LAP 15/53-ORDER reminder;HAM-MAX-RIC-BOT-OCO-PER-RAI.And RAIKKONEN takes PEREZ with a brilliant move!FANTASTIC move!OCON goes into the pit,and comes out in 12th.MAX pits ...LAP22/53 and comes out in 4th .HAMILTON is coming into the pits,as well.Most drivers are changing into the soft tyres now. The only drivers on supersoft tyres are RICCARDO,ALONSO and GROSJEAN.1:33.813 is fastest lap from MAX.
FORCE INDIA are doing well with OCON and PEREZ ...in 7th and 9th. RICCARDO comes into the pit.And the Australian comes out in 5th behind KIMI.All this while BOTTAS was in front of LEWIS,it looked like he was compromising LEWIS’S race.So the team decide to let him pass BOTTAS.LEWIS had to come on the radio saying,he needs to get past BOTTAS if he is going to hold off MAX’S sudden charge.BOTTAS lets HAMILTON pass..And then BOTTAS goes into the pit....after holding up MAX for a while. How much gap does LEWIS have in front of MAX verstappen right now?BOTTAS comes out in 4th.I think LEWIS is +2.9s ahead.However,LEWIS calls in ...saying he is struggling with his ‘rears’. Is he in trouble?Meanwhile MAX asked whether everything is going fine with the mechanics?BOTTAS puts in a 1:33.699s as the fastest lap time so far. The gap is now down to 2.6s between LEWIS and MAX.LAP 35/53 PEREZ calls in saying that OCON(in front of him)is too slow.Haha,these two drivers,eh!LEWIS is keeping the gap between him and MAX to an average of 2.4s.LAP 40/53.RAIKKONEN watch: he is still in 5th.Meanwhile HULKENBERG notices that his drs chip is not closing.So he is called into the pits to rectify it.Oh!that is a shame.It cannot be fixed,so HULKENBERG is retiring from the race.(Such a small problem!)BOTTAS does another fastest lap time 1:33.424s .BOTTAS is +5.5s behind RICCARDO.And it seems he is still hopeful of getting on the podium,today.Now,LEWIS has managed to open up that gap between him and MAX a bit(maybe a bit of the Dutch man giving up,and traffic).It is now +3.0s.LAP 45/53 And STROLLS runs unto the grass and stops...so the double yellow flag warning comes out.A virtual safety car has been deployed.LAP 50/53 And the Mexican PREREZ is still miffed about the fact that the team haven’t given him the permission to attack OCON(his team mate)1:33.144s is fastest lap time from BOTTAS,as he closes the gap to +1.2s behind RICCARDO.Hurray!Final lap...!And LEWIS wins ....!The points gap between him and VETTEL is now 59 in the championship.It got a bit close between MAX and LEWIS towards the end but,the british driver held his nerves!MAX came on the radio asking whether he could give it ‘everything’to pass LEWIS but the reply was ‘within reason’.See you in ...the states!OCT 20...
FORCE INDIA are doing well with OCON and PEREZ ...in 7th and 9th. RICCARDO comes into the pit.And the Australian comes out in 5th behind KIMI.All this while BOTTAS was in front of LEWIS,it looked like he was compromising LEWIS’S race.So the team decide to let him pass BOTTAS.LEWIS had to come on the radio saying,he needs to get past BOTTAS if he is going to hold off MAX’S sudden charge.BOTTAS lets HAMILTON pass..And then BOTTAS goes into the pit....after holding up MAX for a while. How much gap does LEWIS have in front of MAX verstappen right now?BOTTAS comes out in 4th.I think LEWIS is +2.9s ahead.However,LEWIS calls in ...saying he is struggling with his ‘rears’. Is he in trouble?Meanwhile MAX asked whether everything is going fine with the mechanics?BOTTAS puts in a 1:33.699s as the fastest lap time so far. The gap is now down to 2.6s between LEWIS and MAX.LAP 35/53 PEREZ calls in saying that OCON(in front of him)is too slow.Haha,these two drivers,eh!LEWIS is keeping the gap between him and MAX to an average of 2.4s.LAP 40/53.RAIKKONEN watch: he is still in 5th.Meanwhile HULKENBERG notices that his drs chip is not closing.So he is called into the pits to rectify it.Oh!that is a shame.It cannot be fixed,so HULKENBERG is retiring from the race.(Such a small problem!)BOTTAS does another fastest lap time 1:33.424s .BOTTAS is +5.5s behind RICCARDO.And it seems he is still hopeful of getting on the podium,today.Now,LEWIS has managed to open up that gap between him and MAX a bit(maybe a bit of the Dutch man giving up,and traffic).It is now +3.0s.LAP 45/53 And STROLLS runs unto the grass and stops...so the double yellow flag warning comes out.A virtual safety car has been deployed.LAP 50/53 And the Mexican PREREZ is still miffed about the fact that the team haven’t given him the permission to attack OCON(his team mate)1:33.144s is fastest lap time from BOTTAS,as he closes the gap to +1.2s behind RICCARDO.Hurray!Final lap...!And LEWIS wins ....!The points gap between him and VETTEL is now 59 in the championship.It got a bit close between MAX and LEWIS towards the end but,the british driver held his nerves!MAX came on the radio asking whether he could give it ‘everything’to pass LEWIS but the reply was ‘within reason’.See you in ...the states!OCT 20...
It is ...not a surprise to those with intimate details about F1,that MERCEDES are lagging behind on this circuit.According to experts there is something about the track that suits FERARRI more than it suits MERCEDES.Even RED BULL have found themselves ahead of the pecking order on this track.The Austrian (UK based)team have done well on this circuit in recent times. It seems like a mission to limit damage for TOTO WOLF and co. REDBULL would at the least try to maintain ...their position till the end of the race.So LEWIS and BOTTAS have their work cut out today!And it is raining;it is going to be a wet race.This has never been the case,on this circuit. How will this after the race?There are rumours ...about a change of engine for RED BULL and TORRO ROSO,so the remaining races in this calendar year,could be important data for the future.
Here we go,SINGAPORE grand prix is underway...good start for VERSTAPPEN,oohs,nooo!Not again?MAX is hit. And...RAIKKONEN takes a hit as well...I can see LEWIS going on the outside!What is happening?VETTEL was hit by his team mate. It seems like VETTEL and RAIKKONEN squeezed on MAX,sooo...who hit who?I know RAIKKONEN is badly damaged(ahh!Look at that picture...)And,RAIKKONEN hit VETTEL as he veered out of control...but the GERMAN driver kept going...VETTEL spins...VETTEL is in trouble!VETTEL is out;VETTEL is out!OH my goodness!VERSTAPPEN is out!RAIKKONEN is out!VETTEL is OUT!HAMILTON has moved up to first,and ...a safety car has been deployed.Who would have believed this ...possible?LEWIS surely cannot believe his luck!Let us replay what just happened...A good start for MAX made it necessary for FERRARI to react;and they reacted badly- Now there is carnage,on the track!NOW,the race ...would re-start with LEWIS leading the pack,haha..pure dreamland!LAP 2...still under safety car drive. Is ALONSO still in the race?MERCEDES radio into HAMILTON telling him that the priority is just to get the car home,in one piece.And the three times champion agrees twice...LAP 4-ORDER reminder-HAM_RIC_HUL_PER_BOT_PAL.PAL takes BOTTAS as safety car comes in...RICCARDO is +1.8 s behind LEWIS. HULKENBERG is +2.013 behind RICCARDO. 2:05.121s is fastest lap time from LEWIS. LAP 6/61. RICCARDO says intermediate wet is the right tyres on the radio.2:04.687s is the improvement on the fastest lap time,from LEWIS. Both WILLIAMS pass ALONSO,as MCcLAREN engineers tell ALONSO that they have lost all data communication(ALONSO was involved in the crash aftermath,that took place ...at the beginning of the race:I did not notice it!)LEWIS does a 2:04.425s. LAP 8/61 ALONSO complains about a lack of power and pace,so team tells him to retire.SAINZ takes OCON moving him into 8th.2:03.093s comes from LEWIS.There is a ...crash!It's DANI KVYAT!He has slammed into the barrier...A second safety car has been deployed...LAP 12/61 RICCARDO comes in to get another intermediate wet set of tyres.ORDER reminder-HAM_RIC_BOT_SAINZ_HUL.PALMER and HULKENBERG go into the pits to change to inter(s).HAMILTON is on the radio asking about change of tyres priorties.LAP 13/61...And the re-start is better than the first one,haha!LEWIS does a 2:02.612s already...And improves on it,with a 2:01.989.KEVIN passes OCON and MASSA under tricky conditions!This is crazy.LEWIS improves time with 2:01.752!MASSA comes in for a change of tyre.(From Full wet to intermediate )MASSA was a sitting duck on those tyres.It is HAMMER time..2:01.355. RICCARDO gives some feedback about the track on the radio.ORDER reminder-HAM_RIC_BOT__SAINZ_HUL_PER. Fastest lap time drops to ...2:01.100s. LAP 20-It feels like it is going to be quiet from now on. I hope for safety sake,all driver are careful,here onwards.A reminder of who have retired:KVYAT,ALONSO,VETTEL,VERSTAPPEN and RAILKONEN. KEVIN boxes for full dry tyres-MASSA has gone into the pits as well.KEVIN comes out ...13th and MASSA comes out behind him.HAMMERTIME-1:59,99s. STROLL comes in with ULTRASOFT,what?why was he on those...?hmm!I don't know.Okay LAP 27/61 ...1:59.350s comes from,you know who...A lot of drivers are going into the pit to change tyres as the track seems to be drying. KEVIN does a 1:58.659s. LEWIS responds with ...1:58.469s. REDBULL pit RICCARDO again..LAP 29/61-BOTTAS goes into the pit.HAMILTON goes in after his team mate-MASSA gets in a 1:57.446s.Where did he get that from...?ORDER reminder-HAM_RICCARDO_BOTTAS_HULKENBERG_SAINZ_PEREZ. 1:54.376 is fastest time from someone...(I did not see..who )Now,NICO HULKENBERG,does a 1:53.649s.MASSA does a 1:53.139. The time is tumbling now!
LEWIS does a 1:52.323
RICCARDO does a 1:52.285
NICO HULKENBERG does a 1:52.104
GROJEAN does a 1:51.945
LAP 32/61-
MASSA does a 1:51.834
RICCARDO does a 1:50.994
LEWIS does a 1:49.453
OCON comes back at KEVIN,in lap 34/61....
BOTTAS does a 1:49.018
LEWIS does a 1:48.761
RICCARDO does a 1:48.243
BOTTAS does a 1:48.238
RICCARDO does a 1:47.825
LEWIS does a 1:47.249 (where has he been...haha?)
Safety Car is deployed ...because of an incident involving MARCUS ERICSSON.
LAP 38/61-Safety car comes in now.With the time regulations and rules,the race would finish in 23:21s.
LEWIS does a 1:47.133
LEWIS does a 1:46.389(Now,we are talking!)
ORDER reminder-HAM_RIC_BOT__SAINZ_PER
LEWIS does a 1:45.656
HULKENBERG retires...That is a shame!
MAGNUSSEN retires also...
LEWIS does a 1:45.426s...
8:40s left on the clock!
BOTTAS does a 1/45.495
LEWIS does a 1:45.008(NEW TRACK RECORD!!)
1:13s left...
And LEWIS HAMILTON wins the race.extending his lead to 28pts!
