F1 2021 and we have a Schumacher on the grid again

[en0la]

In the absence of a F1 forum I'd like to chat about all things F1 Grand Prix.

How will the season go? How will the newest Schumacher fare ?

I can't wait for the first race.

@Angelcupcake

Mindareno, my understanding is that he has been given 2 penalty points on his licence, but it doesn't affect the championship points, and it doesn't really affect his licence either because they have their licences wiped clean for the start of the new season anyway. At least I think that's how it works

Thank you! So it’s penalty points on the licence not the leader board - can you tell I’m new to this

Two points deducted would have been more like it TBF! Might be a deterrent.

So. The weekend is here. Who is ready?

Hadn't been back on this thread since the beginning of the season but a few months (and name changes) later here we are wrapping it up!

It has been such an incredible season, I haven't been so excited for a season finale since 2010...? 2016 was also pretty great but there is something about them being in different cars that makes it more exciting and unpredictable.

I'm torn as I'd love for Max to win, I've supported him ever since he came into F1. I don't agree with all the moves he's pulled this year but at the same time, he's had so much more bad luck than Lewis and if it weren't for Baku and Hungary, two incidents outside of his control, he would be champion already.

It would also be pretty special seeing Lewis win his 8th. The guy just never gives up. Merc have turned it all around since the summer break and the car is great right now. Let's see who grabs pole tomorrow. The constructors' championship is also pretty much sealed for Mercedes right now and I'm happy about that. Also a bit sad about Valtteri leaving although excited to see George there next year.

So yes, ready for Sunday. Have absolutely no prediction on how this is going to end. Hopefully not in a crash or the stewards' room.

PS the penalty points carry over for 12 months. So they don't get wiped out before the new season. Lando was actually at 10 points during this summer and the maximum is 12. If he had gotten 2 more before some of them expired, it would've resulted in a race ban. So if Max got a few more early next year it's perfectly possible he could reach 12 as his first came in Monza I think?

I know way too many details about all the rules... (thanks Dad!)

There's some nice pictures of George Russell in a suit in the pit lane coming out of the Williams social media today, and a few posts about his time there. It will be very interesting to see what he could do next year.

DH says there's some more car technical changes for 2022 not sure if good or bad.

There’s a massive overhaul of the regulations next year yes, the cars will be completely different. The engines stay more or less the same but everything else is designed from scratch. It happens every 5-7 years.

Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull will still be the favourites but nobody knows who will turn up with the best idea on how to interpret the new rules. We may see one of those 3 dominate again, or a smaller team finds a ‘loophole’ and they’re suddenly at the top. Very exciting stuff.

@BHX3000

There’s a massive overhaul of the regulations next year yes, the cars will be completely different. The engines stay more or less the same but everything else is designed from scratch. It happens every 5-7 years.

Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull will still be the favourites but nobody knows who will turn up with the best idea on how to interpret the new rules. We may see one of those 3 dominate again, or a smaller team finds a ‘loophole’ and they’re suddenly at the top. Very exciting stuff.

That sounds very promising. Mazepin on the podium? Maybe that's a bit optimistic

If Mazepin finishes on a podium you just know he’ll be facing the wrong way

@ohfourfoxache

If Mazepin finishes on a podium you just know he’ll be facing the wrong way

He'd have to keep his car on the track first to have a chance at a podium

So excited for this weekend. Definitely rooting for Hamilton. He's just outclassing Max at every stage and his experience is clearly showing

I really hope not Can’t stand misogynistic pay drivers

Depends a bit on how Ferrari turn up next year, Haas is their junior team, unofficially. I hope they’re not last every week again, I’d love to see Mick fight for higher positions.

However I’m a tifosa through and through so all my hopes are with Ferrari. Charles needs a good car ❤️ It’s been so long since their last championships, it’s bittersweet to see Kimi retiring on Sunday, and to think he was their last champion…

For those new to the sport, go check out some Kimi videos on YouTube, he’s such an incredible personality!

Looking forward to this one. I took my husband to the abu dhabi GP for his 50th birthday. It was fabulous.

6 years ago now ☹️

@SandrasAnnoyingFriend

He'd have to keep his car on the track first to have a chance at a podium

So excited for this weekend. Definitely rooting for Hamilton. He's just outclassing Max at every stage and his experience is clearly showing

Apparently Haas are running low on parts for this weekend so he needs to keep it on the track ideally. Maybe he could have a special prize for that.

I will be yelling for Hamilton too, maybe from behind the sofa, through my fingers...

@SandrasAnnoyingFriend

He'd have to keep his car on the track first to have a chance at a podium

So excited for this weekend. Definitely rooting for Hamilton. He's just outclassing Max at every stage and his experience is clearly showing

Agree with Lewis’ experience showing. He’s made more ‘silly’ mistakes than Max (Baku, the odd quali or kerb attack) but he’s played the long game, and it’s paying off. He’s backed out a few times as he knows being second is better than being out of the race, he is now fighting Max to the end and rightly so.

I think this week it will all come down to who has the better car come Sunday. I do hope we get a clean race!

Was also reading the first page of the thread again and wonder what you all think about Alonso's return, looking back on the season? I loved seeing him get that podium in Qatar and he's been matching Esteban all year. Feel for Oscar Piastri though, he will win F2 and has no seat...

I think Alonso has achieved about par for that car. Shame not to see good drivers in the thick of it, I miss Vettel being amongst the action at the front.
It would be great to see a more even playing field next year but realistically there's still going to be the top tier. Russell is the excitement for me next season.

@BHX3000 I've actually really enjoyed Alonso's presence on the grid (had previously harboured some ill feelings due to past behaviour) and also was really interested in Ocon's spin on their relationship. I hope Alpine continue some progress in 2022 (former Renault fan here, back in the day!).

@SandrasAnnoyingFriend What I hope for, as well as Russell showing his true form, will be to see McLaren make some serious progress during the winter break and come back with a bang. I'm not really up to speed with next year's regulations, but I hope it does level the playing field somewhat. Love Lando and want him to do well. Future world champion in the right car, I feel.

Hope everyone's feeling excited about the race now! Is anyone else watching live?

Yes, have it on already. Really nervous!
I think Lewis will take it on strategy, but I cannot believe how finely poised it is

Mazepin has covid, Haas can't replace him. Less chance of the safety car being deployed possibly?

I'll be watching live through my fingers.

Oooh suits you Sir!

Martin Brundle knows his Stormzy stuff.

Jesus I can’t bear this…..not even started yet!

I’m not sure if I can watch the start………

Yikes, it' nearly time...