Stand-in Russell completes practice double
04/12/2020
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sport
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f1
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1,218
Mercedes' George Russell completes a clean sweep of Friday's two practice sessions at the Sakhir Grand Prix as he stands in for Lewis Hamilton.
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Tee
04/12/2020 19:11:02
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bbc
Come on George, turn this into pole tomorrow ??
I obviously concur, but would rather George did it on Sunday. Quali Schmali, George has more question marks over his race performance.
Bottas and Williams F1, are in danger of looking chumps.
Get well soon Lewis and Romain!
Bottas and Williams F1, are in danger of looking chumps.
Get well soon Lewis and Romain!
he will not be allowed to by the team, it will show Hamilton up, not good for the PR machine..
From the moment George was announced I posted predicting the next few days would be a master class in hypocrisy from the Hamilton haters and closet racists and boy oh boy was I right.
I said if George did poorly the excuses would come flooding in and if he did well it would be used to try and write off all of Lewis' achievements over the last decade.
The Hamilton haters are so easy to read.
I said if George did poorly the excuses would come flooding in and if he did well it would be used to try and write off all of Lewis' achievements over the last decade.
The Hamilton haters are so easy to read.
How hard will it be for Russell to return to Williams?
Money makes the world go round (F1 contracts)!! Anything is possible
Perhaps Hamilton will do a car swap and show Russell how it's done in a Williams!
Not hard at all. Mercedes allowed him to sign for Williams on the condition that they have first dibs when his contract expires. Russell is a smart young man - he will keep his head down, work hard, not say anything nasty about the car or the team, and when he has served his time, he will get his reward with a drive in the works Mercedes.
I saw the reports of a George Russel masterclass so just went to watch the practice sessions and he's missing apexes left right and center.
This proves Bottas is nowhere near good enough to be driving the Mercedes.
The LH luvvies have obviously enjoyed the last 7 years. But for neutrals it has been utterly boring. If F1 wants to become interesting again and regain TV figures, Mercedes needs to find a much better number 2 than Bottas. But they won't cos Hamiltons contract won't allow him to have a teammate which chellenges him.
The LH luvvies have obviously enjoyed the last 7 years. But for neutrals it has been utterly boring. If F1 wants to become interesting again and regain TV figures, Mercedes needs to find a much better number 2 than Bottas. But they won't cos Hamiltons contract won't allow him to have a teammate which chellenges him.
As happy as I am for George, this plays in to the hands of people claiming that Hamilton is only fast because of the car. Also makes Bottas look stupid. If Bottas doesn’t get pole tomorrow then he needs to leave Merc
LH is in the fastest car? Takes a great driver to win in a car that isn’t fast. Agree VB needs to leave
It doesn't prove Hamilton is slow it proves Russell is fast. Which is great. I am a dyed in the wool Hamilton fan but am delighted for George.
seems the people that claim Hamilton only wins because of the car have been proven right then haven't they. Imagine Verstappen in the same car as Hamilton. Hamilton would start picking up a lot of 2nd places.
Bottas won't go anywhere because he's the perfect #2 driver - good enough to get podiums but doesn't have the mentality to actually fight for wins. Rosberg did, and it cost Mercedes when he crashed with Lewis.
Or maybe it proves that Russell has real talent which he hasn't been able to fully demonstrate up to now. Let's not forget that he has had less than a week to get used to this car and that he doesn't fit in it too comfortably either!
And Hamilton won races when he clearly wasn't in the best & fastest car.
And Hamilton won races when he clearly wasn't in the best & fastest car.
We know the W11 is the best car, so a lot of drivers that do a good job can win in it. LH does better than just a 'good' job though. Russell is clearly better than his Williams, and his instant pace in the W11 is further proof.
you may well be right...
This has always been the goal of the Hamilton haters and closet racists. Latch on to any decent performance of a competitor and use that to declare over a decade of amazing driving and 7 world titles as null and void.
True, but Lewis has even said George is the future. His junior careers are just as good, if not better than Verstappen and Leclercs. He's not just some 'bum' driver from the back of the grid. His performance today should be more about how good Russell is.
It's true! Half the current F1 drivers could and would win the World Championship if they drove Hamiltons car and George has PROVED IT
Haters are gonna hate Molly. That's what they do against all reason. There is literally no feat LH could perform , not 9 Championships or 125 Grand Prix or to improve to winning 1 out of every 2 races, they'd still find a reason to stigmatize H.
George seems like a nice talented young fellow, well spoken , talented racer. With both the legend Sir H and Russell its British racing that wins.
George seems like a nice talented young fellow, well spoken , talented racer. With both the legend Sir H and Russell its British racing that wins.
Absolutely.
If the guy in last place in the driver's championship can be dropped into Hamilton's car (that he doesn't even fit in) and win. It literally proves that Hamilton is driving a car that wins him races and that the drivers championship table proves absolutely nothing. Down vote all you like fanboys. It absolutely nukes the argument.
We've always known George was fast - here's the proof. Go, our kid!
I HATE BEING RIGHT ALL THE TIME.
Just as I predicted the Hamilton haters who have been hoping and praying for George to do well are now coordinating to flood the internet with posts trying to write off Lewis' decade long string of amazing performances and 7 world titles all on the basis of two practice sessions.
The inherent hypocrisy and dishonesty of the Hamilton haters is revealed.
