Manoah2u wrote: ↑Sun Sep 26, 2021 8:52 am
It's a double edged sword. If Max didnt have no penalty and qualified p1 or so, Mercedes guaranteed would have changed Lewis' engine.
However, there's a benefit to be had that Max is starting from the back, so it's likely they would benefit from staying in front an as such keep an 'old' engine.
But, qualification results were bad, so bad that Lewis starts P4 and the cars in front are not easy to pass, perhaps Russell is another story.
Cars behind him will likely stay behind no matter the strategy. He's also under no real pressure from Perez or so.
The issue is that Hamilton will likely not progress beyond P3, and if Max gets a bit well through the field he's going to likely finish no less than P9 in the race.
The big 'risk' is that it's not at all unlikely that there are going to be a (/more than one) neutralization(s), so SC, which will bring Max into play and could put Hamilton in harms way.
It would mean finishing the race perhaps even beaten or close to Max, and still needing to replace the engine.
Tactically, they're not gonna win this race anyway. If they replace more than one component, and adjust setup, have free tire choice, then it's very likely that Hamilton despite starting at the back, will finish somewhere between p4 and p8. this goes for Max just as much. in other words, damage control.
Another thing i cannot help but wonder is this: is Hamilton experiencing more aftermath from Max' car on his head than they're willing to claim, or is he 'suffering' a bit from lungcovid.
I'm personally finding Hamilton's lesser form a bit suspicious, and the wall contact in the pit AND then the spin during a lap a bit odd. He might just not be in top form right now perhaps due to a simple cold or such, who knows. But paired to the Merc also having hit the wall with the front left in the pits and the back tire wall in the spin, it's got to be something to consider. The car might have some more 'damage' than advertised.
anyway, time will tell. gonna be an interesting race.
I wouldnt be surprised to see Sainz take the win btw!