A shame ...real contenders wiped themselves out but Hammertime lovers would
Here we go,SINGAPORE grand prix is underway...good start for VERSTAPPEN,oohs,nooo!Not again?MAX is hit. And...RAIKKONEN takes a hit as well...I can see LEWIS going on the outside!What is happening?VETTEL was hit by his team mate. It seems like VETTEL and RAIKKONEN squeezed on MAX,sooo...who hit who?I know RAIKKONEN is badly damaged(ahh!Look at that picture...)And,RAIKKONEN hit VETTEL as he veered out of control...but the GERMAN driver kept going...VETTEL spins...VETTEL is in trouble!VETTEL is out;VETTEL is out!OH my goodness!VERSTAPPEN is out!RAIKKONEN is out!VETTEL is OUT!HAMILTON has moved up to first,and ...a safety car has been deployed.Who would have believed this ...possible?LEWIS surely cannot believe his luck!Let us replay what just happened...A good start for MAX made it necessary for FERRARI to react;and they reacted badly- Now there is carnage,on the track!NOW,the race ...would re-start with LEWIS leading the pack,haha..pure dreamland!LAP 2...still under safety car drive. Is ALONSO still in the race?MERCEDES radio into HAMILTON telling him that the priority is just to get the car home,in one piece.And the three times champion agrees twice...LAP 4-ORDER reminder-HAM_RIC_HUL_PER_BOT_PAL.PAL takes BOTTAS as safety car comes in...RICCARDO is +1.8 s behind LEWIS. HULKENBERG is +2.013 behind RICCARDO. 2:05.121s is fastest lap time from LEWIS. LAP 6/61. RICCARDO says intermediate wet is the right tyres on the radio.2:04.687s is the improvement on the fastest lap time,from LEWIS. Both WILLIAMS pass ALONSO,as MCcLAREN engineers tell ALONSO that they have lost all data communication(ALONSO was involved in the crash aftermath,that took place ...at the beginning of the race:I did not notice it!)LEWIS does a 2:04.425s. LAP 8/61 ALONSO complains about a lack of power and pace,so team tells him to retire.SAINZ takes OCON moving him into 8th.2:03.093s comes from LEWIS.There is a ...crash!It's DANI KVYAT!He has slammed into the barrier...A second safety car has been deployed...LAP 12/61 RICCARDO comes in to get another intermediate wet set of tyres.ORDER reminder-HAM_RIC_BOT_SAINZ_HUL.PALMER and HULKENBERG go into the pits to change to inter(s).HAMILTON is on the radio asking about change of tyres priorties.LAP 13/61...And the re-start is better than the first one,haha!LEWIS does a 2:02.612s already...And improves on it,with a 2:01.989.KEVIN passes OCON and MASSA under tricky conditions!This is crazy.LEWIS improves time with 2:01.752!MASSA comes in for a change of tyre.(From Full wet to intermediate )MASSA was a sitting duck on those tyres.It is HAMMER time..2:01.355. RICCARDO gives some feedback about the track on the radio.ORDER reminder-HAM_RIC_BOT__SAINZ_HUL_PER. Fastest lap time drops to ...2:01.100s. LAP 20-It feels like it is going to be quiet from now on. I hope for safety sake,all driver are careful,here onwards.A reminder of who have retired:KVYAT,ALONSO,VETTEL,VERSTAPPEN and RAILKONEN. KEVIN boxes for full dry tyres-MASSA has gone into the pits as well.KEVIN comes out ...13th and MASSA comes out behind him.HAMMERTIME-1:59,99s. STROLL comes in with ULTRASOFT,what?why was he on those...?hmm!I don't know.Okay LAP 27/61 ...1:59.350s comes from,you know who...A lot of drivers are going into the pit to change tyres as the track seems to be drying. KEVIN does a 1:58.659s. LEWIS responds with ...1:58.469s. REDBULL pit RICCARDO again..LAP 29/61-BOTTAS goes into the pit.HAMILTON goes in after his team mate-MASSA gets in a 1:57.446s.Where did he get that from...?ORDER reminder-HAM_RICCARDO_BOTTAS_HULKENBERG_SAINZ_PEREZ. 1:54.376 is fastest time from someone...(I did not see..who )Now,NICO HULKENBERG,does a 1:53.649s.MASSA does a 1:53.139. The time is tumbling now!
LEWIS does a 1:52.323
RICCARDO does a 1:52.285
NICO HULKENBERG does a 1:52.104
GROJEAN does a 1:51.945
LAP 32/61-
MASSA does a 1:51.834
RICCARDO does a 1:50.994
LEWIS does a 1:49.453
OCON comes back at KEVIN,in lap 34/61....
BOTTAS does a 1:49.018
LEWIS does a 1:48.761
RICCARDO does a 1:48.243
BOTTAS does a 1:48.238
RICCARDO does a 1:47.825
LEWIS does a 1:47.249 (where has he been...haha?)
Safety Car is deployed ...because of an incident involving MARCUS ERICSSON.
LAP 38/61-Safety car comes in now.With the time regulations and rules,the race would finish in 23:21s.
LEWIS does a 1:47.133
LEWIS does a 1:46.389(Now,we are talking!)
ORDER reminder-HAM_RIC_BOT__SAINZ_PER
LEWIS does a 1:45.656
HULKENBERG retires...That is a shame!
MAGNUSSEN retires also...
LEWIS does a 1:45.426s...
8:40s left on the clock!
BOTTAS does a 1/45.495
LEWIS does a 1:45.008(NEW TRACK RECORD!!)
1:13s left...
And LEWIS HAMILTON wins the race.extending his lead to 28pts!
A shame ...real contenders wiped themselves out but Hammertime lovers would
MONZA-Italian Grand prix...Live text
ITALIAN GRAND PRIX...
There is an unfamiliar starting place ..grid today.FERARRI had a poor qualifying time,so they are sixth and fifth.On the other hand,LEWIS succeeded in securing pole position for the 69th time!His teammate BOTTAS is in fourth place,behind OCON and STROLL(two drivers,we are surprised to see up front!)So we will see how the FERARRI would get through the pack;because it is expected.LEWIS needs to avoid mechanical failures or collisions.
The race is about to start:3,2,1,00 and here we go!It is a very good start for KIMI-he has managed to get himself past BOTTAS.Every other front runner seems okay...LAP 2/53 And BOTTAS tries to come back at KIMI,and passes him!Brilliant driving from the MERCEDES guy.The order check-HAM OCO STR BOT RAI VET.
GROJEAN is complaining about a mechanical fault -1:27:24s is fastest lap time for LEWIS.BOTTAS wastes no time in passing STROLL.MAX has a front puncture. MASSA was aggressive in an overtaking bid towards MAX,and it lead to a puncture for the RED BULL driver.Yet another misfortune for MAX. BOTTAS takes another driver;this time it is OCON......1:26.217s is fastest lap time. LAP4/53-VETTEL takes KIMI (or was there team orders to let him through...?)LEWIS had breezed into a a good lead but any safety car deployment would bring him back into the fold;surely he does not want that to happen. 1:26.205s is the fastest lap time from BOTTAS. As e pected VETTEL now passes STROLL,so he is in 4th position. LAP6-Let's go to order check-HAM BOT OCO VER STR RAI MAS-MAX VERSTEPPAN does the next fastest lap. KIMI loses ground as he brakes poorly at a corner!1:25.379s is fastest lap from BOTTAS but VETTEL manages to take OCON-LAP 8/53. BOTTAS is +2.754 behind LEWIS and VETTEL is +6.150 s behind BOTTAS.
1:25.287s is an improvement on the fastest lap time from BOTTAS. 1:25.262s is LEWIS response to BOTTAS's fastest lap time!And LEWIS brings that time further
down with 1:25.258s I am really happy that OCON and STROLL are still running where they are now. I think STROLL is taking a look at OCON,to see if he can pass him.I would not be surprised if he attacks on this lap. LAP14/53. And the engineers tell KIMI to speed up. PALMER and ALONSO are tussling a bit. HAMILTON does a 1:25.223s to improve the FLT(fastest lap time...)Again,1:24.928s comes from LEWIS;he is on fire today!KIMI goes into the pits.And they put soft tyres for the fin driver. Where is he coming out?KIMI comes out in 11th...Just for MAX fans :he is in 19th now,after passing GROJEAN. OCON pits and comes out in 10th. RICCARDO completes a bold pass on PEREZ!STROLL loses place from a slow pit stop,as he comes out behind KIMI-LAP19/53-Now the race leader goes into the gravel...What happened?Did he lose a bit of concentration?He would not want to do that again!
There is an unfamiliar starting place ..grid today.FERARRI had a poor qualifying time,so they are sixth and fifth.On the other hand,LEWIS succeeded in securing pole position for the 69th time!His teammate BOTTAS is in fourth place,behind OCON and STROLL(two drivers,we are surprised to see up front!)So we will see how the FERARRI would get through the pack;because it is expected.LEWIS needs to avoid mechanical failures or collisions.
The race is about to start:3,2,1,00 and here we go!It is a very good start for KIMI-he has managed to get himself past BOTTAS.Every other front runner seems okay...LAP 2/53 And BOTTAS tries to come back at KIMI,and passes him!Brilliant driving from the MERCEDES guy.The order check-HAM OCO STR BOT RAI VET.
GROJEAN is complaining about a mechanical fault -1:27:24s is fastest lap time for LEWIS.BOTTAS wastes no time in passing STROLL.MAX has a front puncture. MASSA was aggressive in an overtaking bid towards MAX,and it lead to a puncture for the RED BULL driver.Yet another misfortune for MAX. BOTTAS takes another driver;this time it is OCON......1:26.217s is fastest lap time. LAP4/53-VETTEL takes KIMI (or was there team orders to let him through...?)LEWIS had breezed into a a good lead but any safety car deployment would bring him back into the fold;surely he does not want that to happen. 1:26.205s is the fastest lap time from BOTTAS. As e pected VETTEL now passes STROLL,so he is in 4th position. LAP6-Let's go to order check-HAM BOT OCO VER STR RAI MAS-MAX VERSTEPPAN does the next fastest lap. KIMI loses ground as he brakes poorly at a corner!1:25.379s is fastest lap from BOTTAS but VETTEL manages to take OCON-LAP 8/53. BOTTAS is +2.754 behind LEWIS and VETTEL is +6.150 s behind BOTTAS.
1:25.287s is an improvement on the fastest lap time from BOTTAS. 1:25.262s is LEWIS response to BOTTAS's fastest lap time!And LEWIS brings that time further
down with 1:25.258s I am really happy that OCON and STROLL are still running where they are now. I think STROLL is taking a look at OCON,to see if he can pass him.I would not be surprised if he attacks on this lap. LAP14/53. And the engineers tell KIMI to speed up. PALMER and ALONSO are tussling a bit. HAMILTON does a 1:25.223s to improve the FLT(fastest lap time...)Again,1:24.928s comes from LEWIS;he is on fire today!KIMI goes into the pits.And they put soft tyres for the fin driver. Where is he coming out?KIMI comes out in 11th...Just for MAX fans :he is in 19th now,after passing GROJEAN. OCON pits and comes out in 10th. RICCARDO completes a bold pass on PEREZ!STROLL loses place from a slow pit stop,as he comes out behind KIMI-LAP19/53-Now the race leader goes into the gravel...What happened?Did he lose a bit of concentration?He would not want to do that again!
1:24.770 is fastest time from LEWIS despite that mistake!LAP23/53 now....
LAP 25/53-VERSTAPPEN watch-He is in ...17th now!KIMI is trying to pass OCON;and I think he would pass him sooner,rather than later.And he does...He goes into 6th with that pass...ORDER check-HAM BOT VET RIC PER RAI and then OCON. LAP 30 now-STROLL and OCON are racing for their fans beautifully!Good to see...PALMER is told to box,the car because of mechanical issues.ALONSO watch:He is not a happy bunny today!VETTEL goes into the pits and comes out in 4th.HAMILTON goes into the pits as well,and comes out behind his team mate.BOTTAS goes into the pit,himself. So order is HAM BOT RIC VET RAI OCO. LAP34/53 now...It has gone a little quite for the moment-but,BOTTAS brings some more excitement by doing a 1:24.234s FLT...And LEWIS responds with 1:24.034s. VANDOORNE retires...And we go into the twenty threes with a 1:23.975s FLT from LEWIS. RICCARDO goes into the pit(which promotes VETTEL ..to a podium place)and comes out in 5th place. ALONSO watch-The spanish driver replies "karma"when he is told that PALMER has retired. The back story that I missed,was that ALONSO felt PALMER was in the wrong in an overtaking bid,earlier in this race.1:23.924s comes from LEWIS.And RICCARDO makes another bold pass,in this race-this time it is on KIMI.Unbelievable!Radio call into RICCARDO tells him.VETTEL could be vulnerable to the next overtake!LAP43/53 now. MAX watch:He has managed to get himself up to 13th. LEWIS radios into his engineers saying he seems to be losing power(hands in mouth,for his fans!)But all is okay,when they look into it.RICCARDO puts in the next FLT with 1:23.748s.
RICCARDO vs VETTEL watch here:
MAX takes MAGNUSSON. But,KEVIN tries to come back,only to have MAX "run" him off the track,as he avoids a collision. Again,DANIEL improves on the FLT with 1:23.675s. HAMILTON responds with 1:23.542s. LAP 50/53. Can LEWIS finish this race ahead,to crown a wonderful weekend for MERCEDES?RICARADO puts in a 1:23.460s in response to LEWIS's.NOOO!ALONSO is retiring again,in another race.
FINAL LAP-MASSA and STROLL give their fans ...a final race chase to watch,as the youngster manages to fend off his more experienced teammate,to finish ahead.And LEWIS wins his 59th race,courtesy of the prestigious Monza grand prix!
