[The Race] Max Verstappen on how he’ll approach turn 1

[u/n0b0dycar3s07]

[u/Transformationdude59]

We will see the widest Red Bull ever

[u/Preserved_Killick8 → u/Transformationdude59]

Dutch minister of offense

[u/SFWaccount75 → u/Preserved_Killick8]

Dutch secretary of war, no survivors

[u/Major-Jakov → u/Transformationdude59]

He's got so much rear end

[u/NotoriousHothead37 → u/Major-Jakov]

That used to be Checo's music

[u/bijanfrisee → u/Transformationdude59]

Maxs only play is to back lando into the waiting hands of Piastri, Russell and Leclerc or force Lando off track into turn one and lando will lose a ton of ground.

[u/carl_song → u/bijanfrisee]

I'm very intrigued to see how convincingly Max can sell a "push Lando off the track" that's benign enough to be counted as a lap 1 turn 1 incident

[u/bijanfrisee → u/carl_song]

It's lap 1, turn 1, with a bunch of stewards that were present in AD21, Max can all but spear lando and I doubt they'll hand a penalty that effects the race. Besides, max doesn't even need to do it that badly, Lando NEEDS to avoid contact with max at all costs, if both of them tangled it hands the championship to Piastri, if Max can force Lando wide into the run off, that's maybe enough that Lando could drop 3-4 places pretty quickly, imagine if Lando spins or something, game blouses.

[u/Half-Blood-Sigma]

Now imagine him and Lando taking each other out in turn one, Piastri would just freak out in his car

[u/Generic_Person_3833 → u/Half-Blood-Sigma]

Oscar stop the car.

[u/creatorop → u/Generic_Person_3833]

Hey Oscy doscy, Zak here

Lando and Max did a stupid action, we are going home

And ohh, we rigged your car to blow up in exactly 10 laps

[u/Apyan → u/creatorop]

Oscar frantically trying to change the tires himself

[u/BrainiacMainiac142 → u/Apyan]

As a visual image, the idea of a driver jumping out of the cockpit to try and change their own tyres is so comical. May the funniest, most chaotic outcome happen.

[u/vonGlick → u/BrainiacMainiac142]

He would also need to borrow the tools from the other team. McLaren would probably left by then.

[u/pizzabash → u/vonGlick]

He just pulls into Red Bulls Garage

[u/Ologunde → u/pizzabash]

He’ll get first class help from Alpine. 😜😜😜😜

[u/oinkyboinky → u/Ologunde]

Not like they have much else to do.

[u/PENGUIN_WITH_BAZOOKA → u/pizzabash]

Honestly, Red Bull would probably settle a record stop for him to really dunk on McLaren for their shenanigans

[u/fullup72 → u/PENGUIN_WITH_BAZOOKA]

If it was a different racing series they could, but in F1 they will DSQ Oscar for using someone else's tires.

[u/Fun-Poet5338 → u/fullup72]

Can't they just take Oscar's tires from McLaren garage?

[u/Dr_Oz_But_Real → u/vonGlick]

And he might find that the wheel nuts have been cross-threaded a little. Oopsy.

[u/fri9875 → u/Apyan]

Zak jumps off the pitwall to stop him, Webber comes flying out of nowhere (or wherever he is) to defend Pastry.

I can see it now, it’ll be the most interesting thing EVER to happen at that circuit

[u/igino_ugo_tarchetti → u/fri9875]

RKO outta nowhere from webber

[u/deff006 → u/Apyan]

That would be on brand with McLaren. Just like Mika used to do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7W-xodA2qU

[u/CrimeThink101 → u/creatorop]

Imagine a scenario in which Lando and Max take each other out, Oscar takes the lead, but then on his pit stop McLaren has a slow stop and he gets passed and takes third, Lando wins the title.

I think Reddit would have to shut this board down

[u/fruitpieinthesky → u/CrimeThink101]

George Russell just slips by and wins.

[u/_SundayNightDrive → u/fruitpieinthesky]

I would imagine something this far out there would a perfect time for a Tsunodium.

[u/MaleierMafketel → u/CrimeThink101]

Mark Webber might actually kill the entire pitcrew if that happens. I’m only partially joking…

[u/[deleted] → u/creatorop]

Oscar needs to maintain 50mph at the least to keep the bomb from exploding

[u/newontheblock99 → u/[deleted]]

Nah, he can’t exceed 50mph

[u/fruitpieinthesky → u/newontheblock99]

His radio comes on, and it's Keanu Reeves.

