The Formula 1 Stuff Thread

[MBKF1]

VetteIfan said:

MBKF1 said:

So a podium of HAM, ROS, VET in that order will secure it for Lewis?

Wow, that's been quite a common podium this year, fingers crossed!

Fingers crossed? If he doesn't win it at COTA he'll still win it in Mexico. And if he somehow doesn't win it there, he'll win it in Brazil. You don't need to cross any fingers. 

I don't know, I just think it'd be cool for him to get it at COTA, it seems such a cool place to win it :p. 

[VetteIfan]

MBKF1 said:

VetteIfan said:

MBKF1 said:

So a podium of HAM, ROS, VET in that order will secure it for Lewis?

Wow, that's been quite a common podium this year, fingers crossed!

Fingers crossed? If he doesn't win it at COTA he'll still win it in Mexico. And if he somehow doesn't win it there, he'll win it in Brazil. You don't need to cross any fingers. 

I don't know, I just think it'd be cool for him to get it at COTA, it seems such a cool place to win it :p. 

If I was a fan of his I think I would find it better for him to win it in Mexico. COTA has already had a WCC claimed there before, and winning a title on a new (well, effectively new in Mexico's case) track for the first time leaves your mark on it for history.

It's the way I kind of think of it anyway. In reality it really doesn't matter :L

[f1since08]

Latest in the Red Bull engine saga is that they have approached Honda for an engine, but McLaren have a contractual veto in their contract over any additional teams getting engines.

Also, apparently Red Bull are recruiting a lot of engineers. They may buy ICEs from Renault or Cosworth and build their own hybrid system around it.

[VetteIfan]

This is just bizarre on so many levels. It pretty much confirms that Red Bull were bluffing with their quit threats. If they're willing to go to Honda, that shows they're trying to stay in the sport by any means neccesary, and that they're not going to quit just because of an uncompetitive engine, like what was said by Mateschitz. If McLaren are smart they shouldn't have a problem with supplying Red Bull if it's only for one year, like AMuS are reporting. The Honda engine is not going to be a winner next year, so more cars just means more development mileage for the power unit. 

It's interesting though that Red Bull consider Honda a better option than Renault for next year. And actually I can kind of see where they're coming from. Honda have clearly had the worst PU this year, but at least they've constantly tried to develop it and have shown some progress. Renault have spent the whole year and nearly ALL of their engine tokens creating an upgrade for this weekend in COTA, for it only to bring a (reported) 0.15 seconds of pace to the car. With this in mind, maybe RB think by the start of next year the Honda will have actually overtaken the Renault, due to their pathetic development pace.

[Chadwick8505]

Yeah it really shows that Red Bull are just bluffing to leave; when really they'll take anything just to race, as long as they can still whine. If I were Honda and McLaren, I'd allow it, especially for just a year. It will develop the engine a lot more, but McLaren will be the team to benefit the most.

I have to disagree with Red Bull refusing to use the new Renault engine. I get why they're doing it. But all year they've been complaining that Renault haven't developed, so now that Renault develop drastically, Red Bull aren't willing to test it. What do they have to lose? Grid penalties for races they'll have no hope of being competitive anyway? Seems silly.

[f1since08]

In other news, Ben Edwards has just followed me on twitter!

[buttonfan]

Within the next hour or so we'll know Lotus' 2nd driver

[Chadwick8505]

And its Jolyon Palmer. http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/palmer-secures-lotus-race-seat-for-2016/

[Hughesy]

About time to, loved watching him race in GP2 https://twitter.com/skysportsf1/status/657832433136570368

[MBKF1]

Well what I think to that is...

Heart: 'Good news, another British driver in F1! Nice to see a GP2 champion finally graduate to F1'
Head: 'That seat could have gone to another younger rising star (Magnussen, Vergne, etc)'.

[Jiggy]

I like it. Palmer isn't the most impressive GP2-champion in recent memory, let's be real, but we really needed one of those GP2-champs graduate to F1. Vergne should be looking to alternatives anyway, he can't keep hanging around full-time in a series like the Formula E forever.