RICCARDO vs VETTEL watch here:
MAX takes MAGNUSSON. But,KEVIN tries to come back,only to have MAX "run" him off the track,as he avoids a collision. Again,DANIEL improves on the FLT with 1:23.675s. HAMILTON responds with 1:23.542s. LAP 50/53. Can LEWIS finish this race ahead,to crown a wonderful weekend for MERCEDES?RICARADO puts in a 1:23.460s in response to LEWIS's.NOOO!ALONSO is retiring again,in another race.
FINAL LAP-MASSA and STROLL give their fans ...a final race chase to watch,as the youngster manages to fend off his more experienced teammate,to finish ahead.And LEWIS wins his 59th race,courtesy of the prestigious Monza grand prix!
Spa-BELGIUM grand prix...Live text
lap 20/44 And the order is the same..Vettel is +1.314s behind Lewis :Between lap 15 and lap20 ,the gap has moved from somewhere in the region of 1.2s and 2.0s.It gives you an idea of how close Seb has been driving behind Lewis!Lap23- Bottas is +5.515 s behind Vettel.So if Vettel wanted to pit for strategic reasons,he would be coming out behind Bottas or Riccardo.(...not an option now!)Bottas posts a fastest lap time of 1:48.616s.Time check:Lap 27/44 Alonso has taken enough-he retires!Surprise!Perez does the next fastest lap of1:48.300s.The Mercedes engine is really paying off ...!Oh no!Sergio Perez has a puncture,what happened?Not again?Perez collides with his team mate Ocon-and comes worse off...What shall we do,with these two?Kimi pits...Lap30. Safety car is deployed as a result of the debris from Perez(It looked like ...a scene from a comedy sketch..)Now,whose hands does this play into...?I think this brings Vettel into serious play again!The ultra soft tyres have better starting grip.
The good thing for Hamilton is,that his tyres are new too.Unfortunately,it is the soft compound;with less grip than the Ultra version.How is this going to play out?
Safety car is coming in...lap33/44-wow! Vettel could not have achieved a better start there....!He was side by side with Lewis!But again,Lewis pulled out some really good defensive driving!Brilliant racing,from both drivers!
Hamilton posts (not surprisingly)a new fastest lap time 1:47.698s.We are into lap 35/44.Bottas gets passed by Riccardo and Kimi...Order check-Lewis,Vettel,Riccardo and then Raikkonen and Bottas.Hulkenberg is having a good drive.He is a few seconds behind the Mercedes driver,at the moment.Lewis improves on his previous fastest time 1:46:603s.Can Bottas come back at Kimi?At the moment Kimi,Vettel and Daniel are on Ultra soft compounds-and they are posting faster lap times than Bottas...In the next race,in Monza Mercedes need to set up their car better!This is a bit tense for Lewis and his fans...?Can the Brit hold unto his lead till the end of the race?He needs to close the points gap!Vettel is so close,he might be able to deploy DRS soon?I am surprised Perez was able to patch up that car,to keep it on the track!
1:46.577s is fastest lap time from Vettel,as. he chases drown Lewis.Finally,it catches up to him;and Perez is forced to retire.Lap 43 -And race is winding down,with Lewis still ahead,and heading for victory.It was because Lewis drove impeccably with some good luck-And wins Spa grand prix for 2017!Vettel picks up 18pts,and Riccardo pips both Fin to the last podium place.This race can alive in the second stages-not bad!
The good thing for Hamilton is,that his tyres are new too.Unfortunately,it is the soft compound;with less grip than the Ultra version.How is this going to play out?
Safety car is coming in...lap33/44-wow! Vettel could not have achieved a better start there....!He was side by side with Lewis!But again,Lewis pulled out some really good defensive driving!Brilliant racing,from both drivers!
Hamilton posts (not surprisingly)a new fastest lap time 1:47.698s.We are into lap 35/44.Bottas gets passed by Riccardo and Kimi...Order check-Lewis,Vettel,Riccardo and then Raikkonen and Bottas.Hulkenberg is having a good drive.He is a few seconds behind the Mercedes driver,at the moment.Lewis improves on his previous fastest time 1:46:603s.Can Bottas come back at Kimi?At the moment Kimi,Vettel and Daniel are on Ultra soft compounds-and they are posting faster lap times than Bottas...In the next race,in Monza Mercedes need to set up their car better!This is a bit tense for Lewis and his fans...?Can the Brit hold unto his lead till the end of the race?He needs to close the points gap!Vettel is so close,he might be able to deploy DRS soon?I am surprised Perez was able to patch up that car,to keep it on the track!
1:46.577s is fastest lap time from Vettel,as. he chases drown Lewis.Finally,it catches up to him;and Perez is forced to retire.Lap 43 -And race is winding down,with Lewis still ahead,and heading for victory.It was because Lewis drove impeccably with some good luck-And wins Spa grand prix for 2017!Vettel picks up 18pts,and Riccardo pips both Fin to the last podium place.This race can alive in the second stages-not bad!
SPA-Belgium Grand Prix
There is a higher level of uncertainty in this race!It would take a good measure of luck and ...good judgement to do well here.The order on the grid is Lewis,Vettel,Bottas and Kimi....And most of the drivers have ultra soft tyres to start the race,including Mercedes and Ferrari.The tyres available for the race today,include
the ultra soft,the super soft and the soft.What a combination!If you followed the qualifying race you would know that the Mercedes car seems really reliable on the soft compound more than the Ultra version.And ferrari are really okay with the ultra soft.
It is time for the race to start ...buckle up!3,2,1,0 they are off!Vettel gets off well.Lewis's start is good.In fact all, front runners start well.So the order remains the
same.Vettel tried to take Hamilton but his good driving was outclassed by good defending the three times champion .Kimi tried a pass on Bottas as well.1:50.613s is fastest lap from Vettel.Pascal seems to be retiring.1:50.328s is fastest lap from Lewis,now.1:49.926 becomes the fastest lap time,from Lewis again.Alonso says "it is embarrassing ".He is referring to the speed of his Mclaren.Lap6.And Palmer is complaining about his poor grip.Alonso has dropped to 11th position!Something is wrong...I am wondering what amount of gap or advantage that Hamilton can pull out,in front of Vettel?It seems necessary(now) to prevent Vettel from getting an easy chance to over-take him.What again...?Max is stopping.He is having another problem,and it looks like he is going to retire again!Someone needs to explain this number of retirements for the Red bull driver!If he is contemplating a move away from Red bull;where does he go???Unbelievable!
Bottas is complaining or commenting about blisters on his tyres.We are in lap 11/44.Vettel is +1.777s behind Lewis.Bottas is +8.177s behind vettel .Lewis comes in early in lap13 .And he comes out behind Kimi,as Lewis changes to soft tyres.The stewards are looking at Kimi's failure to slow down under yellow flagging(in fact,it was double yellow flagging)And this was because of Verstappen's breakdown.Lap14 -And Bottas comes in as well...And the Fin comes out behind Riccardo.Now Vettel goes into the Pit.It does not take Lewis too long to pass provisional leader kimi.Maybe Ferrari wanted to keep Kimi out for as long as possible to frustrate Mercedes.(....but that did not work,obviously)1:48:676s is fastest from Bottas.So the order check-Ham ,Vet,Bottas,and then Kimi.However,Raikkonen has just been penalised with a 10s drive through.
Lap 18/44 Kimi serves his punishment ,and comes out 7th position.
There is a higher level of uncertainty in this race!It would take a good measure of luck and ...good judgement to do well here.The order on the grid is Lewis,Vettel,Bottas and Kimi....And most of the drivers have ultra soft tyres to start the race,including Mercedes and Ferrari.The tyres available for the race today,include
the ultra soft,the super soft and the soft.What a combination!If you followed the qualifying race you would know that the Mercedes car seems really reliable on the soft compound more than the Ultra version.And ferrari are really okay with the ultra soft.
It is time for the race to start ...buckle up!3,2,1,0 they are off!Vettel gets off well.Lewis's start is good.In fact all, front runners start well.So the order remains the
same.Vettel tried to take Hamilton but his good driving was outclassed by good defending the three times champion .Kimi tried a pass on Bottas as well.1:50.613s is fastest lap from Vettel.Pascal seems to be retiring.1:50.328s is fastest lap from Lewis,now.1:49.926 becomes the fastest lap time,from Lewis again.Alonso says "it is embarrassing ".He is referring to the speed of his Mclaren.Lap6.And Palmer is complaining about his poor grip.Alonso has dropped to 11th position!Something is wrong...I am wondering what amount of gap or advantage that Hamilton can pull out,in front of Vettel?It seems necessary(now) to prevent Vettel from getting an easy chance to over-take him.What again...?Max is stopping.He is having another problem,and it looks like he is going to retire again!Someone needs to explain this number of retirements for the Red bull driver!If he is contemplating a move away from Red bull;where does he go???Unbelievable!
Bottas is complaining or commenting about blisters on his tyres.We are in lap 11/44.Vettel is +1.777s behind Lewis.Bottas is +8.177s behind vettel .Lewis comes in early in lap13 .And he comes out behind Kimi,as Lewis changes to soft tyres.The stewards are looking at Kimi's failure to slow down under yellow flagging(in fact,it was double yellow flagging)And this was because of Verstappen's breakdown.Lap14 -And Bottas comes in as well...And the Fin comes out behind Riccardo.Now Vettel goes into the Pit.It does not take Lewis too long to pass provisional leader kimi.Maybe Ferrari wanted to keep Kimi out for as long as possible to frustrate Mercedes.(....but that did not work,obviously)1:48:676s is fastest from Bottas.So the order check-Ham ,Vet,Bottas,and then Kimi.However,Raikkonen has just been penalised with a 10s drive through.
Lap 18/44 Kimi serves his punishment ,and comes out 7th position.
SILVERSTONE british grand prix...LIVE TEXT from austin4sports.com
SILVERSTONE GRAND PRIX..
....The british Grand prix is about to start.I can see that Jolyon Palmer's car has not joined the others,in the warm-up lap?They are reporting a hydraulic breakdown:what a shame.It does not look like he is getting enough good luck at the moment.And,with kubica hanging around for another shot at F1 racing,it cannot be a mild pressure.
Subsequently,the race start has been postponed (for another lap)to allow for the
removal of the Renault.They need to take Jolyon's car out of the way!As they align
into their starting formations..Vettel's car is smoking seriously!I do not think there is
any mechanical danger,even though Max has radioed in about it.The race lights are
about to go out,for the start of this year's Silverstone grand prix!Are you ready for
the ride...?3,2,1,0 Off they go...!Hamilton gets a good start!Bottas gets a good start...
Max gets a good start,and moves into third ahead of Vettel.Bottas moved from 9th to 7th,with that start...The order in front is HAM-RAI-MAX-VET,as they go through the first racing lap.Carlos Sainz is out of the race because his team-mate Danil kyvat has clipped him badly.And the stewards are taking a look at it.A yellow flag has been deployed.Lap 4/51 A safety car is deployed.Now,how does this affect the mind set of the drivers and teams?I wonder ...?Does this change slightly the strategy of some of the teams?Hulkenberg and Ocon are(at the moment..)ahead of Bottas.I can imagine he is thinking of passing them quickly!He needs to get ...in touch with the leading pack,as soon as possible.Ferrari radio in to Kimi,telling him to be ...careful behind Lewis,considering the way the Brit starts after the safety car leaves.We are on the way again:the restart is good.Where is Ricciardo?Bottas passes Ocon...1:33:7 something is the first fastest time from Lewis.Lap 6/51.Bottas goes past Hulkenberg in lap 8/51.
The fin is doing an early good job!How close is Vettel to Max,now?I would advice Vettel to be careful with Max's driving.Where is Alonso?There is a drive through for
Kyvat for causing a collision with Sainz.We should remember that Bottas in 5th position is behind Vettel!Alonso is in 13th at the moment.Ricciardo is in 14th....And he
does not take too much time,to pass the Mclaren driver,to move into 13th,himself.
Lap 12/51...Lewis does another fastest lap 1:32:895s.Another charge from Ricciardo:who is his next target?Oh goodness me!Vettel has decided to take on Max,and ...it is looking like a dangerous one!Both are tussling for position as they go through the corners;Vettel seems to get the advantage,and yet Verstappen is unrelenting and regains position.Max is on the radio complaining about the German's driving style.At one point it seemed like both drivers were driving each other off the track!I have said that Vettel should be ...careful here!This scrap is allowing Bottas to catch up.Lewis has just done a 1:32:504s.Vettel had two goes at Max,and came short each time!Vettel is 1.2s behind Max,while Bottas is 1.4s behind Vettel:so they are bunched up a bit there.Vettel needs to do something different.