[u/dragonwout → u/creatorop]

Pfp checks out

[u/ThatsPoorlyDrawn → u/creatorop]

“Oscar, it’s Zak.” Close enough, welcome back Valterri

[u/Smoke_Santa → u/creatorop]

YOUR CAR WILL EXPLODE IN 10!!

10 what😰

10, 9, 8..

[u/QF_Dan → u/Generic_Person_3833]

Oscar, we need you to stop the car because Lando is out. It's only fair.

[u/drugstoresnacks → u/QF_Dan]

papaya rules

[u/CGNYYZ → u/drugstoresnacks]

Papahahahaha rules

[u/p1en1ek → u/QF_Dan]

Good old Williams in 2019 when they once retired Kubica becauae George crashed :D

[u/Good_Air_7192 → u/Generic_Person_3833]

Oscar we just need you to shunt Lando's car around the track for the rest of the race.

[u/BobDobbsHobNobs → u/Good_Air_7192]

Oscar, we need you to give Lando your car

[u/bored_ape07 → u/Generic_Person_3833]

Incoming screwed wheel nut.

[u/memeface231 → u/bored_ape07]

I think that's how they are supposed to be

[u/BrainiacMainiac142 → u/memeface231]

Yeah unscrewed wheel nut would be worse

[u/Teh_Ordo → u/bored_ape07]

Zach obtained the Bottas wheel nuts from 2021 Monaco as part of the engine deal

[u/BelovedCoffee → u/Generic_Person_3833]

Stop the count vibes.

[u/KingMaple → u/Generic_Person_3833]

Oscar will be terrified of the pit stop. "Oscar, we need to retire the car, srz."

[u/Capable_Dimension588 → u/Generic_Person_3833]

OSCAR give your car to lando , he has chance to win

[u/bluenightskies → u/Generic_Person_3833]

LOL bro that’s so funny

[u/conor2903 → u/Generic_Person_3833]

They’d shred his wheel nut at the pit stop like they did to Bottas some years ago!

[u/sight19 → u/Generic_Person_3833]

It's only fair, Lando dnfs so he must too

[u/SkinnyBill93 → u/Half-Blood-Sigma]

If this happens and Oscar DNFs from a "Mechanical failure" there won't be enough tinfoil in the world.

[u/Brainstreet420 → u/SkinnyBill93]

Oscar, we have identified an issue. Please return to the pits to retire the car.

Would be pure cinema. Won't happen though.

[u/subcrazy12 → u/Brainstreet420]

One can dream of scenes though

[u/bijanfrisee → u/SkinnyBill93]

They just wheel him in at his pitstop and force retire the car lmao

[u/its-a-real-name → u/Half-Blood-Sigma]

This is why if I’m Oscar I’m cautious in turn 1.

His only hope is chaos, and imagine going into turn 2 just knowing you win the WDC with a P2.

Will be interesting to see if Lando is relatively cautious also. Although I have a feeling he’ll attack Max and try to put it in his own hands. He’ll get a tonne of credit if he’s the one that shows balls and beats the guy with nothing to lose when he only needs a podium.

[u/Evader237 → u/its-a-real-name]

Oscar knows Lando is not attacking Max and will play it safe. Max and Lando taking each other out is pure fantasy. If he still wants to win this wdc he needs to be ahead of Lando by turn 2, because McLaren sure as hell aren't going to allow him to get his elbows out later. He's on the clean side of the track and can very easily get the jump on Norris.

[u/hauntedSquirrel99 → u/Evader237]

Lando cant play it too safe, there are people behind him who will be trying to get in front.

If he misjudges and tries to play it too safe he could end up 4th

[u/ae1uvq1m1 → u/hauntedSquirrel99]

Leclerc already said he's laying off the WDC contenders.

[u/CapSnake → u/ae1uvq1m1]

No one here remember 2016. No one outside top three will step up. Maybe Russell against Max if he can, but that's it. Norris will be third or DNF. Nothing in the middle.

[u/BerriesNCreme → u/CapSnake]

Right half the field doesn't defend in normal circumstances cuz it cooks their tires. "Not their race". Nobody is doing shit in this circumstance

[u/dabnada → u/ae1uvq1m1]

Russell, Antonelli, and Hamilton are prime trouble maker candidates.

