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Posted by: Voltage501 Jan 1 2019, 04:55 PM

2019 F1 RACE CALENDAR

March 17- Australia, Melbourne
March 31- Bahrain, Sakhir
April 14- China, Shanghai
April 28- Azerbaijan, Baku
May 12- Spain, Barcelona
May 26- Monaco, Monte Carlo
June 9- Canada, Montreal
June 23- France, Paul Ricard
June 30- Austria, Red Bull Ring
July 14- Britain, Silverstone
July 28- Germany, Hockenheim
August 4- Hungary, Budapest
September 1- Belgium, Spa
September 8- Italy, Monza
September 22- Singapore, Marina Bay
September 29- Russia, Sochi
October 13- Japan, Suzuka
October 27- Mexico, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
November 3- USA, Circuit of The Americas
November 17- Brazil, Sao Paulo
December 1- Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina


2019 F1 DRIVER LINE-UPS:

Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas
Ferrari: Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc
Red Bull: Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly
Renault: Daniel Ricciardo, Nico Hulkenberg
Haas: Romain Grosjean, Kevin Magnussen
McLaren: Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz
Racing Point: Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll
Sauber: Kimi Raikkonen, Antonio Giovinazzi
Toro Rosso: Alexander Albon, Daniil Kvyat
Williams: George Russell, Robert Kubica

Posted by: jakewild Jan 1 2019, 08:27 PM

gonna be an interesting year with all these driver changes. really looking forward to see how leclerc performs especially.

Posted by: Mack. Jan 4 2019, 12:12 PM

Racing Point team owner Lawrence Stroll wants his outfit to use Formula 1's planned 2021 overhaul to become "one of the greatest teams in the paddock". I want he's having to drink.

Posted by: Mack. Jan 5 2019, 05:30 PM

McLaren can they climb back up the grid this season?

Posted by: Mack. Jan 7 2019, 02:46 PM

Maurizio Arrivabene has been replaced as Ferrari team principal by former technical boss Mattia Binotto.

Posted by: Mack. Jan 8 2019, 03:24 PM

Niki Lauda is in hospital in Vienna with influenza, five months after having a lung transplant.

Posted by: jakewild Jan 12 2019, 05:21 PM

from the formula E press conference..

Sam Bird: “I didn’t know Max Verstappen was here. Formula E shouldn’t be a punishment to attend."

lol @ that being one of his public service punishments

Posted by: Mack. Jan 17 2019, 12:29 AM

Which team do you think will finish last in the constructors' standings?

Posted by: dobbo Jan 17 2019, 12:43 PM

Williams.

Posted by: jakewild Jan 17 2019, 01:03 PM

yer, unfortunately williams. tho i'm sure kubica won't make it easy for the others.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jan 19 2019, 08:42 PM

I’d quite like it to be Haas or Racing Point. Or a Red Bull team.


It will be Williams though. I don’t see anything over the winter or from the end of last season that would suggest that they’ll turn things around.

Posted by: Queen Rosemary Jan 19 2019, 11:13 PM

I don’t think it’ll necessarily be Williams - I just think they got the 2018 car so wrong. It really could be any of them from 5th downwards last season. It also depends which engine is strongest and weakest this year. Last year Ferrari took a huge step up which meant Force India and Williams were worse off for that too.

Posted by: Mack. Jan 21 2019, 11:51 AM

Probably Williams I think.

Posted by: Mack. Jan 22 2019, 01:02 PM

Sky Sports F1 will broadcast 20 hours of Testing between February 18-21. The channel will air the last four hours of running live each day.

Posted by: ukchartstatsfan Feb 1 2019, 11:55 AM

Sauber will be rebranded as Alfa Romeo Racing from the start of the 2019 season.

Alfa Romeo was last on the Formula 1 grid as a constructor in 1985 but returned to the sport last season as Sauber's title sponsor.

Posted by: imaduck Feb 1 2019, 05:45 PM

I hope to god we get a better livery this year then.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Feb 1 2019, 06:20 PM

Bet haas must be raging their status as official Ferrari b team has been pinched from them


Waiting to see who Dacia sponsors. I reckon Williams is a prime target to become Dacia F1

Posted by: Mack. Feb 7 2019, 11:31 PM

A look at the Haas new livery

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11601806/haas-reveal-striking-new-black-and-gold-livery-for-f1-2019-car

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Feb 7 2019, 11:42 PM

It's like a shite, half-arsed version of the Lotus-Renault colour scheme. Which is fitting for Haas given their half-arsed approach to being a constructor in F1 and their half-arsed approach to the truth "close battle for 4th" = actually 30pts behind 4th and they were only 5th because Force India (true holders of 5th) had their points wiped mid-season.


Every time I think i can't stand Force India, up pop Haas with some bullshit to remind me that they're worse in every way.

Posted by: jakewild Feb 9 2019, 01:04 PM

LOVE the new haas livery

Posted by: Mack. Feb 10 2019, 11:38 PM

Car Launch week! Here's your schedule for the week (UK times):

Monday:
1:30pm - Toro Rosso
3pm – Williams

Tuesday
Renault (time TBC)

Wednesday
3pm Racing Point
Mercedes (time TBC)
Red Bull (time TBC)

Thursday
12pm McLaren

Friday
9:45am Ferrari

Posted by: Mack. Feb 11 2019, 03:49 PM

A look at Williams livery:

https://www.planetf1.com/news/williams-announce-rokit-partnership-reveal-new-colours/


And the same old same old car for Toro Rosso:

https://www.planetf1.com/news/toro-rosso-officially-unveil-the-str14/

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Feb 11 2019, 06:55 PM

Toro Rosso is like a boss level spot the difference game



I kinda dig the Williams livery

Posted by: DJHazey Feb 12 2019, 03:44 PM

Will there be any more parody this season or will it be Mercedes/Ferrari/Red Bull dominating again?

Posted by: Mack. Feb 12 2019, 03:59 PM

Most likely it will be Mercedes/Ferrari/Red Bull dominating again. Would be great if we had a start to the season like 2012 with seven different winners in seven different races although that is nigh impossible.

Posted by: DJHazey Feb 12 2019, 04:36 PM

I just casually watch the races I can (some of them are at inconvenient hours over here in the U.S.) I think I've become a bit of a Max fan, so I'd like to see him continue to improve this season.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Feb 12 2019, 06:30 PM

Jury is out on RBR until next week. Will see if Honda have built an engine that can last more than one race distance


New Renault looks nearly identical to the last one. A few small changes but still looks good

Posted by: Mack. Feb 12 2019, 11:00 PM

Renault for me this season want them to getting podiums and closer to the top three and that first podium for Hulkenberg, I do wonder how long he has got in F1 for some reason reminds me of Heidfeld's career although I could be talking out of my arse here.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Feb 12 2019, 11:18 PM

I think it depends on what progress we have made on the engine front and how bumpy the landing for RBR-Honda is.

Posted by: jakewild Feb 13 2019, 01:38 PM

i’m really not feeling the new red bull livery

Posted by: Mack. Feb 15 2019, 12:55 PM

A look at the Ferrari car:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/47252144

Posted by: Mack. Feb 17 2019, 10:34 AM

Williams have pulled out of the first day of pre-season testing on Monday as their new FW42 car is not ready.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Feb 17 2019, 11:09 PM

Promising start to their season!


Onboard Footage on Twitter from Dani Ric’s first lap in the Renault RS19 is I’m so excited for this year

Posted by: Mack. Feb 18 2019, 10:53 PM

Posted by: dobbo Feb 18 2019, 11:27 PM

Lol @ Williams, not exactly reassuring is it.

Posted by: jakewild Feb 19 2019, 06:11 AM

idk if i’m being stupid or missing something but they’ve just unvailed their new livery so what tf was this one all
about ??

Posted by: jakewild Feb 19 2019, 06:12 AM

thank f*** they’ve stayed truer to the original livery but idg the new red n black thing still.....?

Posted by: Mack. Feb 20 2019, 11:44 PM

Just another of those one-off liveries.

Posted by: Mack. Feb 20 2019, 11:47 PM

Posted by: Mack. Feb 21 2019, 12:55 PM

A few driver changes for the PM session Nico Hulkenberg is replacing Daniel Ricciardo for Renault, Valtteri Bottas in for Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes
Kevin Magnussen replaces Grosjean for Haas
George Russell in for Robert Kubica for Williams.

Posted by: Mack. Feb 22 2019, 11:51 PM

Three McLaren personnel had to be treated at the medical centre at Spain's Circuit de Catalunya after a fire in the team's garage.

McLaren said the team members were "released shortly after" being admitted following what was said to be "a small fire" that was "quickly extinguished".

Posted by: Mack. Feb 26 2019, 04:14 PM

Laps so far today on Day 1 of the Second Pre-Season Test at Barcelona

Magnussen - 119
Gasly - 110
Russell - 106
Giovinazzi - 90
Albon - 85
Hamilton - 83
Hulkenberg - 80
Stroll - 73
Norris - 71
Ricciardo - 54
Vettel - 52
Leclerc - 29
Bottas - 1

Posted by: Mack. Mar 7 2019, 04:10 PM

Paddy Lowe is on indefinite leave from Williams, expected to be a permanent departure. Clearly he's taken the fall for the delayed delivery of the car.

Posted by: Mack. Mar 8 2019, 12:21 PM

The FIA World Motor Sport Council has approved plans for an extra Formula 1 world championship point to be awarded for fastest lap, starting from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Posted by: dobbo Mar 8 2019, 02:02 PM

Not sure I like this idea, we might get a farcical situation where teams just outside the points will dive into the pits for hyper sorts then banzai around the track quali-style. That could make it more interesting tbf & it is only a solitary point so doubt it'll affect much. That said I can see them offering points for pole down the line, then the fewest retirements, then the fewest penalties amassed and then the best livery according to a fan vote etc.

Posted by: DJHazey Mar 8 2019, 03:24 PM

They should take a page from NASCAR and award like 5 points for the one who led the most laps and 1 point to anyone who led at least one lap. It makes the pit strategies even more intriguing because cars in the back will time it so they can lead that one lap before pitting.

Posted by: jakewild Mar 8 2019, 03:46 PM

i like this idea

Posted by: Mack. Mar 8 2019, 04:36 PM

Not too sure what to make of a point for fastest lap. I'll probably like dobbo said that they'll be a point for pole, then two points for the most laps led.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Mar 8 2019, 06:11 PM

Apparently it’s only awarded if they finish in the points in the first place

Posted by: dobbo Mar 8 2019, 07:12 PM

Ah right well that makes a bit more sense.

Posted by: jakewild Mar 8 2019, 08:47 PM

a new series has just been put on netflix. about to binge!

Posted by: jakewild Mar 9 2019, 07:52 PM

this series is really bloody good!

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Mar 10 2019, 10:35 AM

I watched the first episode back down on the train last night. It was really enjoyable! The teams seem to have been really good about allowing the camera's access to film the ups and downs. Well, apart from Ferrari and Merc who refused to take part.

Posted by: Mack. Mar 11 2019, 11:16 PM

Confirmed: a point will be awarded for the fastest lap in F1 starting in Australia. The driver must finish in the top ten to be eligible for the point.

Posted by: Mack. Mar 12 2019, 12:33 PM

Finally it looks like Mercedes may not have the upper hand this season.

Posted by: dobbo Mar 12 2019, 12:51 PM

For large parts of last season Ferrari did have the quickest racecraft but a combo of vettel flopping & poor team strategies cost them dear. My thinking is these instances won't be quite so commonplace this year.

Posted by: Mack. Mar 14 2019, 11:47 AM

Charlie Whiting, F1’s race director, has passed away aged 66. He had suffered a pulmonary embolism on Thursday morning in Melbourne. A great loss to the sport.

Posted by: Mack. Mar 14 2019, 12:29 PM

Great to see Kubica back in Formula One, but I fear that it could be a trying season for Williams with how testing has gone for them.

Posted by: dobbo Mar 17 2019, 12:50 PM

Made up for bottas, after such a wretched year last season a win straight away under his belt. Albert park continuing to be a rare poor track for Lewis!

If I were a Ferrari fan I'd be very concerned indeed over their lack of pace...

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Mar 17 2019, 01:04 PM

Dani Ric continuing the run of rotten luck for Aussies in Aus. Gutted for him that his first race was totally wrecked, but in someway I guess it took some of the pressure off and we can come out swinging next time around

Posted by: Severin Mar 17 2019, 07:43 PM

Initial impression is that the new front wings allow cars to run a bit closer but we're no nearer to improving overtaking.

Pleased for Bottas though and although no-one did anything drastic, we here had quite the discussion about who might make an attempt for the extra point at some stage

Posted by: Mack. Mar 17 2019, 08:56 PM

See how it does in Bahrain. Australia not the circuit it used to be. They showed a good amount of highlights on Channel 4 of the race slightly more compared BBC's 'Grand Prix ' highlights coverage.

Ferrari seemed to be anonymous this weekend, shame Leclerc wasn't allowed to race Vettel.

Posted by: Mack. Mar 17 2019, 09:36 PM

Sky has imposed a series of restrictions on C4 in the contract for the highlights races, which will affect both the race coverage itself, and what happens around it.

For example, only 50% of the total running time of C4's programme can now be taken up by the on-track coverage - down from between 60-70% last year. They are not allowed to do interviews in what is known as the 'pen' - where all the drivers are taken to do a round-robin of broadcasters after qualifying and race - or in the pit lane. Any 'pen' interviews they use will have to come from Sky. The amount of interviews C4 can do in the paddock is restricted. And they have been forbidden from doing a 'grid walk'."

Posted by: DJHazey Mar 18 2019, 02:00 PM

I could never understand 'team orders' -- to me it's a joke. Leclerc is faster than Vettel yet is told not to pass him? Lame.

Posted by: DJHazey Mar 18 2019, 02:03 PM

Was really happy to see Max run well though, was hoping he'd get within DRS zone to overtake Hamilton but never quite happened. If he hadn't of run into the grass with 12 to go, he surely would've. It was too funny to hear the team conversation "let's have a party the final 10 laps" and then he goes off the track.