Lap 17/51 Where is Ricciardo?Vettel is complaining about Max's driving,haha...what a surprise!Eh!Ricciardo is in 11th,at the moment.We are in ..lap 18,Vettel comes into the pit.Ferrari are going to try an under cut.1:32:360s from Lewis!Now Vettel comes out behind Hulkenberg:expect Vettel to get past him easily.Ricciardo gets past Massa into 10th.Max is told to come into the pit,to counter what Ferrari are doing with Vettel.Where is he going to come out?Behind or in front of Vettel?It worked...!Vettel goes past the exit....there!Now Red bull were a little slow in releasing Verstappen,and
he is already on the radio asking:what happened?So Bottas is in third position,now,behind Raikkonen.Lap 21/51 Another "speedy lap" from Hamilton:1:32:286s.So order is...HAM-RAI-BOT-HUL-VET-VER.Ricciardo is in 9th.Vettel easily passes Hulkenberg.Ricciardo's next target is Vandoorne.1:32:190s comes from Lewis(That time is tumbling fast...)Max follows Vettel in passing Hulkenberg easily.His team mate Daniel is 8th (as he speeds past Vandoorne)while he moves into 5th...(A much better performance from Red bull today)Lap 23.1:32:166s is Bottas's first contribution to the fastest lap time claims.What are Mercedes waiting for...?Vettel has pitted,and Kimi is about to pit as well.Lap 25 ...order is HAM-BOT-RAI-VET-VER.Lewis is coming into the pit,now.It is very close but Lewis still comes out in front of Bottas.
Now it was pretty close,so if the fin had any appetite to make it difficult for Lewis,he would have created a chance to pass him.I guess,that would not have played well with the team spirit at Mercedes.Is Bottas going to come in,as well?Kimi does a 1:31:903s taking fastest lap at the moment.Watch out for the force India drivers:Ocon and Perez.Both drivers are in the points with 9th and 10th respectively.Raikkonen is on the radio complaining about a discomfort (I am not sure,what it is exactly ...)Where is Ricciardo?It seems he is ...in 6th?Lap 28 ...Where is Max?It seems he is less than 2s behind Vettel.Although,he is not putting any further pressure on the German.Bottas is coming into the pit.Where is he going to come out?He comes out behind Vettel.Also Ricciardo goes into the pit !So the order is HAM-RAI-VET-BOT-VER.Daniel comes out
in 10th...Bad news for McLaren fans...Alonso is retiring again!Not good from the F1
giant team?Daniel takes Perez,with fresher tyres.Bottas does a 1:31:122s to improve the fastest lap time.Bottas is getting to grips with his new Mercedes toy!Daniel passes Ocon.Lap 35/51,Bottas does a 1:31:059s to cut more of that record!Daniel takes Magnussen to go into 7th.Lewis is complaining about blistered tyres .I think he just wants his team to keep an eye on the condition of the tyres,to prevent an unexpected blow out.Bottas is 2.6s behind Vettel;how would this play out for the rest of the race,because the fin is closing in behind the German!Lap 40/51 Bottas is now 2.2s behind him.It is now ...0.5s!He can now use DRS!Bottas and Vettel are deuling now;can he pass Vettel?No,he fails at the first attempt!He still has a chance before this lap runs out....Lap 43/51 Bottas takes Vettel,and goes into third.It was inevitable.The ferrari was losing ground;Vettel goes on the radio with the complaint that he has "no fronts".Grosjean runs off the track(I forgotten about him)He has not been in any of the "mixes".And he has not been in,any of the good positions;maybe that is why...!Just imagine how fast the front guys are,as they lap Ocon and Perez in 8th and 9th?1:31:007s is Bottas lap time.It is clear Bottas is getting comfortable in this car:he posted fastest times (twice)during the practice sessions.And now,he is driving himself into a podium finish from 9th on the starting grid.I could even say he is the second fastest driver on the grid today,comfortably!1:30:905s from Bottas again!Where is Ricciardo ?I think he is ...in 7th;trying now to catch up with Hulkenberg.The order is HAM-RAI-BOT-VET-VER-HULK.It has not been too dissimilar all through the race.Lewis takes back the reins of the fastest lap time with 1:30:621s.
Nooooo!Kimi tyres are punctured!What happened?He is heading straight into the pits to change them.Can he come out quickly enough?Max is pitting as well!Why is he pitting?Ahh!You cannot be serious!Vettel's tyres go as well?What is happening?The German is racing towards the pits,risking serious damage to the rim of his cars.I don't know how this can be explained ?Where is Vettel going to come out,when he manages to change tyres?He comes...out,in ....7th?Wow,what a change in a matter of seconds!Unbelievable!Lap 49 and ...all hell was let loose!Lap 51 ...and Lewis cannot believe his luck?He drives home to claim his fifth Silverstone win.Congrats!So the podium is HAM-BOT-RAI.
AUSTIN4SPORTS summary-best race so far!Unfortunate for Vettel and Raikkonen (mostly Vettel)However,Pirelli would defend their product,by saying ...this is why they give guidelines of usage.Nevertheless,more questions and answers need to be offered to clarify things going forward.There were two good duels,which did not result in crashes.So that was good!Bring on Hungarian grand prix 28-30 JULY.
....The british Grand prix is about to start.I can see that Jolyon Palmer's car has not joined the others,in the warm-up lap?They are reporting a hydraulic breakdown:what a shame.It does not look like he is getting enough good luck at the moment.And,with kubica hanging around for another shot at F1 racing,it cannot be a mild pressure.
Subsequently,the race start has been postponed (for another lap)to allow for the
removal of the Renault.They need to take Jolyon's car out of the way!As they align
into their starting formations..Vettel's car is smoking seriously!I do not think there is
any mechanical danger,even though Max has radioed in about it.The race lights are
about to go out,for the start of this year's Silverstone grand prix!Are you ready for
the ride...?3,2,1,0 Off they go...!Hamilton gets a good start!Bottas gets a good start...
Max gets a good start,and moves into third ahead of Vettel.Bottas moved from 9th to 7th,with that start...The order in front is HAM-RAI-MAX-VET,as they go through the first racing lap.Carlos Sainz is out of the race because his team-mate Danil kyvat has clipped him badly.And the stewards are taking a look at it.A yellow flag has been deployed.Lap 4/51 A safety car is deployed.Now,how does this affect the mind set of the drivers and teams?I wonder ...?Does this change slightly the strategy of some of the teams?Hulkenberg and Ocon are(at the moment..)ahead of Bottas.I can imagine he is thinking of passing them quickly!He needs to get ...in touch with the leading pack,as soon as possible.Ferrari radio in to Kimi,telling him to be ...careful behind Lewis,considering the way the Brit starts after the safety car leaves.We are on the way again:the restart is good.Where is Ricciardo?Bottas passes Ocon...1:33:7 something is the first fastest time from Lewis.Lap 6/51.Bottas goes past Hulkenberg in lap 8/51.
The fin is doing an early good job!How close is Vettel to Max,now?I would advice Vettel to be careful with Max's driving.Where is Alonso?There is a drive through for
Kyvat for causing a collision with Sainz.We should remember that Bottas in 5th position is behind Vettel!Alonso is in 13th at the moment.Ricciardo is in 14th....And he
does not take too much time,to pass the Mclaren driver,to move into 13th,himself.
Lap 12/51...Lewis does another fastest lap 1:32:895s.Another charge from Ricciardo:who is his next target?Oh goodness me!Vettel has decided to take on Max,and ...it is looking like a dangerous one!Both are tussling for position as they go through the corners;Vettel seems to get the advantage,and yet Verstappen is unrelenting and regains position.Max is on the radio complaining about the German's driving style.At one point it seemed like both drivers were driving each other off the track!I have said that Vettel should be ...careful here!This scrap is allowing Bottas to catch up.Lewis has just done a 1:32:504s.Vettel had two goes at Max,and came short each time!Vettel is 1.2s behind Max,while Bottas is 1.4s behind Vettel:so they are bunched up a bit there.Vettel needs to do something different.
Lap 17/51 Where is Ricciardo?Vettel is complaining about Max's driving,haha...what a surprise!Eh!Ricciardo is in 11th,at the moment.We are in ..lap 18,Vettel comes into the pit.Ferrari are going to try an under cut.1:32:360s from Lewis!Now Vettel comes out behind Hulkenberg:expect Vettel to get past him easily.Ricciardo gets past Massa into 10th.Max is told to come into the pit,to counter what Ferrari are doing with Vettel.Where is he going to come out?Behind or in front of Vettel?It worked...!Vettel goes past the exit....there!Now Red bull were a little slow in releasing Verstappen,and
he is already on the radio asking:what happened?So Bottas is in third position,now,behind Raikkonen.Lap 21/51 Another "speedy lap" from Hamilton:1:32:286s.So order is...HAM-RAI-BOT-HUL-VET-VER.Ricciardo is in 9th.Vettel easily passes Hulkenberg.Ricciardo's next target is Vandoorne.1:32:190s comes from Lewis(That time is tumbling fast...)Max follows Vettel in passing Hulkenberg easily.His team mate Daniel is 8th (as he speeds past Vandoorne)while he moves into 5th...(A much better performance from Red bull today)Lap 23.1:32:166s is Bottas's first contribution to the fastest lap time claims.What are Mercedes waiting for...?Vettel has pitted,and Kimi is about to pit as well.Lap 25 ...order is HAM-BOT-RAI-VET-VER.Lewis is coming into the pit,now.It is very close but Lewis still comes out in front of Bottas.
Now it was pretty close,so if the fin had any appetite to make it difficult for Lewis,he would have created a chance to pass him.I guess,that would not have played well with the team spirit at Mercedes.Is Bottas going to come in,as well?Kimi does a 1:31:903s taking fastest lap at the moment.Watch out for the force India drivers:Ocon and Perez.Both drivers are in the points with 9th and 10th respectively.Raikkonen is on the radio complaining about a discomfort (I am not sure,what it is exactly ...)Where is Ricciardo?It seems he is ...in 6th?Lap 28 ...Where is Max?It seems he is less than 2s behind Vettel.Although,he is not putting any further pressure on the German.Bottas is coming into the pit.Where is he going to come out?He comes out behind Vettel.Also Ricciardo goes into the pit !So the order is HAM-RAI-VET-BOT-VER.Daniel comes out
in 10th...Bad news for McLaren fans...Alonso is retiring again!Not good from the F1
giant team?Daniel takes Perez,with fresher tyres.Bottas does a 1:31:122s to improve the fastest lap time.Bottas is getting to grips with his new Mercedes toy!Daniel passes Ocon.Lap 35/51,Bottas does a 1:31:059s to cut more of that record!Daniel takes Magnussen to go into 7th.Lewis is complaining about blistered tyres .I think he just wants his team to keep an eye on the condition of the tyres,to prevent an unexpected blow out.Bottas is 2.6s behind Vettel;how would this play out for the rest of the race,because the fin is closing in behind the German!Lap 40/51 Bottas is now 2.2s behind him.It is now ...0.5s!He can now use DRS!Bottas and Vettel are deuling now;can he pass Vettel?No,he fails at the first attempt!He still has a chance before this lap runs out....Lap 43/51 Bottas takes Vettel,and goes into third.It was inevitable.The ferrari was losing ground;Vettel goes on the radio with the complaint that he has "no fronts".Grosjean runs off the track(I forgotten about him)He has not been in any of the "mixes".And he has not been in,any of the good positions;maybe that is why...!Just imagine how fast the front guys are,as they lap Ocon and Perez in 8th and 9th?1:31:007s is Bottas lap time.It is clear Bottas is getting comfortable in this car:he posted fastest times (twice)during the practice sessions.And now,he is driving himself into a podium finish from 9th on the starting grid.I could even say he is the second fastest driver on the grid today,comfortably!1:30:905s from Bottas again!Where is Ricciardo ?I think he is ...in 7th;trying now to catch up with Hulkenberg.The order is HAM-RAI-BOT-VET-VER-HULK.It has not been too dissimilar all through the race.Lewis takes back the reins of the fastest lap time with 1:30:621s.
Nooooo!Kimi tyres are punctured!What happened?He is heading straight into the pits to change them.Can he come out quickly enough?Max is pitting as well!Why is he pitting?Ahh!You cannot be serious!Vettel's tyres go as well?What is happening?The German is racing towards the pits,risking serious damage to the rim of his cars.I don't know how this can be explained ?Where is Vettel going to come out,when he manages to change tyres?He comes...out,in ....7th?Wow,what a change in a matter of seconds!Unbelievable!Lap 49 and ...all hell was let loose!Lap 51 ...and Lewis cannot believe his luck?He drives home to claim his fifth Silverstone win.Congrats!So the podium is HAM-BOT-RAI.
