São Paulo Grand Prix (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) | November 12-14, 2021

wiredseal7 said:Here’s what they messed with over the weekend:

https://twitter.com/fiagirly/status/...298648578?s=20
#F1: Per reports from Motorsport US, Lewis Hamilton’s 5th PU—while technically following homologation rules—is tuned to push certain parameters, like combustion chamber pressure, to the absolute limit, meaning it only has enough life for four GPs. Apparently, Hywel Thomas, the chief engineer at Brixworth, has prepped a 5th engine for Lewis designed to last only 1.6 miles compared to the usual 7,000-mile standard for a typical power unit. Since they can't legally swap out the approved hardware, the Mercedes engineers played around with the management strategies instead. By cranking up the turbo and messing with the combustion pressure, they’ve created a setup that could potentially squeeze out an extra 15 horsepower—perfect for grabbing pole or pulling off a pass.

So, we're looking at maybe +15 hp over the standard build. Teams always keep these kinds of tricks up their sleeves for whenever they need a Hail Mary at the end of a season.

Against this, RB doesn't stand a chance—assuming what they're saying about Honda is actually the truth.

Raymond Anderson4 said:We’re all still sitting here waiting on Lewis's penalty, even though the decision was clearly made. 😁

Or maybe they just took Max Verstappen aside for some testing to see if he actually has some supernatural strength in his hands. 🙏

Jason Newman said:Max was absolutely tearing up the track. If Mercedes keeps maintaining this level of dominance, we’re looking at another DNF for him or Hamilton—maybe even both.

Raymond Anderson4 said:Max should have it in the bag tomorrow if he nails the start and clears Bottas early on. In clean air, I just don't see Bottas being able to keep pace with him.
I wouldn't go with the soft tires, either. Even today, his rubber was a tier above what Bottas was running, so having that better launch off the line made all the difference.

stormybadger8 said:So, according to you, Lujo, does Bottas lose points every time he swaps an engine? Or is it just some kid who 😵
Which version of F1 are you even watching? 🤦

Seriously though, what kind of insane logic makes a 5-place grid penalty worse than a DNF? 😵🤦

From now on, I'm calling you Marica, since you clearly know everything better than everyone else... 🙂

Jacob Castillo70 said:If Sergio Perez manages to make an early move and break through the field. 🤣

Let’s be honest here: the man simply isn't on the same level as Carlos Sainz. I don't know what we're even talking about at this point.

The level of mental gymnastics being performed by certain Red Bull Racing fans on this forum is truly nothing short of incredible.

Elizabeth Mendoza said:Look, I don't get why everyone is suddenly acting like Max bumping into Lewis Hamilton's car is such a massive scandal. It’s funny how people react. If we're talking about being nosy, Sebastian Vettel is probably the most famous guy on the grid for poking around other people's cars—especially Lewis Hamilton's. I mean, I'm pretty sure he spent days practically feeling out the entire bodywork of that Ferrari.

Jason Campbell70 said:Worst case scenario for Verstappen? He’ll just have to wait for that first pit stop.
One Undercut, and it's bye-bye Bottas.

Best case? Which is more likely, in my opinion? He pulls away right at the start.

Raymond Anderson4 said:I get it, things are starting to drag. If Lewis falls behind and Max just cruises through with a massive points cushion, the championship is basically decided right then and there. It’s honestly ridiculous to let a title be settled that way.

bluepuma9 said:Verstappen’s got that driver energy reminiscent of guys like Schumacher or Senna... He’s lightning fast, sure, but he’s also willing to get his hands dirty and push things to the absolute limit just to take the win.
Lewis, Kimi, Alonso... those guys were much better at playing that game.

Jack Kelly5 said:I guess it’s just way better to settle a championship using an illegal car instead, right?
🤦