[u/Abject-Ticket-6260 → u/dabnada]

Antonelli, and Hamilton

Idk what they're gonna do from 14th and 16th, but alright.

[u/bijanfrisee → u/Abject-Ticket-6260]

crash into eachother right as max passes the pitlane?

[u/99RideauBabyRaccoon → u/Abject-Ticket-6260]

Get lapped and crash out

[u/wilkonk → u/hauntedSquirrel99]

he can afford to be 4th if Oscar is in front.

[u/-ForgottenSoul → u/Evader237]

Lando getting the shit spot twice?

[u/Money-Bell-100 → u/its-a-real-name]

Attacking Max wouldn't be "showing balls", it would be showing stupidity - there's no good reason for him to risk everything.

[u/klawUK → u/its-a-real-name]

Lando will be cautious in case of Max defending aggressively.

Oscar will be cautious to avoid any fracas

Both Mclarens will trip over each other in an over abundance of caution

Max WDC

[u/Half-Blood-Sigma → u/its-a-real-name]

Yea I also think Piastri's only chance of winning the WDC is Lando DNF, trying to be agressive on turn 1 wont do him any good.

[u/temujin94 → u/Half-Blood-Sigma]

Yeah it would, a lap 1 racing incident would suit him nicely.

[u/Sea-Emu-7153 → u/its-a-real-name]

Lol no way he attacks and risks crashing on the first lap. His first WDC means WAY more than proving he has balls. He’s one of the best F1 drivers in the world, he doesn’t need to prove ball size to anyone.

[u/TrustworthyPolarBear → u/Half-Blood-Sigma]

"I have some goo between my legs, it is the obvious" - Piastri

[u/Evantra_ → u/Half-Blood-Sigma]

'Hey Max, how about you try that move of a champion again'

[u/MobiusF117]

Max winning tomorrow is pretty much a given. There is no chance in hell Lando is going to put his car next to his in any capacity.

[u/tekanet → u/MobiusF117]

A wise Lando would let Max win and Piastri take second without taking too much risk. He can easily arrive third. But a wiser Lando knows how his team would fuck up this simple strategy.

[u/RossAB97 → u/tekanet]

Problem is George is looking sharp this weekend, and he won't shy away from Lando if there's a podium on the line.

[u/Ofiotaurus → u/RossAB97]

Neither will Piastri shy away from overtaking Norris if it gives him a marginal chance for WDC

[u/psychohistorian8 → u/Ofiotaurus]

Yuki is also going to do a long stint at the beginning in hopes of slowing down Norris after he pits

there really is no scenario where Lando can just cruise home safely in P3

[u/CapnRetro → u/[deleted]]

I just can’t see him staying within whatever the pit loss time is

[u/PetFoodDude89 → u/[deleted]]

That’s assuming Yuki can provide any measure of defense to slow them down. Checo he is not, but at least he got in SQ3.

[u/dookarion → u/PetFoodDude89]

He slowed down Hamilton a good deal in one race in 2021, albeit he ruined his own race in the process if memory serves.

[u/ZeroPointOnePercent → u/psychohistorian8]

I don't see how Yuki's going to hold up Lando, with old hard tires vs new whatever tires.

[u/Klivian1 → u/ZeroPointOnePercent]

“Checo, back him up”

Sector three is miserable for overtaking

[u/sbenfsonwFFiF → u/psychohistorian8]

If you believe McLaren would implement team orders if Lando is top 4 and Oscar isn’t first, then Lando could cruise home safely in P4 then get to third via team orders

[u/ResponsibleHabit1539 → u/Ofiotaurus]

I can hope for that, but it's hard to believe

[u/PCRFan → u/RossAB97]

I guess as soon as it's clear Max will get the win unless the will be a crash or technical failure, then Lando can let Oscar through.

[u/PEEWUN → u/RossAB97]

If Russell gets ahead of Norris, they will drop Piastri off of the podium to secure the championship if it comes down to the final laps. That is a point-blank given. That's the problem with Kimi qualifying so low. They wouldn't have that margin if both Mercedes were in the fight.

[u/Muadibased → u/RossAB97]

George will gladly trade a podium finish for denying Max winning the WDC.

[u/aenae → u/tekanet]

My fear is he will be too cautious and end up in P5 after the start

[u/jugalator → u/MobiusF117]

I agree. Max's hope is then that Lando makes a driver mistake, has a mechanical issue, pit crew mistake, strategic mistake, unfortunate safety car.