Magnussen is all on McLaren really. I'm usually an advocate of out with the old and in with the new and nothing against Alonso or Button, but I'd preferred if they allowed Magnussen to develop in that seat, instead of going for an allstar-lineup just to maybe beat the almighty Sauber to 8th in the WCC. And Vandoorne isn't getting a seat next season either and they won't be fighting for the championship next season either. And I'm definitely not willing to bet my life on Vandoorne getting a seat for 2017 too. That whole team is just stupid when they're not winning.

[buttonfan]

Ah well it's been a while :D  

https://twitter.com/MonsieurF1/status/655870694262206464

[f1since08]

There is a lot of speculation going on about 2 day F1 weekends, so what do we think of this schedule that I've mocked up?

Saturday

·         8:00-8:45 GP3 Practice

·         9:15-10:30 GP2 Practice

·         11:00-13:00 F1 Practice

·         13:30-14:00 GP2 Qualifying

·         14:30-15:00 GP3 Qualifying

·         15:30-16:30 GP2 Feature Race

·         17:00-17:40 GP3 Feature Race

·         18:10-18:55 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Practice

Sunday

·         8:00-8:30 Porsche Supercup Qualifying

·         9:00-9:30 GP3 Sprint Race

·         10:00-11:00 F1 Qualifying

·         11:30-12:15 GP2 Sprint Race

·         12:45-13:15 Porsche Supercup Race

·         13:30 F1 Pitlane opens

·         14:00 F1 Race

[VetteIfan]

I initially groaned when I heard about potential 2 day F1 weekends, but it may not actually be such a bad idea. Anyone who's been to an F1 event on a Friday will probably agree with me, that Friday's can get a bit boring in between sessions, because there's usually such large periods of time between seeing cars on track. Also true to a lesser extent on Saturday's. A constant stream of action for 2 days might be better for fans than a lot of heavily split up segments spread over 3 days. 

Of course I'm sure the other side of the debate will be the 'tradition' argument.

[MBKF1]

I think a 2 day event could be quite good, but, everything will have to run like clockwork in order for all the timetabled events to run on time. Any red flags in the races for example and everything will just get pushed back, and on a Friday for example, things will get tight in terms of daylight. 

The example you included there is pretty good actually, you've included everything that currently takes place. However, I think that one of the championships (probably Porsche Supercup) will have to go in order to fit everything in.

But if I had to make a timetable it would probably be something like this. Not much change but I'd have two 1 hour practice sessions for Formula 1, and I'd move the Porsche Supercup Qualifying to Saturday. This is so the Sunday is a bit less hectic and should allow for race stoppages in the support races without it having a massive effect on the rest of the day.

Saturday
- 08:15-08:45 | GP3 Practice
- 09:00-10:00 | F1 Practice 1
- 10:15-10:45 | GP2 Practice
- 11:00-11:30 | Porsche Supercup Practice
- 11:45-12:15 | GP3 Qualifying
- 12:30-13:00 | GP2 Qualifying
- 13:15-13:45 | Porsche Supercup Qualifying
- 14:00-15:00 | F1 Practice 2
- 15:15-16:00| GP3 Race 1
- 16:30-17:30 | GP2 Feature Race

Sunday
- 08:15-09:00 | GP3 Race 2
- 09:30-10:30 | F1 Qualifying
- 11:00-11:30 | Porsche Supercup Race
- 12:00-12:45 | GP2 Sprint Race
- 13:30-13:45 | Pit Lane Open
- 14:00-16:00 | F1 Race

[f1since08]

MBKF1 said:

I think a 2 day event could be quite good, but, everything will have to run like clockwork in order for all the timetabled events to run on time. Any red flags in the races for example and everything will just get pushed back, and on a Friday for example, things will get tight in terms of daylight. 

The example you included there is pretty good actually, you've included everything that currently takes place. However, I think that one of the championships (probably Porsche Supercup) will have to go in order to fit everything in.

But if I had to make a timetable it would probably be something like this. Not much change but I'd have two 1 hour practice sessions for Formula 1, and I'd move the Porsche Supercup Qualifying to Saturday. This is so the Sunday is a bit less hectic and should allow for race stoppages in the support races without it having a massive effect on the rest of the day.

