Belgian Grand Prix

ahambly2376d ago

The gaps between Leclerc and Verstappen were pretty identical to Leclerc and Hamilton at that stage of the race. It's always a game of 'what if', but I don't think Hamilton would have had the pace to get past Verstappen if Ferrari had played the team orders card.

kevinhowarth196976d ago

Let's be honest the Mercedes engines have been so good when they are working but it's cost us all because very rarely have both cars finished same race

czechfog183676d ago

For whatever reason, I think Antonelli is on a good run. He really should have two more victories already. Russell came into the season with lots of confidence, but I wonder what he thinks of his chances now.

seanfisher77d ago

I guess we will only truly find out when Russell’s straight line speed issues are solved… But Antonelli has been the best driver on grid all season, outstanding so far!

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czechfog183676d ago

Kimi never loses his ability to amaze me. He keeps finding a way to win.

♥ 1

edwarddidier77d ago

The penalty giver on sir Lewis must go back to the drawing board. Because they are causing sir Lewis dearly and the sky comentaters must not be so eager to blame Hamilton 😉

spanky016777d ago

F1 seriously needs to look at a sucess blast system each and every year it,s 1 team dominating, it doesn't need to be this way.

ahambly2379d ago

Norris is set to have some fun in the Belgian Grand Prix after such a blistering performance in qualifying. Wouldn't be surprised if he manages to score a top 5.

kyle.archer79d ago

Isack Hadjar is the obvious answer after his grid penalty dropped the Red Bull racer to P21 on the grid. But Lando Norris starting in P13 after his grid penalty could also see the McLaren man pick up a lot of positions.

czechfog183674d ago

I expect some progress, but not much. They have not even practiced with this B spec car, and the Honda PU still sucks. They should be closer to Cadillac. That is a sad statement.

czechfog183676d ago

I sincerely doubt that AMR can get much out of the B spec car without getting a new Honda PU. Maybe 0.1 second improvement. Not enough to make Alonso happy.

ahambly2379d ago

Ooof that is a biiiig gap - they're lucky to even qualify in the first place. I can't see the 'B-spec' AMR26 lifting them up from the back of the grid in any scenario tbh.

snipernlucky76d ago

Isaac hadjar

ahambly2379d ago

Bortoleto squeezing himself into Q3 at the longest circuit on the calendar was a phenomenal effort, fair play to the Brazilian.

kyle.archer79d ago

Arvid Lindblad really stood out with Racing Bulls' upgrades - But Lando Norris was the star of qualifying at Spa almost taking the fight to Max Verstappen for P2

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ahambly2379d ago

It hasn't been the cleanest practice programme from Russell, I think a mistake from Antonelli would be the only scenario in which we could see the Briton out-qualify his teammate this weekend.

rebecca.braybrook79d ago

It's a bit of a tighter gap, which might be somewhat reassuring for George, but it still felt like a scruffy session for him!

kyle.archer79d ago

George should be very worried! Kimi is dominating him at Spa...

ahambly2380d ago

Lindblad just looks better and better each weekend. He's really been going under the radar this season.

kyle.archer80d ago

George Russell has an awful lot of homework to go through on Friday night if he is to take the fight to Kimi Antonelli in qualifying for the Belgian GP... A 1.285s margin between the Mercedes duo in FP2? Ouch.

ahambly2380d ago

Quite surprised to see them so pacy in FP1. Will be interesting to see how this develops throughout the weekend.

jonny80d ago

Where are Mercedes? 👀

rebecca.braybrook80d ago

Interesting to see no Mercedes or Merc power unit cars in the top 3! But I'm sure that would have made Verstappen a little cheerier after a couple of rough weekends!

rebecca.braybrook81d ago

It seems like the right time for McLaren to pull the trigger on Norris' power unit, but I can't see him taking home too many points!

ahambly2381d ago

Despite Spa offering several overtaking opportunities, I can't really see Norris breaking into the top six. Between tenth and sixth will likely be his goal, anything more would be a bonus.

david.comerford81d ago

If everyone from the top teams finishes and it's a dry race, he can only really aim for seventh or eighth

matth81d ago

Nope, not this year. Not got the car or belief

vatsal82d ago

That streak is ending this year. Ferrari and Merc are well clear and I wouldn't bet against Max if he was driving a tractor (he is?). Top five would be a very good result for him this year

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ishaan.bhattacharya82d ago

McLaren are rooted as third-best on the grid, maybe fourth. They can't overcome Mercedes' deployment or Ferrari aero, and RB might outdevelop them. Not looking good for podium hopes

tyler.rowlinson82d ago

Maybe only Maggotts and Becketts at Silverstone rank higher, but Eau Rouge and Raidillon are the most intimidating, but brilliant corners in the world

david.comerford83d ago

The past few years, it's been like an extension of the straight. This year, it should be more interesting with less grip, although the speed might be determined by energy deployment strategies!

truthfir40079d ago

Leclerc is an excellent one lap specialist, but in an actual race he normally falls short. He will always be up front fighting but he lacks that special something like a Lewis or Max to be World Champion.

aaditya.krishnamurthy84d ago

I can see Ferrari struggling compared to Mercedes, so I'll say Antonelli and Russell will be on the podium, with Lando Norris right behind them.

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tyler.rowlinson84d ago

Mercedes will be the ones to beat again, and I reckon Russell will lead the charge for another victory, with Verstappen second and Hamilton third