Quote:
Originally Posted by Fuzz
Obviously the setup Merc has with the car is sitting 3rd. The point I was getting at is they look to have figured out their major problem, so now they can get to tuning it. They are basically where everyone else was at race 1. I suspect by or after Montreal they'll be fully in the mix.
|
It's certainly possible, but I still see a lot of other reasons for pessimism:
- the Merc lump doesn't seem to have any particular advantage anymore. McLaren are a much more distant 4th than last year, and Aston/Williams are now at the very back. Obviously lots of variables at play - especially Alfa and Haas each getting a real driver
- HAM has never been great at wringing the neck of a mediocre car, and motivation may be a big issue this year. Can't necessarily blame him after so many years of dominance and a gut punch to end last season. Will beating his teammate be enough motivation? I wouldn't be surprised if he's a bit checked out until later in the season when maybe he ramps up to mount a [final?] challenge next year