Drivers to discuss Hamilton weaving in China.

[Scott]

What do you mean theres no tow in F1. I've seen quite a few drivers receiving a tow,  out of the gravel and mainly by a tractor, but it still counts as a tow!

 

[Canada Darrell™]

I've not seen blocking like that since I was 14 trying to get to 2nd base.  

You need to watch some formula Ford then!!

Or maybe a few clips from one of the best ever weavers of all time.....who is now back in F1.

I considered the "Schumi Chop" while posting this but my cloudy memory cannot recall him doing it to the extent that Lewis did a couple weeks ago! And Schumi's perceived transgressions were off the starting grid, not down the main straight!
I love that "he was just breaking the tow" quote...jeeez,,,,,,, everyone is taking lessons from politicians these days.
Here's my double take of the day in that case..."The sky is NOT blue, it appears to be blue but you would be WRONG. It is mearly what our limited spectrum-challenged eyes can see"......

[Scott]

But the Schumi 'chop' was just off the start line to bugger any possibility of anyone getting a go at him as the lights went out.  He was penalized more than once for a double-defend.  Lewis tried to better him and do it twice down the straight, yet only a warning flag.  Lucky guy...or Ron's buying Jean's girlfriend some nice furs.

[John S]

In all the fomula below F1 this weaving on a straight well away from the braking zones would not even rate a mention so why is it suddenly dangerous in F1.

It can't be because of speed, F2, F3, Gp2, FR3.5 or even Formula Renault 2.0 cars are all capable of injuring or killing drivers and it can't be because the drivers aren't able to cope, F1 is the pinnacle, etc, etc.

IMO the race stewards should let the drivers get on with it a bit more, F1 drivers get far too much protection with blue flags and the like, let's see them work for their money a bit more.



 

[markb]

In all the fomula below F1 this weaving on a straight well away from the braking zones would not even rate a mention so why is it suddenly dangerous in F1.

It can't be because of speed, F2, F3, Gp2, FR3.5 or even Formula Renault 2.0 cars are all capable of injuring or killing drivers and it can't be because the drivers aren't able to cope, F1 is the pinnacle, etc, etc.

IMO the race stewards should let the drivers get on with it a bit more, F1 drivers get far too much protection with blue flags and the like, let's see them work for their money a bit more.

I would hazzard a guess here John, and say that some people will sieze every opportunity to have "a pop" at LH/Mclaren....and make mountains out of mowhills, but hey what the heck, just let them and will see what happens.

On a separate note, congrats to the Red Bulls, and of course Rosberg, for out-qualifying his team-mate ....again.  Rain is forecast, so I hope it will be a good race.

[Alianora La Canta]

My theory is quite simple: F1 drivers are supposed to set an example in terms of their driving behaviour to more junior series. Deliberately preventing an overtaking move (which Lewis unwittingly admitted) is against Article 16 of the regulations. Most drivers don't need to be told that that move is against the regulations. That's why they've started.

Lewis is a very creative driver, which is one reason why he finds these problems more often than others. He crosses territory that other drivers and, in some cases, the FIA never previously encountered or even considered because for the most part, there is a convention of racing which has a certain loose adherence. Lewis tends to ignore it - not for cynical reasons but because he genuinely believes there's a better way of racing than the one stipulated by the current conventions, and sometimes he forgets where convention ends and regulation begins.

[John S]

Very good points you make Ali and I would agree Lewis suffers for his unconventional approach and methods, it makes for interesting viewing but it pushes the envelope at times which usually puts the stewards, and some other drivers, on the back foot. 

I'm not sure though what Lewis did could really be looked at as blocking under article 16 since Petrov followed his every move and made no attempt to pass before, during, or immediately after the weaving, I don't believe the rules can be interpreted to apply for a possible future overtake as it would mean a big disadvantage to any car in front. I know one can't be certain, but IMO if Petrov hadn't followed his moves then Lewis would not have continued to move (weave), blocking an overtake at that point on the track was therefore not intended.

[Scott]

Now that I think about it, I wonder if the F-duct actually does create a tow on the straights.  It stands to reason that if it stalls the rear wing, then the disturbed air would be reduced behind the car. 

Now how is the FIA going to deal with that one?  If it creates a tow, but you aren't allowed to try to get the chasing car off your draft, won't you just be a sitting duck for a pass?  Of course if Lewis had that problem, why didn't he just close the duct for a moment and watch Petrov fall back, then engage it again? 

[markb]

"Hindsight" buddy is a wonderful thing.  I suppose experience teaches, so we'll see how everything evolves I suppose!!

[Chris Borg]

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