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XHawkeye
January 14th, 2016, 01:03 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYmjvPrWwAETg8I.jpg:large

The news that Maldonado's Renault seat may be in doubt (https://twitter.com/GrandPrixDiary/status/687260451294556160), does not go down well everywhere...

Freude am Fahren
January 14th, 2016, 09:27 PM
Brilliant image. US GP still in limbo as far as I know.

Reynard
January 15th, 2016, 02:22 PM
Will Buxton, David Bowie & Formula 1 (http://www.racer.com/more/viewpoints/item/125207-buxton-ground-control-to-major-jean?showall=)

FaultyMario
February 2nd, 2016, 07:27 AM
Pastor Maldonado has lost his backing and has announced he will not compete in Formula 1 (anymore, I suppose), He is replaced by Kevin Magnussen at Renault.

Rare White Ape
February 3rd, 2016, 12:23 AM
Maldonaldo's ride for 2016

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/CAT-D10N-pic001.jpg

XHawkeye
February 3rd, 2016, 05:00 AM
Looks dull & boring standing still

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaSrACvWcAAkCN-.jpg:large

Welcome to Renault Sport Formula One Team @JolyonPalmer, @KevinMagnussen and @OconEsteban!

FaultyMario
February 3rd, 2016, 09:19 AM
I hope they crash and burn.

I fucking hate Ghosn with a passion. I really do.

Random
February 3rd, 2016, 10:36 AM
D10s are rad.

D11s are radder.

Don't have an opinion on Ghosn, but I'm digging the paint scheme on that car.

Alan P
February 3rd, 2016, 01:19 PM
It may be an temporary livery for testing but I quite like it too. I love the matt black panels.

MR2 Fan
February 3rd, 2016, 02:47 PM
forgive my lack of searching, are there any big aero rules changes this season?

XHawkeye
February 4th, 2016, 11:38 AM
no, TBD changes come next year.

Rare White Ape
February 4th, 2016, 12:02 PM
I'm digging the paint scheme on that car.

Hells yeah. It looks great.

CudaMan
February 4th, 2016, 06:15 PM
Too good not to share. :D

http://s3-media3.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/7tCbsLgPa1Kobf7nVUtKEA/ls.jpg

Reynard
February 5th, 2016, 04:11 PM
I don't know, I think it's a testing livery only. I've never known an F1 Renault to not be primarily yellow. Not sure they're ready to break that tradition just yet.

Freude am Fahren
February 5th, 2016, 05:07 PM
They were primarily blue for the Alonso years. Only one or two years were they yellow in their most recent stint. But yeah, I agree that's only for testing.

Alan P
February 5th, 2016, 06:46 PM
I think the blue livery was mainly to do with Mild Seven sponsorship but it is also the colour associated with Alonso's home town of Oviedo.

XHawkeye
February 6th, 2016, 04:04 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CajoRFcW4AEkjRc.jpg:large

FERRARI F1 2015 vs 2016 (https://twitter.com/f1writers/status/696061523010125826). Principales cambios en @ScuderiaFerrari segun #AutoMoto #F1

Freude am Fahren
February 6th, 2016, 04:12 PM
So looking at the Turbo set up. What is light blue, yellow (ERS-H?) and the extra pipe (wastegate dump to Atm. rather than recirc?)?

Alan P
February 6th, 2016, 07:33 PM
I know that the turbo waste gate now has to exit separately to try and generate some extra noise. The smaller top pipe in the exhaust picture. Red is the exhaust driven stage of the turbo, blue the compressor. Yellow is also the MGU-K as its attached to the turbo.

FaultyMario
February 7th, 2016, 08:21 AM
Does anybody jnow if it was the real Fred that got R/Roasted?

Godson
February 7th, 2016, 08:43 AM
I know that the turbo waste gate now has to exit separately to try and generate some extra noise. The smaller top pipe in the exhaust picture. Red is the exhaust driven stage of the turbo, blue the compressor. Yellow is also the MGU-K as its attached to the turbo.