Posted by: Mack. Mar 18 2019, 05:53 PM

Never been a fan of team orders myself, it all came back with the infamous 'Fernando, is faster than you' in 2010. I hope Leclerc will be allowed to race against Vettel. I'm sure he would have finished fourth.

Posted by: Mack. Mar 19 2019, 04:44 PM

Posted by: Mack. Mar 20 2019, 12:30 PM

I've just looked at the timing sheets and it's quite damning for Kubica, both Williams drivers did 3 runs in Q1, after the first run Russell was 1 second quicker than Kubica, they both improved their times in their second runs with Russell again being 1 second quicker than Kubica, in their 3rd runs Kubica crashed.

Posted by: Mack. Mar 20 2019, 03:27 PM

So Mercedes look to have pulled a great ruse with their performance in Australia, Bottas looks like a new man who dominated (admittedly exaggerated by LH's floor damage) and Ferrari both looked bemused by both their Quali and Race pace and have made Vettel the clear number one by stopping Leclerc's charge late in the race which was unfair in my view.


However as we have learnt over the years (or for some of us decades) Albert Park often gives a false picture of both the competitive picture and overtaking potential so will Bahrain show a similar picture? Maybe in Bahrain we may get an exciting race it does happen once in a red moon.

Posted by: Mack. Mar 20 2019, 03:41 PM

A fact for you all: Valtteri Bottas' win margin at the Australian Grand Prix (20.886 seconds) was the largest since Nico Rosberg's victory at the 2016 Russian Grand Prix (25.022 seconds). It was the sixth biggest win margin since the start of the hybrid era in 2014.

Posted by: jakewild Mar 22 2019, 09:13 PM

i'm happy for bottas but to think that people are calling this one of his best wins for f1 is pretty telling. he's got all the gear at his hands to have incredible results and then a win at australia is being talked about as like such a standout...

Posted by: jakewild Mar 22 2019, 09:24 PM

i feel like the aussie grand prix is just there for bit of memorability / nostalgia like monaco at this point. we're all used to it being the opening race but the cars just arent fit for that circuit anymore

Posted by: Severin Mar 24 2019, 10:40 AM

To be honest it was always so much better at Adelaide and that’ll never be recaptured sadly

Posted by: Mack. Mar 26 2019, 01:12 AM

Mick Schumacher will make his Formula 1 test debut for Ferrari on 2 April.

The 20-year-old German, who signed up to the Ferrari driver academy over the winter, will drive for Ferrari in Bahrain on one day and the affiliated Alfa Romeo team the next.

Posted by: Mack. Mar 26 2019, 04:59 PM

Regarding street circuits on the calendar, I think the ones that do work are Baku and Singapore.

Posted by: Severin Mar 26 2019, 05:29 PM

Agree with you there. Monaco is usually rubbish, unless it's raining in which case it suddenly gets brilliant

Posted by: Mack. Mar 26 2019, 11:22 PM

Wet races at Monaco have normally been thrilling e.g. 2016 and 2008 not forgetting that 1996 race.

Posted by: Mack. Mar 27 2019, 05:19 PM

Onto Bahrain we go for the 999th Grand Prix, one to the 1000th Grand Prix taking place in China. I think it will a closer battle between Mercedes and Ferrari for the win along with Verstappen. Gasly needs to step up following that disappointing race he had in Australia. With the midfield closely together, followed by Williams whom will probably struggle again.

Posted by: Severin Mar 27 2019, 06:13 PM

Technically this number isn't true. It's the 999th Formula One World Championship race. There were over 50 years worth of Grand Prix before the F1 world championship began and even the figure given now includes a number of Indy 500 races that were classed as F1 races but never a Grand Prix.

Pedantry aside though it is the official number used nowadays.

Kind of want to see Bottas win and take charge of the title race this year so that Hamilton has to give up race wins for him late on. Won't happen that way though

Posted by: Mack. Mar 29 2019, 11:40 PM

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Mar 30 2019, 12:22 PM

Hulk in 5th is a promising sign. I’ll miss quali so will keep my fingers crossed for a good result

Posted by: dobbo Mar 30 2019, 04:14 PM

Nice one Leclerc! Let's see Ferrari let them race tomorrow...

Posted by: Mack. Mar 30 2019, 08:07 PM

What a qualifying lap that was from Leclerc. I hope they don't ask him to move over tomorrow....

Posted by: jakewild Mar 30 2019, 08:17 PM

so pleased! what an achievement

Posted by: Mack. Mar 31 2019, 04:24 PM

Posted by: Severin Mar 31 2019, 04:36 PM

Charles Leclerc is the new Jean Alesi?

Posted by: Mack. Mar 31 2019, 04:43 PM

Reminds me of Damon Hill 1997 Hungary there. I do feel for Leclerc.

Posted by: dobbo Mar 31 2019, 04:53 PM

That is SUCH a gutter for Leclerc :'( at least the safety car meant he finished on the podium. Surely he's gotta be the lead man at Ferrari this season, the same Vettel from second-half 2018 showed up again today.

Also THRILLED to see Norris in 6th! I mean, we should have seen it coming that McLaren would suddenly turn good again after Alonso retired...

Bahrain is turning into one of the better tracks for exciting overtaking and we even had fighting at the front, it can definitely stay.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Mar 31 2019, 04:58 PM

Heartbroken for Leclerc and for Renault. 2 laps from the f***ing end 😢

Posted by: Bjork Apr 1 2019, 07:19 AM

poor Leclerq and also poor Sanz

Posted by: jakewild Apr 1 2019, 07:32 AM

bahrain always seeming to deliver. such a good track.

such a shame about lecrec!

Posted by: Bjork Apr 1 2019, 08:16 AM

for Alonso, the frustration has to be incredible, all these years in McLaren being the worst car
and then the minute he leaves the car becomes good

Posted by: Mack. Apr 1 2019, 03:32 PM

Gasly still looking anonymous as he was in Bahrain and I noticed Kvyat is back to his spinning ways.

Posted by: Severin Apr 5 2019, 11:57 PM

One can only hope he will replace Vettel soon

Posted by: Mack. Apr 10 2019, 03:38 PM

A random stat for you all: Alfa Romeo is the only team to take part in both 1st and 1000th F1 race

Posted by: Mack. Apr 10 2019, 03:47 PM

I wonder if Mick Schumacher got an F1 seat next season where he would go, I know it is very early to say he will be. Would be probably somewhere like Toro Rosso or maybe Haas?

Posted by: Mack. Apr 14 2019, 10:17 AM

It is worth a watch this afternoon with the highlights?

Posted by: dobbo Apr 14 2019, 12:38 PM

Honestly I'd only bother with the YT highlights, don't even know how they managed to knock up five & three quarter minutes of them.

All this talk before the season of Ferrari being the ones to beat & yet Mercedes have had their best ever start to a season. Lol.

Posted by: Bjork Apr 14 2019, 02:18 PM

bit of a boring race today

Posted by: jakewild Apr 14 2019, 02:49 PM

agreed. getting up early for this one definitely wasn't worth it. shoulda just stuck to the highlights.

Posted by: Mack. Apr 14 2019, 03:31 PM

So much for a close fight this season.

Posted by: Severin Apr 14 2019, 06:39 PM

Yep. Bored of this season already
Seems like Hamilton will clock up another title with relative ease and people will proclaim him the greatest ever. Frankly he just about scrapes in to my top 20

Posted by: Mack. Apr 16 2019, 11:40 PM

Formula 1 is seeking to establish a second race in China to grow the sport in one of its most important markets.

Sean Bratches, the sport's commercial boss, said he favoured a street race and was meeting delegates from six potential host cities this week.

"We would be highly interested in a street race," he said.

"It would be a nice juxtaposition to the purpose-built facility we have [in Shanghai]. Our intent is to bring our show to the people."


Do we need another in China?

Posted by: DJHazey Apr 17 2019, 03:15 PM

They need regulations on the car that make them all more equal as far as horsepower before they go thinking about what new tracks Mercedes can dominate on.

Posted by: Severin Apr 17 2019, 05:42 PM

I'd prefer not to have 2 permanent races in any given country. I would happily have a race that tours countries like the European GP used to. That could work with street races or to bring back great circuits for occasional races that can't afford a long contract - places like Kyalami or Zolder.

Alternatively, build totally new circuits anywhere in the world you care to, but use the specifications from classic tracks like Imola or Watkins Glen but with big enough run offs and safety features

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Apr 17 2019, 09:41 PM

China isn’t the worst Grand Prix by any stretch but I’d far rather see a new market open up.

I do love a street circuit though. If it’s like Singapore it’ll produce come quality racing



The sooner F1 escapes the Middle East the better. Soulless races on crap tracks

Posted by: Mack. Apr 24 2019, 04:19 PM

Looks like a few teams will be getting grid penalties very early this season as Honda introduce an upgraded V6 for Baku which could potentially put drivers like Kvyat and Albon onto 3 already.


https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142903/honda-introduces-new-engine-for-baku

Posted by: Mack. Apr 25 2019, 04:16 PM

I hope Leclerc will be allowed to race against Vettel albeit how unlikely that may sound.

Posted by: Mack. Apr 25 2019, 04:51 PM

And still somehow Lance Stroll has had more podiums than Nico Hulkenberg.

Posted by: dobbo Apr 25 2019, 04:59 PM

And Nico Hulkenberg has more pole positions than Max Verstappen!

Therefore Lance Stroll > Max Verstappen

Posted by: Mack. Apr 26 2019, 11:36 AM

First practice at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was cancelled after George Russell's Williams was damaged on a loose manhole cover.

Posted by: jakewild Apr 26 2019, 11:38 AM

what a bizarre safety overlook

Posted by: jakewild Apr 26 2019, 12:24 PM

the crane then hitting the bridge then the oil leaking onto the car

mess

Posted by: Mack. Apr 26 2019, 03:11 PM

The top comment:

When you realise the first practice of Azerbaijan is more interesting than the 1000th race

Posted by: jakewild Apr 26 2019, 03:18 PM

the comments on that video are gold

Posted by: Mack. Apr 26 2019, 03:28 PM

Posted by: Mack. Apr 27 2019, 08:15 AM

Pierre Gasly will have to start from the pit lane after failing to stop for the weigh bridge in practice.

Posted by: Mack. Apr 28 2019, 09:30 AM

I'm expecting a long race today, punctuated by safety cars. To make it more interesting.

Posted by: dobbo Apr 28 2019, 01:49 PM

Even Baku wasn't able to deliver this season, much more like the dull 2016 opener rather than the last 2 years' thrillers.

This season is done. I'm glad Bottas has upped his game but Hamilton will have the measure of him eventually, he's not quite Rosberg's level. Ferrari are f***ing awful, yes Leclerc made the mistake yesterday but again they've screwed him over & allowed Max to split them. Laughably bad but it's a real shame for the (lack of) title fight this season.

Ricciardo seems to have left his brain behind at Red Bull, the hell was that crash about?!

Posted by: Severin Apr 28 2019, 04:33 PM

The first 100 yards were quite good, after that the balloons were the best bit.

Mildly impressed that Kyvat still managed to have an accident even when he does nothing wrong

Posted by: jakewild Apr 28 2019, 04:47 PM

!!!

was looking so hopeful for charles but ferrari rly messed up after not boxing him sooner so he could get couple more laps on the new tyres before bot and ham inevitably overtook

Posted by: Mack. Apr 28 2019, 07:29 PM

Well that was wishful thinking. Mercedes once again right up there with others playing catch up.

Posted by: Mack. Apr 28 2019, 10:35 PM

Daniel Ricciardo has received a three-place grid penalty for the Spanish Grand Prix following his collision with Daniil Kvyat.

Posted by: Bjork May 1 2019, 06:27 AM

oh my that was crazy but don't think it was his fault, more than anything it shows how little visibility they have

Posted by: Mack. May 4 2019, 12:07 AM

Formula 1 agreed a deal to secure the Italian Grand Prix at the historic Monza track until at least 2024.

Posted by: Mack. May 7 2019, 03:51 PM

Ferrari are introducing an upgraded engine two races early at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, as they seek to end Mercedes' domination.

Posted by: jakewild May 7 2019, 04:55 PM

unless either of the mercedes get a few dnf's this season i can't see ferrari coming close now really

Posted by: Mack. May 8 2019, 12:50 AM

We shall see, hopefully Ferrari can somehow close the gap in race pace to Mercedes.

Posted by: Mack. May 9 2019, 05:13 PM

So apparently in 2020, the Brazilian Grand Prix will be in a new place at Rio de Janiero.

Posted by: Severin May 12 2019, 06:58 PM

I liked Grosjean's creative racing line he was developing but otherwise it was another dull affair

Posted by: Mack. May 12 2019, 06:58 PM

Stroll and Norris actually bringing some excitement to this borefest.

Posted by: Mack. May 12 2019, 07:19 PM

The way this is going 2019 is going to be one of the worst seasons since 2002 in terms of excitement at the front.

Posted by: dobbo May 12 2019, 09:44 PM

Blame Ferrari for being absolute flops. Remember when they were apparently way out in front post testing? Yea that lasted long...

Posted by: Bjork May 13 2019, 09:51 AM

how can Grosjean be allowed in a F1 car, he's been there for 10 years and drives like if it were his day 1 :/

happy for Sanz, great race

Posted by: jakewild May 13 2019, 03:41 PM

it was such a mess near the end

shame for bottas getting pole ripped off him lap 1. there was no going back from there really. lucky for hamilton with the safety car. not that he needed it.

Posted by: Mack. May 14 2019, 12:53 AM

It is remarkable the longevity of Grosjean's career in F1, somehow. It was a mess but at least provided that small bit of entertainment.

Posted by: Mack. May 14 2019, 01:07 AM

We could have confirmation of a return of the Dutch Grand Prix after an absence of 35 years at Zandvoort. Possibly today.

Posted by: dobbo May 14 2019, 11:40 AM

That would be good, always liked that track from historical races & on video games. Plus the max verstappen factor means there needs to be one in the Netherlands currently.