Just as I predicted the Hamilton haters who have been hoping and praying for George to do well are now coordinating to flood the internet with posts trying to write off Lewis' decade long string of amazing performances and 7 world titles all on the basis of two practice sessions.
The inherent hypocrisy and dishonesty of the Hamilton haters is revealed.
Nope. The car is fast. Hence why Shamilton has won so many races
Impressive from George so far but we'll get a much better idea on Sunday. Hopefully he hasn't set his car up too much towards qualifying.
"Takes a great driver to win in a car that isn’t fast. "
True, which is why it was special when Hamilton won his titles in 2008, 2017 and 2018, when Ferrari had the best car. He's also won races in every season, even when they've had a terrible car e.g. 2009.
So, HAM won three of his seven titles in the 2nd best car, and many races in the 3rd best car. Not bad.
True, which is why it was special when Hamilton won his titles in 2008, 2017 and 2018, when Ferrari had the best car. He's also won races in every season, even when they've had a terrible car e.g. 2009.
So, HAM won three of his seven titles in the 2nd best car, and many races in the 3rd best car. Not bad.
These days it is not possible to win unless you have the fastest car. Fact.
Used to be that certain cars suited certain types of circuit. Unfortunately Mercedes have worked out how to the best everywhere.
But switch LH and MV and we'd be talking about MV's first title. The fact that GR is instantly top in 2 sessions shows it IS the car. To get the car you have to be fast though.
Used to be that certain cars suited certain types of circuit. Unfortunately Mercedes have worked out how to the best everywhere.
But switch LH and MV and we'd be talking about MV's first title. The fact that GR is instantly top in 2 sessions shows it IS the car. To get the car you have to be fast though.
I agree, VB and NR have both also proved it's not down to the car alone. If it were solely down to the car then VB should have been locking out the front row of qualifying with LH in either P1/P2 and minimum P2 in races like NR did. NR managed a title win but couldn't cope with the physical and mental demands required to stick around and defend it.
George flattered by a very strange 2 sessions from Bottas.
Why are you here then, if you don't like it?
Great driving George, demonstrates how good the Mercedes is. You can give Lewis a real challenge next year if Toto gives you the opportunity.
Russell merely confirmed what most Motor Racing enthusiasts have always known. It's always about the car. No exceptions.
It really is that simple. What other driver has had the financial support throughout his career from one of the most iconic brands the automotive industry has ever known.
All hail the three-pointed-star.
Mind you, I'd much prefer a McLaren or Ferrari road car. Mercs = old.
It really is that simple. What other driver has had the financial support throughout his career from one of the most iconic brands the automotive industry has ever known.
All hail the three-pointed-star.
Mind you, I'd much prefer a McLaren or Ferrari road car. Mercs = old.
Looking forward to seeing Alonso next year
hamilton clearly exposed as very average indeed! imagine a backmarker driver on his first day destroying hamiltons closest rival!
Total rubbish..GR has 6500 kms with Mercedes...from which he knows more than a little about the car and the team...and from which they know he s a top fast boy..why Toto invites him..just looks like George can compete and drive at the top...to control those cars takes a real driver...no dissing LH or GR!!
Plays straight into a Hamilton and Russell line up at Petronas in the not too distant future. Come on the Brits!
Go-Go-Go-GR - from usually last on the grid to top - this just proves its all about the car and not the driver !!
Now lets put put LH in the Williams
Now lets put put LH in the Williams
so it shows LH is only winning everything because he has the best car. Stick another average driver in a merc and he to does better than the rest. Time FIA made all cars standard so then we could see just how good the drivers are. Maybe then F1 might be fun.
Totally unfair to Lewis. It’s the race strategy that is key not just driving a fast car and securing fastest lap in the first days practice session.
So Russell who's been smashing his teammate into the ground all season, and who's being lined up for a permanent drive at Mercedes season after next is just an average driver?
GR average...ho ho...shows what little you know....
So by your logic bottas should be winning every race? Or nico? No such thing as an "average" driver in f1.
Of course the car is possibly better than the rest, but it doesn't drive itself and whats with Bottas - he has the same equipment.
Ps. NOT a Hamilton fan with all of his hypocritical holier than thou antics.
Ps. NOT a Hamilton fan with all of his hypocritical holier than thou antics.
George Russell is not an average driver. He is a multiple lower formula champion that has been driving a rubbish Williams way better that it should be sitting. In the sim lockdown races , he was trashing Le Clerc, Albon and Norris most of the time (in stock set ups to be the same).
Without doubt Mercedes have the best car this season, so no great surprise that George was able to record the fastest lap today.
All drivers on the grid are capable of winning given the best car, but its grid position, race strategy and courage that gets you over that finish line on Sunday.
Bottas should win on Sunday with some ease.
All drivers on the grid are capable of winning given the best car, but its grid position, race strategy and courage that gets you over that finish line on Sunday.
Bottas should win on Sunday with some ease.
Bottas and Verstappen often outperform Hamilton over a few laps. Hamilton really knows how to manage the car and his tires, while eager, inexperienced drivers push car and tires to the limit and suffer over the last 20 laps. Case in point...Lance Stroll in Turkey.
That's why Hamilton wins, even when his car isn't the best.
That's why Hamilton wins, even when his car isn't the best.
