Red Bull’s tactical gamble may have played into the hands of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton


Red Bull’s tactical gamble may have played into the hands of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen

Just when the 2021 F1 season could not throw up any more surprises, Max Verstappen did the unthinkable in the qualifying session in Abu Dhabi. The Dutchman was under some serious pressure, as he was lacking the pace as compared to Lewis Hamilton, who was flying on the Yas Marina Circuit in FP2 and FP3 sessions.

ADVERTISEMENT

Max Verstappen redeemed himself in Q3 on Saturday, after a costly error ended his qualifying in Jeddah in agony. This time in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen finished on pole, his tenth for the season, after some brilliant slip-streaming by his teammate, Sergio Perez.

However, Red Bull might have plenty to think about on Sunday, as they will start Max Verstappen on the soft compound tyres. In the Q2 session, Max set his fastest time on the soft compound, hence will have to start the main race on the same set of tyres. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton will start on the mediums, which gives a huge headache to Christian Horner and the Red Bull think-thank.

A potential two-stop strategy for Max Verstappen on the cards

Damon Hill and Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen is likely to be on a two stop pit strategy, whereas, Lewis Hamilton, starting on mediums could do with a one-stop pit strategy. Starting on the softs, it is vital for Verstappen to start the race on the front foot, and establish a healthy lead before he is ended the medium compound. Depending on the race, Verstappen could be handed the soft compound again when he pits for the second time to chase down Lewis Hamilton if he leads the race.

ADVERTISEMENT

Medium tyres are certainly the most suited tyres for the Yas Marina Circuit, as Lewis Hamilton could gain track position if Red Bull call in Max Verstappen early for a tyre change. Moreover, Lewis Hamilton clearly has the faster car this weekend, and it will be very difficult to defend against him on the straights.

The entire race boils down to the Red Bull and Mercedes strategy, with the drivers pushing each other right till the limit. As for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, their main aim will be to have a clean start and avoid any sort of contact going into Turn 1.

Also Read: Abu Dhabi GP: Lewis Hamilton applauds pole-sitter Max Verstappen, ‘optimistic’ about his chances in the final race