Value or a reputation. Long lost by the time Alonso dismembered him completely at Ferrari, as they were stupid enough to hire him back.

He is the most over rated WDC on the grid. Next is Vettel.

I will not miss him at all. Massa showed how good he really was. He really was not that good. A fair racer who was hot or cold depending on the mood. Over paid.

Kimi, is an anomaly. He is good enough and was special for a moment. He is a spectacle unto himself. He brought in lots of money because of his character which was good for his team and the sport. He is just part of the tapestry and I don't think any of the experienced drivers have thought to be relevant as a driver and more of an entertainer.

Vettel deserves more credit. You don't win multiple championships without some skill. His best years are behind him.

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It's the character moreso than just the talent. But I think he's past his best-before date now.

That was fun. Newish track to most drivers mixed in with the track itself having some unique elements to figure out through the race.

Max with that jab to check Lewis' pace late in the race— "Is he complaining about something or what?"

Vintage "VaLtTeRi It'S jAmEs". Bother Merc drivers played it off cool but you never know.

Fun track. Pretty boring race, IMO.

On to the sprint race!

Was an energetic event but not a great place to race. Drive yes. Passing at a premium.

Was never going to be anything other than a Max love-fest and victory.

the race was interesting, Max had a bit more then Hamilton, it never appeared tight. But when you think of it, the gap was 3-4 seconds. Now that is not much and at this track it was all Max. Actually behind the leaders, down a few places, was interesting to see how the racing was.

Perez - can drive in traffic, but is needed up front
Alonso - nice drive, was funny listening to Ocon saying he was faster and Alonso just step it up...
Norris - on a nice comeback

There was passing, but it was not in the first 5 positions...

Perez for all his experience and skill, is inconsistent in this car. Dare I say he is not handling the RedBull car or pressure well. I think its mental for him. Bottas is the far better #2 in the top team area.

Max is such that they have no real good #2 option other than Perez as Bottas is off to Alfa. Bottas would have been superb at RedBull simply because he brings Mercedes knowledge and has had to deal with LH on the other side of the garage as well.

New team, new regulations, multi-year deal, old boss, likely doesn't have to play sidekick to Gio....seems like a good move for Bottas in terms of being a bit less stressful of an environment.

Certainly he has done his time in the cage of pressure with a top team mate and top team pressue. Well done. Most drivers would be happy to have his numbers and experience. Not an easy job to be with LH or Max currently.

Perez started from the pit lane on a new PU penalty. So not entirely of his doing.

And then he passed cars that he should have had no problems passing - so not particularly spectacular but well done on this track. Was the best part of a hum-drum race, but he'd have deserved his *** kicked if he hadn't got by most of those!

WTF was Ricciardo doing? Hold Checo up, not wave him by!!! C'mon, is this the same driver that at Renault would hold up three cars for 15 laps? I don't know what's wrong with that boy this year, but I think he's past his best before date when Lando has shown him up at every race.

Bottas: "(If it wasn't for the fastest lap) then why did you pit me?"
Engineer: "<so Lewis could get the fastest lap without you beating him, you has-been. F-off and take it like a man, and don't even try to get the fastest lap yourself>"

Flurry of signings this weekend.

Bottas to Sauber/Alfa for "multi year deal",
Russell to Mercedes,
Tsunoda and Gasley confirmed for another year at AT.

Thoughts?

I hope Bottas does well. I think he has been playing 2nd fiddle for a while in the Mercedes team.

I thought the race was alright. I liked the suspense of whether Lewis would actually catch Max, but I think Merc chose the wrong tire. Again, they both showed that the rest of the field is simply not on their level by lapping everyone but the podium spots. Honestly, they should just have a separate championship called F-Zero (lol nintendo vibes) and let Lewis and Max go 1v1 for sprint races. Same car.

For driver moves:

I think Bottas's move to Alfa Romeo was a good one. He has a good relationship with the team boss and has valuable experience running in the front. He's a solid and reliable driver.

Ya'll already know I'm team George. Not going to comment more. He made a very strong case for why he deserves that seat.

Has anyone heard that Horner is looking to blame Mercedes if Albon doesn't get a seat at Williams? What a clown. Red bull has (effectively) 3 seats available and refuse to put him in one of the seats.

I am glad that Alpha Tauri kept Pierre and Tsunoda. Yuki needs some more experience and i think at least deserves another season. Gasly has been a top performer and is carrying the team. I would not be shocked if he gets a better seat in 2023 with a non RB team.