25/06/2017
NEWS STORY
It's fair to say that this weekend has been one of endless mysteries, and it's equally fair to say that this looks likely to continue this afternoon.
While the record books will show Max Verstappen topping the timesheets in both sessions, with Daniel Ricciardo not far behind. A couple of technical issues for the youngster and an early Q3 crash for his teammate, lave us wondering whether all the promise at the start of the weekend will come to nought.
In many ways, this track should suit the RBR13, and though there is now a huge question mark over the duo, a strategic gamble, not to mention the mistakes of others, could turn things around.
Though we expected Ferrari to shine, this has not been the case thus far, and in many ways the Italian team's hopes this afternoon very much depend on a strong start. The fact that Kimi Raikkonen out-qualified Sebastian Vettel is an indicator of just how mixed up things have been this weekend - not that this is any reflection on the Finn.
Not the strongest in terms of pit strategy, Ferrari will need good starts and the need to get those tyres up to temperature as soon as possible, one of the Maranello outfit's strengths this season.
While Montreal thankfully ended Toto Wolff's continued cries of being the underdog, nobody expected Mercedes to be strong here. Indeed, Friday's form suggested another Sochi or Monaco, certanily as far as Lewis Hamilton was concerned.
However, it all came together yesterday, and that blistering pole-winning lap was clear proof that the Silver Arrows can take its second successive win here. And should Hamilton have an issue, teammate Bottas' form suggests he is more than ready to step into the breach.
Describing his attitude on his pole lap as "being greedy", Hamilton also admitted that it was "do or die", which suggests the Briton is aware just how important it was and that perhaps we shouldn't write off Ferrari just yet.
Indeed, Vettel's claim that he wasn't particularly bothered by the difference in pace between his red car and the Silver Arrows is one we believe, after all there are no championship points for pole.
Behind these we have the Force India duo, and even if the front runners head off into the distance at the start we can expect some entertainment from the Pink Panthers as Sergio Perez attempt to keep his precocious young teammate in his place and the Frenchman seeks to repay the compliment for Montreal.
Fresh from his points finish in Canada, not to mention his private test in Austin, Lance Stroll will be keen to keep the momentum going, the youngster having out-qualified his vastly experienced teammate, Felipe Massa, for the first time.
However, despite all the talk of improvements, and the lessons learned in COTA, we cannot help but feel that when the lights go out and the red-mist appears in his visor, young Lance might revert to (pre-Canada) type.
An out of position Ricciardo, is going to find himself in amongst the absolute madness of the midfield pack at the start of proceedings, and at this track, in particular that's going to be fun.
While last year's race witnessed four DNFs and none of the anticipated mayhem, the new regulations, the track surface and tyre choices have seen a significant increase in the number of incident this year, and other than the incidents involving Ricciardo, Perez and Palmer, one needs look further than the F2 events to see what can happen if over-enthusiasm gets the better of you.
Indeed, such was the doom and gloom ahead of last year's race, one felt the drivers were somewhat over-cautious. Now, twelve months later, having upped the pace, a few drivers have seen what all the fuss was about and it comes as no surprise to hear a few of them begin to voice their fears again... as Perez, Palmer and Ricciardo can tell you, much like Monaco, when you fail to give due respect the Baku City Circuit will bite straight back at you.
As if the thought of the Toro Rossos, Haas' and Renaults wasn't enough, we have Pascal Wehrlein starting from 14th, and let's not forget those two Papaya cars starting from the very back.
According to Pirelli a one-stop supersoft-soft race makes the most sense but admits timing will be influenced by degradation rates. The quickest strategy is to start on supersofts for 12 laps (for high degradation) or 22 laps (for lower degradation), then softs to the flag.
As the cars make their way to the grid, the air temperature is 27 degrees C, while the track temperature is 48 degrees. However, as we are approaching 17:00 (local time) it will soon begin to cool.
All are starting on the supersofts, bar Grosjean, Ericsson and Vandoorne who start on the softs.
All get away for the warm-up lap, though Alonso appears to leave it very late.
