Assuming neither DNFs - a fun subplot to the Merc spicy engine - Lewis needs to win twice and Max needs to win once and finish at least P5 in the other.
Lewis win plus fastest lap in Saudi Arabia equals the tie going into the race. Then it’s just whoever finishes above the other. The only final tie would be if they finish 9th and 10th and the driver in 10th has fastest lap, and then Max wins on # of races won. Do I have my math right?
Low key, but maybe major long term impact of the spending cap is really talented people from major teams like Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes moving to smaller teams because they can’t afford to keep them under the cap.
No, I think it could only help the competitive balance. But you may see some work arounds with B teams signing these top engineer guys to work on cars just to pass that info to the bigger teams.
Mazepin hilariously off the pace again in FP1. Schumacher is closer to Hamilton than Mazepin is to Schumacher.
Some Reddit comment suggestion that this is his 3rd reprimand which could mean 10 place rather than the 5 place penalty that Max got. retraction: it will only be his second (first in Mexico). Ignore me.
If he didn't fuck up the gear box he should be ok tomorrow. If he did, given how tough it may be to pass... Lewis may leave with the title lead.
Max who normally isn't very emotional in these interviews seems extremely emotional right now. Poor dude, in a season where all the negative shit going against him was largely out of his hands. This error is all on him and may end his title chase.
Almost unbelievable. Just incredible. Such a great lap and one bad turn and it was the very last one. This sport is awesome.
Lewis lost control of his car, was able to avoid the wall. On his final attempt in Q3 he took poll from Max. Max went after Lewis for his final attempt and was up nearly .3 in the final sector and on the final corner he locked up and his back right wheel hit the wall and ended his lap. He probably finishes on poll if he get's around that corner.