Well then it wouldn't be F1. It's an engineering as well as a driving competition.
There are plenty other single spec series if you'd like to watch them. Hamilton has actually competed in a few, earlier in his career. Guess what? He won those too.
There are plenty other single spec series if you'd like to watch them. Hamilton has actually competed in a few, earlier in his career. Guess what? He won those too.
So true putting VB there is making him look better than he is. Jenson beat him in 2011
The RBR is tailor made for Max's driving style (highly responsive front end). The irony is that the RBR is a better fit for HAM's driving style than the Merc is. Put HAM and VER in the RBR and HAM would beat Max.
Same way in 2018, the Ferrari clearly suited HAM's style more than the "diva" Merc, and it was often said HAM would've won the title in the Ferrari by a wider margin.
Same way in 2018, the Ferrari clearly suited HAM's style more than the "diva" Merc, and it was often said HAM would've won the title in the Ferrari by a wider margin.
Or does it show A) George is great driver and B) how bad the Williams really is
The only shame is that we will never know, besides Hamilton is now 35 and although experience counts for a lot I am sure even he would admit he doesn't have the raw speed he had when he was 20. Mercedes could have anyone they choose in that car and they choose to spend £40m a year on Hamilton, if they don't feel they need him then why wouldn't they get someone cheaper?
Firstly, practice sessions are really about getting set up data. Secondly, If Russel does get pole convincingly and win then it does show something about both his skill and how capable the car is. Just like it showed something about Hamilton and the McLaren when he came third in his first ever F1 race, and missed winning his first ever season by 2 points. But with Hamilton it's just the car....
Just shows the car is the star in the hands of any talented driver. Ends that debate pretty comprehensively.
You still have to earn your place at the top. Your point is a simple one. Hamilton has out driven every single partner he’s ever had. Swallow that pal.
Bottas was a fantastic driver at Williams but isn’t even close to being the quickest in a Merc. Albon and Ghasly are both quicker in TR/AT cars than in the lead Red Bull car. The style has to match the car
Not really. Look at how Russel performed in the Williams and outclassed all his team mates there. Of course he will do well in a Merc. He outperformed LeClerc and Lando in prior formulas as well as in online racing too (by a large margin) and Merc know how quick he is, which is why they chose him over Vandorne. He is a very quick and talented driver. The best cars need the best drivers.
Well done George, a good days work. Is it possible to see 2 Brits in the Mercs next year. ?? what a season that would be
Go-Go-Go-GR - from usually last on the grid to top - this just proves its all about the car and not the driver !!
Now lets put put LH in the Williams
Now lets put put LH in the Williams
USUALLY
Perez ahead of Stroll yet again. It must be comforting when the team is owned by your dad.
Couldn't agree more. Perez would be further ahead in the drivers championship if he didn't miss a couple races and a couple dubious calls to box when he didn't' need to late into the races.
Who.. the Great Stropp?
It's probably not his fault. Blame the Communication from his engineer. Or the weather. Etc.
It's probably not his fault. Blame the Communication from his engineer. Or the weather. Etc.
There will always be places for drivers with the greatest talent in f1, but places are limited, and it's expensive. If you don't have that talent, getting your dad to buy the team is another way in. That leaves an extra seat that would not have been there is Laurence stroll had not bought the team.
All will become clear tomorrow, or now, if you look beyond the headlines at the actually long run and one lap data.
To be fair to Bottas, he should comfortably been 1st in fp2 in which he only described that lap as half decent. Slightly went over track limits though.
So should Lewis - his reputation is in ruins!! - Fastest Car wins just anyone without Love Lewis Goggles can see
VB's nervousness will be his undoing
GR coming in and showing him up won't be a great look. He has much more to proof than anyone else on the grid this weekend. Ideal time to turn up the legendary Finnish ice cool calmness in race mode ??
GR coming in and showing him up won't be a great look. He has much more to proof than anyone else on the grid this weekend. Ideal time to turn up the legendary Finnish ice cool calmness in race mode ??
why? his one lap pace and race pace were both aster than Russell.
How hard will it be for Russell to return to Williams?
Always had the feeling George and Lando two great prospects to pick up the Lewis mantle as top British drivers...we'll see tomorrow but Toto chose George for a reason...they know he is hot fast....no way Merc choose a bad driver...Valteri not a bad driver.. just under such pressure it tells...Go GR..can't wait to see you topping the standings regularly...Lewis 8th next year then onto the new era
Agree with your comments. George in a top car will be a winner.
be fair, he had more points than him, but he didn't beat him on the track in a single race except Japan, all the others Lewis had problems in either qualifying or the race. Don't get me wrong, Jenson was a great driver, especially in the races, but the context you're using 'beat him' is misleading to any non F1 fan.
And, of course LH can't -possibly- have improved since 2011 can he?
Let's be clear on this. Hamilton is a very good driver and probably the best of his generation.
Let us also be clear that the reason he has run up so many wins etc. Is because for the last upteem years the Merc has been far and away the best car.
All this GOAT talk is just nonsense.
You cannot compare different eras.
In any case, well done George. Go well for the rest of the weekend.
Let us also be clear that the reason he has run up so many wins etc. Is because for the last upteem years the Merc has been far and away the best car.
All this GOAT talk is just nonsense.
You cannot compare different eras.
In any case, well done George. Go well for the rest of the weekend.
