How will Russell perform against Bottas?
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- Alienturnedhuman
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How will Russell perform against Bottas?
How will Mr Saturday perform against Bottas this weekend, assuming the result is not impacted by something outside their control?
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
I’ve gone for the Bottas ahead in both option. Hard task for George to come into a new car and be close straight away but if he does that, fair play! He could get close if he races for Merc in Abu Dhabi though.
The shorter circuit might make gaps closer than normal - 0.3s over a 90 second lap is closer than 0.3s over 55second lap.
The shorter circuit might make gaps closer than normal - 0.3s over a 90 second lap is closer than 0.3s over 55second lap.
- TedStriker
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
I should imagine Lewis is hoping he won't beat Valtteri by much!
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
I expect Bottas to put it on pole for Sakhir and then hold the lead to the finish 2-4 seconds ahead of Max. Russell will start P2 or P3 and passed by Verstappen in the pits or on track.
If Hamilton can't start in Abu Dhabi, I reckon Russell will get pole position but probably slip behind Bottas in the race.
If Hamilton can't start in Abu Dhabi, I reckon Russell will get pole position but probably slip behind Bottas in the race.
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
I'm not sure because it's not a normal track, having good tows in qualifying might be more important than how quick you are in the few corners come qualifying, and it's such a short lap about 55s which is going to compress the grid, I've always seen the qualifying as a possible lottery, I'm not sure how much we are going to be able to read into the weekends results.
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Here's my favourite post so far from around the webz... by PlatenGlass:
"Hopefully now he's going to be in a top car, some people will learn that he's Russell, not Russel."
"Hopefully now he's going to be in a top car, some people will learn that he's Russell, not Russel."
- Schermerhorn
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Bottas might lose his head and choke on the big occasion and George might sneak a victory.
Most likely, Bottas wins, Max second and Russell third barring anything unusual.
Mercedes power should be pretty dominant around here this weekend.
Most likely, Bottas wins, Max second and Russell third barring anything unusual.
Mercedes power should be pretty dominant around here this weekend.
You’re not in a fight until there’s pressure. Resistance. Overcoming something. Otherwise, it’s just an exhibition.
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Hopefully, it didn't take Johnny Herbert long to realise he was called George Russell and not Jack Russell.

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- MistaVega23
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
I'm hoping he doesn't overdrive this weekend just trying to prove himself in a top car.
At the same time I'm hoping he doesn't hold back and simply relies on the car to get a podium!
I'm going for the last option, although I hope George wins.
At the same time I'm hoping he doesn't hold back and simply relies on the car to get a podium!
I'm going for the last option, although I hope George wins.
#KeepFightingMichael
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
That would only make sense if Bottas had never won a race before.Schermerhorn wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 1:14 pmBottas might lose his head and choke on the big occasion and George might sneak a victory.
Most likely, Bottas wins, Max second and Russell third barring anything unusual.
Mercedes power should be pretty dominant around here this weekend.
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
I don’t think Red Bull will be as good as some on this thread think. They weren’t great in Monza. McLaren were second best there. The top part of the loop might bring it back towards RB a bit as I’m sure downforce will be useful there but not convinced there definitely going to the number two team here.
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
This might happen, I can't help but feel that some of his race day errors are down to trying to hard to make an impression.MistaVega23 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 1:15 pmI'm hoping he doesn't overdrive this weekend just trying to prove himself in a top car.
At the same time I'm hoping he doesn't hold back and simply relies on the car to get a podium!
I'm going for the last option, although I hope George wins.
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- TedStriker
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
In a situation like this, does he get Lewis' car, or do they have a few spares lying around?
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
He gets Hamilton's car and engine allocation.TedStriker wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 1:21 pmIn a situation like this, does he get Lewis' car, or do they have a few spares lying around?
Lewis Hamilton #44
World Drivers Titles: 7 (1st)
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Podiums: 166 (1st)
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Russell to out-qualify, Bottas to out-gun him on the start
Verstappen to win
Verstappen to win

"Always believe you will become the best, but never believe you have done so"
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Kurt Russell, to please Mercedes ?
As my brother said : "I've got the brain of a four year old. I'll bet he was glad to be rid of it".