Hamilton (very) slowly leads the field around the track, up and around the castle.
The grid forms.
They're away... into T1 Hamilton and Bottas hold their positions, while Vettel tries to go down the inside of his Ferrari teammate, the two almost collecting one another, while further back Kvyat runs wide. The Russian rejoins the track alongside his teammate who momentarily appears to lose control and spins, losing a heap of positions in the process.
Further round the lap, Bottas tangles with Raikkonen after hitting the kerb on the inside at T3, the Mercedes throws up a shower of sparks and as Raikkonen accuses his countryman of hitting him and causing a puncture it appears the Mercedes is damaged also.
At the end of lap 1, it's: Hamilton, Vettel, Perez, Verstappen, Raikkonen, Massa, Ocon, Stroll, Ricciardo and Hulkenberg. Bottas slowly makes his way back to the pits.
Back in the pits, Bottas takes on a new nose as the Stewards reveal they are investigating the Toro Rosso clash and also the clash of the Finns.
Verstappen reports damage to his radiator, the team tells him he may have debris in it. Despite this, lap 3 sees the Red Bull driver go quickest (47.580).
At the back the McLarens are battling the Saubers, neither Vandoorne or Alonso in any mood to hang around.
Hamilton asks what happened to Bottas, he is told about the nose change.
Raikkonen reports that the rear of his car doesn't feel good following the clash with Bottas.
Lap 4 sees Hamilton post a 46.942 as he extends his lead over Vettel to 3.227. Perez remains just 2.1s behind the Ferrari.
Ericsson complains that he has no battery.
Ricciardo pits at the end of lap 5, as does Vandoorne. The Australian rejoins in 17th on the softs while the Belgian takes on supers.
No further investigation necessary in terms of the Toro Rosso tangle. However, the Finnish fracas will be investigated. Moments later, the Stewards declare "no further action warranted".
"Debris is clear," Ricciardo is told, after his pit stop, "you are free to race." He subsequently makes short work of Wehrlein to take 15th.
Palmer's race looks to be over, the Briton slows and is told to "switch off, switch off". Nonetheless, he makes it back to the pits. He had previously reported smoke at the back of the car.
Hamilton and Vettel trade fastest sectors as the Briton maintains a 3.4s lead.
Alonso makes a nice move on Ericsson to take 12th.
Ricciardo is hunting down Sainz who is on the tail of Ericsson.
As Sainz passes the Swede, so Ricciardo passes the pair of them.
Check out our Sunday gallery from Baku, here.
Hulkenberg is told of a possible blocked front-right brake duct.
"I ask you one thing," says Grosjean to his engineer. "If it gets dangerous, you stop me." The Frenchman still suffering brake issues.
Perez firmly shuts the door on Verstappen in T1 and again in T2 as Kvyat pulls to the side of the track at T12, his race over.
"Oh no, issue, issue with the engine," reports Verstappen as Perez pulls away, the Red Bull driver subsequently passed by Raikkonen, Massa, Ocon and all. "Yeh, here we go again," he sighs.
Despite it being a couple of laps since Kvyat stopped, the Safety Car is deployed.
Hamilton pits, as do Vettel, Perez, Raikkonen, Massa, Ocon and Verstappen, who has dropped to eighth. Stroll doesn't pit, nor does Hulkenberg.
Back in the pits Verstappen waits in the car as the team check the car, however, he is eventually pushed back into his garage. 2Max, that's the end for us," he is told.
After 12 laps, still under the Safety Car, Hamilton leads Vettel, Stroll, Perez, Raikkonen, Massa, Ocon, Hulkenberg, Magnussen and Ricciardo.
Hamilton complains that the Safety Car is "too slow" and "dangerous".
"It's so slow," he says. "It's dangerous for us. We can't get the temperature in the tyres as it is."
The TV cameras pick up on damage to the bargeboard on Raikkonen's car. The Finn is told that it is "heavily damaged", but there is "nothing we can do".
Next time around, Stroll, Hulkenberg and Ricciardo all pit.
And still, the marshals are having problems removing Kvyat's car from the track.