Over the years LH has proved he is GOAT..never does a Senna or Schu drive rivals off track...controls car almost faultlessly in all conditions especially wet...consistently competitive...this just means GR is as good as Merc knew he was...
I personally would say that lauda is the best driver for me.. cause he did it in two eras.
Good drivers often get offered good cars. Great drivers get to choose the best cars. Stewart, Prost, Senna and Schumacher are proof of that.
100% agree. Hamilton is arguably best of his gen due to consistency, versatility, speed, overtaking. won a race every year, great in the wet.
However the GOAT talk is ridiculous, you can’t compare eras. You can say Lewis among the very best & unquestionably most successful but it cannot be denied merc is amazing team which Lewis helped build though. Bottas 2nd tier, wish George was Lewis partner!
However the GOAT talk is ridiculous, you can’t compare eras. You can say Lewis among the very best & unquestionably most successful but it cannot be denied merc is amazing team which Lewis helped build though. Bottas 2nd tier, wish George was Lewis partner!
You can with Lewis and Schumacher. Lewis beat 2 x WDC Alonso in 2007 who had beaten Schumi the previous two years (2005 and 2006). Same era, very similar cars. Lewis and Schumi fought during his comeback - same era, same cars. Lewis won his WDCs without cheating, Schumi didn't. Ergo Lewis is the better driver, no contest.
Nope. Its fair to call H Goat because the criteria by which we measure , statistics, championships , records means he is best for now.
Merc has the best car because they are the best team, by wins of constructor competition , the best.
You can't compare eras in sport usually tech progress in sport is cumulative and if anything skills, conditioning, professionalism of athletes improve over time.
Merc has the best car because they are the best team, by wins of constructor competition , the best.
You can't compare eras in sport usually tech progress in sport is cumulative and if anything skills, conditioning, professionalism of athletes improve over time.
hamilton clearly exposed as very average indeed! imagine a backmarker driver on his first day destroying hamiltons closest rival!
GR may have done well but using a couple of practice runs to make judgements about a seven time WC is nonsense
True but it says something about the guy in the other car. Bottler bottling it again, best number 2 since barrichello.
Why is it nonsense.
It's just plain logic being applied and just pur facts being pointed out that Hamilton isn't as good as he's made out to be. GR'S performance shows without the vast superiority of this particular car Hamilton wouldn't have achieved as much.
But of course the die hard fans will never see or agree with this.
It's just plain logic being applied and just pur facts being pointed out that Hamilton isn't as good as he's made out to be. GR'S performance shows without the vast superiority of this particular car Hamilton wouldn't have achieved as much.
But of course the die hard fans will never see or agree with this.
As the lyrics of the Beatles "All You Need Is Love" song says, "There's nothing you can do that can't be done", and if George Russell can win on Sunday, that fact will have been shown to be embarrassingly true.
1st in practice does not mean much.
The fact that he can move from one car to another in the blink of an eye to good effect and that he is being complimented for being smooth is the real good news.
The fact that he can move from one car to another in the blink of an eye to good effect and that he is being complimented for being smooth is the real good news.
hamilton clearly exposed as very average indeed! imagine a backmarker driver on his first day destroying hamiltons closest rival!
Total rubbish..GR has 6500 kms with Mercedes...from which he knows more than a little about the car and the team...and from which they know he s a top fast boy..why Toto invites him..just looks like George can compete and drive at the top...to control those cars takes a real driver...no dissing LH or GR!!
Without doubt Mercedes have the best car this season, so no great surprise that George was able to record the fastest lap today.
All drivers on the grid are capable of winning given the best car, but its grid position, race strategy and courage that gets you over that finish line on Sunday.
Bottas should win on Sunday with some ease.
All drivers on the grid are capable of winning given the best car, but its grid position, race strategy and courage that gets you over that finish line on Sunday.
Bottas should win on Sunday with some ease.
Well done George Russell on free practice. Wisbech folk will be cheering you on over the weekend!
Great for George. Well done!
Does this mean there are a few other drivers out there who could have done the same? In which case, LH is not so special, is he?
Give me the car and I'll give you the winner.
Does this mean there are a few other drivers out there who could have done the same? In which case, LH is not so special, is he?
Give me the car and I'll give you the winner.
No it doesn't mean that..TW chose GR for a damned good reason...they know he is the real deal behind the wheel after 6k odd testing...
So apparently Hamilton's very successful F1 career has been completely debunked due to 2 impressive practice sessions from George Russell in the same car? Its fun keeping up with the haters logic.
2007-2012 1 WDC.
2013-2020 6 WDC.
Car obviously plays no part in that of course.
Of course not.
Definitely not of course.
2013-2020 6 WDC.
Car obviously plays no part in that of course.
Of course not.
Definitely not of course.
The game is up mate - Lewis is not one of the greats - Mercedes are!!
Agree, but I think GR is going to win a few GP if he was in a Merc.
It’s not haters logic, just looking at the facts. An almost complete novice gets into an unknown car and gets first in practice. Not hard to come to some conclusions based on that.
Impressive practice runs from Russell. Still has ZERO points though. Let's see how he does in the race.
Along with the team, Lewis and Bottas have put lot into that car to make it as fast is it is, which is something George Russell will definitely be thankful for.
