F1 Bahrain GP 2022 Post-Qualification Analysis
There's a new HAAS in town, and I am loving it!
What a qualifying session! It feels like someone shook the F1 snow globe, and it's as pretty and exciting as I'd hoped!
I am super excited for the HAAS team and their 2022 cars! They should be able to find new sponsors in no time with an experienced driver like Magnussen [highest social strength post-quali!!] and the marketable name of Schumacher!
While looking at the qualification result, the drivers' scores [Columns M/N] mostly matched what is expected, except for Albon, Norris, and Ricciardo. Albon is excusable since he had a year on the sideline, not to mention he is still 6 places ahead of his teammate Latifi. However, the McLaren team is looking a lot direr than expected. Their drivers are rated higher than where they are at, which means their car is really dragging them down. Zak Brown may need to spin more stories for his investors if the next 3 race results do not trend upward.
George is in a curious space at the moment. It's hard to pinpoint a realistic expectation as the new Merc is not in its A-game, and, at the same time, everyone is expecting great things from him in a much better car. So I feel his 9th place on the grid is here and nowhere. Although people still are quite positive [4:0] on the social front, the question is how long this sentiment will last if he does not perform in the upper part of the field.
Overall, I am excited to see everyone's race pace tomorrow. While Hamilton and Bottas are on the 3rd row, I expect them to pounce if they see any mistakes from the front four. Especially Bottas, I can already see the new Alfa will give him more confidence to try and embarrass the other, more prominent teams. Maybe he will make Toto regret dropping him last season... maybe... just a little bit.Â
Lastly, if there is one thing I am wishing for in tomorrow's race, that will be Schumacher finishing the race above 10th place! I think it's doable, and I hope he seizes this opportunity with his starting position!Â
Meme of the Grid:
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