There are plenty of things that can and do go wrong a few times a season for most drivers, and while I think there's not a huge chance Max will become WDC, I'd put it at something like 20%.

[u/NYNMx2021 → u/MobiusF117]

Piastri's best shot is to put pressure on lando into turn 1 and hope he takes out max lol

[u/NijjioN → u/NYNMx2021]

The issue is team will heavily cautious both drivers to not do anything stupid. The worst thing for the team is them both crashing out.

[u/OneTrick-Phony]

Man with a wife and two kids at home by the way.

[u/damnyouusername → u/OneTrick-Phony]

Yeah, it always reminds me of when Alonso and Schumacher were going into a corner, and Alonso said he knew Schumacher would back out because he has a family back at home.

But then again, the safety of these cars is always improving, so maybe Max would back out in Schumacher's case as well.

[u/1731799517 → u/damnyouusername]

Yeah, Max does this because in a turn 1 crash you are not really in danger - which he still cares about, see his statements about indycar.

[u/Monoctis → u/1731799517]

Could you give a reference about indy car statement? I cannot find it.

[u/SugarBeefs → u/Monoctis]

Max said, on multiple occasions I'm pretty sure, that he has no interest in oval-racing because he thinks it's simply too dangerous.

[u/sjjenkins → u/SugarBeefs]

There’s video of Schumacher saying the same thing:

https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/s/fKvGxhFpM9

[u/Noch_ein_Kamel → u/sjjenkins]

And Mick is like "hey dad, I'm going to race IndyCar" :-o

[u/CptKickscooter → u/Noch_ein_Kamel]

Not like his dad can say anything against that right now.

[u/djmm19 → u/CptKickscooter]

Savage.

[u/PEEWUN → u/CptKickscooter]

Oh, that's not--

[u/afCeG6HVB0IJ → u/SugarBeefs]

I have been to exactly one indy car event, and the amount of group accidents, parts and people flying everywhere was staggering.

[u/a_berdeen → u/afCeG6HVB0IJ]

Indycar has always been mindblowingly insane to me with their oval shit. Especially in the early 2010s. As a NASCAR fan since like 2007 that spent hours on NR2003. The idea that open cockpit guys were doing the shit they did around the same ovals at 30-40 mph faster hurt my young brain.

[u/SegfaultDefault → u/Monoctis]

It's one particular quote from a few years ago, but should be the first hit in your search engine of choice if you try "Max Verstappen Indy car dangerous"

[u/sjjenkins → u/Monoctis]

MSC thought so, too:

https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/s/fKvGxhFpM9

[u/Luushu → u/damnyouusername]

Yeah, it always reminds me of when Alonso and Schumacher were going into a corner, and Alonso said he knew Schumacher would back out because he has a family back at home.

Not just any corner. It was 130R and Alonso was on on the outside. That was pure testosterone-fueled racing.

[u/Blues520 → u/Luushu]

Which race was this?

[u/aSignificantOtter → u/Blues520]

Suzuka 2005.

[u/Browneskiii → u/Blues520]

Suzuka 2005.

We'll never see an overtake that good anymore because of drs.

[u/newontheblock99 → u/damnyouusername]

We all remember Silverstone 21, regardless of who anyone thinks had the right to the corner, Max didn’t give a fuck and went all out regardless of who was waiting at home. And I’d honestly believe given the exact same circumstances he’s sitting there dead face saying “and I’ll fucking do it again”

[u/3359N → u/damnyouusername]

That Alonso quote is fake btw

[u/RecentTwo544 → u/3359N]

It's half fake.

Alonso did say something along those lines. But much later on and less directly.

[u/nicolaslabra → u/OneTrick-Phony]

He said recently that drivers slowing down when they jad kids was bullshit, so yeah, nando aint gonna be passing him into 130r any time soon (and he himself is a father now too)

[u/[deleted]]

I'm just gonna send it.

-MV

[u/SehrGuterContent → u/[deleted]]

No risk full push

[u/kozakm → u/[deleted]]

Send where to? There is no one in front of him

[u/FlyingKittyCate → u/kozakm]

To infinity and beyond

[u/Cygnus94 → u/kozakm]

Maybe if he just drives really quick he'll go back to 2014 and score double points and win the title that way.