Saturday
- 08:15-08:45 | GP3 Practice
- 09:00-10:00 | F1 Practice 1
- 10:15-10:45 | GP2 Practice
- 11:00-11:30 | Porsche Supercup Practice
- 11:45-12:15 | GP3 Qualifying
- 12:30-13:00 | GP2 Qualifying
- 13:15-13:45 | Porsche Supercup Qualifying
- 14:00-15:00 | F1 Practice 2
- 15:15-16:00| GP3 Race 1
- 16:30-17:30 | GP2 Feature Race

Sunday
- 08:15-09:00 | GP3 Race 2
- 09:30-10:30 | F1 Qualifying
- 11:00-11:30 | Porsche Supercup Race
- 12:00-12:45 | GP2 Sprint Race
- 13:30-13:45 | Pit Lane Open
- 14:00-16:00 | F1 Race

Hmm interesting. I did think about 15-minute gaps but they are rarely done now even with three days. Doesn't leave much time for podiums/clearing the pitlane.

[AMSKRR]

VetteIfan said:

I initially groaned when I heard about potential 2 day F1 weekends, but it may not actually be such a bad idea. Anyone who's been to an F1 event on a Friday will probably agree with me, that Friday's can get a bit boring in between sessions, because there's usually such large periods of time between seeing cars on track. Also true to a lesser extent on Saturday's. A constant stream of action for 2 days might be better for fans than a lot of heavily split up segments spread over 3 days. 

Of course I'm sure the other side of the debate will be the 'tradition' argument.

Friday for me when I go is basically a walk around the circuit (Silverstone), buying any merchandise and checking  out what's going on. Then when practice starts we just go in a grandstand and watch for a bit and then carry on. On Saturday and Sunday it's more of a, sit at club until the event starts day. I like Friday to be honest, you get to see more of the track. Walking round the track with a chair on your shoulder is a bit more inconvenient in my opinion, so Walking around on a Saturday wouldn't be great. 

Unless they qualify on Sunday, then I do not mind so much, because that basically makes Saturday the old Friday.

[MBKF1]

fIsince08 said:

Hmm interesting. I did think about 15-minute gaps but they are rarely done now even with three days. Doesn't leave much time for podiums/clearing the pitlane.

Oh yeah of course :/ Well in that case, I'd probably get rid of the Porsche Supercup and make the timetable like this.

Saturday
- 08:20-08:50 | GP3 Practice
- 09:10-09:40 | GP2 Practice
- 10:00-11:00 | F1 Practice 1
- 11:20-11:50 | GP3 Qualifying
- 12:10-12:40 | GP2 Qualifying
- 13:00-14:00 | F1 Practice 2
- 14:30-15:30 | GP2 Feature Race
- 16:15-17:00 | GP3 Race 1

Sunday
- 08:30-09:15 | GP3 Race 2
- 10:00-11:00 | F1 Qualifying
- 11:45-12:30 | GP2 Sprint Race
- 13:30-13:45 | Pit Lane Open
- 14:00-16:00 | F1 Race

[RevolvingPrawn]

Or we could just leave the schedule as it is? I like it being 3 days, it means there's 3 days I get to see F1, rather than 2.

[f1since08]

RevolvingPrawn said:

Or we could just leave the schedule as it is? I like it being 3 days, it means there's 3 days I get to see F1, rather than 2.

I'd much rather do this and introduce a cost cap. Cost cap, louder cars, faster cars, cars that can pass without DRS and harder tyres would be practically perfect.

[f1since08]

Force India are close to becoming Johnnie Walker Aston Martin Racing Mercedes:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/121578

Catchy.

[MBKF1]

As much as I would love that, I highly highly doubt that would happen, at least not until 2017.

[f1since08]

How the tyre choices will probably work in 2016: http://readmotorsport.com/2015/10/31/pirelli-confirms-introduction-wildcard-system-2016/

[Jiggy]

fIsince08 said:

Force India are close to becoming Johnnie Walker Aston Martin Racing Mercedes:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/121578

Catchy.

Alongside the team name change, it is understood the livery will become blue and gold as part of a link-up with sponsor Johnnie Walker.

[Mexicola]

Susie Wolff is outta here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/34714704

I'm not shedding any tears.