AUSTIN4SPORTS summary-best race so far!Unfortunate for Vettel and Raikkonen (mostly Vettel)However,Pirelli would defend their product,by saying ...this is why they give guidelines of usage.Nevertheless,more questions and answers need to be offered to clarify things going forward.There were two good duels,which did not result in crashes.So that was good!Bring on Hungarian grand prix 28-30 JULY.
BAKU GRAND prix LIVE text...from Austin4sports.com
Race starts in 3,2,1...seconds,and go.Noooo!Bottas has collided with Raikkonen !(We have not passed the first corner)And it looks like the Mercedes driver is worse off,as he quickly drops to the back.Vettel has made up places,(....in that mad start)and is now in second place.I see Bottas has gone into the pits,to fix his damage.They have changed his front wing,and he rejoins from the back.Max is on the radio saying,he thinks his car has been damaged by a debris(...littered on the track from the start collisions)Lap 3-Lewis takes first fastest
lap time 1:48:039s.Lap 4 -Max takes the next fastest lap with 1:47:580s.Lewis is on the radio asking about Bottas.Lewis responds to max's speed with fastest 1:46:942
dipping into the 46's.Lap 6/51 ...There is a 3/10ths of a second gap between Lewis and Vettel.Jolylon Palmer looks like he is out of the race.Lap8/51 Palmer is definetly not having a good time,at the moment!Lewis does a 1:46:294s-fastest at the moment.Lap10,the order is .Ham-VET-PER-VER-RAI
Dani Kyvat stops...by the side:I have no idea what has happened?Also Max has got an issue with some mechanical problem.Lap 12 Raikkonen passes him.The safety car
has come out because of the kyvat incident.The construction teams take the opportunity to pit;both Lewis and Vettel pit!This brings Vettel closer to Lewis...as they re-start the race.Once the safety car goes in,it would give Seb a chance to over-take.
Lap15/51.We are still in procession behind the safety car.The safety car goes in,on lap 16...immediately Ocon attempts a pass on Kimi(and succeeds)but Vettel holds off Perez...Ahh!Another safety car deployed!Mercedes tell Hamilton that he nearly passed the safety car before it pulled in...the last time around(Lewis disagrees..haha)Lap 18/51 and the second
safety car is still out.A second time,the safety car comes in....Oh!there is contact between lewis and Vettel(Vettel is furious),and Seb pulls alongside Hamilton;and a second contact is made...What madness? It looks like just before the Safety car went
in...(for the second time)Lewis hesitated and "too close" Vettel hit him.Massa and Perez were on Vettel's tail so he pushed up too close to Lewis.Expecting Hamilton to
take off quickly he bumped into the british driver.Who was at fault there?For me,it is clearly Vettel.Hamilton is the race leader;so he is expected to control the start of the race,and Seb should have given enough gap to allow for any eventualities.He didn't ...
and this is what happens,sometimes,when you do not give enough space!Meanwhile
the two force India drivers hit each other!What is going on,in this race?And Kimi has a punched tyre.Kimi is out of the race!Kimi is ....out of the race!I said he had a punched
tyre.It appears he ran over someone else's debris.Wow!What next...?Alonso is asking
for a red flag!(Probably because of the debris,all over the track...)
AND THERE IS A RED FLAG!The session is stopped.Everybody goes into the pits on lap 22/51.By the way,I say again..I don't think Lewis should be apologising for the incident with Vettel.Kimi was too aggressive on Bottas,at the start...Lewis was complaining about the slowness of the safety car in front of him.Everyone seems to
be on the edge,a bit!Perez may not be out!Also Kimi seems ready to come back!Wow
I thought the collision between the force India driver had ended Perez's race.And the
puncture on Kimi's tyre seemed to have taken out the whole of the front wing and more,as he drove back to the pit?Unbelieveble,they are both ready to come back on the track.I guess the red flag period has helped them.Lewis raises concerns,again.
Massa thinks he has a problem?As race starts..Riccardo takes stroll and Massa on one swoop(I think Felipe has a serious problem)Massa has been passed by 4 or 5 cars,in no time at all;there is definetly something wrong!Hulkenberg makes contact with something or someone but luckily slides into a "alley way".
Lap25/51-the order is HAM-VET-RIC-STR-MAG.Meanwhile Bottas is now in 10th....and Massa retires.1:45:577s fastest lap from leading Lewis.Again 1:44:942s from Lewis.There is a problem with his head rest,though.His team are on the radio,saying he should try and stabilise it.I think it is dangerous at this speed.If it goes
off,there will be questions and punishment to be handed.Bottas is in 8th now!The fin is making up huge grounds on the leaders.Here we go...another twist!Hamilton is forced
to go into the pits to correct his head rest!This leaves...Vettel with an opportunity to lead the race,for the first time.Nooo!the stewards have just announced that Vettel is to serve a 10s penalty(What timing...?)Very interesting sequence of events?
How did the mercedes engineers not notice the head rest during the red flag,and could the impact of Vettel's car have something to do with it?So Lewis goes in,and comes out in 7th.Lap 33/51,remember Bottas is now ahead of both Lewis and Vettel.(As Vettel went in,to pay his penalty)There is a penalty as well for kimi...but crucially
Vettel's emergence from the pit,kept him in front of Lewis.Now,Lewis is not happy about it,clearly.He makes his annoyance clear to charlie white on the radio...He asserts that the 10s penalty was inadequate punishment.(I personally agree...)Vettel takes Alonso,and Lewis follows suit..Unbelieveble,Bottas is now 4th...This is really crazy,Vettel is 5th behind Bottas.Bottas takes Ocon to go third behind stroll and Riccardo.Bottas does a 1:44:933s fastest time in the process.Again Bottas improves,on the fastest lap 1:44:398s.Perez is retiring due to a bad seat.(That does not sound,right?)After weathering the collision with Ocon,he came out again,to keep
his bid to break the non-retiring record,And now he is retiring because of a faulty seat?)Vettel passes Ocon but Lewis is slower to over-take him.Lap 42/51.
1:44:315s is fastest time.So the order is Riccardo-Stroll-Bottas -Vettel-Hamilton-Ocon.
Bottas moves the fastest lap post again with 1:44:036s,brilliant driving fron the fin,today!I am really impressed.Lewis does a 1:43:840 for fastest time,as he requests for the team to tell Bottas to back up Vettel a bit.They tell him that bottas has a chance of taking stroll,so ....it is unlikely,he would be told to do just that...!Eventually Vettel responds to Lewis' chase with 1:43:630.Lewis responds with 1:43:469s.Again Vettel responds with 1:43:441.Kimi finally gives up,and retires...Lap 49/51.It is almost all over Riccardo is going to get his first race of the season.Stroll is +6 behind him,but +3 ahead of Bottas.Lap 51/51 Riccardo wins...as wow(Bottas gets past stroll,just before
the finishing line.How did he do it?)Yeah,Vettel comes in,4th with Lewis in 5th...This
is not the end of talking about this race,definetly!
Austin4sports Summary:This was surely the most dramatic race of the season!It was engaging.
However,the centre of attraction was largely down to negative incidents!So it was entertaining but,it would be nice if we can have more positive incidents,and more
finishing drivers...thank you for reading!
lap time 1:48:039s.Lap 4 -Max takes the next fastest lap with 1:47:580s.Lewis is on the radio asking about Bottas.Lewis responds to max's speed with fastest 1:46:942
dipping into the 46's.Lap 6/51 ...There is a 3/10ths of a second gap between Lewis and Vettel.Jolylon Palmer looks like he is out of the race.Lap8/51 Palmer is definetly not having a good time,at the moment!Lewis does a 1:46:294s-fastest at the moment.Lap10,the order is .Ham-VET-PER-VER-RAI
Dani Kyvat stops...by the side:I have no idea what has happened?Also Max has got an issue with some mechanical problem.Lap 12 Raikkonen passes him.The safety car
has come out because of the kyvat incident.The construction teams take the opportunity to pit;both Lewis and Vettel pit!This brings Vettel closer to Lewis...as they re-start the race.Once the safety car goes in,it would give Seb a chance to over-take.
Lap15/51.We are still in procession behind the safety car.The safety car goes in,on lap 16...immediately Ocon attempts a pass on Kimi(and succeeds)but Vettel holds off Perez...Ahh!Another safety car deployed!Mercedes tell Hamilton that he nearly passed the safety car before it pulled in...the last time around(Lewis disagrees..haha)Lap 18/51 and the second
safety car is still out.A second time,the safety car comes in....Oh!there is contact between lewis and Vettel(Vettel is furious),and Seb pulls alongside Hamilton;and a second contact is made...What madness? It looks like just before the Safety car went
in...(for the second time)Lewis hesitated and "too close" Vettel hit him.Massa and Perez were on Vettel's tail so he pushed up too close to Lewis.Expecting Hamilton to
take off quickly he bumped into the british driver.Who was at fault there?For me,it is clearly Vettel.Hamilton is the race leader;so he is expected to control the start of the race,and Seb should have given enough gap to allow for any eventualities.He didn't ...
and this is what happens,sometimes,when you do not give enough space!Meanwhile
the two force India drivers hit each other!What is going on,in this race?And Kimi has a punched tyre.Kimi is out of the race!Kimi is ....out of the race!I said he had a punched
tyre.It appears he ran over someone else's debris.Wow!What next...?Alonso is asking
for a red flag!(Probably because of the debris,all over the track...)
AND THERE IS A RED FLAG!The session is stopped.Everybody goes into the pits on lap 22/51.By the way,I say again..I don't think Lewis should be apologising for the incident with Vettel.Kimi was too aggressive on Bottas,at the start...Lewis was complaining about the slowness of the safety car in front of him.Everyone seems to
be on the edge,a bit!Perez may not be out!Also Kimi seems ready to come back!Wow
I thought the collision between the force India driver had ended Perez's race.And the
puncture on Kimi's tyre seemed to have taken out the whole of the front wing and more,as he drove back to the pit?Unbelieveble,they are both ready to come back on the track.I guess the red flag period has helped them.Lewis raises concerns,again.
Massa thinks he has a problem?As race starts..Riccardo takes stroll and Massa on one swoop(I think Felipe has a serious problem)Massa has been passed by 4 or 5 cars,in no time at all;there is definetly something wrong!Hulkenberg makes contact with something or someone but luckily slides into a "alley way".
Lap25/51-the order is HAM-VET-RIC-STR-MAG.Meanwhile Bottas is now in 10th....and Massa retires.1:45:577s fastest lap from leading Lewis.Again 1:44:942s from Lewis.There is a problem with his head rest,though.His team are on the radio,saying he should try and stabilise it.I think it is dangerous at this speed.If it goes
off,there will be questions and punishment to be handed.Bottas is in 8th now!The fin is making up huge grounds on the leaders.Here we go...another twist!Hamilton is forced
to go into the pits to correct his head rest!This leaves...Vettel with an opportunity to lead the race,for the first time.Nooo!the stewards have just announced that Vettel is to serve a 10s penalty(What timing...?)Very interesting sequence of events?
How did the mercedes engineers not notice the head rest during the red flag,and could the impact of Vettel's car have something to do with it?So Lewis goes in,and comes out in 7th.Lap 33/51,remember Bottas is now ahead of both Lewis and Vettel.(As Vettel went in,to pay his penalty)There is a penalty as well for kimi...but crucially
Vettel's emergence from the pit,kept him in front of Lewis.Now,Lewis is not happy about it,clearly.He makes his annoyance clear to charlie white on the radio...He asserts that the 10s penalty was inadequate punishment.(I personally agree...)Vettel takes Alonso,and Lewis follows suit..Unbelieveble,Bottas is now 4th...This is really crazy,Vettel is 5th behind Bottas.Bottas takes Ocon to go third behind stroll and Riccardo.Bottas does a 1:44:933s fastest time in the process.Again Bottas improves,on the fastest lap 1:44:398s.Perez is retiring due to a bad seat.(That does not sound,right?)After weathering the collision with Ocon,he came out again,to keep
his bid to break the non-retiring record,And now he is retiring because of a faulty seat?)Vettel passes Ocon but Lewis is slower to over-take him.Lap 42/51.
1:44:315s is fastest time.So the order is Riccardo-Stroll-Bottas -Vettel-Hamilton-Ocon.
Bottas moves the fastest lap post again with 1:44:036s,brilliant driving fron the fin,today!I am really impressed.Lewis does a 1:43:840 for fastest time,as he requests for the team to tell Bottas to back up Vettel a bit.They tell him that bottas has a chance of taking stroll,so ....it is unlikely,he would be told to do just that...!Eventually Vettel responds to Lewis' chase with 1:43:630.Lewis responds with 1:43:469s.Again Vettel responds with 1:43:441.Kimi finally gives up,and retires...Lap 49/51.It is almost all over Riccardo is going to get his first race of the season.Stroll is +6 behind him,but +3 ahead of Bottas.Lap 51/51 Riccardo wins...as wow(Bottas gets past stroll,just before
the finishing line.How did he do it?)Yeah,Vettel comes in,4th with Lewis in 5th...This
is not the end of talking about this race,definetly!