Posted by: Mack. May 14 2019, 03:38 PM

Confirmed by F1 that the Dutch Grand Prix is returning for the first time since 1985. What do you make of this? I'm pleased to see it back although hoping it can provide some racing (providing I'm still watching in 2020). It will mean that they'll be no Spanish Grand Prix next season it will replace that.

Will anyone miss Barcelona? Personally replace Abu Dhabi, Sochi.

Posted by: dobbo May 14 2019, 04:19 PM

Nope I won't miss Barca at all, this is a long overdue scrapping.

Posted by: Severin May 14 2019, 07:01 PM

So weird to have Zandvoort back again. A great track in its own right but it's hard not to associate it with Roger Williamson. (if you don't know, don't watch it)

Posted by: Mack. May 14 2019, 10:33 PM

Roger Williamson, saw the video a few years back just awful. Yes it is weird to back Zandvoort back thought it may be Assen if it ever returned to Holland. The Max factor working there.

Posted by: Severin May 14 2019, 11:30 PM

Given the influence driver popularity has over track choice it is frankly amazing Finland has never run a GP. (including pre 1950)

Re: Roger Williamson - if you can find it and haven't seen it before you should watch Champions Forever - sometimes called One By One. It's a documentary of the 1973 season that focuses on 4 drivers in particular. (Not Williamson). Not one of them makes it to the final race. It's brilliant but not exactly fun

Posted by: Mack. May 15 2019, 02:12 PM

Regarding Finland, I know they'll be a Kymi Ring that will host MotoGP in 2020. Maybe in the future, it could host F1.

Posted by: Severin May 15 2019, 08:57 PM

That would be well overdue

Posted by: jakewild May 16 2019, 03:01 PM

switch it for the spanish gp and i'll be happy

Posted by: dobbo May 16 2019, 03:26 PM

Talks about a Morocco GP as well, would be good to have a race in Africa so all the continents are represented.

Not sure how they're gonna stick to a 21-race calendar at this rate though with Vietnam & Netherlands coming in next season. I guess Germany & Mexico will be dropped next season which is a shame as Germany is one of the few tracks that consistently produces decent races & I live for that stadium section at Mexico even if the racing is average.

Posted by: Serhat Mack May 16 2019, 03:55 PM

That would be the first time since their only Grand Prix in 1958 that they'll be an Morocco Grand Prix.

Posted by: Severin May 19 2019, 11:07 AM

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24096/11719448/martin-brundle-on-spanish-gp-frustrations-and-f1-future-visions

Great article from Martin Brundle on where F1 needs to look at itself

Posted by: Mack. May 21 2019, 01:22 PM

Will Max have a 2016/2018 or a 2017? About the only excitement I'll be able to muster for this is watching to see if anyone clips the barrier

Posted by: Severin May 21 2019, 11:12 PM

Please let it rain

Posted by: dobbo May 22 2019, 09:28 AM

At least can we have a wet qualifying so there's a chance of a more jumbled grid. Still might not mean much overtaking of course but with the faster guys pushing the slower ones around the track someone (Grosjean) is bound to have a banzai move at Ste. Devote to bring out a safety car & make things interesting.

Posted by: Mack. May 22 2019, 02:17 PM

Even just a wet qualifying would do, just to make the race slightly better.

Grosjean, can we see him on the grid next year? as I think it might be his last year in F1.

Posted by: Mack. May 23 2019, 03:03 PM

Apparently Chris Evans was part of the commentary team during second practice on Sky Sports F1......

Posted by: Mack. May 23 2019, 11:56 PM

And a..... Mercedes 1-2 in second practice yesterday. 7 tenths ahead of Ferrari which looks omnibus.

Posted by: Severin May 24 2019, 05:42 PM

Much like my wish for an exciting race, the likelihood of rain is slowly ebbing away

Posted by: Mack. May 25 2019, 12:04 AM

Well let's just hope that it rains at least before qualifying heavily to spice it up just a bit.

Posted by: Severin May 25 2019, 03:13 PM

It's just possible that Ferrari's incompetence has injected the potential for overtaking into tomorrow's race with Leclerc starting so low down the field.

Posted by: Bjork May 25 2019, 04:21 PM

Ferrari is really a mess this year

Posted by: Mack. May 25 2019, 08:52 PM

Their strategy for Leclerc and nearly Vettel was disastrous in Q1. Another Mercedes 1-2..

Posted by: Bjork May 26 2019, 09:20 AM

feeling a bit sorry about Leclerc

Posted by: Severin May 26 2019, 10:50 AM

I still fear there's a bit of Jean Alesi about him -
One of the best drivers of his generation, with a bold, exciting style who impresses in a lower tier team and joins Ferrari as they enter a long slow decline. Frequently out performs his more experienced team mate but never catches a break through a number of different circumstances whether it be reliability or team errors. Becomes one of the Tifosi's most loved drivers and one of the sports unluckiest.

I hope this never comes to pass though. He deserves better

Posted by: Mack. May 26 2019, 01:11 PM

Hopefully the F1 race can at least be half as good as yesterday's FE race. Like I said, you just never know.

Posted by: Severin May 26 2019, 03:15 PM

An all round decent enough race I feel. Leclerc added some early excitement and Hamilton drove well in the end. Would have been good if Verstappen and Vettel could have provided more of an actual rather than imagined threat more often.
Good warm up for the Indy 500

Posted by: jakewild May 26 2019, 03:31 PM

putting my dislike for hamilton aside just this once as it truly felt like a race for niki

Posted by: Mack. May 26 2019, 07:46 PM

Posted by: Bjork May 27 2019, 07:00 PM

wow, I didn't see that, that was crazy

Posted by: dobbo May 27 2019, 07:26 PM

Definitely the second most interesting/entertaining race this year so far (after Bahrain) and it was all down to Ferrari's ineptitude in quali! Shame leclerc went out, he was going for some ballsy moves. I never felt like max was gonna pull off a move at the end but at any given moment Lewis could easily have clipped the wall on his worn tyres so it was thrilling right till the end.

Posted by: Mack. May 28 2019, 03:16 PM

The penalty for Verstappen for a unsafe release. Surely it should be the team penalised, e.g give them a fine.

Posted by: Severin May 29 2019, 05:50 PM

This was exactly the discussion we had in my house during the race. The driver should not be penalised and a fine for the team is pointless. A points deduction for the constructor is the only reasonable option we could come up with

Posted by: dobbo May 29 2019, 06:08 PM

It is harsh on the driver but it's the only viable option really. The penalty did directly cost the team because they didn't have any representation on the podium which they otherwise would have done, so they would have been hurting just as much as Max personally. "Win together & lose together" is the phrase Hamilton always uses.

I would be against a constructor's deduction personally as my OCD would freak out at the maths not equalling between the 2 tables.

However Max getting penalty points on his license is completely ridiculous, that should only be reserved for driver errors.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 3 2019, 03:09 PM

For everybody’s sake in Canada, let’s get a Max or Leclerc or even a Vettel win here.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jun 8 2019, 07:30 PM

This season has been pretty boring thus far, but you can ALWAYS count on Canada. What a beauty of a Grand Prix.

Renault 4th and 7th!!!! AND all 4 Renault power units in the top 10 on one of the most power dependent circuits of the year! Praise jesus our engine has finally got to the party

Posted by: Severin Jun 8 2019, 10:20 PM

Well it's only taken 7 attempts but we might finally have an interesting race

Posted by: Mack. Jun 9 2019, 05:43 PM

Hope this actually turns out an exciting race with all the anticipation built up - Vettel & Hamilton front-row, Ricciardo fourth, Bottas sixth, Verstappen ninth. Question mark - or rather an «extra» question mark, over the tires.

Please let’s have some battles and a shaking up-safety car.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jun 9 2019, 07:15 PM

How have they made Canada dull?!

Posted by: Mack. Jun 9 2019, 07:25 PM

Kubica 66 seconds behind a rookie.

Blame the hybrid era for Canada being so boring.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 9 2019, 07:26 PM

The FIA going against Ferrari... A 5 second time penalty for Vettel.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jun 9 2019, 07:42 PM

FIA has been fully team Mercedes/Hamilton for some time now.


Absolute shocker of a decision. Truly truly shocking.


Renault having an excellent day. 6th and 7th with Hülkie nursing a gearbox issue

Posted by: Severin Jun 9 2019, 07:44 PM

Utterly disgusting. The FIA should be ashamed

Posted by: Mack. Jun 9 2019, 07:49 PM

Absolute joke that decision. F1 is certainly going its way to turn off viewers. Listening on 5 Live.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 9 2019, 07:51 PM

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jun 9 2019, 07:56 PM

Seb swapping the position marker in front of Hamilton’s car to what it rightfully should be is probably the moment of the entire season so far.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jun 9 2019, 08:03 PM

Seb rightfully telling people not to boo Hamilton and to boo the FIA instead. Fair play

Posted by: Bjork Jun 10 2019, 07:55 AM

am I the only one who agreed with the decision? sure he did an unsafe return blocking Hamilton

just shows what a piss-poor driver Vettel is, he's totally lost it and should give up his seat

and the changing numbers thing, it's the most childish and idiotic thing I've ever seen,

Posted by: Severin Jun 10 2019, 11:23 AM

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/vettel-penalty-social-media-reaction/4461262/

Damon Hill aside the voices are pretty much in unison. And when Mario Andretti speaks it's well worth listening

Posted by: Severin Jun 10 2019, 11:25 AM

The fact he didn't crash actually shows what a good driver he is. Imagine if that had of been Grosjean or Kvyat. The race would have ended for both drivers.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jun 10 2019, 09:52 PM

Or KMag. He can't even have an accident with the wall of champions properly!!

Posted by: Mack. Jun 11 2019, 02:24 PM

No instead he hit the Pit Wall as well.

Vettel after the race was my highlight of the season.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 11 2019, 03:55 PM

Out of 1 to 10, how would you rate the Canadian Grand Prix?

Posted by: Mack. Jun 13 2019, 03:49 PM

Ferrari will not appeal against the penalty that cost Sebastian Vettel victory in the Canadian Grand Prix.

The German won on track but was penalised five seconds for dangerous driving, which handed victory to Hamilton. So it is seven out of seven for Mercedes......

Posted by: dobbo Jun 13 2019, 07:01 PM

It was a penalty. Under the current rules it doesn't matter if it was by accidental or on purpose, if you impede another driver after rejoining the track then it's a pen. Highly doubt it was intentional but he made the error & retained the lead which isn't correct. I think the problem is that it shouldn't have to be a slam-dunk 5 second penalty, the FIA could have for example ordered Vettel to let Lewis pass then the race would resume. That would have a better decision all-round.

The whole fallout from this just disguises the fact that Seb yet again made another mistake under pressure. Those 7 points are hardly relevant in the grand scheme of things anyway. I did have to hand it to him when he swapped the boards around, that was brilliant and the plus side on all of this is that it's got people talking about an otherwise pretty uneventful season thus far. F1 has always, and will always thrive under controversy.

Have to give a shoutout to the 2 "meme drivers" of the grid Stroll & Kyvat, both had very strong displays!

Posted by: Severin Jun 13 2019, 10:54 PM

And therein lies one of the biggest problems F1 has these days. Regardless of Sunday's debate over the incident - which most drivers appear to think is ludicrous - you just can't defend your position anymore and it, among other things, is killing the sport. It's over regulated, the cars are too easy to control and too reliable and most of the drivers come across as dull because they're too worried about the pr.
Take a look back at the final laps of the 1979 French GP at Dijon where Villeneuve and Arnoux gave an absolute masterclass in what it is to race an opponent (and fairly). It's widely considered one of the greatest duels in F1 history but if that happened today there'd be about 20 separate penalties between them.

But back to the overall point, if a driver makes a mistake under pressure and successfully recovers and then defends his lead it should stand as long as nothing overtly dangerous was attempted on purpose. Vettel regained control and blocked a pass. He couldn't have forced Hamilton, intentionally or otherwise, off the track because there was a wall there. Hamilton anticipated his trajectory and braked accordingly. No harm done, no dangerous driving and no intent to do so.
The stewards decision killed the only half interesting grand prix this year and rightly caused advocates of racing to raise their arms in disgust.

As a someone whose love of the sport began with James Hunt's title win in '76, it saddens me to say F1 has lost its way in the last 10 years and is now in danger of disappearing up its own arsehole.

Posted by: dobbo Jun 15 2019, 11:16 AM

It's a problem F1 has gone into all by itself from those very past 10 years you mention of people screaming out for clarity over what it & what isn't a penalty. This is the situation the sport is in thanks to the drivers, teams, fans you name it. Obviously no case is entirely black & white and you can never 100% be consistent across 2 incidents but the incident last weekend is a clear penalty according to the current framework. I sure as hell know if it were the other way around everyone would have been screaming for it...

I agree that it effectively killed the race but you can't implement penalties based on what keeps a non-existent title battle interesting. I always watch Palmer's analyses on the F1 YouTube channel where he compared the incident to Verstappen's at Suzuka last year and to the FIA's credit they were at least consistent. The sport has to go either zero tolerance or full tolerance or else there'll always be these kinds of debates. But on the other hand controversial decisions are what keeps all sports interesting as everyone loves to chirp in with an opinion.

And it's all well & good harping on about the good old days (believe me, I long for the days of the mid to late noughties where you had 2 or 3 teams in a position to win every weekend & title battles going all to the way to wire) but they ain't coming back anytime soon...

Posted by: Mack. Jun 15 2019, 12:26 PM

Should Leclerc fail to win a race for Ferrari this season, he will be the team's first full-time driver since Irvine (1996) not to win a race in his first season for Ferrari.

Posted by: Severin Jun 15 2019, 04:55 PM

I agree the sport has got itself into this problem and certainly the teams and FIA are majorly to blame as are - to a lesser extent - the drivers and some fans. And yes no penalty should ever be issued to keep a race exciting. We've had one sided championships before and they will inevitably come around once in a while. That's not the point. Drivers should be penalised for intentional or reckless endangerment - that's fair enough - but Vettel made a mistake, and depending on your viewpoint, recovered well and defended his line, or just about regained control of the car. Hamilton wasn't forced off the track in any way and simply needed to brake. He clearly anticipated that and even he - a known complainer - didn't make much fuss about it. The Verstappen incident is different as he was in full control of the car when he blocked Raikonnen - without any doubt a deliberate move. Hamilton's unpenalised move on Ricciardo at Monaco a few years back is a closer example and is arguably worse.