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Perez should win it.. He will.
As my brother said : "I've got the brain of a four year old. I'll bet he was glad to be rid of it".
- MistaVega23
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Imola being the biggest error from him so far.pokerman wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 1:18 pmThis might happen, I can't help but feel that some of his race day errors are down to trying to hard to make an impression.MistaVega23 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 1:15 pmI'm hoping he doesn't overdrive this weekend just trying to prove himself in a top car.
At the same time I'm hoping he doesn't hold back and simply relies on the car to get a podium!
I'm going for the last option, although I hope George wins.

I'm just hoping he has a solid weekend, no mistakes, clean, disciplined, reliable and that first podium should surely be his.
#KeepFightingMichael
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Bottas is not a slouch most of the time, so it seems logical that he'd be ahead in both. But yeah I'll be looking forward to see how the weekend unfolds.
If Russel clearly beats him on merit in either quali or the race, then that must surely destroy Bottas.
If Russel clearly beats him on merit in either quali or the race, then that must surely destroy Bottas.
- tootsie323
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
It's Russell's perfect head-to-head quali record that I fear for...
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
I rate Russell very, very highly.
However, being thrown in like this I struggle to see him getting within .2 of Bottas in qualifying, and finishing ahead of either Valtteri or Max in the race. I think 3rd on the grid and 3rd in the race would be a decent day's work.
However, being thrown in like this I struggle to see him getting within .2 of Bottas in qualifying, and finishing ahead of either Valtteri or Max in the race. I think 3rd on the grid and 3rd in the race would be a decent day's work.
Pick 10 | 1st x3, 2nd x5, 3rd x8
'20: 12th | '19: 11th | '18: 5th | '17: 6th | '16: 8th | '15: 2nd | '14: 15th | '13: 17th | '12: 11th
'20: 12th | '19: 11th | '18: 5th | '17: 6th | '16: 8th | '15: 2nd | '14: 15th | '13: 17th | '12: 11th
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
It would be great if he was able to match Bottas throughout this weekend! 

Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Familiarity with the car dictates that Bottas should beat Russell reasonably comfortably, particularly in qualifying where he has tended to be fairly close to Hamilton. But in the race, I wouldn't be surprised if Russell causes a bit of an upset. And that's not intended as a slight against Bottas, more a statement of how good I think Russell is.
Another thing to consider is that this track effectively has four corners on it and a lap time of 45 seconds or so. The margins in qualifying are going to be INCREDIBLY tight, and we could be in for some surprises.
Another thing to consider is that this track effectively has four corners on it and a lap time of 45 seconds or so. The margins in qualifying are going to be INCREDIBLY tight, and we could be in for some surprises.
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Well, wonder if they will disable the DAS so he does not have to deal with that this weekend....
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
I want more than anything for Russell to keep his qualifying record intact and that probably means sticking it on pole position.
But I think the realistic most likely scenario is Bottas - Verstappen - Russell for both qualifying at the race.
Russell is an immense talent but I think he has too much to learn in one weekend to overhaul a driver who has multiple pole positions and race wins in this car and team.
If he's in the car in Abu Dhabi I'd rate his chances at defeating Bottas higher.
But I think the realistic most likely scenario is Bottas - Verstappen - Russell for both qualifying at the race.
Russell is an immense talent but I think he has too much to learn in one weekend to overhaul a driver who has multiple pole positions and race wins in this car and team.
If he's in the car in Abu Dhabi I'd rate his chances at defeating Bottas higher.
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
If he is an immense talent, he will be on it right away. None of Schumacher, Hamilton Vettel, Alonso, Verstappen ever needed time to come to speed.mitch2701 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:28 pmI want more than anything for Russell to keep his qualifying record intact and that probably means sticking it on pole position.
But I think the realistic most likely scenario is Bottas - Verstappen - Russell for both qualifying at the race.
Russell is an immense talent but I think he has too much to learn in one weekend to overhaul a driver who has multiple pole positions and race wins in this car and team.
If he's in the car in Abu Dhabi I'd rate his chances at defeating Bottas higher.