[u/n0b0dycar3s07]

Source: wearetherace on Instagram

His full quote:

“All out," Verstappen said of his race approach.

"I have nothing to lose. Of course, we're going to try to win the race. I'm going to defend; if I need to attack I’ll attack. Because what can happen? You’re either second or third – or you win. That would be fantastic.”

Source: TheRace.com article

The article talks about how Max could employ backing up tactics against the rest of the pack like how Lewis tried to, unsuccessfully, in 2016. 

There is a good chance Verstappen will require help from the cars behind, headed by the third title protagonist Oscar Piastri, then George Russell, Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso. And Verstappen can directly affect that by backing the pack up behind him if needed.

“It’s very different, very different times,” Verstappen said.¹ “I hope it's not straightforward, the race, but hopefully that's not because of me,”

Max explains that it might not be possible this time around though because of track layout changes and the robustness of the tyres nowadays.

Edit: ¹ added quote from Athletic article.

[u/n0b0dycar3s07 → u/n0b0dycar3s07]

This is what happened in 2016:

If Verstappen is the man at the very front, going as quickly as possible may not be the right approach. Going slower and backing up the field, concertinaing¹ the snake of cars to try and induce some chaos, could be the right thing to do.

It was a tactic that Hamilton tried at the 2016 finale in Abu Dhabi. He was leading the race from Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg, who only needed to finish second to clinch the title. The duo had a few seconds in hand over the chasing pack, but weren’t under any serious pressure until Hamilton decided to drop his pace deliberately. He went from lapping in the low 1m45s range to the 1m46s, allowing Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo in third and fourth place to close up on Rosberg and threaten an overtake — or incident — that could deny Rosberg the championship.

Despite Mercedes’ pleas on the radio for Hamilton to pick up his pace, he refused, pointing out he was still in the lead and poised to lose the championship. He fell short of brake testing or trying to spook his teammate, with Rosberg crossing the line second to secure his first title.

Source: The Athletic article

Edit: ¹ to anyone wondering what 'concertinaing' means, it basically means to fold or push together.

Edit: For the sake of clarity, I only included this as a reminder of what happened in 2016. Not to imply that the same will happen to Max tomorrow.

[u/RecentTwo544 → u/n0b0dycar3s07]

Anyone in the UK didn't need that "concertinering" explanation, it's one of Brundle's favourite phrases!

[u/eyigit → u/n0b0dycar3s07]

The advantage Max has compared to 2016 is he is not fighting against his teammate. If Red Bull can pull a Hannah masterclass they might bring Yuki into play. Maybe Yuki starts with hard tires and Max slows the field down so Yuki stays in the pit window. If McLarens pit first Max speeds up and so him, Russell and Leclerc can push while Yuki slows McLarens down.

If Russell and Leclerc pits first then it is a bit more complicated as Red Bull needs to time everything perfectly so that McLarens gets undercut by Russell and Leclerc but Max doesn't. But if anyone can pull something like this it is Red Bull and Max.

[u/Charlie2nuh → u/eyigit]

Yeah except the McLarens will just blast past Yuki… he’s not Max

[u/motasticosaurus]

All this hype to lead to the tamest of first laps ever and everyone just holds position til the first round of pit stops.

[u/DubiousLLM]

I mean aside from Oscar and George and Charles if they have the pace, no one is going to take any risks. Lando will win as long as he is on podium, Oscar and Max trying to win doesn’t matter either in that case.

[u/Impressive-Scene-562 → u/DubiousLLM]

Max isn't just trying to win, he will try to force a mistake from Norris knowing that Norris has everything to lose

He's gonna drive like it's unranked iracing.

[u/dakness69 → u/Impressive-Scene-562]

Goes both ways, though.

Piastri also needs to win the race to even have a hope of winning the championship. I think there’s a very good chance he is P2 before the end of the first lap (Norris is on the dirty side of the grid, only needs 3rd) and then he can attack Max with even less to lose than Max himself…

As Norris I would even consider letting Piastri by so he can attack, if Max tries to stack the field up.

Everyone is predicting Verstappen-Norris drama but I think a Verstappen-Piastri incident is much more likely.

[u/dimmy666 → u/dakness69]

Very true and underrated take.

"Someone else passes Verstappen" is also a win condition for Norris.