I know I also mentioned 1979 but I'm not trying to hark back to some perceived golden era. We all saw far too many drivers killed or crippled in those days and no-one wants that again, but F1 safety is second to none in motorsport. You will never totally remove the element of danger and there will always be advances in safety to match the advances in technology. All of this is fine but it is about looking forward, not back. Remembering what the core of the sport is - drivers racing each other - and making the technical regulations and the rules to protect that. If they don't then more fans will turn to other series that do

Posted by: Mack. Jun 18 2019, 01:53 PM

The latest on the Vettel penalty:

Ferrari have officially lodged a "right to review" the penalty that cost Sebastian Vettel victory in the Canadian Grand Prix.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 20 2019, 11:39 PM

Max Verstappen has defended race stewards after they received abuse on social media for issuing a penalty that cost Sebastian Vettel victory in the Canadian Grand Prix.

Vettel's five-second penalty elevated Lewis Hamilton to first place.

Red Bull driver Verstappen said race stewards were just applying the rules.

"At the end of the day, they are trying to do their job in the best way; it's not fair to say they did a bad job," the Dutchman said.


Well obviously if you are giving penalties they need to be consistent.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 21 2019, 03:54 PM

Posted by: Severin Jun 21 2019, 06:56 PM

Ferrari's challenge to Vettel's penalty has been rejected

Posted by: Severin Jun 21 2019, 07:03 PM

Having seen the incident it is unfortunate it spoiled Verstappen's rhythm but it's not really an issue and there should be no discussion at all

Posted by: Bjork Jun 23 2019, 08:41 AM

Vettel has clearly lost his mojo
great qual for Norris/Sanz

Posted by: Mack. Jun 23 2019, 02:48 PM

That's the easiest edit for the highlights team.

Lap 1 and lap 53.

Job done.

Posted by: Severin Jun 23 2019, 02:58 PM

The end of year dvd review is going to be 20 minutes long isn’t it?

Annoyingly with 2 races on today I have to miss Road America and got stuck with that nonsense

Posted by: Bjork Jun 23 2019, 03:21 PM

pity about Norris, was painful to watch the last lap

was not a bad race imho kinda enjoyed it but I'm team Sanz so that might be related

Posted by: dobbo Jun 23 2019, 06:14 PM

The Paul Ricard circuit is absolute garbage, the worst traits of every track rolled into one. Long, sweeping corners into nothingness, oceans of run-off & barely anywhere to overtake. Bring back Magny-Cours.

Posted by: Severin Jun 23 2019, 09:18 PM

Paul Ricard used to be great. A real tough circuit, it would regularly break cars, especially engines. Sadly, after Elio De Angelis was killed there they neutered it severely, even though the circuit itself wasn't to blame.

It's pretty hideous to look at now but a return to grass and gravel traps would liven it back up a bit. Always preferred it if the track punishes a mistake and not the stewards.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 24 2019, 02:29 PM

Another case of rule changes in 2020 a la like 2003?

Posted by: Mack. Jun 24 2019, 03:49 PM

The constructor's title could easily be 'effectively' over before they head into the summer break.

Posted by: dobbo Jun 24 2019, 04:28 PM

It was over the moment Ferrari turned up at Melbourne having pulled the wool over our eyes during pre-season testing.

Posted by: Severin Jun 25 2019, 10:58 AM

Just been reminded of this




Is this great racing or a slew of penalties?

Posted by: Mack. Jun 25 2019, 03:02 PM

Would be a slew of penalties and licence points taken away now. To me that was great racing.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 25 2019, 03:09 PM

Gasly again lucky to score thanks to Ricciardo's penalty.

Posted by: Bjork Jun 25 2019, 03:16 PM

but looks like Gasly's days are numbered, well not sure if true, but was reading online now how he might be replaced by Kyviat

Posted by: Mack. Jun 25 2019, 03:21 PM

Can't see that happening with him being replaced by Kvyat. If Red Bull were to replace, I would replace him with Albon not 'Torpedo'.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 25 2019, 03:57 PM

If only, we could have racing like this in Austria:

Posted by: Severin Jun 25 2019, 04:46 PM

I think I'd go for Albon too. Although Kvyat has had slightly better results this year, he's a known quantity, in that you know exactly what he can do in a Red Bull It wasn't great last time and is unlikely to have improved much. Albon however, just might rise to the challenge up at the front and it could be worth the gamble.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 27 2019, 03:06 PM

The Dutch F1 commentator says there is a lot of trouble with rating Zandvoort as a grade 1 circuit for F1. Organizations involved are surprised by the state of the circuit and how much more work than expected has to be done to make it F1 ready.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 27 2019, 03:41 PM

Could this be the worst F1 season ever in terms of entertainment since..... 2002?

Posted by: Severin Jun 27 2019, 05:30 PM

I'd argue that was better. By this stage at least 2 other teams had won races and pole position was much more open that year, especially with Montoya. Schumi didn't take too many poles that year so at least he had to work for it at the starts but yes that was dull

For me the single most depressing was watching Mansell utterly crush everything in sight in '92. Even Senna who was probably the best driver ever over a single lap only managed a single pole position and the Williams was so far ahead of everything else most weekends it was ridiculous. Nigel deserved his title but it was painful to watch. The last 8 laps of Monaco were stunning though.

I know '88 has its critics but the Senna/Prost battle was fascinating and it became probably the most intense rivalry ever

Posted by: dobbo Jun 27 2019, 06:23 PM

2002 was the year before I started following F1 religiously so I can't comment on how I felt at the time but I can't personally see how at this stage it was better then. I've watched some clips of the infamous Austrian GP that year and Schumacher was leading the standings by 27 points after only round 6. That's absolutely ridiculous (would be the equivalent of Hamilton currently leading by nearly 70 points although I'm aware the points system is rather different now). The title that year was also over with 6 races left to go, there's no chance that would happen now even if it was Hamilton/Bottas 1-2s all the way from here.

Ferrari could very easily have won 2 maybe 3 races this year. No one else barely got a look in 2002. Hamilton does has a very strong chance of matching Schumi's record of standing on the podium at every single race however!

Posted by: Mack. Jun 27 2019, 10:51 PM

Formula E boss with his view on F1:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/48790669

Posted by: Severin Jun 27 2019, 11:31 PM

I agree the stats are depressing and many of the results were but the perspective and expectation is the difference. In 2002 initially there was still plenty of goodwill towards Ferrari’s resurgence and Schumacher in general. With Häkkinen retired he was finally back on top. Nobody minded too much initially. Montoya was quite exciting and a potential rival and other teams were actually winning races.
Austria was horrible because it was so unjust and so blatant and there was rightly anger. Does anyone really care when. Bottas cedes the position lately? Doesn’t feel the same.
Two of the key factors though are reliability (these there’s rarely more than 3 -4 cars out) and the clear team heirarchy. Merc, Ferrari, RB, Renault, McLaren/Haas, no-one cares. In 2002 if nothing else you never knew who would finish behind Schumacher. This year they all finish and it’s pretty good easy to guess the order to a high degree

That’s why it’s duller. And that’s without going into DRS and why it’s killing racing


Oh yeah a Ferrari had been dominant for 1 season. Merc have been for 4 years

Posted by: Mack. Jun 28 2019, 02:39 PM

The opening practice sessions in Austria had more drama than France, Canada (except for the post-race), Monaco, Spain, Azerbaijan, China, Australia put together.

Posted by: Mack. Jun 28 2019, 10:32 PM

The annual threat to the British Grand Prix has serviced again:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/48806595

Posted by: dobbo Jun 29 2019, 02:10 PM

Merc only 2nd & 4th? What kind of alternate universe have I woken up into today?

Posted by: Severin Jun 29 2019, 06:40 PM

Hamilton has been demoted to fifth for impeding Kimi


Great front row now and it'll be interesting to see how Hamilton responds to a challenge other than seeing how quickly he can lap Kubica.


Part of me me worries Norris will outbrake himself, collect both Leclerc and Verstappen, and the 2 Mercs will be out in front after the first corner

Posted by: Severin Jun 30 2019, 02:54 PM

Austria just threw up an old school proper Grand Prix. Best race in years.

As far as that overtake goes Verstappen had the line and was ahead. No investigation needed imho

Posted by: dobbo Jun 30 2019, 03:43 PM

However you would be feeling pretty aggrieved as a Ferrari fan with Vettel getting penalised in Canada but Max not there.

Not a penalty for me. It wasn't too dissimilar to Hamilton vs. Rosberg 3 years ago in that Max didn't begin to turn right until half way across the track. The difference here though is that Max was on full lock (whereas Rosberg was half-hearted) so it was hard but ultimately fair racing. Tough on Charles to lose a second would-be debut victory in the closing laps once again!

And yes Austria is a great, proper, old-school track so no surprise we got an exciting race. Fewer car parks like Paul Ricard & more Austrias/Canadas please.

Posted by: Severin Jun 30 2019, 05:02 PM

Pretty sure the stewards decision is taking so long because they're trying to work out how they can make Hamilton the winner

Posted by: Mack. Jun 30 2019, 07:54 PM

Verstappen keeps the win. That was probably one of his best drives. A thriller that was. Feel for Leclerc but he will win a race soon. Some good overtakes. Nothing shown in the midfield on Channel 4 highlights after showing the opening 7 laps.

And Gasly was lapped....

Posted by: Bjork Jul 1 2019, 09:41 AM

amazing race
good Verstappen wasn't penalised, nothing wrong about what he did

quite disappointing for Hamilton, not sure what happened there

great for Sanz & Norris

Posted by: dobbo Jul 1 2019, 11:26 AM

Indeed^ a lot of deserved plaudits for Norris but a big shout-out to Sainz Jr charging all the way up to 8th from 19th on the grid, went largely unnoticed!

Gasly being lapped despite being ahead of Max after turn 1 is an absolute embarrassment...

Posted by: Mack. Jul 1 2019, 11:31 AM

Is it true that Kubica was given Driver Of The Day somewhere?

Posted by: dobbo Jul 1 2019, 11:35 AM

Yes it actually is! I'm guessing it was a pity vote but I'm amazed there was that much of a percentage that went along with it ahead of the more traditionalist voters.

Posted by: Bjork Jul 2 2019, 10:11 AM

Gasly is driving very very poorly, Im amazed he's not been replaced yet... I know it's not easy being compared to Verstappen but they're not even close

Posted by: Severin Jul 2 2019, 08:17 PM

Last year Red Bull had arguably the best driver pairing on the grid. This year... not so much. Max is probably driving as well as, if not better than Lewis and without him the team might be right back in the midfield

Posted by: jakewild Jul 6 2019, 01:40 PM

i wonder if it's cos of ric leaving they've finally had an excuse / chance to actually prioritise max a bit more than they were (while pretending not to) last yr

Posted by: Mack. Jul 7 2019, 04:11 PM

The 2020 Formula 1 season will start on 15 March with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The 25th race in Melbourne, which first hosted the sport in 1996, will mark the start of F1's 70th anniversary year.

F1 chairman Chase Carey said: "The Albert Park circuit is one of the most popular on the calendar. There is no better place to start the 2020 season."

The date, the same weekend as the start of last season, was announced without any further details of the calendar.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 9 2019, 06:34 PM

Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris will remain the driver line-up for McLaren for the 2020 Formula 1 season, the team have confirmed.

Posted by: dobbo Jul 9 2019, 06:52 PM

I'm sure one of them could legitimately challenge for podium this season.

Posted by: Severin Jul 9 2019, 10:38 PM

I optimistically agree. Unfortunately there are at least six cars that are far superior right now so it's going to need some real good fortune to come true.

Posted by: jakewild Jul 10 2019, 01:51 PM

silverstone have signed a deal to keep the british grand prix until 2024

Posted by: Mack. Jul 10 2019, 03:00 PM

That it is fantastic news!!. They'll at least 1 Grand Prix live on free-to-air for the next few seasons for non-Sky subscribers in the UK!!

Posted by: Severin Jul 10 2019, 04:48 PM

And they’ve ditched that awful 3rd DRS zone this year

Posted by: dobbo Jul 10 2019, 05:04 PM

Well 5, Gasly is literally on par with the McLaren's most weekends.



Expected but still great news. I'll be attending this weekend for the first time in 12 seasons so extremely excited! (And now knowing it won't be the last one there hopefully).

Posted by: jakewild Jul 10 2019, 05:26 PM

have a good time!

Posted by: Mack. Jul 10 2019, 09:32 PM

Posted by: jakewild Jul 10 2019, 09:34 PM

they actually think they can beat red bull??

what an embarrassing tweet from them ...

Posted by: Mack. Jul 10 2019, 09:36 PM

Harsh but unfortunately true. Sad to see.

Posted by: jakewild Jul 10 2019, 09:37 PM

!!!!! stop!!!

Posted by: Mack. Jul 10 2019, 09:45 PM

It was something that came up on my feed. I'll rephrase that comment sorry.

Posted by: dobbo Jul 10 2019, 10:10 PM

Thank you



Beating Red Bull dream on but ehhhh guess they have a point with the latter - I thought they did beat them tho?

Posted by: Mack. Jul 10 2019, 10:11 PM

I think they mean at Austria.

Have a fantastic time at the British Grand Prix, dobbo.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 11 2019, 03:18 PM

Lewis Hamilton unhappy with the decision to have the Wimbledon final, Cricket World Cup Final and the British Grand Prix on the same day.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/48955483

Posted by: Mack. Jul 13 2019, 12:28 AM

Grosjean crashing at the pit lane exit in first practice.

Posted by: dobbo Jul 13 2019, 02:13 PM

SIX THOUSANDTHS f*** SAKE!