[APR193]

Only managed to score 4 points in 7 years in DTM, spent 4 years as a development driver for a team that signed/used her for publicity. When was the last time this much fuss was made about a male driver with the same sort of record she has? Probably never. Good riddance to her. Women are only necessary in the sport if they are talented enough to warrant a seat. She didn't deserve a test driver role never mind a race seat.

[MBKF1]

Yeah she didn't really win much in her career did she? It's a bit like Carmen Jorda at Lotus, has an abysmal GP3 record yet has got herself there.

Saying that, I would love to see a female driver race in an F1 race at some point, I'm sure it will happen sometime.

[f1since08]

Pirelli are testing a new ultra-soft tyre at Abu Dhabi at the end of the year, with a purple sidewall.

[couger1981]

fIsince08 said:

Pirelli are testing a new ultra-soft tyre at Abu Dhabi at the end of the year, with a purple sidewall.

Yes they asked the fans on twitter which colour is better Purple or Silver.

[f1since08]

Red Bull are sorted apparently: http://thejudge13.com/2015/11/05/exclusive-red-bull-secure-an-engine-for-2016/
Toro Rosso will use the 2015Ferrari power unit, whilst Red Bull will design their own "Infiniti" power unit. Basically, Red Bull have built an engine base at their factory where Mario Illien has been working on the Renault power unit.

So, Red Bull will have the upgraded 2015 Renault engine with tuning by Illien. It'll be coupled with a Red Bull designed ERS system.

[MBKF1]

Hmm, I'm absolutely not believing that until I see that story published on a well respected F1 site like Autosport or Motorsport.com.

[RevolvingPrawn]

MBKF1 said:

Hmm, I'm absolutely not believing that until I see that story published on a well respected F1 site like Autosport or Motorsport.com.

Agreed, we can't trust Chris now that he's a journo ;)

[MBKF1]

RevolvingPrawn said:

MBKF1 said:

Hmm, I'm absolutely not believing that until I see that story published on a well respected F1 site like Autosport or Motorsport.com.

Agreed, we can't trust Chris now that he's a journo ;)

Exactly! As I said a couple of weeks ago, he is turning into MonsieurF1since08! ;)

[AMSKRR]

Silver and white would clash too much. I don't get why that would even be a choice. 

[f1since08]

https://twitter.com/SportmphMark/status/662233799124770816

[RevolvingPrawn]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

[couger1981]

According to reports their still waiting for Renault to sign off on a unbranded engine.

[MBKF1]

http://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/reserve-test-development-drivers/stoffel-vandoorne/the-unstoffable-stoffel-vandoorne/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=StoffelVandoorneQA

So Stoffel Vandoorne is the McLaren reserve driver for 2016, just reading this little article on the McLaren website and came across this questionL

'Q: Would you rather be racing next year than be on the sidelines?'

What do they expect him to say? 'Oh no actually I'm really happy that after dominating GP2 I'm now stuck without a race seat and I'm reserve driver at this joke of a team'.
__________________________________

If he doesn't get a race seat in Formula 1 for 2017 then something is not right, this dude needs to be in F1.

[f1since08]

Quick question, who, out of the pay drivers on the grid, actually deserves a shot in F1? I'd argue that Maldonado, Gutierrez and Rossi all deserve a shot (though maybe not two for Gutierrez). Thoughts?

[MBKF1]

I think that Maldonado did deserve his break in F1 (he won GP2 after all), but shouldn't be there any more. After 5 years he has been pretty average, and he still continues to amaze me with his silly crashes and spins.

The thing that confuses me about him though is how calm and controlled his win in Spain in 2012 was. He was a completely different man that day, crazy fast, didn't crack under pressure, it was so odd.

I'd also argue that Perez is perhaps a pay driver due to his Telmex backing, but he definitely should be on the grid.

I think that Ericsson, Maldonado and Gutierrez shouldn't be on the grid next year. There are definitely other drivers who I think deserve a place instead (such as Vandoorne, Magnussen and Vergne come to mind).

Also want to wait and see how Nasr does in his second year before making up my mind on him, and also how Palmer does next year.

[f1since08]

MBKF1 said:

I think that Maldonado did deserve his break in F1 (he won GP2 after all), but shouldn't be there any more. After 5 years he has been pretty average, and he still continues to amaze me with his silly crashes and spins.

