True, but let's not forget the huge leap made by RB. Ferrari have gained a bit in Merc's direction, even more impressive given Merc must also be improving, but RB had much further to go. Remember how they started the season. Credit also to Renault? They're clearly improving their engine reliability and I read last week they're planning to use some of their development tokens for a performance bump but not for a few more races...can't remember the timing. McHonda are also showing clear signs of turning the corner. Here's hoping they can keep it up...though I'm sure the mid-fielders would disagree.
Totally agree, but it would be folly to think that MB has nothing up their sleeve for the second half of the season.
I think a lot of credit for the various team's success and failure this weekend has to go to the track itself, this is not a horsepower track, it's a handling and high downforce track. High speed cars like the Williams and Mercedes do not have as much benefit here, in fact the Williams was completely outclassed, where the cars with notably better chassis dynamics like the Red Bull, Ferrari and Honda (yes, I said that - both Button and Alonso have said all along the chassis was good, they just needed more oooomph.) showed well. I think things will turn back again at Spa and Monza, two tracks that showcase high speed and low downforce setups. If Ferrari, McHonda and Red Bull are competitive with the Williams and Benzer boys there, then I'll agree they've turned the corner....... However, I will say that Vettel drove a stupendous race, and did exactly what he needed to do to win, so well done Seb.
Here are links to excellent onboard videos of the start (+) from each of the 4 top qualifiers. Definitely worth the jump. On this page, in 4 separate videos, Hamilton, Rosberg, Vettel, Ricciardo: https://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/features/2015/7/mixed-fortunes---onboard-during-a-pulsating-first-lap-in-hungary.html And here those videos are combined into one, P1 > P4: https://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/video/2015/7/Mixed_fortunes_at_the_front_of_the_grid_in_Hungary.html Take your pick.
It's a relative thing, performance, that's true. The track type always makes a difference. In addition, Ferrari, RB and McHonda results in Hungary make them look better than they would had Merc not fallen briefly off the rails. But I think they've all made strides forward since the start of the season, esp. RB/Renault and McHonda, that show regardless of track related strengths/weaknesses. I agree the very next race, Spa, will likely make Hungary seem like a bit of an anomaly compared to other mid-season races but once the dust settles consider relative improvements since the opener in Australia. And don't forget all bets are off re race starts now they've outlawed clutch setting, etc, advice between the pits and starting grid. Should make it slightly more difficult for arm chair pundits like me to guess current relative performance.
No question, the start is key..... Did you see how Ricciardo went around the outside of Hulk (or Perez) in that vid? Remember you can't pass at the Hungaroring! :biggrin5:
Interesting video on how the cars could be different in 2017 [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F0u1nqG18o"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F0u1nqG18o[/ame]
A bit of summer break humor(?) from Sauber. [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6SM9Wq13k4"]#SummerFun F1 Pit Stop: Car Wash - Sauber F1 Team - YouTube[/ame]
thanks for posting STeve.....excellent video. It's great that somebody can have some fun w/o worrying about being politically correct all the time. Well done Sauber!
Another reason to really dislike that guy (Bernie). Has absolutely NO respect for history or the people/places who made this sport what it is...and there is no excuse because he was part of making that history! Removing Monza from the calendar...that will be the day. Take away the home race of the most famous and popular team in the sport? Isn't he just saber rattling to get more money from the venue operators for the race? Unless he dies or just goes away, I could see him attempting to drop ALL of the races in the Western World.....We just don't have enough oil and gas money to pay whatever he wants to stage races anymore... I have such a love/hate relationship with this sport...
I guess if you are a Swiss team, that counts as light-hearted.... And what a punch line! That's a duesy, as I believe you guys say*. * So if my Firefox was using the American-British dictionary, would this not be marked as a spellink erra?