Replay shows Stroll locking-up as he enters the pitlane with far, far too much speed, the car slewing in the process.
"Lapped cars may now overtake", which means Bottas.
Told he needs to push up to which, Perez responds: "I am right on his tail, but the safety car is so slow, you know."
Told that will be no further action following the first lap clash, Raikkonen responds: "That's ******* stupid!" Indeed.
With the Safety Car pulling off at the end of lap 16, replay shows Bottas running over some unidentified debris.
They're away again, and Perez makes a move on Vettel pulling alongside the German as they head into T1 but fails, while Raikkonen is sandwiched between Ocon and Massa, the three side-by-side as the head towards the first corner.
There's debris in the air, suggesting a clash, however, the replay shows it was from Raikkonen's already damaged bargeboard.
The Safety Car is subsequently deployed again as the debris from Raikkonen's car is removed.
Hamilton is warned that he almost overtook the Safety Car before the line. "Trust me, it wasn't," he replies.
Unhappy at the speed of the Safety Car, and now aware that there wasn't a crash, Hamilton asks why the VSC cannot be deployed.
After the last re-start the Ferrari pair will be aware of the threat this time around, though Raikkonen has now slipped to sixth and is ahead of Stroll and Ricciardo.
"All this safety car action will certainly reduce degradation," admits Pirelli. "But also tyre temperature."
Told his fronts are now critical, Perez is told it is still possible to get more temperature into his tyres.
At the end of lap 19, the Safety Car withdraws. Hamilton slows to a halt and Vettel hits him.
The German is under enormous pressure from both Force Indias and Massa, the four running impossibly close as they head into T1. But Vettel holds position into the corner, while behind the two Pink Panthers clash in the process both appearing to incur damage.
"What did Esteban do guys?" asks Perez. "The car is pointing to the left massively..."
A puncture for Raikkonen also, and as he drops down the through the field the Safety Car is deployed yet again as Perez is told he has a right-rear puncture.
Behind the Safety Car, after 20 laps, it's: Hamilton, Vettel, Massa, Stroll, Ricciardo, Hulkenberg, Magnussen, Alonso, Sainz and Grosjean.
The Force India make their way back to the pits as does Raikkonen, who has terminal damage to the Ferrari. As Ocon heads out, Perez' race is over.
Replay shows Raikkonen's car was damaged after he ran over some debris.
The Stewards are investigating the Hamilton/Vettel incident at the second re-start.
"I think ideally this should be red flagged," says Alonso, "there is debris everywhere, and it is too fast to have this." The Spaniard is currently eighth.
Indeed, the race is then red flagged.
So, after 22 laps, under the red flag, it's: Hamilton, Vettel, Massa, Stroll, Ricciardo, Hulkenberg, Magnussen, Alonso, Sainz and Grosjean. Ericsson is eleventh, ahead of Vandoorne, Bottas, Ocon and Wehrlein.
Check out our Sunday gallery from Baku, here.
Replay shows that Hamilton was slow in T16 and Vettel then went into the back of him damaging his front wing in the process. "He brake tested me, what the hell is going on?" declares the German before appearing to drive alongside the Mercedes and banging in to Hamilton.
"Vettel literally just turned into me and hit me," Hamilton tells his crew.
No surprise to see the Stewards are officially investigating that incident.
At 18:04 it is conformed that the race - read banger derby - will resume at 18:15.
As Vettel and Hamilton studiously avoid eye contact in the pitlane, Bob Fernley confirms that work is ongoing on Perez' car to see if he can rejoin the race. Like Raikkonen he is still showing in the timings. Ferrari is also working on Raikkonen's car.
Indeed, Perez is back in his car and is told that he will head to the end of the pitlane, do a lap and then join the back of the field for the re-start.
And in the Ferrari garage, Raikkonen appears to be ready to resume the rumble.
Hamilton asks how the re-start will work as it will be even more dangerous now in terms of tyre temperatures and pressures. He is told the race will resume behind the Safety Car.
"Steering wheel, hey steering wheel," shouts Raikkonen, "somebody tell him to give it to me!"