Most people's comments will change if GR drops to P4 or P5 tomorrow, and on Sunday doesn't make podium at all. We should not take the genius spirit of LW away from him.
People just hate LW to dominate F1.
People just hate LW to dominate F1.
Hold that thought till qualifying tomorrow. And we are not haters just because we don't support your favourite, grow up.
It's true! Half the current F1 drivers could and would win the World Championship if they drove Hamiltons car and George has PROVED IT
LOL, like this comment.
Mercedes can save a few quid.
Hamilton can make more music and attend more fashion shows in 2021. GR63 can be a multiple world champion by 2024.
Hamilton can make more music and attend more fashion shows in 2021. GR63 can be a multiple world champion by 2024.
Button outscored him in McLaren.
Jenson Button was his most serious competition and did competitively beat him one season with a break downs deciding it.
Button outscored him over three years at Mclaren.
Button and Rosberg both beat him in matching cars....that’s why he kicks up a fuss every time Mercedes think about replacing Bottas. He’s undoubtedly one of the greats, but as ever in F1, the car you are driving makes a difference.
And to support your point when Fisichella took that drive at Ferrari (in place of Massa) it effectively ended his career as he had the best equipment and struggled for consistency.
Yea but that's because his partners have been rubbish other than Rosberg who smashed him in 2016. He's never driven with Vettel or Verstappen in the same car. Bottas is proving himself as a firm and tierdy number 2. Verstappen in the same car would hammer the so called hammer time.
hamilton clearly exposed as very average indeed! imagine a backmarker driver on his first day destroying hamiltons closest rival!
PSSSST! They are ALL back marker drivers without a Merc. The results do not lie.
Every year there are at least 19 also rans. That included HAM in this two-horse race one time despite the massive handicap of only driving Mercedes power throughout the very long career.
The facts do not lie. It's ALWAYS been about the car.
Every year there are at least 19 also rans. That included HAM in this two-horse race one time despite the massive handicap of only driving Mercedes power throughout the very long career.
The facts do not lie. It's ALWAYS been about the car.
Let's be clear on this. Hamilton is a very good driver and probably the best of his generation.
Let us also be clear that the reason he has run up so many wins etc. Is because for the last upteem years the Merc has been far and away the best car.
All this GOAT talk is just nonsense.
You cannot compare different eras.
In any case, well done George. Go well for the rest of the weekend.
Let us also be clear that the reason he has run up so many wins etc. Is because for the last upteem years the Merc has been far and away the best car.
All this GOAT talk is just nonsense.
You cannot compare different eras.
In any case, well done George. Go well for the rest of the weekend.
If you must insist on a fatuous GOAT arguement, then I give you Jim Clark (probably before your time).
He won races in the previous years car because the new one wasn't ready yet at a serious disadvantage to his competitors.
What's more, when he did lose races he was happy to admit the other bloke drove a better race than him, rather than blaming his own team.
He won races in the previous years car because the new one wasn't ready yet at a serious disadvantage to his competitors.
What's more, when he did lose races he was happy to admit the other bloke drove a better race than him, rather than blaming his own team.
Lewis has driven his rivals off the track, he isn’t very graceful in losing will come back to F1 when he retires hopefully soon
Never drives rivals off track?
Re Senna and Schumacher, in those days drivers had 2 do so much more and put much more efforts but nowadays cars are so advanced that they can be modified by the pit crew to aid drivers.
Hamilton being GOAT is degrading the car as well as the deserved greatness of best drivers from the past who had 2 get the best out their cars whereas Hamilton's car got the best out of him.
But like Kit & Michael
Hamilton being GOAT is degrading the car as well as the deserved greatness of best drivers from the past who had 2 get the best out their cars whereas Hamilton's car got the best out of him.
But like Kit & Michael
Always had the feeling George and Lando two great prospects to pick up the Lewis mantle as top British drivers...we'll see tomorrow but Toto chose George for a reason...they know he is hot fast....no way Merc choose a bad driver...Valteri not a bad driver.. just under such pressure it tells...Go GR..can't wait to see you topping the standings regularly...Lewis 8th next year then onto the new era
Lol so quicker if he hadn't cheated then???
Russell didn't run wide at all though; Bottas did it three times in that corner, locked up all over the place, and had a lairy moment over the gravel through turns 5 and 6. Bottas' deleted time was also similar to Russell's in FP1 when track limits weren't being monitored. Reminds me of Hamilton a couple of races ago (Portimao?) when he was the only driver that didn't have a lap time deleted.
It just proves as claimed by many that at least half of the drivers could be already world champions in the Mercedes and Hamilton would not be a 7 times world champion without the car
Vettel wouldn't be a 4 time world champion without Red Bulls dominance 2010 to 2013 and Schumacher wouldn't be a 7 time world champion without Ferrari (and dirty tatics) - whats your point - best drivers are drawn to the best teams - its the nature of sport.
No-one's ever disputed that Mercedes is best car. But you also need to look at how Hamilton has outpaced his team mates. Consistently. Thoroughly.
You don't have to like him, but try to be fair to him.
All the 'greats' had the best car; Prost, Senna, Schumacher; all of them.
You don't have to like him, but try to be fair to him.
All the 'greats' had the best car; Prost, Senna, Schumacher; all of them.
So basically
Any decent driver will challenge for championships in a Merc.
Rosberg wasn't on Hamilton's level and still won one.