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jul 13 2019, 03:22 PM

Dunno why they’re leaving the sponsor is clearly as delusional as everyone else involved in the team. It’s a perfect fit!

Posted by: Mack. Jul 14 2019, 12:12 PM

Posted by: Mack. Jul 14 2019, 02:04 PM

Gasly paying the penalty for his invisible half-season. Moved out the way to support Max.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 14 2019, 02:15 PM

That was a stupid move from Vettel going into the back of Verstappen.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 14 2019, 02:57 PM

Good recovery by Charles, after the team screwed him on strategy again. He was the quicker Ferrari driver today, so deserves this podium. I can't help but feel bad that he doesn't have a win yet. He really deserves one. I look forward to him dicing with Max many more times in the future.

Posted by: Severin Jul 14 2019, 03:11 PM

Vettel really ought to be considering his future. He's being outperformed regularly by Leclerc and is habitually making mistakes. If a new driver delivered performances like his last 12 months' worth they'd be dropped by Ferrari. For the sake of his reputation and legacy (even though I think it's over inflated) he should probably retire from F1.

You also have to wonder how much longer Mercedes will be willing to stay in F1 given their utter dominance

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jul 14 2019, 03:19 PM

Got to wonder how much longer F1 will have an audience at all given merc's dominance. It's hideously dull.

I can't wait for this era to be over

Posted by: Mack. Jul 14 2019, 04:03 PM

Until the supposed changes in 2021....

Posted by: dobbo Jul 14 2019, 07:22 PM

Have yet to see the highlights as where I was sat didn't have a big screen but was such a great, thrilling atmosphere all the way through! Was positioned at the end of the Hangar Straight so saw plenty of the duels going into Stowe. And of course a superbly pleasing result. Thrilled for Leclerc too on the podium, I see again Ferrari attempted to screw him over in favour of Vettel but yet another blunder put pay to that I really think it's time for Seb to hang up his helmet now. He's done, finished.

Which is why it's so reassuring to see a sellout crowd at Silverstone every year no matter what. TV audiences are falling but there's no question about the passion of the hardcore fans of the Sport. They will turn up no matter what.

That said, the Red Bull & Ferrari fights were giving me everything today. We do definitely need more weekends like Austria when Merc are off the boil.

Posted by: Bjork Jul 15 2019, 05:39 AM

Dull? F1 right now is amazing
Another incredible race with so much excitement
Almost ruined by Vettel though
Shame on him, hes racing like a newie, he should step down if hes not on it

a 10 to verstappen and a 0 to vettel

also a 10 to Sanz and Leclerq was great too

Hamilton very very lucky

Posted by: Bjork Jul 15 2019, 06:08 AM

What i didnt get was the safety car after Giovinacci
Totally unnecessary
Reading the Italian papers now, they all agree hamilton won cos of ito

Posted by: Mack. Jul 15 2019, 02:56 PM

Let's see if this works,

Who would be your British GP reject of the race and why?

This can be anything from teams to drivers.

Posted by: Severin Jul 15 2019, 04:01 PM

Overall I'd go with dull as well. The last 2 races have been largely pretty damn good but the rest of the season has been tedious, with France being one of the worst in a long, long time. I actually really like Mercedes as a team as well. I mean, they've had 3 serious goes at Grand Prix racing and crushed everyone each time so you have to admire them and those old Silver Arrows were truly beautiful, BUT knowing they're going to walk away with it each weekend isn't particularly exciting.

Agree about Vettel leaving and agree yesterday's safety car was a bit over cautious (but understandable post Bianchi) and it did ruin Bottas' race, basically gifting it to Hamilton. I think he'd probably have beaten Bottas anyway but we were denied that particular thrill

Posted by: Severin Jul 15 2019, 04:12 PM

In so many ways it would Kubica every week even if it's harsh as he's such a nice guy and it is an amazing comeback but he's well out of his depth now.

That said I'm going to plump for Grosjean this weekend. he has pace at times but his decision making is awful and he managed to wipe out both Haas cars in one go.

Posted by: RabbitFurCoat Jul 15 2019, 06:13 PM

Over the last two seasons I'd started to get properly back into F1 again and was watching most of the Sky coverage. I missed a couple of the early ones this season as doing other stuff and just have had zero interest in following it recently, last 3-4 races I've just looked at the result. Whenever I've watched it's been so tedious, definitely as dull and predictable as I've ever known in the 19 years I've followed it.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 17 2019, 03:50 PM

Reject of the Race for me would be: Haas they look a complete mess at the moment, followed closely by Vettel for that move on Verstappen.

Posted by: Bjork Jul 17 2019, 07:50 PM

Im in Italy these days and the press is totally against Vettel these days, articles everywhere asking for his head

Posted by: Severin Jul 17 2019, 10:02 PM

They do this all the time to be fair, but they tend to get what they want. The hate Prost got in '91 was absurd. Then he compared the car to a truck and was gone before the next race.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 18 2019, 04:30 PM

What the championship would look like without the "Big Three"

Class B WDC (points scored in the last three races):

1. Sainz - McLaren 144 (69)
2. Räikkönen - Alfa Romeo 113 (48)
3. Ricciardo - Renault 108 (37)
4. Norris - McLaren 102 (45)
5. Perez - Racing Point 95 (18)
6. Kvyat - Toro Rosso 81 (16)
7. Hulkenberg - Renault 79 (31)
8. Albon - Toro Rosso 75 (10)
9. Magnussen - Haas 68 (0)
10. Stroll - Racing Point 67 (15)
11. Giovinazzi - Alfa Romeo 40 (13)
12. Grosjean - Haas 37 (1)
13. Russell - Williams 9 (2)
14. Kubica - Williams 2 (1)



Class B WCC:

1. McLaren 246 (114)
2. Renault 187 (68)
3. Racing Point 162 (33)
4. Toro Rosso 156 (26)
5. Alfa Romeo 153 (61)
6. Haas 105 (1)
7. Williams 11 (3)

Posted by: Mack. Jul 19 2019, 12:57 AM

The Australian Grand Prix will continue to be held at Melbourne's Albert Park until at least 2025.

If only Adelaide......

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jul 19 2019, 07:26 AM

I have a softspot for Albert Park. it's not a tilkedrome with a billion square miles of run off space

Posted by: Mack. Jul 25 2019, 10:55 AM

Maybe the weather will play a part in qualifying and the race for the German Grand Prix


https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2902852

Posted by: Mack. Jul 25 2019, 11:26 AM

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner says he is still not over the collision between Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen at the British Grand Prix.

Two weeks ago, both Haas cars were eliminated from the Silverstone race, which left Steiner exceptionally frustrated as it aimed to understand why it is struggling with its long run.

Grosjean was reverted back to the Australia-spec car for the weekend (which he will also run at Hockenheim), but the team was left with no information following the double retirement.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 26 2019, 11:22 AM

Posted by: Mack. Jul 26 2019, 03:14 PM

Posted by: Mack. Jul 26 2019, 03:33 PM

And Pierre Gasly managed to crash in second practice.

Posted by: Bjork Jul 28 2019, 07:42 AM

oh my Ferrari were really unlucky yesterday at the qualy
should be an easy one for Hamilton?

Posted by: Mack. Jul 28 2019, 10:35 AM

Posted by: dobbo Jul 28 2019, 03:10 PM

BEST RACE I'VE EVER SEEN.

Posted by: coi Jul 28 2019, 03:12 PM

Wow, did that just happen?!

Posted by: Bjork Jul 28 2019, 03:18 PM

crazy race
can it please rain at every race?

the top 6 were all amazing today, Max, Vettel, Kyviat, Stroll, Sanz and Albon

bit of bad luck for Mercedes and Lecvlerq too

did the two Haas hit each other again? I think I saw it but nothing was commented on the channel I was watching online

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jul 28 2019, 03:19 PM

God f***ing dammit nico.

Posted by: Severin Jul 28 2019, 03:21 PM

Now THAT is what F1 used to be like.

Posted by: Severin Jul 28 2019, 03:25 PM

Rather than bad luck I’d call it three drivers making mistakes and the track punished them like it should


And yes the 2 Hass cars touched but I didn’t see who was at fault

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jul 28 2019, 03:29 PM

Give me refuelling, the tyre war and we will be onto a f***ing winner. Nothing better than seeing a shattering end to merc dominance like being thoroughly dethroned at home

Posted by: Severin Jul 28 2019, 03:53 PM

Throw in tracks that punish mistakes and break cars. No car park run offs but gravel traps and grass. The occasional wall like Canada rather than Tamburello and I’m right with you.

But Mercedes’ dominance is far from over. They crushed everything until WW2 and again in the ‘50s until you the Le Mans disaster

It’ll end when they walk away

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Jul 28 2019, 04:29 PM

You’re right. And that’s so sad for the sport


Also yes, I completely agree about the circuits. Street tracks, gravel, grass all make for excellent races. The tarmac run offs are there for “safety” but I’m not sure I agree so much. There’s nothing to slow down an out of control car. Yes the gravel and grass can flip a car, but both surfaces are much softer than concrete and help absorb impact.

Posted by: Bjork Jul 28 2019, 04:37 PM

I missed a part of the race, how did Stroll end up at #4??

Posted by: Severin Jul 28 2019, 04:44 PM

Picked slicks at exactly the right moment and didn’t make any errors. Then lucked in to a safety car period.
Lead the race briefly as a result

Posted by: Mack. Jul 28 2019, 08:15 PM

And Kubica got a point.

That was one of the craziest races I've seen. Be a shame if Hockenheim wasn't on the calendar next year.

Posted by: jakewild Jul 28 2019, 08:57 PM

absolutely incredible race! my top 2 on podium plus kvyat having probably the weekend of his life with 3rd and a baby. as soon as i saw the rain and safety car laps i knew it was gonna be a good.n. that corner is such a joke tho. it really needs to be amended. there's literally no way out of it in the rain. and it's not just about the error of the drivers because so many drivers crashed out into it. really needs a change there. zero grip and very dangerous

you can just tell lew wasn't feeling it / was a bit worn down in general this weekend regardless of where he came. him coming out of the car after qual was hard to watch even as a non-fan. the fact that in his post-race interviews he wasn't even annoyed and just sorta dealt with it said a lot especially after that pit stop fiasco.

i feel so sorry for the pit crew guy who messed up the tyre tho. the front wing not being ready is totally understandable because it was damaged on the way to the pit so it was obviously not ready or prepared, but the tyre was a big schoolboy error. also i completely disagree with the 5 min time penalty for HAM. wtf??

Posted by: Bjork Jul 29 2019, 05:35 AM

just read that Raikonen and Giovinazzi got penalised so
Hamilton and Kubica are in the points

Posted by: Mack. Jul 29 2019, 10:20 PM

Alfa Romeo principal Frederic Vasseur has confirmed that the team will appeal the 30-second penalties which cost them points at the German GP.

Both Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi finished in the points after a chaotic race, but were both hit with 30-second time penalties after the stewards ruled that their clutch performance and torque delivery at the start was in breach of the regulations.

After Raikkonen and Giovinazzi finished P7 and 8 respectively, the demotions put Alfa out of the points completely, while Lewis Hamilton and Robert Kubica moved into the points.

Posted by: Mack. Jul 30 2019, 03:53 PM

Yesterday's race was the first since France 2008 not to feature a Mercedes or Renault-powered car on the podium. In that race, the podium consisted of Massa (Ferrari), Räikkönen (Ferrari), and Trulli (Toyota).

Posted by: Bjork Aug 1 2019, 09:22 AM

was reading the Italian sport papers now and theres an article today where they talk about how Hamilton offered himself to Ferrari for next year
but Ferrari said no thanks

Posted by: dandy* Aug 4 2019, 02:08 PM

This is turning into a good race again this week, I've really been enjoying them recently with the increased level of racing and overtaking.

Posted by: dandy* Aug 4 2019, 02:39 PM

This is great!!! It's so much more exciting watching Mercedes roll the dice and opt to choose to make a pit stop than the old days when we'd have just watched them circle 2 seconds apart for 50 laps!

Posted by: jakewild Aug 4 2019, 02:42 PM

they really shoulda pitted max as soon as lewis had. no way are his tyres gonna get him to the end in pole. woulda had a much better chance on fresh tyres in 2nd and more opportunities to overtake.

Posted by: dandy* Aug 4 2019, 02:44 PM

I wondered what on earth they were playing at when they pitted him but fair play to Mercedes, they actively went out there and won it (pending any problems)

Posted by: jakewild Aug 4 2019, 02:44 PM

overtaken on lap 67 is painful to watch

Posted by: coi Aug 4 2019, 02:45 PM

And sure enough there it is, well played Mercedes.

Posted by: jakewild Aug 4 2019, 02:45 PM

aye, i've gotta give it to them they really put their neck out with this one and it payed off

Posted by: dandy* Aug 4 2019, 02:49 PM

Ferrari a whole minute behind. Jeeeeez!

Posted by: coi Aug 4 2019, 02:50 PM

What an exciting end to the race, with the two Ferraris switching places right at the end too!

Posted by: dobbo Aug 4 2019, 02:55 PM

Another cracker, WHAT a call from merc there! More than makes up for last week's shenanigans. Whoops at Bottas tho, time to make way for Ocon methinks.

Ferrari nowhere as well, probably their worst season ever in terms of the expectations going into it!

Posted by: Mack. Aug 4 2019, 06:20 PM

No2 Drivers.... Bottas and Gasly must know the game is up?

Posted by: Severin Aug 4 2019, 07:04 PM

Unfortunately as Christian Horner said they'd have come out behind Lewis and with equal rubber the Mercedes was faster today. The only hope was keep it out there, pray the tyres lasted and hope Max could get through the traffic quicker. Forget about that misleading fastest lap at the end. That's one lap with all settings on full.

Posted by: Bjork Aug 5 2019, 08:06 AM

incredible race and the Mercedes strategist guy was genious, funny how Lewis doubted so much but he had to thank him in the end

amazing race for Saez, but the tv coverage mostly ignored him even though he did the last 20 laps with Gasly 0.5 seconds behind him and they never showed it on screen not for 1 nanosecond...