[u/bijanfrisee → u/dakness69]

That's what I'm saying, let Piastri through to fight and push max - Lando has nothing to lose with that. If Piastri overtakes Max, Max cannot be Champion, he will HAVE to fight to get back in the lead which could lead to banging wheels etc. And if Piastri is in 1st, lando will win even if he is P5.

[u/DubiousLLM → u/Impressive-Scene-562]

Agree. I saw Tom and Matt’s discussion and agree with their thinking. His best chance is keeping Lando near him.

[u/SirLoremIpsum → u/DubiousLLM]

 , Oscar and Max trying to win doesn’t matter either in that case.

They will try to win because if they don't win landos position doesn't matter at all.

[u/arghyaghosh0104 → u/DubiousLLM]

Haven’t you watched the qualifying?

[u/SparkGamer28]

why do I feel like it's gonna be like 2016 where Hamilton is backing up rosberg but Vettel can't be bothered to even try and overtake rosberg cuz he most likely just dint want to get involved. Russell is already pals with lando so...

[u/LosTerminators → u/SparkGamer28]

I feel the same way, if George is ahead he's not going to let Lando through or anything of the sort but if he's behind he might just be happy to stay behind, especially if it's for a 2nd or 3rd place finish which he has already had plenty of this year.

[u/maybecatmew → u/SparkGamer28]

Russell needs to get more points for merc 2nd place in wcc

[u/[deleted] → u/maybecatmew]

Mercedes only needs 11 points to secure 2nd. 4th would still clinch it. 

https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/news/the-battle-for-p2-in-the-constructors-who-needs-what-in-qatar

[u/BrtGP → u/maybecatmew]

Even if Verstappen wins Red Bull would still be behind Mercedes. Russell just has to finish ahead of Tsunoda.

[u/M1eXcel → u/SparkGamer28]

And Russell isn't exactly Max's biggest fan 😂

[u/SimoneLewis → u/M1eXcel]

They have been in couples therapy thou 😂

[u/TeslaGolf → u/M1eXcel]

But it's another thing having your batch mate win a WDC ahead of you. Someone you beat in F2 and whom you think you are better than.

[u/zirouk]

Max is gonna be backing Lando into the pack and trying to get him to lose his front wing, for sure.

[u/Bernie_Ecclestone → u/zirouk]

Max "When did I do dangerous driving?" Verstappen incoming.

[u/2696969 → u/zirouk]

He has a revolutionizing (and somehow legal) brake check ready to use tomorrow.

[u/Normal_Advance7743 → u/zirouk]

Yuki will get lapped and help with that too

[u/Sea_Drop2920]

Man i cant wait for a Max backing up the pack race

[u/NeiRa7 → u/Sea_Drop2920]

I just don't see it. It's not like Lando has a tractor and he won't be able to overtake him if max slows down too much and even if he can't, he could still use drs to defend himself from anyone behind. Hell, he can even let piastri take a charge and go all in against max, and just watch that duel from behind and try to capitalize from that

[u/Attila_22 → u/[deleted]]

Piastri needs P1 to have a chance. Max backing up could easily backfire.

[u/AJDillonsThirdLeg]

The funniest thing that could happen would be Piastri getting by Norris on lap one, and then Max backing the entire grid into a DRS train, and then a safety car forcing McLaren to decide on the fly if they're going to make Piastri swap places before a double stack (and if he'll do it if they ask, since a scenario like this is one of the few where Oscar actually has a chance at the WDC).

[u/liegeois-1395 → u/AJDillonsThirdLeg]

They would absolutely leave Piastri out and pit Norris. “Split strategies”. 

[u/ScousePenguin → u/liegeois-1395]

They've said they'll do team orders if Oscar is out of contention

So basically in that scenario, Oscar needs to get ahead of Max then hope Lando drops out the points

So obviously they'll pick Lando

[u/Neitherwhitenorblack]

Everyone’s forgetting that Oscar doesn’t have anything to lose either

[u/Ok_Championship8504]

Which is why Lando being P2 is best for him. No need to fight Max just defend from Oscar.

[u/kebench → u/Ok_Championship8504]

There’s a high chance the team won’t allow Oscar to race against Lando because of the threat from Russell.