You'd have to be really mediocre to never compete. e.g. Bottas
Hard to claim Lewis is the GOAT considering the current Formula. At least in other eras teams were allowed to develop/test cars to try to catch up a lot more than they are allowed now.
Any decent driver will challenge for championships in a Merc.
Rosberg wasn't on Hamilton's level and still won one.
You'd have to be really mediocre to never compete. e.g. Bottas
Hard to claim Lewis is the GOAT considering the current Formula. At least in other eras teams were allowed to develop/test cars to try to catch up a lot more than they are allowed now.
Name me a world champion who hasn't had the best car - very difficult. You could argue the Ferrari of 17/ 18 was quicker than the Merc and Hamilton found a way to win (Ferrari didn't help themselves).
No one said the car plays no part..course it plays a big part...who helped develop the car by driving it so brilliantly, even when it was troublesome...errrrrrrrrrrrr...go for an early bath! :-)
Yeah, only active driver to have won a WDC with two different teams.
Rarely gets mentioned. Conveniently.
Rarely gets mentioned. Conveniently.
1996 Damon hill Williams 8 wins, world champion, 1997 Damon hill arrows, o wins 12th. Car has nothing to do with it ever.
In 3 of Lewis's winning years he didn't have the fastest car. He also drove for teams that didn't favour 1 driver like Ferrari did w' Michael. Yes, the Merc is the best car, but this has pretty much been the case and it takes the driver to turn it into wins. Ferrari 2017/18 had the fastest car, but Vettel made too many unforced errors which Lewis rarely does....& being Italian, I am a Ferrari nut!
For 2 of those years Ferrarri was challenging and as i recall SV was leading the championship with the fastest car and then there was last year when Ferrarri was cheating which closed the gap
Button won because of the car
Schumi won because of car and cheating as did Alonso
So many racists if Hammi was white you would not be such haters
Button won because of the car
Schumi won because of car and cheating as did Alonso
So many racists if Hammi was white you would not be such haters
The only real test to see if this Mercedes still wins despite a mediocre driver is to let Vettel have a go with it. Then we'll really know!
Vettel, the 4 time F1 champion?
I thought he'd outqualified his team-mate all season, or does that not count as not being last on the grid, let alome often dragging the Williams into Q2?
Yu appear to know less about F1 than I do about Strictly Come Dancing...
Yu appear to know less about F1 than I do about Strictly Come Dancing...
VB77 is Rubens.
Total rubbish..GR has 6500 kms with Mercedes...from which he knows more than a little about the car and the team...and from which they know he s a top fast boy..why Toto invites him..just looks like George can compete and drive at the top...to control those cars takes a real driver...no dissing LH or GR!!
To those expressing their opinion that its the car not the driver. To an extent that will always be true F1 is by its very nature a team event, the best driver always get the best car by talent! My real point is GR hasn't performed well in the worst car on the grid, how could he. He gets a chance in the best car & beats everyone including the incumbent Merc driver. Shows how overrated Bottas is
I've been saying for a few years that Mercedes got the jump on everyone else when the hybrid was introduced. Now due to the rules no other team is allowed to make developments to catch them.
Put any of the good, young Playstation era drivers in that car and you'll get the result we saw today. Yes, they need to be a good driver, but Halmilton isn't the all that specia, he's just a good driver.
Put any of the good, young Playstation era drivers in that car and you'll get the result we saw today. Yes, they need to be a good driver, but Halmilton isn't the all that specia, he's just a good driver.
His driving is better than your spelling. Just saying.
Bottas was better than his team mate at Williams. That team mate was highly rated. Every year the drivers coming through are better than the previous years. F1 today has possibly 10 of the best drivers ever to drive an F1 car. The car gap is closing and on a short circuit one mistake and you go from 1st to mid pack.
2007-2012 1 WDC.
2013-2020 6 WDC.
Car obviously plays no part in that of course.
Of course not.
Definitely not of course.
2013-2020 6 WDC.
Car obviously plays no part in that of course.
Of course not.
Definitely not of course.
James Hunt in 1976, Lauda had the best car by far and Keke Rosberg 1982, John Watson’s car was better.
Ferrari lost that due to Hamilton getting help via magic through tattoos he has.
If in doubt about my point, look up tattoos and magic.
If in doubt about my point, look up tattoos and magic.
Shows the type of organisation Mercedes is, shame their road cars are terrible
Well done George! Best of luck in the race.
Get a bit fed up of “Hamilton only wins because he’s got the fastest car” rubbish. He was the only one not to spin in the wet conditions the other week and won through superior driving. Don’t forget he’s also had a huge input into the design and build of the car that’s why he joined Mercedes. No I’m not his mum but I for one am proud of him.
Get a bit fed up of “Hamilton only wins because he’s got the fastest car” rubbish. He was the only one not to spin in the wet conditions the other week and won through superior driving. Don’t forget he’s also had a huge input into the design and build of the car that’s why he joined Mercedes. No I’m not his mum but I for one am proud of him.
Its hilarious that all the Lewis Lovers have left to defend the undefendable is that Lewis once drove well in a wet race - is that the final line of defence for the blindingly obvious that Lewis is simply a primadonna in the fastest car!! Bye bye Lewis - youre a busted flush!
