[G30M]

Originally Posted by Fillip

That overtake by Max on the first lap was surely the best of the season so far. I wonder if there are still people who can deny the fact that he is the best driver on the grid at the moment.

He is the most practiced driver. Everyone did 3 1 hr practice sessions and a 15 min (6 laps) qualifying and then sat on their backsides until race start.

Max was doing a double stint sim racing on his favourite track (Nurburgring, 24hr track configuration) between quali and race, so he's always tuned in to racing. He travels on the F1 circus along with his sim racing rig.

Whereas Oscar deployed the parachute and nearly caused a pile up.

[G30M]

RB brought a few updates to Imola https://www.planetf1.com/features/re...la-gp-analysis

— Red Bull has introduced a major upgrade package to the RB21 at Imola, aiming to unlock its full potential and close the gap to McLaren. The most striking changes involve a revised sidepod layout inspired by rivals but with fresh aerodynamic details of their own.
— The new mid-wing arrangement resembles McLaren’s, repositioning the letterbox-style inlet further rearward and slightly narrowing it. This update also led to a change in the wing mirror supports, which now frame the pod rather than mounting inboard.
— A new vane mounted beneath the inlet draws particular attention, expected to influence airflow behaviour through the undercut region of the sidepod.
— Red Bull is also reintroducing the floor tested in Miami, hoping the combined effect of multiple upgrades will now deliver the performance gains initially missing.
— Further refinements include updates to rear suspension fairings and the brake duct inlets and outlets, with goals of improving aerodynamic efficiency and cooling.

[fs1977]

RB definitely had the best racepace this time. Verstappen didn't have the greatest start, but with boxing Russel and making the move on Piastri on the first corner he did a great job to be able to manage the race from the front. Hopefully these upgrades will work on most of the tracks. Last time he won, the following race was a dissaster.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by NickyC

Max is just ridiculous, good grief.

So much for the new kiddo slowing him down, lol.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

****

Wearing my new 1 hat in the sun now, the smaller old one is spattered with ceiling and wall paint

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

No way, PIA knew he was coming through whatever hence why he braked early or he knew there'd be contact a'la Charlie and ALB and hand the place back, RUS even said 'Piastri what are you doing' hoping that would happen with him barging through to the lead. In the end Merc fell apart anyway.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

Wearing my new 1 hat in the sun now, the smaller old one is spattered with ceiling and wall paint

For those who don't recognize him...

This is Daniel Ricciardo (!)

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

For those who don't recognize him...

This is Daniel Ricciardo (!)

Knowing Danny that's a stick on beard

[HeelToeShift]

Originally Posted by Artemis

Mathematically, it's still possible for Hamilton to get an 8th WDC this season. Didn't materialize the past 4 seasons (P2 - P6 - P3 - P7), but maybe the 5th attempt is successful. Who never dares never wins.

However, realistically, the gap to the current WDC top 3 keeps increasing and there are no signs that PIA, NOR and VER are planning a collective sabbatical anytime soon.

Mathematically yes, but realistically, no. For a guy who got very lucky today and barely got to 4th (his best result this year) the signs are there that not only is his quali pace getting worse, but his race pace isnt looking all that great in what is one of the fastest cars on the grid.

Beyond that, you need to actually win Grand Prix' to win a WDC vs meddling in the midfield.

[MoeTE87]

Freakin Max! Beautiful race by him and RB! Love seeing him on top yesterday and dominating! Now, lets get a W next weekend! Woooooooooo!!

[///M4Lou]

Originally Posted by Artemis

Mathematically, it's still possible for Hamilton to get an 8th WDC this season. Didn't materialize the past 4 seasons (P2 - P6 - P3 - P7), but maybe the 5th attempt is successful. Who never dares never wins.

However, realistically, the gap to the current WDC top 3 keeps increasing and there are no signs that PIA, NOR and VER are planning a collective sabbatical anytime soon.