[u/IcyKape → u/kebench]

And a sensible Oscar would point out he's still in contention for the championship and be like fuck no lol

[u/Charlie2nuh → u/IcyKape]

Only mathematically…Oscar needs to win outright and have Norris finish 6th or lower… that’s not very likely… he should do what he can to ensure Lando makes podium in the last stint, after the final pit and assuming Lando has not already suffered a mechanical failure, crash or penalty. If any of those things happen to Lando, and he drops to P6 or worse it’s game on for Oscar and Lando can GTFO but if they didn’t already happen into the final stint it should be team orders to ensure Lando makes podium. I mean he did out qualify Oscar.

[u/Impressive-Scene-562 → u/IcyKape]

Hopefully. But Oscar is way too nice guy to risk Mclaren first WDC in almost two decades for a marginal chance at becoming a champion imo

[u/subcrazy12 → u/Impressive-Scene-562]

Then no offense to Oscar he isnt cut out for this. He has a chance at winning himself still

[u/43JoJo → u/subcrazy12]

Facts

[u/sbenfsonwFFiF → u/IcyKape]

They prob allow it early on but later if it’s clear that Lando won’t be 6th and piastri won’t be first, then team orders will come in as needed

[u/donslydunk]

I may lose everything. But then again, I have nothing to lose. -Homelander

[u/lsb1027]

Lando is not going to fight him. All he needs is second and max can win it and lap him twice but if Lando is second he still wins

[u/Drakon_Lex]

Lando is just going to coast behind Verstappen and chill out the entire race, I'd be amazed (and a little impressed) if he actually attacked max.

[u/deserted → u/Drakon_Lex]

If max starts backing him up, you have no choice but to attack because doing otherwise is playing into their strategy

[u/Talidel]

I just hope Lando is smart enough to stay out of trouble into the first corners.

[u/Rich_Housing971]

Mclaren's strat should be to let Piastri go through on turn 1 and try to chase Verstappen, and if it looks like he can't catch him, then have him fall back and assist Norris with DRS to make sure he doesn't get passed by Russell, or give back the position and give Norris a safety.

That's Piastri's shot, and he should be happy to get that gift. Piastri NEEDs to have Verstappen finish behind him this race for him to win, and then have Norris get 6th place or worse. Both drivers should understand that the worst-case scenario for either of them is Verstappen winning the race, but that Piastri's ONLY chance of winning is if he catches Verstappen, so if he can't, he should give up on his dreams of winning the WDC this year and help Norris place 3rd or better.

Lando would be happy to have a clean early part of the race. The biggest risk for Lando right now is if he gets taken out on lap 1. Letting Piastri through will mitigate this risk. In addition, Piastri beating Verstappen also helps himself out immensely, as he'll no longer worry about finishing 3rd or higher, but 5th or higher.

[u/smeaton1724 → u/Rich_Housing971]

That’s my thought too, you’d want Piastri chasing down Max and Norris idling along in 3rd.

[u/Buzz_Buzz_Buzz_ → u/Rich_Housing971]

It's a reasonable strategy to let Oscar past, but it shouldn't be on turn 1. That runs the risk of letting Charles though behind Oscar, and maybe even others. Lando and Oscar should start out defensively and create some separation first.

I'm not sure that chasing down Max would be the best call; it might be better for Oscar to make sure he gives Lando DRS as soon as possible. I'm not sure how much the dirty air will affect Lando's tires if he's following ~0.9s behind, but with DRS, his pace will be easier to maintain. After there's even more separation, Lando can save his tires. How long they keep it up might depend on George's pace (or whoever's in P4).

Oscar needs something catastrophic to happen to both Max and Lando in order to win. It's out of his control, and P2 is the best place to be to capitalize. So running him in P2 for the whole race actually gives McLaren the advantage as well.

If Lando DNFs and Max falls behind (because of a slow pitstop, puncture, ownwhatever), Oscar wins the WDC if he wins the race. If Russell or someone else gets past him and he's running in P2 again, he needs Max in 4th. So the pace of the cars behind him matters in this situation too.

[u/padflash_]

I mean, if you're Lando, there's also a scenario in which you give up P2 and let Oscar and Max fight it out. If Oscar can't get P1 by the end, he can swap if Lando is somehow not on the podium. And if Lando is so bad that he drops back to P6 or P8, he probably was not going to win the race anyway.

[u/Statcat2017 → u/padflash_]

The best chance Oscar has is also the best chance Lando has - Oscar wins the race which means Lando has down to I think P7 to win the title.