Lewis had no input into the design. That was actually Schumacher. The engine and team were planned before he joined and remember he wasn’t their first choice driver. I don’t agree with comments like he’s been found out but in my opinion the ‘great’ in the team is the car.
Well done George, hope he does well this weekend. I think Valtteri and Max will be stronger over the weekend. Any points George scores will boost his development. Proud of all of Hamilton's achievements.
Schumacher did the Mercedes development work with Ross Brawn; Hamilton is a fast driver not an engineer. Great drivers are also great engineers, Lauda, Senna, Schumacher etc.
So basically
Any decent driver will challenge for championships in a Merc.
Rosberg wasn't on Hamilton's level and still won one.
You'd have to be really mediocre to never compete. e.g. Bottas
Hard to claim Lewis is the GOAT considering the current Formula. At least in other eras teams were allowed to develop/test cars to try to catch up a lot more than they are allowed now.
Any decent driver will challenge for championships in a Merc.
Rosberg wasn't on Hamilton's level and still won one.
You'd have to be really mediocre to never compete. e.g. Bottas
Hard to claim Lewis is the GOAT considering the current Formula. At least in other eras teams were allowed to develop/test cars to try to catch up a lot more than they are allowed now.
Russel taking first in practice is possibly the worst thing that could happen to this F1 circus. Proving that the car is the star. Put Lewis in a Williams and watch him languish anything between 16 to 20th......
On the flip side, tremendous performance from George. Drop George in in the Merc next year instead of Lewis and save Merc a cool £40m a year. The numbers are eye watering.
On the flip side, tremendous performance from George. Drop George in in the Merc next year instead of Lewis and save Merc a cool £40m a year. The numbers are eye watering.
How can it be a "tremendous performance from George" When it is not the DRIVER its the car????????
Yet Russell is below his team mate in the drivers championship...
Bottas and Verstappen often outperform Hamilton over a few laps. Hamilton really knows how to manage the car and his tires, while eager, inexperienced drivers push car and tires to the limit and suffer over the last 20 laps. Case in point...Lance Stroll in Turkey.
That's why Hamilton wins, even when his car isn't the best.
That's why Hamilton wins, even when his car isn't the best.
The haters conveniently gloss over the fact that GR is a very quick driver and has been pushing the Williams far further up the grid than the 17-20th it should be. Let’s also not forget it’s not just about the car, vettel couldn’t win in a faster Ferrari 2 seasons in a row, and guess who won the WC? That’s right, the greatest f1 driver of all time, enough said,
Do a little though experiment. In 2013 Hamilton goes to Ferrari, Vettel goes to Mercedes. Would we be more likely to be celebrating Hamilton’s 7th world championship or Vettel’s 10th?
The car that won the constructors championship in both those years was Mercedes, by a greater margin than the gap between Hamilton and Vettel. This means the Ferrari was inferior to the Mercedes - which given Bottas's poor results in seasons since has kind of been proven categorically and media outlets just weren't accepting the reality that the Mercs brought in a second rate driver for #2 spot.
Now let me see - All those F1 Fans banging on about Lewis Lewis Lewis and look how well he drove in the wet once and its the driver not the car - so a guy who hasn't qualified above 12th - no points in 36 races - one day to get used to a car that is too small for him (has to wear smaller shoes) - goes out and has fastest lap on not one but two practise sessions!! - Arise Sir George
Don't get to excited, this was practice; but I'm sure he'll do well. No-one ever doubted that Mercedes is the best car, but that doesn't take it all away from Hamilton.
A driver who’s been groomed by Merc for 5 years. Who drives the Merc simulator. Who drives for a team supplied by Merc. Who constantly out drives his team mate & has been skirting around 12th consistently in a bad car.... yeah, your right. Anyone can drive the Merc and come first. Boats does it all the time... oh, wait. No.
Maybe you could drop out of your Ford Focus and put it on pole. Moron. Removed
Maybe you could drop out of your Ford Focus and put it on pole. Moron. Removed
Both, but don't let the facts get in the way of your hatred.
Lewis is a good driver but having the fastest car definitely helps.
Maybe they should all swap seats for final race and we'll see what happens. Will Williams and Haas still be last if they had MV or LH? Yes.
Maybe they should all swap seats for final race and we'll see what happens. Will Williams and Haas still be last if they had MV or LH? Yes.
Well, he is one of greats, but not The greatest
2007-2012 1 WDC.
2013-2020 6 WDC.
Car obviously plays no part in that of course.
Of course not.
Definitely not of course.
2013-2020 6 WDC.
Car obviously plays no part in that of course.
Of course not.
Definitely not of course.
Who helped....
I can think of three drivers
Michael, Nico and Valteri.
I can think of three drivers
Michael, Nico and Valteri.
Total rubbish..GR has 6500 kms with Mercedes...from which he knows more than a little about the car and the team...and from which they know he s a top fast boy..why Toto invites him..just looks like George can compete and drive at the top...to control those cars takes a real driver...no dissing LH or GR!!
You dont watch much motor racing do you?
I actually think neither of those is likely. We'll see.
You really are obsessed with how much you hate Hamilton, aren't you?
If he gets on the front row of the grid, or more seriously, out qualifies/out finishes Bottas, then all this shows is that Bottas is not fit for the car (Which frankly, his results this year have already proven).
It proves nothing about Hamilton; as you cannot compare drivers to each other when they are not racing against each other.