- scouseknight
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
I'm not impressed with Bottas at all. This is a new car for Russell so I would image in quali he will get outperformed by Bottas. I think over the entire race Russell can get past Bottas.
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
That's the thing isn't it. The high calibre drivers all managed to immediately adapt to a front-running car and situation.Paolo_Lasardi wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:31 pmIf he is an immense talent, he will be on it right away. None of Schumacher, Hamilton Vettel, Alonso, Verstappen ever needed time to come to speed.mitch2701 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:28 pmI want more than anything for Russell to keep his qualifying record intact and that probably means sticking it on pole position.
But I think the realistic most likely scenario is Bottas - Verstappen - Russell for both qualifying at the race.
Russell is an immense talent but I think he has too much to learn in one weekend to overhaul a driver who has multiple pole positions and race wins in this car and team.
If he's in the car in Abu Dhabi I'd rate his chances at defeating Bottas higher.
This weekend may give us an indication whether Russell is on the same level of Verstappen and Leclerc.
While that is harsh on Russell, to expect so much from him, if we really consider him to be in the upcoming subgroup that includes the great Verstappen and Leclerc, he should prove stronger than Bottas - almost immediately.
"Always believe you will become the best, but never believe you have done so"
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Bottas ahead in both, on a normal track I would say by 0.2-0.3 but this track is really weird the gap could be much smaller due to its length and nearly all being flat out.
Is Russell can finish P2 behind Bottas and have a close enough race pace, then Bottas is finished at Mercedes for 2022.
0.5+ and it’s a disaster for Russell
Is Russell can finish P2 behind Bottas and have a close enough race pace, then Bottas is finished at Mercedes for 2022.
0.5+ and it’s a disaster for Russell
- Mort Canard
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Only if he beats both Valtteri and Max soundly. If Valtteri has another mediocre race, trouncing him won't mean much. Gapping the whole field would be very impressive and would get Lewis' attention. Still I think Lewis would welcome him as an eventual team mate.TedStriker wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 12:56 pmI should imagine Lewis is hoping he won't beat Valtteri by much!
Mission WinLater
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Strangely I don't think this is great to Russell. I think he was more likely than Bottas to get the 2022 Merc seat anyway so in a funny way It's actually Russell's seat to lose.
When comparing them in this race we have to remember it's not a normal circuit. A good or bad performance here is not necessarily indicative.
When comparing them in this race we have to remember it's not a normal circuit. A good or bad performance here is not necessarily indicative.
- Banana Man
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Russell to out-qualify Bottas by a full second and lap him. Everyone realises that it’s been the car all along and that Hamilton is no better than Shinji Nakano. The truth dawns on Toto and he realises he can save money next year by not offering Lewis a new deal and hires Hulk instead, who goes on to become 2021 WDC. Fittipaldi is running 5th when his engine fails. Also, Kvyat is involved in an incident involving a ferret somehow.
I remember when this website was all fields.
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Sounds great! I'll have a bag of whatever you've been smokingBanana Man wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 10:57 pmRussell to out-qualify Bottas by a full second and lap him. Everyone realises that it’s been the car all along and that Hamilton is no better than Shinji Nakano. The truth dawns on Toto and he realises he can save money next year by not offering Lewis a new deal and hires Hulk instead, who goes on to become 2021 WDC. Fittipaldi is running 5th when his engine fails. Also, Kvyat is involved in an incident involving a ferret somehow.

Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
That’s not completely true. Ricciardo out qualified Verstappen 7-0 over there first 7 races and by 0.420 in race one. By the start of 2017 Max was way quicker than me was at the very start. Yes he won his first race but it was on strategy.Schumacher forever#1 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 8:49 pmThat's the thing isn't it. The high calibre drivers all managed to immediately adapt to a front-running car and situation.Paolo_Lasardi wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:31 pmIf he is an immense talent, he will be on it right away. None of Schumacher, Hamilton Vettel, Alonso, Verstappen ever needed time to come to speed.mitch2701 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:28 pmI want more than anything for Russell to keep his qualifying record intact and that probably means sticking it on pole position.
But I think the realistic most likely scenario is Bottas - Verstappen - Russell for both qualifying at the race.
Russell is an immense talent but I think he has too much to learn in one weekend to overhaul a driver who has multiple pole positions and race wins in this car and team.
