32 minutes ago, Dobbo said:

Nah this wasn't on Mclaren that was super unlucky for Norris for the VSC to be called just after he passed the pits and just before Kimi & Max got there.

if anything the McLaren pit wall should have committed to Lando staying out even with getting screwed over by the VSC instead of trying to course correct and pit him. We saw that middle stint from him where he was getting fastest laps, he could have easily extended that gap long enough to where the threat of being undercut wouldn’t matter

Madring- The lovechild in terms of entertainment of Valencia, Sochi.

People were complaining about all the overtakes at Monza and now they're complaining about the lack of them at Madrid, F1 can't win really. Actually I watched this great video a few weeks back that pretty much sums it up:

12 hours ago, Cody DiLaurentis said:

if anything the McLaren pit wall should have committed to Lando staying out even with getting screwed over by the VSC instead of trying to course correct and pit him. We saw that middle stint from him where he was getting fastest laps, he could have easily extended that gap long enough to where the threat of being undercut wouldn’t matter

I personally think he'd have still finished 3rd even with extending although he would have at least went down the Leclerc route of hoping for a 2nd VSC to gain back the advantage...

A SPRINT RACE IN MONACO. I AM AGOG!!!

Portugal & Turkey though we do approve ❤️

The expansion to 10 sprints is ridiculous given it remains a largely unpopular format with fans. Still money talks and they seem determined to alienate long term fans anyway.

On the flip side it does mean I will spend less time watching F1 over 10 race weekends so at least there's that.

The return of Turkey and Portugal is good news of course but there are still crap circuits like Abu Dhabi, Miami, Vegas and Madrid to consider skipping.

Confirmation also F1 races will be 15km shorter from next year.

This is the first significant change in the modern era that's really left a sour taste in my mouth because once they change it once, where does it stop? Eventually the races will all be sprints at this rate...

15km shorter why??

Hadjar confirmed to be returning for Baku

Just glad Lawson got a redemption ark at Red Bull tbh

16 hours ago, Mack. said:

15km shorter why??

Because they've made a complete hash of the new regulations (I'll let Racefans explain it better than I could) -

The change has been made necessary as a result of the alterations to the 2027 engine rules which were agreed soon after this season began. After teams realised the current rules forced cars to slow significantly at most circuits to save electrical energy, teams agreed to increase the proportion of combustion power for next year.

As this change will lead to an increase in fuel flow and consumption, some teams faced having to redesign their cars for next year to a greater extent than they originally intended in order to complete existing race distances under the new rules. To avoid this, the FIA has instead agreed to shorten races.

That's the official line but I think the underlying reason is to gradually appeal more and more to the short-format, low-attention span generation of viewers coming through. They know they have to decrease it gradually though as to not give the game completely away.

Domenicali and Liberty have already proven they don't need an excuse to mess around with the format. The rules issue is what is forcing the action but you can bet they are happy about it.

The absolute lack of crtitical long term thinking that is going on in F1 right now is beyond belief.

By the way everyone, don't forget Azerbaijan GP is a day early this year

Isack Hadjar is to stay at Red Bull as Max Verstappen's team-mate for the 2027 season.

Very few spaces left for potential rookies in 2027 then. Think the only potential spaces would be Haas (I think Ocon will leave with Rafael Camara the likely replacement), and a spot at Aston Martin if Alonso does retire (although not sure who the likely replacement would be, they could forgo a rookie and give it to Tsunoda).

Just now, Brett-Butler said:

Very few spaces left for potential rookies in 2027 then. Think the only potential spaces would be Haas (I think Ocon will leave with Rafael Camara the likely replacement), and a spot at Aston Martin of Alonso does retire (although not sure who the likely replacement would be, they could forgo a rookie and give it to Tsunoda).

It has been reported that Haas will announce that Ocon won't be driving for them next year. At Aston Martin, of course Stroll will have until his Dad stops helping him financially. I expect Racing Bulls to keep both Lindblad and Lawson for next year. Alonso depends if he goes or not. Tsunoda to Aston Martin could be an possibility.

Tsunoda to AM makes a lot of sense with the Japan/Honda ties but can't see Alonso packing it in quite yet.

Probably be just Camara replacing Ocon and nothing else changes. Although if Tsolov wins the F2 title I could definitely see Racing Bulls brutally binning off Lawson despite his strong season.