Gasly should have his days numbered... not sure about Bottas, he had a bad race yesterday but it was Leclerc that damaged his car and the race was too uphill after that

Posted by: Severin Aug 5 2019, 03:49 PM

Personally, I'd drop Bottas and give Ocon the seat.

Bottas is good on his day and can often qualify well but he's far too inconsistent on race day and that makes it hard to rely on him. Hamilton may be questionable when under pressure but Bottas is practically absent. There's nothing to lose by giving Ocon a go.

Posted by: Mack. Aug 5 2019, 09:25 PM

Red Bull say Pierre Gasly "desperately" needs to improve his performance in the second half of the season.

The Frenchman finished sixth in Hungary on Sunday and was lapped by team-mate Max Verstappen, who finished second.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: "Pierre really needs to take some time out during the break, reflect, and take the lessons into the second part of the year.

"We desperately need him realising more of the potential of the car."

Asked whether Red Bull may need to replace Gasly, Horner said: "Our intention is to leave him in the car to the end of the year."

Posted by: Mack. Aug 5 2019, 09:38 PM

Posted by: dobbo Aug 5 2019, 10:06 PM

The most surprising thing about that graphic for meis the contrast between the McLaren drivers. For all the (rightful) plaudits Norris is receiving Sainz is having the season of his career, very much going under the radar but he's dominating F1.5 and (embarrassingly for Gasly) is only 5pts behind the RB driver!

Posted by: Severin Aug 6 2019, 03:24 PM

Slightly misleading with Kubica. As a rule, unless someone has a grid penalty it's impossible for him to lose a place

Posted by: jakewild Aug 6 2019, 06:16 PM

absolutely

ocon needs a break and it's such a shame to no have him on the track

Posted by: Mack. Aug 8 2019, 10:08 PM

Mexico will remain on the Formula 1 calendar for three more years after a deal was agreed to expand the schedule to a record 22 races next season.

The race will change its name to the Mexico City Grand Prix from 2020.

It appears Barcelona stays and Germany is off the calendar.

Posted by: Severin Aug 8 2019, 10:50 PM

Ridiculous decision.

Much like the UN security council and Eurovision there should be five permanent, untouchable races on the calendar, that the FIA should assure have the funds to operate. Due to their importance to the sport in terms of its creation, popularity, legacy and image/reputation those 5 should be -

France
Germany
Italy
Great Britain
Monaco

Yes, they're all in Europe but that is because those 5 nations have contributed more to the creation of what we now call Formula One than any others. With the exception of Monaco the circuits don't HAVE to be the existing ones (although realistically right now they do). And I know Monaco is often a bore but it's still the most famous Grand Prix of them all.

The 2nd tier that should be protected at all costs are

Belgium
Japan
Canada
Brazil
Australia (if only we could use Bathurst)

The rest can be anywhere you like but I would like to see an African race to take the championship to every continent (Antarctica might be pushing it!)

Posted by: dobbo Aug 8 2019, 11:16 PM

Absolutely gutted to be losing Hockenheim

Posted by: Mack. Aug 12 2019, 11:40 AM

Pierre Gasly has dropped by Red Bull and they promoted Alexander Albon. Gasly will move back to Toro Rosso. Well it isn't really a surprise there.

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11783641/red-bull-drop-pierre-gasly-and-promote-alex-albon?fbclid=IwAR0Vd3n9pF0-tQgulf5mQ7DSDEt1382Yb_7AwRzspeWcjoELp3LQ3oqIdkU

Posted by: jakewild Aug 12 2019, 11:22 PM

i really hope albon does well, he has such a great character and he's just one of those guys you want to succeed

Posted by: Mack. Aug 12 2019, 11:31 PM

I thought it may be Kvyat out of the two to get a second bite of the Red Bull cherry. I 'm intrigued to see how Albon does in the Red Bull. If he can get a podium in one of the
last nine races that would be great. Potentially then three in contention for the second Red Bull seat next year? I just hope it hasn't come too soon for Albon.

Posted by: Mack. Aug 13 2019, 11:16 PM

The dominance..... of Mercedes before the summer break since 2014.

Posted by: Bjork Aug 18 2019, 08:05 AM

oh just found out about the pilot switch in red bull... surprised it hasn't been kyviat, he's done much better than albon, who hasn't showed much imho

Posted by: Bjork Aug 22 2019, 08:35 AM

so looks like Ocon will go to Renault replacing Hulkenberg
who will move to Haas replacing Grosjean (about time!!!!!)

not saure if it's fact por rumourology though

Posted by: Severin Aug 22 2019, 05:48 PM

This looks quite a cool and attractive design.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Aug 22 2019, 05:51 PM

Renault have been making moves to retain Hülkenberg

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Aug 22 2019, 05:58 PM

I quite like the look of this! Will have to see in practice if they can follow better or not but it looks like the car maybe has near-ground effect downforce coming into play with that new floor.

The upgraded wheels is good news, Michelin would only come back to the sport with them and they made some excellent race tyres

Posted by: Mack. Aug 26 2019, 07:03 PM

Nothing confirmed yet, strong rumourings though.

Posted by: dobbo Aug 26 2019, 08:00 PM

Putting Hulkenberg & Magnussen in the same team is to cause fireworks. Surely Haas aren't that daft after already having their current line-up collide on so many occasions this season.

Posted by: Mack. Aug 27 2019, 01:37 AM

Posted by: Severin Aug 27 2019, 03:09 PM

Sadly there's no chance of rain this weekend, if my weather app is to be believed

Posted by: Mack. Aug 27 2019, 03:51 PM

Confirmed that Spain will remain on the calendar for next year with Germany being dropped.

Posted by: Mack. Aug 28 2019, 07:28 PM

That crash in 1998 and in the following year, both very dramatic crashes for Villeneuve at Eau Rouge.

Posted by: Mack. Aug 29 2019, 10:35 AM

Confirmed that Bottas will stay at Mercedes for next season.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Aug 29 2019, 12:29 PM

Icon to Renault confirmed too

Posted by: Mack. Aug 30 2019, 06:03 PM

As expected Sergio Perez has signed a new three year deal with Racing Point for next season.

Posted by: jakewild Aug 30 2019, 07:32 PM

<3

Posted by: Mack. Aug 30 2019, 07:35 PM

I wonder where now for Hulkenberg next season.

Posted by: Severin Aug 30 2019, 08:31 PM

Realistically it’s Haas or Williams if he is staying although he has previous with both teams that might possibly be an issue.
I don’t see either of the Italian teams being interested

Personally I wouldn’t be bothered if Hulkenberg, Grosjean and Kubica all wound up their F1 careers for new names to come in

Posted by: Bjork Aug 30 2019, 08:46 PM

think Hulkenberg will end up in Haas replacing Grosjean

Posted by: dobbo Aug 31 2019, 02:15 PM

If Ferrari manage to f*** this one up, I can't even begin to imagine the tifosi wrath

Posted by: dobbo Sep 1 2019, 03:15 PM

Fantastic to see Leclerc finally get that maiden win & a lovely tribute to Hubert there. I think 1 more lap & Lewis would have got him but after coming so close twice it finally came home! Fair play to Seb too for a good wingman job.

What a storming drive from Albon, RBR's decision paying off instantly again. And what an absolute gutter for Norris loved all the overtaking on the Kemmel straight today.

Posted by: Bjork Sep 1 2019, 04:46 PM

great for Leclerc, totally deserved

gutted for Norris though, McLaren has had a terrible weekend

Posted by: Severin Sep 1 2019, 06:57 PM

Nice to get some good news from Spa this weekend but feel sorry for Leclerc. He deserved the win and no-one can take that away from him but it'll always be tempered with bad memories.
If you've ever heard Andretti talk about his title win in 1978 you'll know what I mean

Posted by: Mack. Sep 4 2019, 02:16 PM

Max Verstappen will start Sunday's Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid as a result of a penalty for excessive engine usage.

The Dutchman will run Honda's latest 'Spec Four' engine at Monza, which will take him over the permitted number of engine components for a season.

Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly will also run the engine with the same punishment.

Posted by: Mack. Sep 4 2019, 11:37 PM

Formula 1 has secured the future of the Italian Grand Prix until at least the end of 2024.

The new contract was announced at an event held in Milan on Wednesday to celebrate the race's 90th anniversary ahead of Sunday's grand prix at Monza.

The historic track has held 68 F1 world championship races, more than any other.

Posted by: Mack. Sep 5 2019, 02:50 PM

Seriously!, I want what "Crashtor" is having to drink for him to think that he was even considered to be a contender for a Ferrari seat. Anything to get back to the limelight.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/145781/maldonado-claims-a-ferrari-deal-was-very-close

Posted by: Mack. Sep 6 2019, 11:17 PM

Back to back wins for Leclerc in Monza? We shall see.

Posted by: Severin Sep 7 2019, 03:15 PM

Well that was a farce. Vettel aside I'm not sure anyone actually missed out that much. Which is a shame as there's been too much of this dicking about in qualifying lately. Antics like the Mercs pulling up at the end of the pit lane, drivers faking lock ups and going too slowly deserve a grid penalty far more than having to change an engine or gearbox due to an accident.

Posted by: dandy* Sep 8 2019, 01:25 PM

Vettel really is having a terrible season. Another unforced error!

Posted by: Severin Sep 8 2019, 02:52 PM

Glorious scenes.

Charles will never pay for a drink in Italy again.

Posted by: jakewild Sep 8 2019, 03:08 PM

incredible scenes indeed, never seen anything like it

Posted by: Bjork Sep 8 2019, 04:22 PM

poor Saez, he's been very unlucky for the last couple races

another 0 for Vettel, he's really at his lowest, doesn't deserve to be driving a Ferrari

Posted by: Mack. Sep 9 2019, 01:35 PM

Well that win from Leclerc reminded me of Alonso San Marino 2005 where he kept behind Schumacher for those laps and that infamous 'ITV ad break'. A great drive from Leclerc. Holding off Hamilton. Fantastic scenes to see. Vettel will he stay next year? It remains to be seen if he does that was a rookie error and managing to compromise Stroll's race as well as himself. Not often we see an 10-second stop-go penalty or the black and white flag from Leclerc. It was hard racing but was great to see.

A very solid drive from both of the Renault drivers in Ricciardo and Hulkenberg.

As for Q3, never again. Those scenes were a farce reminded me a bit of Britain 2004 Qualifying Session 1 where the teams slowed down at the finish line in order to try and get a better position before the supposed 'rain' came. This 'rain' never came.

Posted by: dobbo Sep 9 2019, 02:22 PM

That was impressive stuff from Leclerc I have to say with all that pressure, this guy is the real deal now he's got that monkey off his back in winning his first race. I do think there was an argument for a penalty for that move on Lewis as it was very similar to Vettel's on Ricciardo in Mexico 2016 which did get penalised but Ferrari have been on the wrong end of some otherwise arguable offences this season so guess it's a similar adage to football in that generally things even out over a season.

Speaking of Vettel it's now past the point of funny & you just feel sorry for the guy now. Totally blown out of the water by his teammate, even more so that at RBR in 2014 with Danny Ric. Never recovered mentally from Germany last year imo, his days at Ferrari are surely numbered if he can't get a win this year.

Don't remember this at all! Will have to look that up. That was indeed farcical scenes at the end of Q3 this year but at least it was a funny talking point.

Posted by: Mack. Sep 12 2019, 10:37 PM

Between Grosjean and Hulkenberg then for the Haas drive alongside Magnussen.

Posted by: Mack. Sep 14 2019, 09:04 AM

Williams will use Mercedes engines in Formula 1 at least until 2025.

The team, already committed to Mercedes for next season, have signed a new agreement for the following five years.

Posted by: Mack. Sep 19 2019, 01:32 PM

Some driver confirmations for you all:

Romain Grosjean (somehow) retains his Haas drive alongside Magnussen. I expect more carbon fibre broken there. Grosjean is a lucky man to be still at Haas, thought Hulkenberg would go there. Now for Hulkenberg, the seat really for him would be Alfa or even a return to Williams alongside Russell although I would think that is unlikely.

And Robert Kubica has announced that he will leave Williams at the end of the season. I give him some due to come back to F1 after that horrific rally crash back in 2011 but he did what he could in a slow car. He's finished every race.

Plug alert:

If you get any time, please can you get part in our Greatest F1 Race.

http://www.buzzjack.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=225445

Posted by: dobbo Sep 19 2019, 08:58 PM

Not looking so rosy for Hulk now then. I'm rather perplexed Grosjean has retained his seat I must say!

I really have nothing but absolute admiration for Kubica. He's already an honorary champion simply by having an F1 seat this season, an inspiration to anyone. Russell will be a star of the future but I am SO glad Kubica got that (almost certain to be) solitary point for Williams this season, itself a miraculous achievement.

Posted by: Bjork Sep 20 2019, 01:06 PM

what? how did Grosjean do that? he must have sponsors cos otherwise I can't see how the worst drive in the history of F1 can have a seat again and again

Posted by: Mack. Sep 20 2019, 06:27 PM

Posted by: Mack. Sep 21 2019, 01:50 PM

Posted by: Severin Sep 21 2019, 08:08 PM

Andrea De Cesaris says 'Hi'

Posted by: Severin Sep 21 2019, 08:09 PM

Ricciardo will start from the pit lane

Posted by: dobbo Sep 21 2019, 08:26 PM

Al Pease would be my shout! The only driver ever to be black flagged for 'driving too slowly'

Posted by: Bjork Sep 22 2019, 07:49 AM

^really? when was that? cannot recall

Posted by: Mack. Sep 22 2019, 08:54 AM

1969 Canadian Grand Prix, was 22 laps down.

Posted by: Severin Sep 22 2019, 09:23 AM

I must admit I was unaware of that.

I went for De Cesaris though because, despite him being quick at times, he was almost incapable of not crashing, and managed to have a 14 year F1 career.

Posted by: dobbo Sep 22 2019, 09:33 AM

Yes in fairness it's a bit different to compare a one-off flop to someone who unfathomably managed to have a (relatively) sustained career despite such shortfalls!

