Grand Prix 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix Practice, Qualifying & Race Discussion

The 2020 double headers continue. At least in Bahrain though they have decided to run the race round a different layout. This will be a line it up and floor it racetrack at its absolute finest.

There will be 87 laps of a this 3.5 mile circuit. I suspect it will make Monza of the 60's, or Silverstone of the 80's seem really demanding and a bit "pedestrian". Not sure if Grosjean will be back for this weekend, I suspect not. What money on Nico Hulkenberg turning expecting to have a go in the second Haas? Fingers crossed this will be a little more interesting than last week's effort, although expect a Hamilton pole and win in anyway.

 

[Johnny Carwash]

If Vandoorne does get the drive,it must have been a while since two Belgians were in the two top teams for a race weekend.

 

[P1]

Well if the belgian gets called up, it doesn't necessarily mean for Mercedes. could be Williams.

 

[Brogan]

I wonder if Bottas will be bragging on Twitter again if he wins.

 

[Johnny Carwash]

It would be tragic if Bottas won and did his “too whom it may concern” radio message.

 

[F1Brits_90]

to be fair, he did the last time when Hamilton was taken out of the competition through the penalty (which was his fault)

 

[Il_leone]

Well Bottas has more to lose if he does not win.

When will Merc announce a replacement?

 

[P1]

Vandoorne said he is going to Bahrain and said that while there is a chance he may drive, he is unsure whether he will be driving or not.

Sounds like Mercedes is working on the George Russell option with Vandoorne as the backup.

 

[Dartman]

Why would Mercedes announce a replacement, they are obviously happy with what he does, over the years(4) the car has been more refined to Hamiltons driving, though Bottas is quick in qualifying it may well be over the distance of the race it is not suited to his style, as for year to year contracts he gets that may depend on Hamilton's future decisions. Mercedes F1 are a multi million Euro company and are extremely successful, us minions despite our high knowledge, skill and F1 management organisation actually count for nothing.

 

[P1]

Why would Mercedes announce a replacement, they are obviously happy with what he does, over the years(4) the car has been more refined to Hamiltons driving, though Bottas is quick in qualifying it may well be over the distance of the race it is not suited to his style, as for year to year contracts he gets that may depend on Hamilton's future decisions. Mercedes F1 are a multi million Euro company and are extremely successful, us minions despite our high knowledge, skill and F1 management organisation actually count for nothing.

We are talking about the replacement for Hamilton who is sidelined by COVID. Not Bottas. Mercedes is required to field 2 cars by regulations, so they need someone to drive Hamilton's car.

Mercedes has to announce a replacement

 

[P1]

BTW It seems that while Hamilton didn't test positive till Monday, it seems one of his contacts prior to Bahrain also tested positive so he likely had COVID over the Bahrain weekend before he tested positive. I wonder if this means other Mercedes team members might also test positive?

 

[rufus_mcdufus]

So Mercedes might just pull a sickie.

 

[Dartman]

P1 P1sorry but every thing was about Bottas and he is constantly criticised in this and othe threads it wasn't obvoius this was about this weekends replacement for Hamilton, however the same applies, when they have one lined up and available it will be announced, at the moment it is pure speculation and Vandoorne as reserve/test driver will be on hand but not a guaranteed drive, and apparently neither is Hulkenberg being considered

 

[FB]

Russel to Mercedes, Aitken in the Williams - Russell frontrunner to replace Hamilton at Mercedes F1

Fingers crossed.

 

[F1Brits_90]

ive heard that vandoorne could be racing but in the williams

 

[Il_leone]

The most logical choice for Mercedes is Russell.... Ocon seems to be the forgotten man in this as he would have been the front runner

If Mercedes were still battling for the constructors they would have picked Hulkenberg but they are not. Right now they still want to show they are the dominant force

The interesting side story is Bottas has not secured 2nd place in the championship so would Russell be asked to ride shot gun and move over or allowed to race if Verstappen is challenging in the race

Interesting will be without Hamilton what sort of driver is Bottas because it is an opportunity for him to showcase he can be a future No1 although not for long you'd think

 

[Titch]

Is Hamilton really leaving then ?

 

[F1Brits_90]

Is Hamilton really leaving then ?

no just like perez & stroll he's self isolating

 

[P1]

The most logical choice for Mercedes is Russell.... Ocon seems to be the forgotten man in this as he would have been the front runner

If Mercedes were still battling for the constructors they would have picked Hulkenberg but they are not. Right now they still want to show they are the dominant force

The interesting side story is Bottas has not secured 2nd place in the championship so would Russell be asked to ride shot gun and move over or allowed to race if Verstappen is challenging in the race

Interesting will be without Hamilton what sort of driver is Bottas because it is an opportunity for him to showcase he can be a future No1 although not for long you'd think

Ocon's star has been diminished alongside Ricciardo. Russell seems the more interesting talent.

However Ocon would also not be a viable option. Renault doesn't have as friendly a relationship with Mercedes as Williams does and given their battle for 3rd or 4th in the championship I doubt they would take any risks to help out Mercedes.

Also to quote the article:

Beyond any financial incentive of loaning Russell, an added attraction for Williams would also be that the youngster, who is committed to the team for 2021, would return to it after his loan spell as a higher profile driver with some solid experience from a front-running car and potentially strong results underneath him.

As for Bottas - I don't see Mercedes using team orders to get second in the championship. There is no prize for that and such team order would do Mercedes no favors with fans. Bottas is going to have to win this one by himself. And if Russell beats him then Russell will get the 2022 seat.

 

[Greenlantern101]

Pinch me.

George Russell to replace Hamilton at Mercedes for Sakhir Grand Prix | Formula 1®

George Russell will get the opportunity of a lifetime when he drives the world championship-winning Mercedes W11 in this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix, as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton who tested positive for Covid-19.

www.formula1.com

 

[Legs]

This could (actually) be exciting...