Behind the Safety Car, Vettel is almost alongside Hamilton, while Massa claims he thinks he has a problem.
At then re-start, while attention focusses on Hamilton and Vettel, Ricciardo passes the feuding Williams and Hulkenberg duo to take third. Brilliant stuff.
"Brilliant mate, " the Australian is told, "stay focussed and stay ahead.
Massa does indeed appear to have an issue, he is subsequently passed by Hulkenberg who is passed by Magnussen in the process.
"I don't know what has happened," complains the Williams driver. He is told he has a broken rear damper.
A problem for Hulkenberg, who stops at T8 with a clearly damaged suspension.
Massa pits, and unless there is another red flag that's his day's work done.
Perez and Raikkonen are under investigation for working on the car outside the fast lane. Or is that farce lane.
Replay shows Hulkenberg hitting the wall though it's not clear where.
"****, I hit the wall," he tells his crew. "****, ****."
Out front, Hamilton posts a new fastest lap (45.577) as Vettel remains just 2.1s behind. Ricciardo is a further 4.5s down on the German.
Lap 28 sees a new fastest lap for Hamilton (44.942).
A TV close up reveals that Hamilton's headrest is loose. He is asked to pull it into position on the main straight. Say what!!!
Ocon passes Sainz to take 7th, next target being Alonso.
The radio chatter between Mercedes and Hamilton continues. "If this thing comes off, what happens?" he asks. He is told that he must pit at the end of lap 31. In the pitlane his crew waits with a new headrest.
Meanwhile, Vettel is given a 10s stop and go for "dangerous driving".
Hamilton pits, rejoining in 9th behind Bottas and Sainz.
Out front, Vettel is told of the penalty. "When did I do dangerous driving," he asks. Presumably with a straight face.
"Can you give me an explanation when I did dangerous driving," he asks again. He is merely told to pit and keep his head down.
Ahead of the pit stop, the German sets a blistering pace, posting purples in the first two sectors.
He pits at the end of lap 33, rejoining in 7th ahead of... have a guess, Hamilton.
Meanwhile, Raikkonen and Perez are given drive-throughs for working on their cars outside the fast lane.
So, after all, that, after 34 laps, Ricciardo leads Stroll and Magnussen, with Ocon fourth, ahead of Bottas, Alonso, Vettel, Hamilton, Sainz and Grosjean.
Hamilton complains to Charlie Whiting that Vettel's penalty is not harsh enough. "You know that Charlie," he declares.
A three-way fight sees Vettel pass Alonso as Hamilton also attempts to pass the McLaren. Both through, the Ferrari and Mercedes head off to chase down fifth-place Bottas.
"This is absolutely amazing," the Haas crew tell Magnussen. Indeed it is. However, Grosjean complains that his brakes are gone.
"What a shame, we could have won this race," says Alonso.
In quick succession, Ocon and Bottas sweep by Magnussen, as Vettel and Hamilton close in also.
Replay shows the Sauber duo colliding as they battle for 10th, though both appear able to continue.
Check out our Sunday gallery from Baku, here.
Vettel and Hamilton pass Magnussen with ease, the next target being Bottas. At least it was, the Finn passes Ocon to take third.
The fastest man on track, Bottas sets about closing the 12.8s gap to Stroll.
Indeed, another fastest lap for Bottas (44.398) as Perez is told his seat is broken and he must retire.
Vettel passes Ocon, giving the German some respite as Hamilton seeks a way past the Mercedes-powered Force India.
Vandoorne is hunting down the Saubers... a possible double points finish for McLaren?
Another fastest lap from Bottas (44.315), as Hamilton makes a brave, bold move around the outside of Ocon in T1.
Now 8.9s down on Stroll, and 4.5s ahead of Vettel, Bottas continues to set a blistering pace as he posts a 44.036.
"We need green sectors every lap now," Stroll is told.
No sooner has Vettel gone quickest than Hamilton goes even quicker (43.840).
Vandoorne told he can get both Saubers.