If we're using the latter as a barometer then Adrian Campos is a good shout. He actually managed to last more than season and only finished in 2 out of his 17 starts!

Posted by: Bjork Sep 22 2019, 03:36 PM

crazy race
didn't like it that much and think it was all a bit unfair for leclerq

Posted by: dobbo Sep 22 2019, 03:45 PM

It wasn't one of the better ones this season that's for sure. All a bit chess-like at the start and the 3 safety cars all came much too late when the race had already been won. Danny Ric at least provided the on-track entertainment.

I initially thought Ferrari fixed it for Vettel to win to give him some confidence back but looking at it again he was under more pressure to get back out after the stop within the appearing gap than Leclerc so it did make sense for him to pit. It was just unlucky for Leclerc but even moreso for Lewis. Merc were definitely banking on one of those safety cars being those 7 laps he led! Would have been genius had it worked but hey they aren't gonna win every race.

First time Ferrari have won 3 on the bounce since 2008 and the first time ever we've had 3 straight races in the hybrid era without Merc winning. Possibly, just possibly, the balance is shifting. Just a shame it's come when both titles are already over.

Posted by: Mack. Sep 22 2019, 08:05 PM

Missed that team radio regarding Leclerc. Channel 4 didn't show that.

Posted by: Mack. Sep 22 2019, 08:12 PM

Giovanazzi was apparently the first driver since Bottas in a Williams in 2015 to have led a lap that was not driving for Red Bull, Ferrari or Mercedes.

Posted by: dobbo Sep 22 2019, 08:17 PM

I heard them say that in the commentary but wasn't Lance Stroll leading for a bit in that crazy German GP this year? I'm guessing he didn't actually *cross* the line on any lap whilst in first but a part of me thinks they forgot about that even happening!

Posted by: Mack. Sep 22 2019, 08:22 PM

Not according to this:

https://www.statsf1.com/en/2019/allemagne/tour-par-tour.aspx

I think he may have led for about half an lap without crossing the line, Stroll.

Posted by: dobbo Sep 22 2019, 08:29 PM

Interesting resource, thanks Mack!

Posted by: jakewild Sep 23 2019, 04:05 PM

aye i thought that too,

must have just felt longer cos it felt so wrong!

Posted by: Mack. Sep 26 2019, 11:52 AM

All four drivers from the Red Bull and Toro Rosso teams will be hit with grid penalties at the Russian Grand Prix.

Engine partner Honda has decided to fit all four cars with new engines to ensure they are in the best competitive shape for the subsequent race at its home in Japan.

In Sochi, Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon and Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly drop five places on the grid.

Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat will start at the back for his home race on Sunday.

Posted by: dobbo Sep 26 2019, 12:05 PM

Loool I hope they all crash into other at Suzuka.

Posted by: Mack. Sep 26 2019, 10:47 PM

Another snooze fest in Sochi then?

Posted by: Mack. Sep 28 2019, 09:30 PM

Toro Rosso has requested a name change to AlphaTauri for 2020.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/146273/toro-rosso-requests-name-change-for-2020

Posted by: Mack. Sep 29 2019, 11:16 AM

Romain Grosjean the crash kid once again on the first lap.

Posted by: Mack. Sep 29 2019, 11:23 AM

Formation start for Ferrari. Lecelrc didn't even try to defend the inside.

Posted by: dobbo Sep 29 2019, 12:48 PM

Ferrari still finding new and creative ways to lose races.

Posted by: Mack. Sep 29 2019, 09:51 PM

Interesting.

Posted by: Mack. Oct 4 2019, 03:45 PM

If they are anything like Hispania/HRT......

https://www.racefans.net/2019/10/03/second-potential-new-f1-team-for-2021-emerges-naming-wehrlein-as-potential-driver/

Posted by: Mack. Oct 8 2019, 07:14 PM

Posted by: dobbo Oct 8 2019, 10:33 PM

Whatever happens I bloody well want to know before I set my alarm for 6am this Sunday

Posted by: Severin Oct 8 2019, 11:38 PM

Given what happened the last time a typhoon turned up at Suzuka on race weekend, I just hope the right people make the right decisions

Posted by: Mack. Oct 10 2019, 04:13 PM

FIA & FOM have already made preparations for Typhoon Hagibis. If conditions on Saturday don't allow any running the qualifying will be held on Sunday 9 a.m. local time.

I really hope qualifying is postponed given the tragic events the last time a typhoon turned up at Suzuka in 2014.

Posted by: Mack. Oct 11 2019, 12:26 AM

Daniel Ricciardo has made an out-of-court agreement to settle a legal dispute in which his former manager was claiming more than £10m.

Glenn Beavis filed a lawsuit in the London High Court in July claiming he had not been paid commissions owed to him on Ricciardo's Renault contract.

Beavis said in a statement that the pair had "reached an amicable settlement over the amounts due".

Posted by: Mack. Oct 11 2019, 11:45 AM

As expected, qualifying has been postponed until Sunday.

Posted by: Severin Oct 13 2019, 10:11 AM

Leclerc’s post race penalties are - 2 points on his licence, a 5 sec time penalty for the incident and a further 10 secs for driving the car in an unsafe manner following his refusal to pit.

He loses one position.

Posted by: dobbo Oct 13 2019, 11:10 AM

Which is precisely why he should have been penalised during the race. I'v no idea why they couldn't do that, it was about as blatant a crash as you could ever see, intentional or not. Vettel somehow escaped punishment for jumping the start despite Raikkonen doing the exact same in the last race.

Some very strange stewarding today. Albon should also have got penalised for his "move" on Norris, or at least had to let him back past. There's hard racing & then there's literally barging someone off the track.

Good watch though, definitely worth waking up for. I think Merc probably could have left Lewis at the end but I recall James to Valterri "I owe you one" in Singapore, so maybe this was it? Cost Merc a 1-2 however.

Posted by: Bjork Oct 13 2019, 02:35 PM

if it had been Magnussen or Norris instead of Leclerq, they would have been penalized instantly, the stewards are so biased it's not even funny

I'm originally from Spain so very biased here but it's a travesty how the tv coverage treats Sanz, they didn't show him even once today, despite being 5th all the time, even Sanz Senior complained after the race, it's ridiculous, no camera time, hardly any comments from the tv guys...Sanz is the best driver right now and he's being totally ignored I feel

Posted by: dobbo Oct 13 2019, 03:16 PM

I mean they're not gonna spend TV time on someone driving a lonely race to fifth are they? I agree with you though in that he's been one of the standout drivers on the grid this season. Certainly in the British media he's being generally overlooked because Norris is also impressing but on the other hand this can be seen as a positive. You generally only get attention either if you're winning races or a meme driver (Grosjean, Stroll etc.)

Posted by: Mack. Oct 13 2019, 06:38 PM

There is an official protest lodged by Racing Point against both Renault cars "pre-set lap distance-depent brake bias adjustement system.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Oct 13 2019, 07:01 PM

With a 12 page dossier. Wtf. Think I’d be questioning firstly how they assembled this much evidence without breaking the rules regarding espionage unless it’s 12 pages of dross and speculation.

Reinforces my belief that force India are pure trash though. Yay for silver linings! Probably going to turn out like the 2006 tuned mass damper incident when certain competitors tried to replicate it, couldn’t, so cried to the FIA

Posted by: Mack. Oct 14 2019, 10:11 AM

An all right race this was, Ferrari messed up again with Vettel's slow start and Leclerc's first lap clash with Verstappen.

Posted by: Mack. Oct 16 2019, 03:34 PM

Formula 1 says it has an agreement in principle with the owners of the Miami Dolphins NFL stadium to hold a race in the Florida city from 2021.

It is the latest development in an attempt by F1's owners, US firm Liberty Media, to establish a race in Miami.

The proposal features a new track layout looping around the Dolphins' Hard Rock Stadium in central Miami.

Posted by: dobbo Oct 16 2019, 03:56 PM

Sounds like a terrible idea but I'm open to being pleasantly surprised.

Posted by: Severin Oct 16 2019, 04:58 PM

Yay! Another race in the USA. And they've picked the flattest city in the country and put the circuit in a car park. Horrific memories of Vegas come flooding back.

Why oh why do this when America has stunning tracks like Watkins Glenn, Road America and Laguna Seca to offer? (I know, it's about money). Either spend the cash to make them Grade One and F1 compliant or do what COTA did and build it from scratch utilising these or other great tracks for inspiration.

Posted by: dobbo Oct 16 2019, 06:21 PM

Laguna Seca would be a dream for F1. Corkscrew corner (sans horrifying memories of getting it wrong every single time on Gran Turismo).

Posted by: Severin Oct 16 2019, 11:38 PM

The closest we'll ever get

Posted by: Mack. Oct 17 2019, 04:23 PM

The request from Scuderia Toro Rosso to be renamed Scuderia Alpha Tauri from next season has been approved.

Posted by: dobbo Oct 17 2019, 04:45 PM

That's gonna get confusing having 2 Alfa/Alpha teams...

Posted by: Mack. Oct 22 2019, 11:09 PM

We're really just waiting for the confimation of Latifi at Williams, Giovinazzi at Alfa, and Gasly and Kvyat at Alpha (ugh that sounds so wrong), aren't we?

Posted by: Mack. Oct 23 2019, 10:12 PM

Renault have been disqualified from the Japanese Grand Prix following a protest from Racing Point.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Oct 23 2019, 10:17 PM

boooooooooooo stifling real innovation. how did force india come to know about this system, there's a question of espionage outstanding here tbh

Posted by: Mack. Oct 23 2019, 10:23 PM

Yes I can see your point in possibility of espionage there. Renault still have the right to appeal the outcome.

Posted by: Mack. Oct 24 2019, 03:12 PM

Renault won't be appealing their Japanese Grand Prix disqualification.

Posted by: Severin Oct 24 2019, 05:26 PM

From what I can gather there's video feed footage of Ricciardo's car auto adjusting the brake bias without him doing anything. It's possible they spotted this in footage during the race I guess.

Despite no apparent significant advantage it's clearly a driver aid and therefore illegal though. Personally I'd like to see more of the electronic devices taken away as it reduces the challenge for the driver Pretty much all of them who have tried one have said at some point how much more fun and challenging the older F1 cars are.
When Marcus Ericsson joined Indycar he commented a few times on how much more difficult and challenging to drive the car was than F1 even with its lower cornering speeds. For me F1 needs to be the toughest test of driver skill in open wheel single seater racing. The tech is important but should not outweigh the demands on the driver. I hope 2021 rectifies this

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Oct 25 2019, 05:16 PM

Renault confirming that the case was boosted by Force India breaking sporting regulations.

Posted by: Mack. Oct 26 2019, 10:47 PM

Verstappen has been given a three place grid penalty and loses pole following not slowing down under yellows after Bottas crashed.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Oct 26 2019, 11:08 PM

Can’t really argue with that one

Posted by: Mack. Oct 27 2019, 02:04 PM

Sainz to win the F1.5 race and I'll back Perez to come through and score strongly.

Posted by: dobbo Oct 27 2019, 08:53 PM

No surprise at all that a Ferrari front low lockout leads to a merc win 1 more Lewis!

Posted by: Bjork Oct 28 2019, 06:40 AM

another present from Ferrari to Hamilton, really feel sorry for Leclerq, it's like the only thing Ferrari cares about is reviving Vettel... giving Leclerq the 2-stop strategy was dumb...
a 10 to Hamilton, a 0 to Ferrari... another 0 to Verstappen, not sure what happened to him this weekend, it's like if he regressed and was a 18-year old debutante again

Posted by: dobbo Oct 28 2019, 08:09 AM

Verstappen is getting a lot of stick but I thought he was unlucky this time! Not his fault at the start with Lewis, in fact it Lewis oversteering that caused Max to take too the grass so no one at fault there then his tangle with Bottas was super unlucky, there was like minimal contact and it was hardly a Kyvat-esque divebomb.

It is interesting to note however that since Albon became his teammates he has outscored Max!

Posted by: Bjork Oct 28 2019, 09:13 AM

but with Bottas it was Verstappen's fault, showing a total lack of maturity
he did an exaggerated overtake that he didn't have to and that costed him the puncture, his fault 1000%
same with the qualifying

Posted by: Mack. Oct 28 2019, 09:44 AM

It was nothing like the Torpedo style move from Kvyat on Hulkenberg on the last lap.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Oct 28 2019, 04:21 PM

Can’t at Kvyat complaining about his penalty. He clear as day punted him into the wall at the final corner and kicked us out of contention of points. So lucky Hulk was able to salvage it over the line so we could get something.

Posted by: Bjork Oct 28 2019, 07:54 PM

we? why you say we?

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Oct 28 2019, 10:24 PM

I dunno. It’s just a thing in English that we do when we talk about the team we support.

Posted by: Bjork Oct 29 2019, 08:55 AM

haha ok thought you were working for them lol

Posted by: Mack. Oct 31 2019, 07:54 PM

A look at the 2021 F1 car design and regulations:

https://www.planetf1.com/news/formula-1-officially-reveal-2021-car-and-regulations/

Posted by: dobbo Oct 31 2019, 09:54 PM

Those cars do look pretty damn sexy even with the halo! Let's just hope we get the sexy racing we're keep being promised.

Posted by: dobbo Nov 3 2019, 11:01 PM

6 Times. Legend.

Posted by: Severin Nov 4 2019, 12:12 AM

You gotta hand it to Mercedes. They have no equal in car design, reliability or tactics and Hamilton remains the most consistent of the top six drivers, and so deserves to win this year by default. Sadly with Bottas in the 2nd car next year is likely a foregone conclusion already. Roll on 2021

Posted by: Bjork Nov 4 2019, 09:39 AM

bit of a strange race, not sure whats going on with Ferrari
agree on Hamilton deserving it, his strategist is the best

Posted by: Mack. Nov 4 2019, 08:20 PM

Alfa Romeo will retain Italian driver Antonio Giovinazzi for a second season with the team in 2020.