Hammy can sh__ in one hand and wish in the other and see which one fills up first***

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by fs1977

RB definitely had the best racepace this time. Verstappen didn't have the greatest start, but with boxing Russel and making the move on Piastri on the first corner he did a great job to be able to manage the race from the front. Hopefully these upgrades will work on most of the tracks. Last time he won, the following race was a dissaster.

One of the best overtakes I've seen in a long, long time. Epic. On par with Montoya passing Schumi in the bus stop at Spa in 2004.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by M4Lou

Hammy can sh__ in one hand and wish in the other and see which one fills up first***

[wizardofOz]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

For those who don't recognize him...

This is Daniel Ricciardo (!)

Looks like Borat if you ask me

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by M5Rick

No way, PIA knew he was coming through whatever hence why he braked early or he knew there'd be contact a'la Charlie and ALB and hand the place back, RUS even said 'Piastri what are you doing' hoping that would happen with him barging through to the lead. In the end Merc fell apart anyway.

It looked as if Piastri refrained from fully engaging with Verstappen both during the race start and the Safety Car race restart. He seemed a bit hesitational. Even Russell complained after almost rear ending Piastri during the race start.

To some extent, Verstappen benefits from the internal competition between Piastri and Norris. Both McLaren dogs are fighting for the P1 pecking order and a likely first WDC title. But Verstappen could be the 2025 dark horse denying them that.

Neither Piastri nor Norris can afford a DNF in close combat with Verstappen, otherwise the team mate leaves the race with an 18 or 25 points benefit. Being 'risk adverse' when Verstappen is at arms' length, will numb them a little as the season moves on with the WDC title stakes raising. I trust that Piastri and Norris fear no-one on track, except for Verstappen.

Piastri does know that he angered Verstappen for getting a 5 second penalty during the Jeddah 'elbows out' race start. Whether Verstappen's strong view about that penalty is right or wrong is irrelevant - he felt screwed or crossed. Looks like Verstappen - in his own view - settled the 'bill' at Imola, either paid in full ...or an advance with still a part due by Piastri.

April 23, 2025:

Originally Posted by Artemis

During the 2025 Jeddah race, Verstappen aggressively protected his track position when Piastri with a faster McLaren aggressively approached and got alongside of him. Again, neither driver seemed to be prepared to yield. No favors either here. Verstappen ultimately took evasive action to avoid a crash, possible DNF and more penalty points putting him at risk of a 12-penalty points race ban.

Verstappen is known to be vindictive if he feels screwed or crossed (regardless what race stewards decide and what teams tell him) - he got the reputation to be quite firm about this and doesn't forget. Verstappen may consider that there is a bill to be settled with Piastri - some unfinished business. Therefore, I expect Verstappen to strike his vengeance upon Piastri in a future race whenever it rises to the occasion: a Verstappen-Piastri incident will happen. Just a matter of time - when it happens, you will remember this post. For example, if Verstappen's start grid position is ahead of Piastri during a future race start, expect Verstappen to aggressively steer 45° or more into Piastri's direction to force him to either brake or crash + Verstappen claiming that he "defended his start grid position". Piastri should anticipate this type of action prior to a race, to get around Verstappen, or ensure that he's outqualifying Verstappen during the qualies. And if during a race they both approach a corner alongside each other, Verstappen will not take evasive action this time around.

Trouble is ahead. "La vengeance est un plat qui se mange froid".

[AmuroRay]

Lewis P4 from P12 in the 5th fastest car on the grid. Legendary driver. Can't wait for his podium during the triple header.

I think by Spain we see a Ferrari win, and After the Summer break, Ferrari (Lewis) in the top 5 for the WDC. It might be too late, but it isn't impossible.

[Artemis]

Lollipoman Comics - 2025 Imola race start:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dmtNn7KljoU

[G30M]

[G30M]

amateurs! i listened to GP for Max and it sounded like GP was driving Max's car

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by G30M

Fia in full anti-brit mode.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by G30M

amateurs! i listened to GP for Max and it sounded like GP was driving Max's car

I have a song for that..

[M5Rick]

A little less conversation, on the radio and a little more action.

The King