Austin4sports Summary:This was surely the most dramatic race of the season!It was engaging.
However,the centre of attraction was largely down to negative incidents!So it was entertaining but,it would be nice if we can have more positive incidents,and more
finishing drivers...thank you for reading!
Canadian Grand Prix...live text from Austin4sports
CANADIAN GRAND Prix...
Race starts in 3,2,1 and 0 seconds,off they go!Very good start for Lewis and Bottas.Max makes ...a fantastic start but clips Vettel on his way to second?It
may be applauded but it is careless!Sainz and Massa are already out of the race
because of another off the grid collision.Vettel and Kimi...have lost some places!
The safety car is deployed.Max in second can be a problem or an advantage for
Lewis,depending upon the temperament of the Red bull driver .It depends upon
how fast Max is going to be...And how dangerous he would like to be...I hope he behaves!LAP 3 with safety car still in force-Safety Car comes in:Max makes a move to over-take Lewis but it does not come off...Then Bottas tries on Max but again,the
order is maintained.Vettel is carrying a damage from that start,so his engineers
tell him to put.Where is he going to come out?He puts super soft tyre and rejoins
in 18th.And Raikkonen is in 6th.
Lap10/70 The order remains LEWIS,MAX,BOTTAS and then RICCARDO .Lewis
does the first fastest lap time of 1:16 something.Oh!No! Max pulls over(Or did his
engine just quit..?)What has happened?Max is definetly out;he has retired from
the race,as his car developed an electrical problem.Safety car comes out...
Lap 12/70
Lap 14...The race restarts,with Perez now in 4th.Kimi comes goes into the pit-lap
18.And he comes out in 7th.Riccardo has come in...Lap 19.And the remaining Redbull
driver comes out in 6th.Clearly,Vettel would still finish in a points position.Bottas
comes into the pits on lap24/70.He comes out in 3rd behind Ocon.Lewis has done
another fastest lap 1:16:269-And the order is now HAM-OCON-BOT-RICCARDO -PEREZ.
Lap 32/70.Ocon is defending against Bottas.Lewis comes into the pit.And he takes
those compulsory super soft tyres.Ocon comes in,as well...So order is HAM-BOT-RICCARDO -PEREZ.
Lap 35/70-Nothing is happening!Kimi pits again...Lap 42/70,and comes out in 7th
behind 6th placed Vettel.How are force India doing so well today?Perez is in 4th
and Ocon is in 5th.Kimi does a fastest lap with 1:15:7....Lap45/70.
Vettel pits in lap 50/70.And comes out in 7th.Kimi does another fastest lap 1:15:65s
Lap58/70 Perez and Ocon are considering whether to swap.Perez is told to allow Ocon
to pass,so he can have a go at the Redbull in front(and avoid the resulting ferrari)He
argues over the radio,and practically refuses!Kvyat retires..Vettel passes Kimi,who is having brake problems.Why?This could be the only achilles heel to Ferrari winning the
construction title!1:14:96s is fastest time from Vettel,as the time keeps dropping due to low fuel carriage (I guess...)Lewis overtakes Vettel in the fastest lap with ...1:14:551 s
Vettel now,passes Ocon(as predicted).Lap 67/70 -Alonso's engine blows up-so there is a yellow flag.Vettel passes Perez...lap69(again expected but,could have been avoided)Lap 70 ,Order is LEWIS- BOTTAS -RICCARDO -VETTEL.And Mercedes win with Lewis,as they have their first one-two finish congrats!
Summary from Austin4sports :Race was entertaining in some parts and quiet in others.The trio of Kevin,Stroll and hulkenberg provided some racing in the middle of the pack.Lewis was steady,with the luck of not experiencing any collisions or mechanical problems.Bottas provided some assurance when Mercedes needed it.So Ferrari need to respond,in next race;and we expect them to rise to the new challenge.
Race starts in 3,2,1 and 0 seconds,off they go!Very good start for Lewis and Bottas.Max makes ...a fantastic start but clips Vettel on his way to second?It
may be applauded but it is careless!Sainz and Massa are already out of the race
because of another off the grid collision.Vettel and Kimi...have lost some places!
The safety car is deployed.Max in second can be a problem or an advantage for
Lewis,depending upon the temperament of the Red bull driver .It depends upon
how fast Max is going to be...And how dangerous he would like to be...I hope he behaves!LAP 3 with safety car still in force-Safety Car comes in:Max makes a move to over-take Lewis but it does not come off...Then Bottas tries on Max but again,the
order is maintained.Vettel is carrying a damage from that start,so his engineers
tell him to put.Where is he going to come out?He puts super soft tyre and rejoins
in 18th.And Raikkonen is in 6th.
Lap10/70 The order remains LEWIS,MAX,BOTTAS and then RICCARDO .Lewis
does the first fastest lap time of 1:16 something.Oh!No! Max pulls over(Or did his
engine just quit..?)What has happened?Max is definetly out;he has retired from
the race,as his car developed an electrical problem.Safety car comes out...
Lap 12/70
Lap 14...The race restarts,with Perez now in 4th.Kimi comes goes into the pit-lap
18.And he comes out in 7th.Riccardo has come in...Lap 19.And the remaining Redbull
driver comes out in 6th.Clearly,Vettel would still finish in a points position.Bottas
comes into the pits on lap24/70.He comes out in 3rd behind Ocon.Lewis has done
another fastest lap 1:16:269-And the order is now HAM-OCON-BOT-RICCARDO -PEREZ.
Lap 32/70.Ocon is defending against Bottas.Lewis comes into the pit.And he takes
those compulsory super soft tyres.Ocon comes in,as well...So order is HAM-BOT-RICCARDO -PEREZ.
Lap 35/70-Nothing is happening!Kimi pits again...Lap 42/70,and comes out in 7th
behind 6th placed Vettel.How are force India doing so well today?Perez is in 4th
and Ocon is in 5th.Kimi does a fastest lap with 1:15:7....Lap45/70.
Vettel pits in lap 50/70.And comes out in 7th.Kimi does another fastest lap 1:15:65s
Lap58/70 Perez and Ocon are considering whether to swap.Perez is told to allow Ocon
to pass,so he can have a go at the Redbull in front(and avoid the resulting ferrari)He
argues over the radio,and practically refuses!Kvyat retires..Vettel passes Kimi,who is having brake problems.Why?This could be the only achilles heel to Ferrari winning the
construction title!1:14:96s is fastest time from Vettel,as the time keeps dropping due to low fuel carriage (I guess...)Lewis overtakes Vettel in the fastest lap with ...1:14:551 s
Vettel now,passes Ocon(as predicted).Lap 67/70 -Alonso's engine blows up-so there is a yellow flag.Vettel passes Perez...lap69(again expected but,could have been avoided)Lap 70 ,Order is LEWIS- BOTTAS -RICCARDO -VETTEL.And Mercedes win with Lewis,as they have their first one-two finish congrats!
Summary from Austin4sports :Race was entertaining in some parts and quiet in others.The trio of Kevin,Stroll and hulkenberg provided some racing in the middle of the pack.Lewis was steady,with the luck of not experiencing any collisions or mechanical problems.Bottas provided some assurance when Mercedes needed it.So Ferrari need to respond,in next race;and we expect them to rise to the new challenge.
SPANISH Grand Prix ...live text from Austin4sports
SPANISH GRAND prix...
There is a lot of truth soon to be revealed.Can Mercedes hold off FERRARI duo of Vettel and Raikkonen ,today?The pace of both construction machines,seem to be on...par;so strategy and driver concentration would decide who comes out on
top.If there are NO EXTERNAL INCIDENTs,malfunctions or accidents ,then today's result would go a long way to predicting what would happen throughout the season-
IT IS ABOUT TO BE LIGHTS OUT,AND RACE starts...in 3,2,1 0.Vettel overtakes Hamilton before the first corner.Bottas hangs on the tail of both but makes contact with Raikkonen. I think Raikkonen's car is damaged and out!Oh no!He cannot continue.It is not the best start for Ferrari.I would not blame bottas if I was ...the stewards!I have looked at it,again...it would be harsh to blame the Mercedes driver!Meanwhile Vettel has already opened a +2 s gap in front of Lewis.lap 2/66.Verstappen is out too...!He says it is a suspension problem.Vettel has surprisingly created +2.7s gap on Lewis,so quickly.Magnussen 8th and Sainz 9th are scrapping for position.Lap 5/66...and Lewis brings the gap down to +2.5s.Lewis is struggling to get close enough to Vettel and he has just complained about it.LAP 8-Race continues with Bottas looking like he is dropping off from Lewis.He is now +8.670 s behind Vettel.Mercedes engineers tell Bottas to pick up the pace.1:25.806sis fastest time from Vettel.I think it is the second fastest time .I did not catch the first one.Engineers tell Hamilton to hurry up,too...I am not sure,why the Mercedes engineers are asking for more push from the drivers?Alonso comes into the pits,and changes his tyre to SOFT.Lewis enquiries about the state of the race.He says"what's going on?I don't know whether he is nervous but,he sounds...like he is putting his maximum effort today.LAP14.The reply to Lewis,is "keep doing what you are doing,so we can look for a window to drop you in".I am sure,that should calm him down,a bit!He does not want to lose out to Vettel again,after securing pole position.Of course,that would not be acceptable.Now the gap has dropped to 1.9s...LAP15.Vettel pits!!1:24.901s is fastest lap time for Hamilton.Vettel comes out and does a 1:24.901(fastest time)Lap 17.The chat between Lewis and Engineer is about what to do...to get an advantage,as they have left lewis out for a while now,since vettel pitted.So the Brit is leading the race,but needs to make a stop soon.Perez comes into the pit but,has a poor release.
Lewis finally comes in (Lap 22/66)-They have put a medium tyre for him.So Bottas is leading the race now.I wonder how Bottas would keep Vettel behind to allow Lewis to catch up!Lewis is +7s behind Vettel.Bottas defended well against Vettel,there...Vettel is being frustrated by the fin.Vettel gets back on Bottas's tail...and overtakes him in lap 25.Hamilton closes in...on Bottas quickly and passses him to resume the chase on Vettel with the gap down to +4s(Thanks to Bottas...!)Whose strategy is going to work,better?Redbull's Riccardo is +30s behind Bottas.So there is no threat from there...Bottas comes in...lap 27.And comes out ,still in third position.
There is a lot of truth soon to be revealed.Can Mercedes hold off FERRARI duo of Vettel and Raikkonen ,today?The pace of both construction machines,seem to be on...par;so strategy and driver concentration would decide who comes out on
top.If there are NO EXTERNAL INCIDENTs,malfunctions or accidents ,then today's result would go a long way to predicting what would happen throughout the season-
IT IS ABOUT TO BE LIGHTS OUT,AND RACE starts...in 3,2,1 0.Vettel overtakes Hamilton before the first corner.Bottas hangs on the tail of both but makes contact with Raikkonen. I think Raikkonen's car is damaged and out!Oh no!He cannot continue.It is not the best start for Ferrari.I would not blame bottas if I was ...the stewards!I have looked at it,again...it would be harsh to blame the Mercedes driver!Meanwhile Vettel has already opened a +2 s gap in front of Lewis.lap 2/66.Verstappen is out too...!He says it is a suspension problem.Vettel has surprisingly created +2.7s gap on Lewis,so quickly.Magnussen 8th and Sainz 9th are scrapping for position.Lap 5/66...and Lewis brings the gap down to +2.5s.Lewis is struggling to get close enough to Vettel and he has just complained about it.LAP 8-Race continues with Bottas looking like he is dropping off from Lewis.He is now +8.670 s behind Vettel.Mercedes engineers tell Bottas to pick up the pace.1:25.806sis fastest time from Vettel.I think it is the second fastest time .I did not catch the first one.Engineers tell Hamilton to hurry up,too...I am not sure,why the Mercedes engineers are asking for more push from the drivers?Alonso comes into the pits,and changes his tyre to SOFT.Lewis enquiries about the state of the race.He says"what's going on?I don't know whether he is nervous but,he sounds...like he is putting his maximum effort today.LAP14.The reply to Lewis,is "keep doing what you are doing,so we can look for a window to drop you in".I am sure,that should calm him down,a bit!He does not want to lose out to Vettel again,after securing pole position.Of course,that would not be acceptable.Now the gap has dropped to 1.9s...LAP15.Vettel pits!!1:24.901s is fastest lap time for Hamilton.Vettel comes out and does a 1:24.901(fastest time)Lap 17.The chat between Lewis and Engineer is about what to do...to get an advantage,as they have left lewis out for a while now,since vettel pitted.So the Brit is leading the race,but needs to make a stop soon.Perez comes into the pit but,has a poor release.