"I have no battery, I have no power, so having to risk a lot in the corners," complains Alonso. "P9, first points of the season, brilliant job," comes the reply.
Lap 45 sees a new fastest lap from Vettel (43.630) as the gap to Vettel increases to 2.1s. Indeed, the gap to Bottas is 3.3s.
"Guys, if Valtteri can't catch the man ahead, tell him to slow down a bit to cause a bad wake," says Hamilton.
"Valtteri is trying to catch Stroll," Hamilton is told, "we don't want to give Vettel the DRS."
Raikkonen drives into the pits to retire.
Grosjean does well to keep out of the way of the leaders as they work their way past.
Hamilton is now within DRS range of Vettel, while a mistake from Bottas gives Stroll some breathing space.
They begin the final lap.
While Ricciardo takes the win, Bottas nails Stroll on the run to the flag, cruel luck for the Canadian but at least he gets a podium.
"Oh man, he got me," declares Stroll, as Bottas uses the Williams slipstream to pass him.
Vettel is fourth, ahead of Hamilton, Ocon, Magnussen, Sainz, Alonso and Wehrlein.
Ericsson is eleventh, ahead of Vandoorne, Grosjean and Raikkonen who is classified.
So a race that started with Hamilton leading Vettel, Perez, Verstappen and Raikkonen, and which saw Bottas drop to last, as lap down, after the first lap and Ricciardo 17th just a couple of laps later, ends with the Australian leading the Finn home and Stroll, who scored his maiden points two weeks ago, making up the podium, the youngest driver to do so in his maiden season.
At the same time, the Ferrari duo give us to of the best F1 quotes in living memory, Vettel in terms of dangerous driving and Raikkonen looking for his steering wheel.
"Nice job mate," Ricciardo is told. "Holy ****," the Australian giggles, "cheers guys!"
In the podium ante-room, Ricciardo looks straight into the camera. "That was fun," declared the Red Bull driver with a grin.
"Crazy," adds Bottas, "I had a puncture on the first lap."
"That was a close one," says Stroll to Bottas, the two gripping one another's hands.
"It was a good one," they all agree.
"Crazy," says Ricciardo, they all agree.
On the podium, after the Champagne and all that it entails, David Coulthard steps up for the interviews. As the drivers put their caps on, Ricciardo points out that he's been given Verstappen's.
"It was a crazy race," he admits. "We knew the podium was a chance after the restart, but then we heard the problems with Lewis and Seb. It was just a crazy race.
"Crazy" appears to be the description of choice, both Bottas and Stroll echoing Ricciardo's sentiments.
"I'm lost for words, I can't quite believe it all," says Stroll. "I lost out to Valtteri there at the end, but what a race. I couldn't believe coming into the weekend that I'd be standing on the podium. It's amazing. Motorsport is a love-hate relationship - we had a couple of tough races, but I'm over the moon right now."
Inevitably it ends with the 'shoey', indeed, while Ricciardo is still talking Coulthard is undoing the Australian's shoelaces.
"You know this is going to scar me for life," jokes Stroll. "Is he old enough to drink?" asks Ricciardo, as Bottas manages to escape the ceremony, the Finn having had enough craziness for the day.
Meanwhile, asked about 'the incident', Hamilton says: "You saw what happened, I don't really want to talk about it. There's nothing I can say, it's done and dusted."
Pressed on the fact that he said during the race that Vettel's penalty wasn't enough, the Briton says: "It's not driver conduct, dangerous driving, you get a ten second penalty for that kind of thing, I think that's... nah, I don't need to say any more."
"He brake tested me," insists Vettel, "I'm sure he didn't do it on purpose, but, for sure, it wasn't the right move. If I'm struggling, then people at the back are struggling even more.
"I don't think it was necessary," he adds, "I had a little damage, he risked damage, he did something similar in China a couple of years ago at the re-start, it's not the way to do it.
"After the incident I went side-by-side and raised my hand and told him that, well... I didn't say anything because he can't hear me, but I showed him I wasn't happy with that."
Crazy indeed.
Check out our Sunday gallery from Baku, here.