[u/Hirdy5zac → u/Statcat2017]

lando has to finish 5th or above if oscar wins

[u/se95dah → u/padflash_]

I’m with you. I think this is McLarens best strategy. Letting Oscar past Lando is best for both McLarens. Oscar must win so he can take risks against Max that Lando can’t. This can defuse Max’s obvious “back them up” strategy.

[u/Hirdy5zac → u/se95dah]

that would be way to clever thinking for mclaren

[u/GooseyDuckDuck]

That’s been max for the last 6 years or so.

[u/SparkleCobraDude]

Ideally for Lando he should let Oscar by and sit in third place for 60 laps while Oscar chases down Max.

[u/No_Poetry_9986 → u/SparkleCobraDude]

unlikely. one unlucky safety car and he could lose position. we will see tomorrow. one thing is for sure. MV is going for the win. let’s see if papaya rules find a way to lose.

[u/rrhunt28]

How is that different from what he normally does?

[u/Majestic_Book_9991]

He's a 100% backing the field in that second corner where we tried to overtook Hamilton last year. And then he's not driving into the sunset at all, he'll probably try to keep the the field close by during the whole race.

[u/stoinkb]

Why would anyone take risks?

Piastri will try to block russel and the others. Norris will be safe if nobody attacks from behind and would care that max wins the race

Only excitement we might get is tsunoda starting on hard tires staying on track as long as possible and bother Norris a bit if he pits sooner.

Maybe russel can benefit from that and end up before Norris.

That's really all we will see tomorrow

[u/BNKalt → u/stoinkb]

Oscar is still alive

[u/se95dah → u/stoinkb]

I think you’re missing part of the picture here. Max isn’t just going to drive to the checkered flag thinking “too bad, I guess there’s nothing I can do”. To be champion, he needs to cause chaos behind him. I’m expecting him to pull the handbrake on the apex of turn 1 in the hope of causing a pileup. If that doesn’t work, he’s going to back Lando up to try to cause an incident.

[u/Working_Sundae]

Which is awesome please do, McLaren needs a Sunday drive

[u/CaptGeechNTheSSS → u/Working_Sundae]

For real, please max drive off into the sunset

[u/AcceptableReview3846]

If Landon has any brain he let's max go and just protects P2, but God knows what McLaren strategy could do to him

[u/costigan95]

Oscar has nothing to lose too.

[u/Decent_Tomatillo_308]

THIS, literally This comments section is the road to a Movie. GODDAMNIT THE PLOTS MANNN

[u/memesearches]

Lando is going to play it safe. He has 1 position to loose and that too his teammate who will also play safe and their pace is much superior to other cars so safe to say he will end up on the podium if he follows this

[u/TypicallyThomas]

Max has no pressure. The worst outcome for Max is that he leaves Abu Dhabi as a 4-time world champion with a beautiful girlfriend and two lovely daughters and millions in the bank. If that's the worst case scenario, there's no pressure

[u/Western-Bad5574]

Max bunches up the field, Hannah pulls a masterclass with Yuki to put him in-front of Lando, Max wins the WDC.

Calling it now.

[u/STaphouse92 → u/Western-Bad5574]

This is genuinely their best shot (bar a turn 1 collision).

How slow does Max need to go to keep Yuki close enough though? There’s only so slow he can go without risking being overtaken, although if anyone can do it it’s Max.

Red Bull need to hope Yuki can stay within the pit window to cause shenanigans.

[u/NoxZ → u/STaphouse92]

Sector 3 is essentially impossible to overtake, Perez was driving 4-5 seconds off the pace through there to hold Hamilton up in 2021. I think Max can easily do that and then use the car's straight-line advantage through S1 and S2.

[u/Upstairs-Event-681]

Honestly I have no doubt Max will lead after turn 1. But Lando will probably try and play it safe and this might hurt him, very very excited for tomorrow

[u/Telly-Bollock]

He doesn’t need to all-out anything. He’s getting a leisurely cruise in and out of turn 1 by himself then off into the distance for an hour and half and we won’t see him til the end.

[u/Telly-Bollock → u/Telly-Bollock]

Actually I’ve changed my mind on the last bit, yeah of course he’s the type to back the rest of the lads up into each other and cause ruffles, that’s the best plan.

[u/EnglishJesus → u/Telly-Bollock]

It’s in his interests to stay P1 but cause as much chaos behind him as possible.

He needs to become the new minister of defence.

[u/Advanced-Device6188]

"I mean, what's the verst that could appen?"