Lewis finally comes in (Lap 22/66)-They have put a medium tyre for him.So Bottas is leading the race now.I wonder how Bottas would keep Vettel behind to allow Lewis to catch up!Lewis is +7s behind Vettel.Bottas defended well against Vettel,there...Vettel is being frustrated by the fin.Vettel gets back on Bottas's tail...and overtakes him in lap 25.Hamilton closes in...on Bottas quickly and passses him to resume the chase on Vettel with the gap down to +4s(Thanks to Bottas...!)Whose strategy is going to work,better?Redbull's Riccardo is +30s behind Bottas.So there is no threat from there...Bottas comes in...lap 27.And comes out ,still in third position.
Bottas does a +1:24.696s as the fastest lap,so far.(Wow!This is on medium tyres)
Lap 30.Lewis replies to his Engineer's call to speed up,with ...the retort that it is
impossible to close down Vettel on these medium tyres.Oh!Vandoorne hits Massa!
The virtual safety car has been deployed.Stoffel is out...of the race .Lap 36/66.Lewis pits and puts on some soft tyres.Now,the brit is some +23s behind Vettel.Remember Vettel still needs to run the harder compound(medium tyres)And he(Vettel)goes into the pits,to do just that....!So Lewis needs to do a blistering lap,with the possibility of
getting ahead before the German... comes out of the pits.IT IS GOING TO BE VERY CLOSE!Oh!they nearly touch!Hamilton thinks ...the ferrari driver was a bit dangerous,there...And he tells his guys on the radio.Clearly,he had to back out,a bit or they would have crashed!So Vettel stays ahead...but,it is pretty close now.Nooo!Bottas is out!His car has broken down?What happened?It seems like..they pushed it too much..?Oh dear!LAP 40..Race continues...The race is looking 'funny' now!
Hamilton and Vettel are in a cat and mouse chase...while scrapping through overlapped cars.It is looking tasty!1:23.686s is fastest lap time from Riccardo(who is in third position now,since Bottas dropped out)Hamilton takes Vettel in lap 44/66(It looked like it was just a matter of time,with Lewis on softer tyres)He also does a fastest time 1:23.663s.Now,he is ahead,he is worried about keeping the tyres cool.IT IS CLEAR...those soft tyres could wear out very quickly!Can Vettel stay close enough...to come back towards the end of the race?The durability of the medium tyres would become an advantage against the wear and tear of the softer tyres of Lewis's Mercedes.I think Vettel can come back...at Lewis.It is still a gamble,those soft tyres may hold up?If Vettel wins this race,somehow...then it is likely Ferrari would come on top,at the end of this season. Austin4sports.com declaration.Ferrari are going for PLAN C...(Whatever,that...means?)Lap 51 ...I don't think Ferrari are still going for this plan c.(Possibly changing of tyres...?)It's +4.343s between Lewis and Vettel...now.(With the Brit still ahead...)Lap 58.Lap 62...and there is still a +4.2s advantage.1:23.593s is fastest lap from Lewis in lap 65.It looks like Hamilton is taking this one...And kevin has a puncture,virtually on the last lap,what a shame!Lap 66..Hamilton wins...!
AUSTIN4sports.com SUMMARY-As much as I am delighted with the improved excitement of the races...I cannot help note that it is precluded to the front-runners!Even third position went to a Redbull that lacked competitive pace.
Lap 30.Lewis replies to his Engineer's call to speed up,with ...the retort that it is
impossible to close down Vettel on these medium tyres.Oh!Vandoorne hits Massa!
The virtual safety car has been deployed.Stoffel is out...of the race .Lap 36/66.Lewis pits and puts on some soft tyres.Now,the brit is some +23s behind Vettel.Remember Vettel still needs to run the harder compound(medium tyres)And he(Vettel)goes into the pits,to do just that....!So Lewis needs to do a blistering lap,with the possibility of
getting ahead before the German... comes out of the pits.IT IS GOING TO BE VERY CLOSE!Oh!they nearly touch!Hamilton thinks ...the ferrari driver was a bit dangerous,there...And he tells his guys on the radio.Clearly,he had to back out,a bit or they would have crashed!So Vettel stays ahead...but,it is pretty close now.Nooo!Bottas is out!His car has broken down?What happened?It seems like..they pushed it too much..?Oh dear!LAP 40..Race continues...The race is looking 'funny' now!
Hamilton and Vettel are in a cat and mouse chase...while scrapping through overlapped cars.It is looking tasty!1:23.686s is fastest lap time from Riccardo(who is in third position now,since Bottas dropped out)Hamilton takes Vettel in lap 44/66(It looked like it was just a matter of time,with Lewis on softer tyres)He also does a fastest time 1:23.663s.Now,he is ahead,he is worried about keeping the tyres cool.IT IS CLEAR...those soft tyres could wear out very quickly!Can Vettel stay close enough...to come back towards the end of the race?The durability of the medium tyres would become an advantage against the wear and tear of the softer tyres of Lewis's Mercedes.I think Vettel can come back...at Lewis.It is still a gamble,those soft tyres may hold up?If Vettel wins this race,somehow...then it is likely Ferrari would come on top,at the end of this season. Austin4sports.com declaration.Ferrari are going for PLAN C...(Whatever,that...means?)Lap 51 ...I don't think Ferrari are still going for this plan c.(Possibly changing of tyres...?)It's +4.343s between Lewis and Vettel...now.(With the Brit still ahead...)Lap 58.Lap 62...and there is still a +4.2s advantage.1:23.593s is fastest lap from Lewis in lap 65.It looks like Hamilton is taking this one...And kevin has a puncture,virtually on the last lap,what a shame!Lap 66..Hamilton wins...!
AUSTIN4sports.com SUMMARY-As much as I am delighted with the improved excitement of the races...I cannot help note that it is precluded to the front-runners!Even third position went to a Redbull that lacked competitive pace.
Bahrain Grand Prix...live text
Valtteri Bottas is going to have a first hand taste of what it means to start and lead the race.I WONDER WHAT HE WOULD MAKE OF THE OPPORTUNITY.And I hope there is no stupid clashes at the onset.Race to start ...in 4,3,2,1.Get ready Bottas gets a good start;Vettel gets ahead of Lewis.There is a lot of lock ups-LAP 2 Lewis needs to play a
waiting game here..!All cars are bunched up,of course but as they go through the laps,the cars would spread a bit.Max does the first fastest lap(I think)1:36:716s LAP 4
Bottas is still ahead;we would see how he controls his lead.Kimi goes wide..!but recovers in time.LAP 5 Kimi takes MASSA in turn 1 of LAP 8.Well done kimi!A lap or two
ago the Engineers tell Bottas ...his tyres are heating up a bit.Max Verstappen calls on the radio to say that he thinks...the RED BULL car is faster than the Mercedes in front of them but,for some reason they are 'stuck' behind them.Haas's Kevin loses engine power and retires.LAP 10 "We have got high pressure,so the grips is dropping"Mercedes engineers and Bottas communicate with each other.LAP 11.Vettel
goes into the pit!WHAT ARE THEY TRYING...?Verstappen askes whether he can come into the pits as well?MAX ..is called into the pits as well.Vettel comes out in the 9th position,in the meanwhile.There is a crash somewhere..And as Max comes out,he
runs into trouble ...Verstappen is out!I am not quite sure,what happened but Max is out!(Almost seconds of coming out of the pit..)I told it was a funny decision to follow Vettel into the pits.A shame...there!So the burden of points is on Riccardo's shoulders alone.LAP 12..they say it was a brake failure for Max.hmmm!Kimi pits...LANCE STROLL is out of the race.(He says,he was hit by someone)REPLAY shows,it was Carlos Sainz from Toro Rosso.And Sainz is out,as well(obviously,from the hit with lance)THIS RACE IS NOT GOING WELL FOR SOME ...TEAMS!The safety car is deployed.Mercedes call in both drivers:Bottas first and then ..Lewis.Vettel has been clocking excellent time,and over-taking ....he moves into the lead as bottas and Lewis pit.Now,Bottas comes out....second,Lewis tries to slow down in the pits,while Riccardo is behind him.And he slows down a bit too much,the stewards call for an investigation.I think....Bottas's pit stop was not smooth,so it affected Lewis's judgement.Nevertheless,Riccardo still manages to come out in front of Lewis.So the front order is Vettel,bottas,Riccardo and then Lewis...The safety car goes in ...LAP16/57.LEWIS immediately takes riccardo...Bottas tries a similiar move on Vettel but is blocked by the German.(a bit verstappen like,if you ask me...!)Kimi takes Riccardo as well...Now the Red bull driver is in 6th position.I THINK LEWIS IS PLAYING A VERY GOOD TEAM GAME HERE.Alonso is making passes behind,all of this...LAP 20/57.There are a lot of over-takings but very safe ones!Brilliant...Lewis is penalised with a 5s drive through for his excessive slow down.
waiting game here..!All cars are bunched up,of course but as they go through the laps,the cars would spread a bit.Max does the first fastest lap(I think)1:36:716s LAP 4
Bottas is still ahead;we would see how he controls his lead.Kimi goes wide..!but recovers in time.LAP 5 Kimi takes MASSA in turn 1 of LAP 8.Well done kimi!A lap or two
ago the Engineers tell Bottas ...his tyres are heating up a bit.Max Verstappen calls on the radio to say that he thinks...the RED BULL car is faster than the Mercedes in front of them but,for some reason they are 'stuck' behind them.Haas's Kevin loses engine power and retires.LAP 10 "We have got high pressure,so the grips is dropping"Mercedes engineers and Bottas communicate with each other.LAP 11.Vettel
goes into the pit!WHAT ARE THEY TRYING...?Verstappen askes whether he can come into the pits as well?MAX ..is called into the pits as well.Vettel comes out in the 9th position,in the meanwhile.There is a crash somewhere..And as Max comes out,he
runs into trouble ...Verstappen is out!I am not quite sure,what happened but Max is out!(Almost seconds of coming out of the pit..)I told it was a funny decision to follow Vettel into the pits.A shame...there!So the burden of points is on Riccardo's shoulders alone.LAP 12..they say it was a brake failure for Max.hmmm!Kimi pits...LANCE STROLL is out of the race.(He says,he was hit by someone)REPLAY shows,it was Carlos Sainz from Toro Rosso.And Sainz is out,as well(obviously,from the hit with lance)THIS RACE IS NOT GOING WELL FOR SOME ...TEAMS!The safety car is deployed.Mercedes call in both drivers:Bottas first and then ..Lewis.Vettel has been clocking excellent time,and over-taking ....he moves into the lead as bottas and Lewis pit.Now,Bottas comes out....second,Lewis tries to slow down in the pits,while Riccardo is behind him.And he slows down a bit too much,the stewards call for an investigation.I think....Bottas's pit stop was not smooth,so it affected Lewis's judgement.Nevertheless,Riccardo still manages to come out in front of Lewis.So the front order is Vettel,bottas,Riccardo and then Lewis...The safety car goes in ...LAP16/57.LEWIS immediately takes riccardo...Bottas tries a similiar move on Vettel but is blocked by the German.(a bit verstappen like,if you ask me...!)Kimi takes Riccardo as well...Now the Red bull driver is in 6th position.I THINK LEWIS IS PLAYING A VERY GOOD TEAM GAME HERE.Alonso is making passes behind,all of this...LAP 20/57.There are a lot of over-takings but very safe ones!Brilliant...Lewis is penalised with a 5s drive through for his excessive slow down.
Let's remember Kimi,is ..still in 5th position LAP 22.Mercedes need to improve their strategy and engine modes,to win the championship.Kimi takes Massa again in LAP 24,moving into 4th position.JOLYON Palmer passes Alonso,at the middle of the pack.
Vettel is 3.9s ahead of bottas and +5.038s of Lewis.Vettel is looking good.MAYBE MERCEDES NEED TO HOLD THIS POSITION FOR A WHILE...long game thinking?Only
15 racing cars are still in contention.Lewis passes Bottas...as team orders are issued.
