Formula 1 My prediction.

[Rodbender]

Re: Formula 1 My prediction.

So the best start place Vettel can achieve is 3rd. If he makes it to there it could be very close racing and 50-50 for Hamilton to clinch the title. Three places is not much of a cushion and one slight mistake from Hamilton could mean having to wait to see Hamilton take the title. In a way I would prefer the fight to continue, but Hamilton to be the ultimate winner. If he gets the title this weekend there will not be the same excitement generated by the remaining races. My gut feeling is Hamilton will get to the winning post first with perhaps Vettel a very close second.

[Garry]

Re: Formula 1 My prediction.

USA GP practice session 1 & 2 in the wet, saw Hamilton drive in a different class to the rest.


Practice session 3 is live tonight at 6.55pm on channel 4 followed by qualifying at 8.30 pm

Vettel has a three place grid penalty.

Will Hamilton clench the title this weekend ?

[Rodbender]

Re: Formula 1 My prediction.

DR'S was introduced to combat the type of races that I fall asleep watching. Processional type races. OK I can see that F1 is a form of entertainment, but so is motorcycle racing and sports car racing. Sponsorship is the key to financing these sports and is why generating large audiences helps attract companies to pay vast sums to advertise on the cars. Like most things in this world it's all about money. Money now controls most of our sports. A boring processional race would soon have people switching off and that would just not do. The thrill of crashes which many people used to watch F1 for has been iliminated by all the safety features now in place, so to keep the viewers they have tried to introduce more overtaking. For me, I would rather they turn the clock back 20 years but then again us older viewers would say that wouldn't we.

[Garry]

Re: Formula 1 My prediction.

DRS ? I have never really given it much thought to be honest. But now that you have mentioned it.
I don't know why it was needed. Yes it does help to make more overtaking in the race, as you have said. No doubt that it creates a more interesting and exciting race for spectators. It's good for the driver who is overtaking. Not good for the defending driver.

So is this the reason DRS was used ? Purely to create more interest ?


Not sure what I think. I'll give it some thought and let you know.

[Rodbender]

Re: Formula 1 My prediction.

As Hamilton said recently, "there are two championships running side by side". How do you decide which is most important ? Drivers or team championship. You have to say team first as they provide the drivers with the means for them to win. So yes team orders are a must. What I strongly dislike about F1 is the DRS system. To me passing another car should be a combination of driver skill and car performance. Not a ruling that allows a driver to activate a mechanism that gives him an unfair advantage over the guy in front. It may create more overtaking and audience entertainment, but detracts from driver and car ability to make the move as is so in other motor sports. What are your views on DRS?

[Garry]

Re: Formula 1 My prediction.

Bottas I'm afraid is another TEAM PLAYER which will always be while Hamilton is his team mate. He has show this season that he can, when motivated, match Hamilton and I do wish he was a bit more aggressive. He must not let himself become another Rubens Barrichello, Who played second fiddle for far to long.

Agreed! I understand the importance of team orders. But I don't agree with them.

If the teams second driver is winning. He should be able to win and not be instructed to drop back.

[Rodbender]

Re: Formula 1 My prediction.

Bottas I'm afraid is another TEAM PLAYER which will always be while Hamilton is his team mate. He has show this season that he can, when motivated, match Hamilton and I do wish he was a bit more aggressive. He must not let himself become another Rubens Barrichello, Who played second fiddle for far to long.

[Caz]

Re: Formula 1 My prediction.

Well, I managed to stay awake for the race (not always the case nowadays) but, as normal it was a bit of a procession and the finger went on the fast forward button several times!

I think Vettel has blown it, can't say I'm a fan of either of the Ferrari drivers and hopefully Hamilton is becoming less of a diva. Still feeling sorry for Bottas for the last race though...

[Garry]

Re: Formula 1 My prediction.

I agree, Ron. Plus I would really like to see Hamilton take the title again.

[Rodbender]

Re: Formula 1 My prediction.

I was pleased with the result. Ferrari only have their self to blame. Total cock-up in qualifying and I do believe they are getting rid of the wrong driver. Vettel has given away too many races in his career with his current team and previous teams he has driven for. He is too hot headed to handle any pressure. His previous championships were, in my opinion, won for him by the superior car rather than his driving.

[Garry]

Re: Formula 1 My prediction.

Well ! Two out of three isn't bad

Hamilton drove a perfect race.
Some interest caused by Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen's scrap for 2nd
Bad day at the office for Vettel.

Was it the result you expected ?

[Garry]

Surprised that no one mentions the Grand Prix here.

Things don't seem to be going well for Ferrari lately. I think its slipping away for them.


My predictions for tomorrows race are in the link. What is your prediction.

https://ranked-list-images.files.bbci.co.uk/japanese-gp-18-predictions-a8fe9ca0124c899e4c6e56328777243c.html