PlatinumZealot wrote: ↑05 Sep 2021, 17:33
FIA filters out the boos with audio software.
mods should allow downvoting on that post, seriously.
as mentioned, indeed, to my pleasant surprise, the dutch fans enjoyed their party and did not boo hamilton at all, but cheered to that giant and living legend f1 athlete, whom was also very respectable and greatly enjoying today's race and visually impressed with this crowd.
Max had things covered, it was always going to be questionable to have a chance for Zandvoort for anyone but Max.
Verstappen essentially had the race decided at the start, first corner and first two laps.
Getting a perfect start was essential, as that is the key moment where he could completely lose everything.
Then to also blast off and build a gap and have the undeniable benefit of clean air meant we had Vettel-like dominance.
I was surprised with the 'blandness' of the race. A fantastic track but i had expected more incidents. The Vettel 'spin' could have ended in exactly such a thing, that got really close.
That said, a few things stood out to me.
First and foremost, indeed - Max did everything right and absolutely deserves this win.
As for Mercedes - the team gave big chances away.
The first pitstop for Lewis with the front right did not go according to standards,
he lost too much time. It was a 0.9 second difference, and this cost them dear.
Hamilton's speed partly due to being in fresh air absolutely demanded Max to come in and pit.
Lewis then was really close to Max, and had he not lost those 0.9 seconds he would immediately have been or just in touching distance of DRS range right when Max came out of the pits.
What also stood out was Bottas' once again total uselessness in being a proper tactical shield or benefit.
They mentioned to him the absolute importance of him keeping Max behind and holding him up, and immediately he fails - right away, not even an effort.
Had Bottas driven as one may expect from a very experienced Mercedes driver, then he would guaranteed have influenced Max' ever sufficient to see Hamilton right there with him in DRS range, and then Max would have had to wait an extra lap before he could pass Bottas, with Hamilton right there and crucially, NOT getting also blocked by Bottas in the corner.
Hamilton COULD have made a move on Verstappen on the straight right when Max would have had a shot at passing Bottas.
I however doubt that Hamilton would have made it stick OR that he could have stayed in front of Max after that, but objective analysis shows that the chances Hamilton should have had have been 'robbed' by his own team.
Either way, It's a great result, great for the championship and i can't wait for Russell's announcement and the next GP.
Monza is going to be bare knuckles.
That said, again, great to see a honest and relaxed attitude between both Lewis and Max, and especially the crowd not being sore.
Perez did absolutely FANTASTIC to get well into the points after starting from the PITS @ Zandvoort where 'nobody could overtake'. Once again showing his worth.
Last but not least: What a horrible piece of work is Mazepin. I was surprised he didn't actually get a black flag for that move. I'm sure he knows Mick will be @ a decent Alfa next season and Mazespin will be trashed by Ilott coming season or by Shwarzman.