The thing that confuses me about him though is how calm and controlled his win in Spain in 2012 was. He was a completely different man that day, crazy fast, didn't crack under pressure, it was so odd.

I'd also argue that Perez is perhaps a pay driver due to his Telmex backing, but he definitely should be on the grid.

I think that Ericsson, Maldonado and Gutierrez shouldn't be on the grid next year. There are definitely other drivers who I think deserve a place instead (such as Vandoorne, Magnussen and Vergne come to mind).

Also want to wait and see how Nasr does in his second year before making up my mind on him, and also how Palmer does next year.

I'd go with that. It took Nasr a long time to get a win in GP2, so another year in F1 seems fair.

I'm also turning into a fan of Rossi so maybe I'm biased :p 

[MBKF1]

Rossi is doing a solid job so far, matching Stevens and beating him at times, I think he deserves a full season next year.

I will always support the British drivers, but aside from them I think my other two favourite drivers are Ricciardo and Verstappen. Ricciardo because he is so damn happy all the time, seems like a top bloke, superb social media videos and he's fast, and Verstappen, mainly because he's the first driver to be younger than me, as well as being quick and a future winner/champion.

[Jiggy]

fIsince08 said:

Quick question, who, out of the pay drivers on the grid, actually deserves a shot in F1? I'd argue that Maldonado, Gutierrez and Rossi all deserve a shot (though maybe not two for Gutierrez). Thoughts?

Maldonado won the GP2-championship, so deserved at least a shot. Gutierrez was way too young and it showed. Rossi doesn't, but he's an insignificant driver at an insignificant team, so I couldn't really care less if I tried. As for who deserves to be in right now? None of them really. Maldonado, despite being a race winner, is a joke of a driver. Gutierrez is about as interesting as a late 90's Sauber-lineup and Rossi always felt lightweight compared to the real talented drivers who were his rivals in GP2.

[Jiggy]

Btw, I just really want to say that Lewis is really starting to annoy the **** out of me with his recent talk about Senna this, Senna that. I'm expecting him to get visions from man from the dead any day now.

"Senna went over the limit and was involved in controversial incidents many times, what'd you think about that Lewis?"
"Oh, I'm sure that's like his Brazilian spirit coming out. We always had a connection, I always felt we were similiar."


Just come out and say you think you have Senna's dead spirit inside of you when you race, so I can officially call you insane. Dear God, he's going to be the absolute worst if he wins again next season.

[GoldenColt]

But when Vettel does the same thing with Schumi it's ok. 

[LowKeyRacer]

If Vettel says he has the dead spirit of schumi in him I think there would be a bit of an issue. :open_mouth: I dont mind the references to idols or inspirations. A lot of the time it seems to come from interviewers asking the same unoriginal questions over and over again.

[Mexicola]

GoldenColt said:

But when Vettel does the same thing with Schumi it's ok. 

You must be joking. Vettel has made it clear that Schumi was is hero but nowhere near to the level where he wanted to emulate him just has Hamilton has expressed at every opportunity he gets. Vettel's made it clear he wants to be the "new Vettel" rather than the "new Schumacher". Idolisation and outright comparison are two totally different things.

I'm sorry but if you seriously believe that Vettel does the same thing with Michael you are truly delusional.

[MBKF1]

Mexicola said:

GoldenColt said:

But when Vettel does the same thing with Schumi it's ok. 

You must be joking. Vettel has made it clear that Schumi was is hero but nowhere near to the level where he wanted to emulate him just has Hamilton has expressed at every opportunity he gets. Vettel's made it clear he wants to be the "new Vettel" rather than the "new Schumacher". Idolisation and outright comparison are two totally different things.

I'm sorry but if you seriously believe that Vettel does the same thing with Michael you are truly delusional.

Yeah I have never heard Vettel talk about Schumacher in the same way that Lewis has about Senna.

I like Lewis but as Jiggy said, it's getting a bit too much now, like the whole 'taking on the baton' and running for him and Ayrton, it's stupid really.

Just imagine when he equals Senna's pole positions...

[GoldenColt]

Seems to be working well for him in Brazil...

[f1since08]

So, most of you know that I'm an editor for Read Motorsport and that our site has been expanding. We took a big step yesterday as we got a place on the BBC F1 gossip column! http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/gossip/