Posted by: Bjork Nov 5 2019, 08:59 AM

crazy how there are all these drivers that are driving like shit, and still they got rewarded
by keeping their seat next season, Giovinazzi is one of them imho same with Magnussen, Grosjean etc

Posted by: dobbo Nov 5 2019, 10:53 AM

Giovinazzi has done better than I expected actually, outqualifying Kimi quite regularly recently. Few mistakes in races etc. but he is still effectively a rookie in his first full season so I can understand that one. How grosjean still has a seat is rather more mystifying, are there really no better options in junior formula?

Posted by: Severin Nov 5 2019, 04:28 PM

I agree Giovinnazi deserves his seat. As has been mentioned, he's still learning his craft and has out qualified and sometimes out raced Raikkonen. A man who is no slouch (even if he is passed his best). And frankly there's no better option out there right now, and I include Hulkenberg in that equation.

I also agree about Magnussen and Grosjean, and I throw Kvyat in as well

Posted by: Mack. Nov 12 2019, 01:04 AM

Formula 1 has launched a plan to become carbon neutral by 2030.

The intention is to wipe out the carbon footprint of activity at race tracks, including road and air transport of staff and equipment to the events.

F1 says it will "move to ultra-efficient logistics and travel and 100% renewably powered offices, facilities and factories" and offset emissions that cannot be cut.

F1 said as a first step it would begin carbon-reduction projects immediately.

It added that it will make all events "sustainable" by 2025, including eliminating single-use plastics and ensuring all waste is reused, recycled or composted.

And in 2021, rules will demand that the petrol used in F1 has a biofuel content of at least 10%.

Posted by: dobbo Nov 12 2019, 05:48 PM

Saw that article, interesting read, I must say.

Posted by: Mack. Nov 13 2019, 12:02 AM

Red Bull have named Alex Albon as their second driver for next season.

Posted by: Mack. Nov 14 2019, 12:12 AM

With Gasly confirmed at Toro Rosso for next season. There is only one space in the grid at Williams. Most likely Latfiti joining I would think.

Posted by: dobbo Nov 17 2019, 06:48 PM

WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED

Posted by: Severin Nov 17 2019, 07:14 PM

Well, that was great fun!

Posted by: dobbo Nov 17 2019, 07:40 PM

Kyvat & Gasly both scoring podiums for Toro Rosso before Albon does for Red Bull tho...

Definitely the best race after Germany this year. Just when you think things couldn't get any worse for Ferrari too!

Posted by: Severin Nov 17 2019, 07:56 PM

As expected, Hamilton has received a 5 second time penalty for the collision with Albon. He now drops to 7th and Sainz (also under investigation for using DRS under yellows) is 3rd.

Both Ferrari drivers have been summoned to the stewards too.

Posted by: dobbo Nov 17 2019, 08:02 PM

So 2 drivers earning their first ever podiums on the same race. Must be the first time that has happened for SOME time.

Sainz going from 20th to 3rd, absolutely a candidate for driver of the season.

Posted by: Bjork Nov 17 2019, 08:09 PM

craziest race ever
if in recent races Ferrari deserved a 0 already, this time they deserve a -20, it's totally the team's fault

but super happy with Sanz, #3 would be amazing, hope they confirm it

Posted by: dobbo Nov 17 2019, 08:11 PM

Just a shame he wasn't able to celebrate it! Reminiscent of Alex Wurz at Imola 2005.

Posted by: dandy* Nov 17 2019, 08:12 PM

Great race today! Felt so sorry for Albon , it's a real shame that happened so close to the end for him.

Vettel is really past his best these days, yet another mistake!

Posted by: Mack. Nov 17 2019, 08:13 PM

Worth a evening watch tonight...

Posted by: Mack. Nov 17 2019, 08:15 PM

Posted by: Severin Nov 17 2019, 08:28 PM

Not sure you can really blame Ferrari for Vettel's mistake, unless the argument is that they can't manage their drivers correctly. They had no fresh tyres left meaning there wasn't any value in pitting him, so it's not a strategic error.

Posted by: dobbo Nov 17 2019, 08:38 PM

It was 100% Vettel's fault. He was pissed off that Leclerc managed to catch up after a 12-place gap on the grid then pull a blinding move on him at turn 1, saw red mist then gave him a completely unnecessary squeeze.

In fairness though 9 times out of 10 that minor impact wouldn't have caused THAT much damage but when your lucks out...

His Italian German explosion on the team radio was hilarious.

Posted by: Bjork Nov 17 2019, 09:19 PM

it's totally the team's fault for letting them drive free and do whatever they want, the team has to decide who's the leader and there has to be strict team orders,
that would never happen in Mercedes or even McLaren... strict orders that also they have to obey and cannot just ignore, Vettel has ignore the team's orders so many times it's not even funny, it's like if orders don't apply to him and he rules the team

regarding the incident, on TV they showed how it was Vettel that squeezed Leclerq, pushing innecessarily towards him, so his fault again... at this point I really wish Ferrari would kick him out...

and regarding Albon, I think he should have been smarter and let Hamilton pass, I mean, it was clear that Hamilton was gonna go at him like. a mad man when they re-started. it was not his fight, #3 would have been also good, he should have had a clearer head and let him pass, better safe than sorry

Posted by: Mack. Nov 18 2019, 12:48 AM

Crazy end to the race that was. Vettel that was a near mirror image of Turkey 2010 when he collided with Webber. Be interesting to see what happens now at Ferrari. Hope they don't imply team orders but that will probably happen now. Pierre Gasly what a day for him. Toro Rosso's second podium of the season. Albon desperately unlucky from being punted to a spin from Lewis. I saw that Sainz got to celebrate on the rostrum in the end. What a drive from 20th to 3rd. McLaren's first podium since Australia 2014. A fourth and fifth for Alfa Romeo.

Posted by: Severin Nov 18 2019, 03:38 PM

I think the decision to leave them free to race is the correct one. With 2nd in the constructors tied up, both drivers should be free to challenge the other and fight for their position in the drivers championship. Team orders are the antithesis of what most spectators want from the sport and if you insist Vettel is number one you both upset and restrict one of the grid's most exciting and promising young drivers, relegating him to a support role and neutering his career like they did with Barrichello. With Vettel assured as number 1 he might well stick around longer and you risk losing Leclerc to a rival team if he's unhappy. Secondly, excluding yesterday's error, Vettel's performances have stepped up a gear since the summer break and Leclerc pushing him may well be much of the reason for that.

However, next year with both championships open to play for I would expect some ground rules until the constructors is decided

Posted by: Mack. Nov 18 2019, 03:45 PM

I would rather see both Ferrari drivers battle than team orders being imposed and we see a la 'Fernando, is faster than you' moment. Leclerc which echo everything Severin says is a exciting and promising young driver. I didn't expect wins this season from him but completely blown away my expectations from him.

Pierre Gasly, that was some battle on the final lap to stay in second from the fastest car on the grid. You would have got long odds on him getting a podium. I hope in 2021 and maybe next year we see those races where an midfield team gets onto the podium,

Posted by: Bjork Nov 18 2019, 07:31 PM

I think all teams should have free orders at the start of the season to see who's #1, then after a while, you need to decide and give orders just to avoid what happened yesterday, biggest disaster ever

Posted by: Severin Nov 18 2019, 08:31 PM

Posted by: dobbo Nov 18 2019, 10:13 PM

'Ever' is somewhat an exaggeration. It's hardly like it was for first and second with the titles on the line.

Im in agreement that they should let them race until one is mathematically (or at least in all but certainty a la Bottas Russia 2017) out of the running then it's perfectly acceptable. As Mack says we don't need another Fernando is fast than you or worse, Austria 2002, again! Ferrari need to actually be in a title challenge before it becomes sensible anyway.

Posted by: Mack. Nov 21 2019, 05:31 PM

Abu Dhabi- it looks great on TV but is otherwise terrible.

Posted by: Mack. Nov 28 2019, 08:44 AM

Canadian Nicholas Latifi will replace Robert Kubica in the Williams driver line-up for 2020.

Posted by: Bjork Nov 28 2019, 08:56 AM

never heard of him, but good to have a new face

Posted by: Severin Nov 28 2019, 05:59 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong but that'll make next year the first time that 2 Canadian drivers have entered a Grand Prix at the same time, since the Villeneuve brothers in 1981 (even if Jacques failed to make the start)

Posted by: Mack. Nov 28 2019, 08:22 PM

It must be, I would think, Severin.

Latifi, Bjork finished runner-up in Formula 2 this year. 2020 drivers line-up confirmed then, early once again.

Posted by: dobbo Nov 28 2019, 08:25 PM

From what I've read he's just Lance Stroll 2.0 and I'm not just saying that cos he's Canadian with his first F1 drive in a Williams. Super rich father and doesn't even have the junior achievements Stroll does! Not that it makes much difference when he'll be driving at the back next season with blue flags waving at him every lap...

Hopefully he can prove a decent challenge for Russell though at least.

Posted by: Mack. Nov 28 2019, 10:44 PM

No junior series titles. 4 seasons in GP2/Formula Two. Stroll well he won European Formula 3.

Posted by: Mack. Nov 30 2019, 09:10 PM

Ferrari.....

Screw up again.

Posted by: Bjork Dec 2 2019, 07:39 AM

excellent finish for Hamilton
glad Sanz grabbed the point he needed and ends up #6 this year
also glad Versteppen is 3rd of the year beating both Ferrari
and deservedly that Leclerq is ahead of Vettel

Posted by: Severin Dec 9 2019, 11:23 PM

Courtesy of motorsport.com


Russian Grand Prix officials are confident that the future of the race is not under threat, despite a global ban on the country hosting major sporting events.
On Monday, Russia was handed a four-year ban from all major sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for widespread breaching of doping regulations.

The ban, on athletes taking part in events and the country hosting contests, applies to all bodies that WADA considers to be a Major Event Organisation.

Motor racing's governing body, the FIA, is classified as such in WADA documents, so events organised by it appear to fall under this jurisdiction.

According to a WADA statement, Russia is clear about the penalties handed down in terms of events.

It stated: "Russia may not host in the Four-Year Period or bid for or be granted in the Four-Year Period, the right to host (whether during or after the Four-Year Period) any editions of the Major Events."

However, there is an exemption for events that have already been agreed – such as the Russian GP – and that may not be possible to cancel because of contractual clauses.

"Where the right to host a Major Event in the Four-Year Period has already been awarded to Russia, the Signatory must withdraw that right and re-assign the event to another country, unless it is legally or practically impossible to do so," added WADA.

Russia has 21 days to appeal against the ban and, if it does so, the matter will then go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The Rosgonki company that organises the Russian GP has faith that there are no circumstances under which the race can be cancelled, as it has a firm contract in place.

A statement from the organisers given to Motorsport.com said: "The contract for the Russian round of the Formula 1 World Championship was signed back in 2010, long before the circumstances being investigated by WADA. It is valid until 2025, and the Russian round is included in the FIA international sports calendar for 2020.

"If, after an appeal, the WADA wording on the cancellation of a major event, provided that it is legally and practically possible, remains the same and refers to the Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix, there is no legal and technical possibility to withdraw and reassign the Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix to another country.

"We are confident that the Russian Grand Prix will take place in 2020 and subsequent years. We invite everyone to Sochi and ticket sales are in full swing."

Russian athletes who can prove that they were not implicated in the non-compliance of doping regulations are still allowed to compete in major events, but will not be allowed to use the Russian flag.

The FIA and F1 have been contacted for a comment regarding the implications of the WADA ban.

Posted by: CaptainMackxmas Dec 9 2019, 11:28 PM

We'll see what happens there. I wouldn't miss Sochi if it weren't in the calendar next year. Just never been a circuit that has appealed to me. What happened to India and South Korea?? That was an expensive mess wasn't it?

Posted by: dobcember Dec 10 2019, 12:21 AM

And what about Daniil Kvyat I wonder?!

Posted by: Severin Dec 10 2019, 07:44 PM

I wouldn't miss Sochi either. Bring back Malaysia or Turkey from the modern circuits.


Kvyat will be fine but may have to race as a neutral I guess.


Also, the banking at Zandvoort looks brilliant

Posted by: CaptainMackxmas Dec 10 2019, 07:48 PM

Formula 1 teams have unanimously rejected the tyres proposed by supplier Pirelli for the 2020 season.

The Italian company had hoped the new design would be a step forward in plans to introduce less sensitive tyres, on which drivers can push and race harder.

But at a test in Abu Dhabi last week, teams preferred the 2019 tyres.

Pirelli said it was convinced of the changes in the 2020 tyres but understood that other factors were involved.

Posted by: CaptainMackxmas Dec 23 2019, 02:41 PM

Charles Leclerc has signed a new five-year contract with Ferrari until 2024.

Posted by: 5 Silas Frøkner Dec 23 2019, 03:55 PM

The sooner Sochi disappears from the calendar the better. Can it take Borhrain and Abu Dullbi with it?

Posted by: CaptainMackxmas Dec 23 2019, 04:03 PM

I wouldn't miss those tracks that's for sure. Bring back Istanbul to replace them.

Posted by: dobcember Dec 23 2019, 07:42 PM

Agree on Abu Dhabi but I'd let Bahrain pass. Despite not intrinsically being what would be considered an exciting circuit it does throw up a decent race every now & then. Paul Ricard is the absolute MUST get rid of, and I wouldn't miss Catalunya either.

Posted by: CaptainMackxmas Dec 23 2019, 11:07 PM

Paul Ricard and Barcelona yes those wouldn't be missed off the calendar. Paul Ricard races does help with my sleep though.

Posted by: Severin Dec 24 2019, 11:06 AM

Paul Richard has about a gazillion different layouts and they’re apparently looking at some of its alternatives in the future. Put the run offs back to grass or gravel and get rid of that chicane and it could return to former glories.

I’d definitely lose Abu Dhabi too.
Fortunately Vietnam and Zandvoort are looking good for next year.

Posted by: Bjork Dec 24 2019, 11:24 AM

nice for Leclerq

Posted by: Bjork Dec 24 2019, 11:41 AM

Ferrari only needs to get rid of Vettel now

Posted by: Mack. Dec 31 2019, 11:40 PM