I think its a great strategic move for Red Bull, it opens up so many learnings and options.

Given DeVries' age, there is no benefit to giving him a longer leash, as savage as that is. They were probably hoping the experience in other cars/racing series would translate to F1 performance, but unfortunately not. Sucks for DeVries but it was the right move.

Danny's sim numbers give a good benchmark on his level vs Perez and Max.

Putting Danny against Yuki will provide a proxy measurement on how Yuki will perform vs Perez and Max.

Assuming Danny is comparable to Perez, if Danny shits the bed, it shows to RB that Yuki could most definitely outperform Perez.

If Danny is on level with Yuki, it still provides promise that Yuki could be a solid #2.

If Danny significantly outperforms Yuki, then it opens up a possible Danny-Max return.

Ultimately, I think it's also valuable for Yuki in his development now to have the learning and mentorship from Danny that he lost from Gasly, vs DeVries.

they would have teams orders Lando back into 2nd regardless

wasn't that in his old car not the current cars? if so then it's not a true comparison, aren't the older cars faster? regardless good to see he's still got it

And how spicy would that have been?

Current cars but completely different context. Different tires, different fuel load, different track conditions.

But great storyline nonetheless.

Completely agree with all your points!

RB takes a very low risk here in letting Nyck go; Helmut was the one who actually pushed to have Nyck take the seat despite Horner disagreeing.
If shit hits the fan with DC, they know that the seat is open for Liam Lawson next year after he's done with super formula.

Danny Ric needs to perform well here to really prove his place within the RB family. Theoretically he should be the better driver vs Yuki purely based off of racecraft gained through experience, and apparently he's still the same pre-McLaren driver.

If Yuki outperforms him, his F1 career is done. Doesn't matter if he's in the slowest car on the track.

Fuckin Checo bins it lap 2 in FP1 smh. Not a good look.

Should have replaced him with Danny

Hamilton pole!!!!!nnn!!

Danny Ric into Q2 out qualifies Yuki. Was looking iffy thru fp3 if he could beat Yuki they were pretty close.

Perez P9, over 4/10ths back from Max. LOL

Hurry up and buyout that contract and get a real driver in there.

It's great to see ANYONE other than Red Bull on pole. Hopefully it's a sign of parity becoming a thing.

New quali format was interesting, think it made for a more even field

Was cool to see Ham on pole even though I'm not a HamFan

Ric was so close to Q3! Nice showing his first quali back

Alfa and Mclaren are impressive!

Red Bull breaks a record, McLaren breaks their trophy :lawl:

The McLarens are fast now! Should make for an interesting rest of season (behind Max anyway)

This is just like when I started watching, when it was inevitable Schumacher would win, so you just paid attention to who would come in 2nd LUL

But I guess it was like that with Hamilton while I was away from the sport?

Would be nice if the fight for first place was more competitive, but I guess that's just rarely the case in F1

Ridiculously hard to get Montreal F1 tickets. I wanted Grandstands 11 or 12 but ended up with Lance Stroll Grandstand for $1220.

I sat at lance stroll grandstands this year, 5th row, got to be behind the lance stroll interview! Did ya pay $1,220 each? Ours were $4xx each

$1220/pair, so $610 each. Still a sizeable increase from your tickets last year!

How did you like the seats?

I'm looking at going to the Japan F1 next year. planning on taking parental leave for the 5 weeks and touring Japan and either back to Thailand or Indonesia again.

Hairpin was cool to see the braking and lap 1 when everyone flies in is cool. Otherwise not much overtake or any action from the last grand prix.

That's a pricy increase! I don't think I'd go to this grand prix again though.

I’m super tempted by the Hungarian GP as I love Budapest but going to Europe in the middle of summer.. ehhhh

Lol

Crazy start to the race! Started raining halfway through the first lap!

Very entertaining race

All the classics - Ferrari screwing it up, Perez being slow and getting sold out by his team, George Russell whinging about his lost podium, Albon being way further up the grid than he has any right to.

Red bull letting Max undercut Perez was probably just to save Perez the embarrassment of getting passed like he was standing still on track. Dude made up 10 seconds in 5 laps on Perez, while passing other cars for position on the way.

Super fun race. Thought it was funny when Lewis was all over the team to get past George then used track position to get into the pits first.

Rich