If he's in the car in Abu Dhabi I'd rate his chances at defeating Bottas higher.
This weekend may give us an indication whether Russell is on the same level of Verstappen and Leclerc.
While that is harsh on Russell, to expect so much from him, if we really consider him to be in the upcoming subgroup that includes the great Verstappen and Leclerc, he should prove stronger than Bottas - almost immediately.
Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
If Russell gets both the remaining races for Mercedes then I reckon he'll have Bottas by Abu Dhabi.
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
I wouldn't be able to remember back that far, but if so, that paints things in a different picture definitely. Although Max was still 18/19 years old at the time, which must also be factored in.Johnson wrote: ↑Thu Dec 03, 2020 12:04 amThat’s not completely true. Ricciardo out qualified Verstappen 7-0 over there first 7 races and by 0.420 in race one. By the start of 2017 Max was way quicker than me was at the very start. Yes he won his first race but it was on strategy.Schumacher forever#1 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 8:49 pmThat's the thing isn't it. The high calibre drivers all managed to immediately adapt to a front-running car and situation.Paolo_Lasardi wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:31 pmIf he is an immense talent, he will be on it right away. None of Schumacher, Hamilton Vettel, Alonso, Verstappen ever needed time to come to speed.mitch2701 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:28 pmI want more than anything for Russell to keep his qualifying record intact and that probably means sticking it on pole position.
But I think the realistic most likely scenario is Bottas - Verstappen - Russell for both qualifying at the race.
Russell is an immense talent but I think he has too much to learn in one weekend to overhaul a driver who has multiple pole positions and race wins in this car and team.
If he's in the car in Abu Dhabi I'd rate his chances at defeating Bottas higher.
This weekend may give us an indication whether Russell is on the same level of Verstappen and Leclerc.
While that is harsh on Russell, to expect so much from him, if we really consider him to be in the upcoming subgroup that includes the great Verstappen and Leclerc, he should prove stronger than Bottas - almost immediately.
"Always believe you will become the best, but never believe you have done so"
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
I would not bet on it but I suspect George might get pole position. He is known to be fast and I think he may be hiding some techniques other drivers overlook. I don't think Bottas has the extra something to stop him, despite his experience and familiarity in the car. Russell doesn't have much to lose and Bottas is error prone let's put it that way.
- Alienturnedhuman
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
Don't beat yourself up. I think Max is quicker than every member of this forum.Johnson wrote: ↑Thu Dec 03, 2020 12:04 amThat’s not completely true. Ricciardo out qualified Verstappen 7-0 over there first 7 races and by 0.420 in race one. By the start of 2017 Max was way quicker than me was at the very start. Yes he won his first race but it was on strategy.Schumacher forever#1 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 8:49 pmThat's the thing isn't it. The high calibre drivers all managed to immediately adapt to a front-running car and situation.Paolo_Lasardi wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:31 pmIf he is an immense talent, he will be on it right away. None of Schumacher, Hamilton Vettel, Alonso, Verstappen ever needed time to come to speed.mitch2701 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:28 pmI want more than anything for Russell to keep his qualifying record intact and that probably means sticking it on pole position.
But I think the realistic most likely scenario is Bottas - Verstappen - Russell for both qualifying at the race.
Russell is an immense talent but I think he has too much to learn in one weekend to overhaul a driver who has multiple pole positions and race wins in this car and team.
If he's in the car in Abu Dhabi I'd rate his chances at defeating Bottas higher.
This weekend may give us an indication whether Russell is on the same level of Verstappen and Leclerc.
While that is harsh on Russell, to expect so much from him, if we really consider him to be in the upcoming subgroup that includes the great Verstappen and Leclerc, he should prove stronger than Bottas - almost immediately.
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Re: How will Russell perform against Bottas?
I'm very excited to see you g George get a chance to show us what he can do. I think being close to Bottas will be a good result. Its a shame its a slightly unusual new track which possibly makes it more challenging for him, I think if he ends up racing in Abu Dhabi we will would then get a much more true reflection.
This is his time and I'm sure he will grab it with both hands
This is his time and I'm sure he will grab it with both hands