It proves nothing about Hamilton; as you cannot compare drivers to each other when they are not racing against each other.
GR came through merc school ? 3 year contract from merc to williams. He learned to drive in that car.....no surprise he can drive it DOH!
Not touched a current Merc for ages.
Bottas won't go anywhere because he's the perfect #2 driver - good enough to get podiums but doesn't have the mentality to actually fight for wins. Rosberg did, and it cost Mercedes when he crashed with Lewis.
It’s clearly the car, Lewis couldn’t get near vettel when he was at red bull. It’s the car folks....it really is. The best car wins the championship always has. Lewis made a great call calling it a day at McLaren mind!
I bought a Jag rather than a Merc, but I really wouldn't call the Mercs terrible...
What do you drive, a Veyron?
What do you drive, a Veyron?
2007-2012 1 WDC.
2013-2020 6 WDC.
Car obviously plays no part in that of course.
Of course not.
Definitely not of course.
2013-2020 6 WDC.
Car obviously plays no part in that of course.
Of course not.
Definitely not of course.
Just proves that Hamilton has to do a lot more to justify being given the title of GOAT. I'm old enough to remember Schumacher winning the title in a Benetton, and then making the brave decision to join Ferrari and attempt to get them back to the top of the tree, in both cases neither were the best car. It's clear that Hamilton has been sat in the best car for every one of his title wins.
Does that include the title wins where Hamilton won in a car that didnt win the constructors title (name another time in recent memory that's happened)? Or the two years he won when the Ferrari should've taken it...?
It’s always been clear the car is 90% but that extra 10 is hard to find. See Ferrari the previous two years, best car and no titles. Russell as well is obviously fast outperforming that Williams all year and good luck to him, step aside Bottas and Hamilton has a real challenge for once.
Top 4 drivers on the grid are Ham, Ver, Lec & Rus. We’ve know this for a long time - those 3 have dominated their peers on the route to f1 in the same way Ham did. Can’t wait to see the battles of the future of Ver (red b) vs Lec (ferrari) vs Rus (merc). To those saying this harms Ham’s credibility are fools. Everyone knows Russell is the real deal and he will never diminish anything Ham has done
Agree and I do like Charles and George as they act like human beings.
Now let me see - All those F1 Fans banging on about Lewis Lewis Lewis and look how well he drove in the wet once and its the driver not the car - so a guy who hasn't qualified above 12th - no points in 36 races - one day to get used to a car that is too small for him (has to wear smaller shoes) - goes out and has fastest lap on not one but two practise sessions!! - Arise Sir George
Plays straight into a Hamilton and Russell line up at Petronas in the not too distant future. Come on the Brits!
Panama papers for Lewis ??????
Which one are you thinking of? Hamiltons pys more tax in the UK than he needs to, or you that do.
Hamilton is listed in the top 5000 tax payers in the UK last year as noted in the BBC article about possible knighthood - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/54965544
Yawn, yawn. The old tax chestnut again. The guy will pay more tax in a year then you do in a lifetime.
Muppet.
So now it’s where you pay tax that defines your nationality? Your personal hatred has overwhelmed any common sense you might possess....
Wrong. Hamilton is one of the top 5000 tax payers in the UK. What's your contribution?
Both have British birth certificates and both have British passports so both are British. As it happens, both pay British taxes too as well as in other places where they earn money.
Your obsession with taxation makes me wonder if you work for the Revenue.
Your obsession with taxation makes me wonder if you work for the Revenue.
What a plum you are. LH is in the top 5000 of highest individual taxpayers to HMRC, get your facts right before you open that trap door of yours.
Wrong. It was reported on the BBC last week that Hamilton is in the top 5,000 taxpayers in this country. He doesn't have to, but he does. Well done, Lewis.
I'm surprised he even drives for Mercedes considering their association with certain manufacturing sites attached to certain camps in a certain country in the late 30s and early to mid 40s. Didn't think his morals would allow such a thing?
That's because only one of them lives in Britain, you numpty. LH lives in the US, so why should he pay British taxes?
How do you know what tax Hamilton pays? Let’s see your evidence...
Lewis undoubtedly pays far more UK taxes than Russell you fool.
Stupid comment with an undercurrent of hatefullness.Hamilton is a brit and pays more British tax than most, including Russel and you.Why don't you say what is really on your mind?
Try engaging brain (if you have one) before operating mouth
Lewis pays taxes, and is in the top 5000 tax payers in the country (out of around 66 million), so he pays more taxes here than you do, as well as in the other countries he also pays taxes in
Now let me see - All those F1 Fans banging on about Lewis Lewis Lewis and look how well he drove in the wet once and its the driver not the car - so a guy who hasn't qualified above 12th - no points in 36 races - one day to get used to a car that is too small for him (has to wear smaller shoes) - goes out and has fastest lap on not one but two practise sessions!! - Arise Sir George
A driver who’s been groomed by Merc for 5 years. Who drives the Merc simulator. Who drives for a team supplied by Merc. Who constantly out drives his team mate & has been skirting around 12th consistently in a bad car.... yeah, your right. Anyone can drive the Merc and come first. Boats does it all the time... oh, wait. No.
Maybe you could drop out of your Ford Focus and put it on pole. Moron. Removed
Maybe you could drop out of your Ford Focus and put it on pole. Moron. Removed