.
Yeah well it isn't a track that needs good h/P or drag so more down to ability of driver and fondness for track. Good on Lewis. Hoping Dan can finish in the points somehow
2023 is Mature Max, he’s not as Cowboy’ish as 2021. Back then, the kid ain’t willing to give an inch, nowadays he’s more patient, knows his car is superior.
Willing to lose small battles to win the war, will back off if need be just to still be in the race.
Even though this track is difficult to overtake, staying in the game is key. Could be a 3 stop race.
12 in a row so lots on the line for Max the Stats guy. He’s also wanting to break Seb’s 9 in a row streak.
It's a lot easier to be more patient when you know you're going to easily overtake in the next straight line tbf
He's lost a fair few turn 1 battles this season which ended up not mattering (as it rarely does, overtaking in turn 1 is overrated imo)