I’m inclined to agree. The only reason I could think of that it’s in Austria is that the circuit is owned by an F1 team so from a contractual and logistics pov it might have been easier.

 

 

However, I think the replacement shows that F1 are concerned about not meeting the minimum number of races if they aren’t able to hit a bunch of the fly away races.

 

I hope there’s contingency contracts being drawn up with other European venues in the event of the second half of the calendar falling away due to restrictions

This is a terrible idea for a number of reasons -

 

2 races at the same circuit with no layout change is unlikely to make the 2nd race interesting. We're not likely to see a repeat of Silverstone last few laps.

 

We don't actually need to replace the lost race as we will easily complete enough races for a valid championship and to satisfy TV rights.

 

Moving the date of the French GP will mean many fans with tickets may not be able to attend or will have disrupted plans.

 

Romain Grosjean's demonstration laps in a Mercedes (at his home circuit and in front of fans) will not happen as he'll be racing at Road America.

The Red Bull Ring is one of my favourite tracks but it should have been Paul Ricard for the double header. The current GP layout might suck but this was a golden opportunity to try another configuration and see if it can produce better racing. There are over 100 possible options they could have tried, many that are nothing like the current one.

 

This could all be done with minimum disruption to fans and teams and allow the French to host their race exactly 115 years to the day since they invented Grand Prix motor racing in 1906.

 

Well last year's back-to-back in Austria were both exciting races imo (the first more than the second but still). Ideally one of them will be a race wet but that's wishful thinking. They should at least run different tyre compounds like they did last year at Silverstone mk 2.

 

Fair point on not actually needing another race but I'm not gonna complain at more F1! I couldn't think of a worse circuit than Paul Ricard to even host one race let alone two so have to disagree with you there. 100 configurations or not the whole place is a car park which doesn't punish any kind of mistake and the racing is terrible.

 

I’m inclined to agree. The only reason I could think of that it’s in Austria is that the circuit is owned by an F1 team so from a contractual and logistics pov it might have been easier.

However, I think the replacement shows that F1 are concerned about not meeting the minimum number of races if they aren’t able to hit a bunch of the fly away races.

 

I hope there’s contingency contracts being drawn up with other European venues in the event of the second half of the calendar falling away due to restrictions

 

Yeah it must be to do with this. Can see many of the fly away races (Mexico, USA, Brazil, Australia, Japan) all being cancelled this year so boosting up the numbers whilst they're in Europe does make. Only 8 races needed to make an official calendar but it'll be an extremely embarrassing look if they don't even manage to run the 17 they did last year especially considering we started in March this year, not July!

Edited May 17, 20214 yr by Dobbo.

@1396058654965702660

Hamilton and Vettel qualifying on the same row of the grid is definitely something I did not expect to ever happen again! Well done Seb

I’m catching up on Q3 at halftime. I’m actually looking forward to the race tomorrow. There’s a slight chance that for the first time since 2013 we might have a podium free of the f***ing mercs when they both actually finish the race

I'm counting on Seb to screw up the first corner and take Hamilton out. It may be the best hope for keeping this title fight alive.

 

Also anyone that doesn't want Leclerc to win has no heart

Leclerc's gearbox is too damaged and he will not make the grid. Might make a pitlane start if they can fix it

f*** f*** f***.

 

2hrs ago they said it was fine 😭

Leclerc is out of the race.

 

Gutting

Am pure gutted for him. The conversion rate for pole sitters is amazing at Monaco, he probably would have won his actual home home Grand Prix. (I know most of the tax dodging wanks live in Monaco but he’s actually Monacan)

 

 

 

I just learned Verstappen speaks fluent German

Rotten luck for Leclerc.

No gap under 1 sec, classic Monaco.

Mazepin one more corner cut away from a penalty. Lap 13

Mazepin one more corner cut away from a penalty. Lap 13

He couldn’t even make it to the tunnel ahead of Schumacher.

 

 

Norris also on the black and white flag!

Im not sure what is funnier. Bottas being unable to get a wheel off and having to retire or Hamilton having a tantrum that a two year old would be embarrassed by and going backward in the pit stops.

 

 

The wheels truly coming off Mercedes AMG this weekend………well. Not for Bottas 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

 

 

 

Honestly. Best race of the year so far

I like the result of the race but it was a chore to watch with no car being able to takeover not even once

 

Very happy for Sanz, first great for him in Ferrari. Verstappen was also great, and same for Norris.

 

I'd give a 0 to Mercedes, their worst weekend in ages.

 

Also surprised at how long it's talking Ricciardo to adapt. It's not easy for anyone but even Vettel seems to be adapted now.

Edited May 24, 20214 yr by Bjork

Cute little wave between the McLarens as Norris lapped The money badger

 

 

Monaco is a useless Grand Prix tho. I can’t remember a single overtake that happened after Mick sent it up the inside of Mazespin before the tunnel on the first lap.

Channel 4 how did you fit 60 minutes of highlights in this race? :cheeseblock:

Probably one of the dullest races I've seen, Monaco is certainly a useless Grand Prix. No safety or virtual safety cars. Amazing for you, Max. For the fans it certainly wasn't.

Was a bit of a boring race

 

Gutted for Leclerc but I suppose it was caused by his mistake

 

Happy for the Max win - especially as he now leads the championship

I felt sorry for Bottas as he definitely had the measure of Lewis

Love the result for Vettel - comfortably beat his teammate and that pit stop exit showed his fight

 

Mercedes did lose Lewis points but he was having a bad weekend anyway

 

Mazepin not only finished but finished ahead of his team mate! Shockers for Tsunoda and Ricciardo though