Kimi is on Bottas's tail now!Riccardo takes Massa to go into 5th.Vettel's engineer's tell
him to keep his head down,as this is a crucial phase.Alonso,Palmer and Kyvat are interchanging positions with a fair regularity.LAP 31...Bottas gets a soft tyre as he goes into the pits,for the second time.And he comes out,in 7th...Bottas passes Perez to go into 6th.Vettel goes into the pit LAP 34/57.Bottas posts fastest lap time with 1:34:087s.The finn is putting his foot down.And with that speed he passes Massa to move into 5th...Vettel comes out of the pit,behind Raikkonen and Hamilton..And after a few corners ..passes Kimi(or is let through...)Then Valtteri makes light work of passing Riccardo to go 4th...Kimi pits again,and comes out..behind both Daniel Riccardo and Bottas.Vettel in front drops the gap to 11s from a previous 15s.It seems Lewis is not giving up!So Bottas and Vettel need to keep an eye on his pace.I suspect Lewis would be going for the drive through penalty soon...?LAP 41/57.It is not that terrible as he still comes out in front of Kimi.
So the order is now...Kimi,Lewis ,Bottas...and then Vettel in front.LAP43/57 Riccardo does a 1:33:495s fastest lap time.Lewis askes about the logic behind putting another soft tyre instead of the expected super soft ones!And his engineers quickly reply with the comment that the data(they were receiving)was more convincing...Lewis puts his foot down,and does a 1:32:7 fastest time!Lewis passes Bottas(or is let through)to chase down Vettel.CAN HE DO IT?Lewis brings down the gap to 9.2s.Meanwhile Marcus Ericsson breaks down,and is out of the race,with two laps to go.Now,Hamilton is 6.174 s behind Vettel but he knows he has run out of laps to catch Vettel...Alonso retires from the bahrain grand prix.And it looks like ..Vettel is going to win,with Hamilton behind him...Mercedes's strategy from now on,would most likely be..try and lockdown the front grid,if you are going to win any race!
AUSTIN4sports VERDICT-Clearly a much better race than,the first two races of the season.However,there still seems to be a contrived element to it.It is not clear ...who has the faster engine?I suspect one construction has a faster engine but,the other has a better package.So it is going to come down to small margins of pole position,pit lane decisions,engine and other part reliability.Again,if Red bull can challenge for pole position it would take things to another level;it is the only way F1 can become ..purely organic .
Vettel is 3.9s ahead of bottas and +5.038s of Lewis.Vettel is looking good.MAYBE MERCEDES NEED TO HOLD THIS POSITION FOR A WHILE...long game thinking?Only
15 racing cars are still in contention.Lewis passes Bottas...as team orders are issued.
Kimi is on Bottas's tail now!Riccardo takes Massa to go into 5th.Vettel's engineer's tell
him to keep his head down,as this is a crucial phase.Alonso,Palmer and Kyvat are interchanging positions with a fair regularity.LAP 31...Bottas gets a soft tyre as he goes into the pits,for the second time.And he comes out,in 7th...Bottas passes Perez to go into 6th.Vettel goes into the pit LAP 34/57.Bottas posts fastest lap time with 1:34:087s.The finn is putting his foot down.And with that speed he passes Massa to move into 5th...Vettel comes out of the pit,behind Raikkonen and Hamilton..And after a few corners ..passes Kimi(or is let through...)Then Valtteri makes light work of passing Riccardo to go 4th...Kimi pits again,and comes out..behind both Daniel Riccardo and Bottas.Vettel in front drops the gap to 11s from a previous 15s.It seems Lewis is not giving up!So Bottas and Vettel need to keep an eye on his pace.I suspect Lewis would be going for the drive through penalty soon...?LAP 41/57.It is not that terrible as he still comes out in front of Kimi.
So the order is now...Kimi,Lewis ,Bottas...and then Vettel in front.LAP43/57 Riccardo does a 1:33:495s fastest lap time.Lewis askes about the logic behind putting another soft tyre instead of the expected super soft ones!And his engineers quickly reply with the comment that the data(they were receiving)was more convincing...Lewis puts his foot down,and does a 1:32:7 fastest time!Lewis passes Bottas(or is let through)to chase down Vettel.CAN HE DO IT?Lewis brings down the gap to 9.2s.Meanwhile Marcus Ericsson breaks down,and is out of the race,with two laps to go.Now,Hamilton is 6.174 s behind Vettel but he knows he has run out of laps to catch Vettel...Alonso retires from the bahrain grand prix.And it looks like ..Vettel is going to win,with Hamilton behind him...Mercedes's strategy from now on,would most likely be..try and lockdown the front grid,if you are going to win any race!
AUSTIN4sports VERDICT-Clearly a much better race than,the first two races of the season.However,there still seems to be a contrived element to it.It is not clear ...who has the faster engine?I suspect one construction has a faster engine but,the other has a better package.So it is going to come down to small margins of pole position,pit lane decisions,engine and other part reliability.Again,if Red bull can challenge for pole position it would take things to another level;it is the only way F1 can become ..purely organic .
CHINESE GRAND PRIX...
Austin4sports.com Verdict...
A much better race,than Austrialian Grand prix.And we have learnt that Ferrari's 2017 season is going to be much much better than 2016.They clearly have the pace to trouble Mercedes.If there are no significant improvements on either side...then it is going to be a photo finish to the season.However,I am not jumping up for joy yet,as it...still does not feel organic .I would like to see Redbull get in the mix because,that would stir things up nicely!It is still feels like we have moved from Zero to one;not a great change,is it?
A much better race,than Austrialian Grand prix.And we have learnt that Ferrari's 2017 season is going to be much much better than 2016.They clearly have the pace to trouble Mercedes.If there are no significant improvements on either side...then it is going to be a photo finish to the season.However,I am not jumping up for joy yet,as it...still does not feel organic .I would like to see Redbull get in the mix because,that would stir things up nicely!It is still feels like we have moved from Zero to one;not a great change,is it?
AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX..
The race started on the second attempt, after the first start was aborted. Ricciardo had to join after two laps .And there was a collision,in the first lap by Magnussen and Ericsson.We are now,in lap 5,and Vettel is still close to Hamilton.And Bottas is behind Vettel.Lewis complains about grip.I don't know how serious that was...1:28 something..is the fastest time from Lewis.Lewis says posting exactly 1:28:00 is not possible.I wonder what he means...?Vettel does a fastest lap 1:28:23-Lewis says..his car is overheating!I think,he is just feeding his engineers every possible worry.I thought there would be reliability issues,in the first race.With all the changes,it would have been a miracle if everything went ...well.Lewis improves on the fastest time.LAP 14 ,Grosjean is out of the race...His car just seemed to overheat,and smoke was coming out of the tail or rear end.Fortunately,he has managed to drag it...to the pits.His race is over.Jolyon Palmer of Renault is complaining about something;but his engineer tells him to keep going...If you ask me-THERE IS NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE FROM LAST SEASON.-
Lewis comes in..for first stop!Palmer retires...Lewis does a 1:27:55.So he has broken
the 1:28:00 he wasn't sure he could do...?He is now mentioning to his technical team
to let him understand what the situation is ...now,so he can manage the tyres better.
Lewis's Engineers want him to overtake Max Verstappen but,he is not sure...Everyone is complaining.Verstappen comes on the radio saying,he is losing grip.And Lewis is maintaining that he(Lewis)cannot venture a pass on Max.Why?I am not sure...Is he saying,the car is not fast enough to venture a pass?Or is he worried about Max's reputation when he defends?Or even both...?Anyway Vettel pits,and manages to
come out in from of Lewis,because of the hold up by Max.It is pretty close but,Vettel speeds ahead...Ericsson pulls up,as Toto Wolff shows his extreme disappointment with the Ferrari under cut...Bottas pits.Now lap 26....
Kimi comes in...lap 27.Engineers are thinking about plan B for Lewis.What do they mean..?I THINK THEY ARE MAKING THE FERRARI ISSUE BUGGER THAN IT IS..
Daniel Ricciardo crashes...again.Now,he is retiring for the race.He has not had a good weekend!Oh!nooo..I it just slid out of control!I don't think he crashed into someone?
I think he was going too fast around the bend,and lost control...of the car.He is okay,though...as he comes on the radio,and assures his team.So Daniel joins the
ever growing list of retires.Horner says it is an engine failure .
Vettel is +6.22 secs ahead of Lewis...I'm not sure it is a good idea to put pressure
on Lewis to race faster?Engineers tell Lewis plan A is back on-as they notice that the tyres are not going off for the other drivers(especially Vettel,I am sure...!)The gap
between Vettel and Lewis is now,+8.024 s.However,Bottas is only 2 secs behind Lewis.Raikkonen's Engineers tell him,that Lewis is struggling with his tyres but Kimi's
retort suggests,he doesn't care..haha!Lance retires..The race is still boring,and Lewis is complaining about his power dropping in and out-
THE ORGANISERS NEED TO LOOK AT THE ISSUE OF OVERTAKING-because this has
not been an overtaking race! Australian GP circuit is not an overtaking one-We know!
Kevin Magnussen is out too..Lap 51.Vettel still leads the race,with Hamilton,Bottas,Kimi then..the rest.Alonso complains about his suspensions as Ocon
of FORCE INDIA over-takes him,into 10th position .Lap 53...1:26:711 is the fastest
time;and it is from Kvyatt.Fernando Alonso retires...Vettel regains fastest time 1:26:6
Lap 57..And Vettel wins race but not before Kimi takes fastest time off him,with 1:26:5.The race lasted about an hour and a half,I think..
AUSTIN4sports.COM VERDICT:
Boring!Boring!Boring!The greatest excitement was..whether Vettel would come out,in front of Lewis..after pitting!And this was not because,the ploy was brilliant or fool proof;it only worked because Lewis was stuck behind Max..I saw,only two over-takes
...Ocon on Alonso,and Perez on a Toro Rossi driver(I did not see,which one)Also
I count...seven retirements.If that is what they call entertainment,then...they have no idea what the fans want!THE ONLY GOOD THING,WAS THAT THE RACE FINISHED QUICKER..
the 1:28:00 he wasn't sure he could do...?He is now mentioning to his technical team
to let him understand what the situation is ...now,so he can manage the tyres better.
Lewis's Engineers want him to overtake Max Verstappen but,he is not sure...Everyone is complaining.Verstappen comes on the radio saying,he is losing grip.And Lewis is maintaining that he(Lewis)cannot venture a pass on Max.Why?I am not sure...Is he saying,the car is not fast enough to venture a pass?Or is he worried about Max's reputation when he defends?Or even both...?Anyway Vettel pits,and manages to
come out in from of Lewis,because of the hold up by Max.It is pretty close but,Vettel speeds ahead...Ericsson pulls up,as Toto Wolff shows his extreme disappointment with the Ferrari under cut...Bottas pits.Now lap 26....
Kimi comes in...lap 27.Engineers are thinking about plan B for Lewis.What do they mean..?I THINK THEY ARE MAKING THE FERRARI ISSUE BUGGER THAN IT IS..
Daniel Ricciardo crashes...again.Now,he is retiring for the race.He has not had a good weekend!Oh!nooo..I it just slid out of control!I don't think he crashed into someone?
I think he was going too fast around the bend,and lost control...of the car.He is okay,though...as he comes on the radio,and assures his team.So Daniel joins the
ever growing list of retires.Horner says it is an engine failure .
Vettel is +6.22 secs ahead of Lewis...I'm not sure it is a good idea to put pressure
on Lewis to race faster?Engineers tell Lewis plan A is back on-as they notice that the tyres are not going off for the other drivers(especially Vettel,I am sure...!)The gap
between Vettel and Lewis is now,+8.024 s.However,Bottas is only 2 secs behind Lewis.Raikkonen's Engineers tell him,that Lewis is struggling with his tyres but Kimi's
retort suggests,he doesn't care..haha!Lance retires..The race is still boring,and Lewis is complaining about his power dropping in and out-
THE ORGANISERS NEED TO LOOK AT THE ISSUE OF OVERTAKING-because this has
not been an overtaking race! Australian GP circuit is not an overtaking one-We know!
Kevin Magnussen is out too..Lap 51.Vettel still leads the race,with Hamilton,Bottas,Kimi then..the rest.Alonso complains about his suspensions as Ocon
of FORCE INDIA over-takes him,into 10th position .Lap 53...1:26:711 is the fastest
time;and it is from Kvyatt.Fernando Alonso retires...Vettel regains fastest time 1:26:6
Lap 57..And Vettel wins race but not before Kimi takes fastest time off him,with 1:26:5.The race lasted about an hour and a half,I think..
AUSTIN4sports.COM VERDICT:
Boring!Boring!Boring!The greatest excitement was..whether Vettel would come out,in front of Lewis..after pitting!And this was not because,the ploy was brilliant or fool proof;it only worked because Lewis was stuck behind Max..I saw,only two over-takes
...Ocon on Alonso,and Perez on a Toro Rossi driver(I did not see,which one)Also
I count...seven retirements.If that is what they call entertainment,then...they have no idea what the fans want!THE ONLY GOOD THING,WAS THAT THE RACE FINISHED QUICKER..