Can Max hold Lewis off in the race!
It was Mercedes and Hamilton’s pole for anyone’s money before qualifying, they just looked that good, but from almost nowhere, Red Bull have come through to steal the most crucial pole position of the year! It could well be the reverse of Mexico, where Mercedes snatched it off Red Bull, which doesn’t bode well for Max tomorrow! Nevertheless, you have to applaud the execution by Verstappen, as the last sector especially was sublime. He didn’t actually need the tow from Perez, but it was also great teamwork, even if it could have been done better. Their only issue is the starting tyre, the softs will not be ideal for the race, although they could still make it work. Perez would have wanted to beat Norris, but he is still right in position to be a pain for Lewis if he gets a chance. As for Max, he needs a clean start, and hope the soft tyres stay with him long enough to open up the strategy options, if so, it could be a great day for him and Red Bull.
You can see it has been a bit of a punch to the gut for Mercedes, however, they are taking it well, and will come back tomorrow fighting. Hamilton’s second lap in Q3 was solid, so it wasn’t like he underdelivered, Red Bull just matched them on straight line speed, whilst being better in the corners. The mediums for Lewis off the line could be an issue, especially as Checo won’t be shy about getting in his way on the softer tyres. After Lap 1 though, that Mercedes pace will be a real worry for the rest, plus with a 7 time champion at the wheel, you can never rule him out! Bottas was looking so good all weekend, even challenging Lewis at points, but sadly his final weekend in Mercedes has a familiar ring, of not delivering on practice pace when it matters. There are still opportunities tomorrow, although from 6th, and with his record for overtaking cars, I am not expecting miracles.
After a tough time for McLaren, this must feel amazing for the team, to be back where they were at the start of the year, at least on Saturday. Norris needed it too, as we haven’t seen the brilliance from him recently either, that we got in abundance back in the summer. Holding off Perez and Bottas in the race will be much harder for Norris, but if he finishes best of the rest, he could get his 5th place back in the drivers’ championship, which would be a well deserved result. Ricciardo too should be able to capitalise on the pace they have, to end a growing season for him.
The Ferrari drivers will want to deny Norris of that 5th place, which would be the icing on the cake of their return towards the front of the grid. I am guessing they haven’t turned the engines up as they said they would, as the pace whilst being good, wasn’t crazy. I am looking forward to the possibility of a good battle between those two teams tomorrow, lets just hope it all stays civil, especially between Carlos and Charles!
Tsunoda has been having an excellent weekend, and his first lap in Q3 was spectacular, however, sadly for him he didn’t keep it in track limits. He then wasn’t able to improve on the 2nd run, so ended up towards the back end of the top 10. That all being said, to beat Gasly right now is a great achievement for him, and suggests 2022 could be a much better year for him. Whilst Ocon did make the top 10, the team weren’t blistering really. Although he was also 9th on the grid last weekend when he got to 4th by the end of the race, I would be amazed if we have a race like that this weekend. In 2021 though, anything can happen!
Alonso barely missed out, whilst Gasly clearly had car issues, as he went much slower in Q2 than he did in Q1. Expect both of them to come forward in the race, given their experience and car pace. Aston Martin continue their tale of woe, but at least they made Q2 this time. Points could be a long shot for them. It wasn’t a great last qualifying for the Alfa Romeo drivers, Kimi couldn’t put a lap together, and Giovinazzi only managed 14th. Williams just missed Q2, and fair play to Latifi for beating Russell in their final race together.
I honestly have no idea what to expect in the race tomorrow, I just think that the race has been set up perfectly today. With neither title contender in an ideal position, but together at the front of the grid, with plenty of hungry drivers behind. Let the best man win!
-M
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