Blue box is the intercooler

Freude am Fahren
February 7th, 2016, 11:37 AM
Ah, yes, of course. I think then the orange is the MGU-K and the Yellow MGU-H.

FaultyMario
February 12th, 2016, 10:25 AM
"Is it the silver bullet? I think it is something where there are a lot of positive contributions that go into make that decision, so it's not done for one reason, it's done for many reasons to make it something that we think is still attractive.

"I think the thing that goes against it is that it's bloody hard! In the whole debate there wasn't one big reason why we should do it, but there were a lot of medium-sized reasons why we should do it. On the contra side of the table there was the question of 'bloody hell, how are we going to do this?'

"That was the thousand pound gorilla. But there was nothing that said it couldn't be done, it was just that it hadn't been done. And that's quite fun, isn't it?"

Mercedes started work on its power unit three years before it was introduced, but Cowell admits his team had little in the way of expertise at that stage and even borrowed some ideas from Mercedes' truck department.

"There were not many of us who had worked on turbos back in 2011 when we started looking at the regulations. I think there were two people who had worked on turbos, and one of those had changed a turbo on his Subaru that had failed! It was a completely different technology and way of approaching it.

"Daimler with their truck engine division, and the turbo chargers involved in that, helped tremendously. There were several thermodynamic sizing areas where they helped and several reliability issues where they helped as well.

"Really it was a clean sheet start with lots of analysis and various architectures that could be used for the boosting and then we came up with this layout with the split assembly. There were a multitude of reasons why, but the one that made me smile the most was when people said 'where's the turbo?' because it's buried in among the internal combustion engine.

"All the bits are positioned exactly where the engine would like them to be positioned and exactly where the car would like them to be positioned. But there was an awful lot of analysis went into it -- 600 CFD simulations to get the primary design phase kicked off." (http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/14759128/mercedes-split-turbo-design-was-bloody-hard-get-right)

Mr Wonder
February 18th, 2016, 01:38 PM
So the new McLaren Honda is shaping up to be.... Worse than last year!
Serious engine problems which if not sorted by the first race will see all tokens spent just to get it to not shit itself after a thousand miles.

"Do not put money on us"

Alan P
February 18th, 2016, 03:33 PM
Reliability can be found. Power is more difficult to get.

Freude am Fahren
February 21st, 2016, 08:44 AM
Hmm, not much launch coverage this year I guess. Not really needed though as what has been revealed are mostly just liveries, and most of them are the same as old ones or temporary anyway. Testing starts tomorrow, so we'll know more then, but here's what's been shown so far.

Mercedes (Official launch at Testing):
http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/BD21/production/_88371484_newmclarenf1car_getty.jpg

Williams (Trying to make the car better in slower corners):
http://e2.365dm.com/16/02/16-9/20/williams-f1-fw38_3418139.jpg?20160219093808

Ferrari:
http://e1.365dm.com/16/02/16-9/20/ferrari-sf16-h_3418278.jpg?20160219134722

RedBull (Livery only):
http://e0.365dm.com/16/02/16-9/20/red-bull-f1_3417535.jpg?20160217220145

Force India: Probably nothing until Test Day

Renault (Livery and car will probably change they say):
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/renault-rs16-livery.jpg

Torro Rosso (back to Ferrari power): Nothing yet?

Sauber (Livery only):
http://cdn.images.autosport.com/editorial/1456057707.jpg

McLaren (things are not looking good again...):
http://cdn.images.autosport.com/editorial/1456043583.jpg

Manor (no Rossi :( ): Nothing yet?

Haas:
http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--egEFKtJI--/c_scale,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/xzwxtmslboupm0mrpp92.png

XHawkeye
February 21st, 2016, 01:02 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cbvn2wpWwAIP2oG.jpg:large

New @HaasF1Team car remind you of anything!? https://twitter.com/Duncan_Harris/status/701409096403185664

Tom Servo
February 21st, 2016, 06:44 PM
lulz

XHawkeye
February 22nd, 2016, 09:36 AM
The sound is "much" better :rolleyes:

http://blog.axisofoversteer.com/2016/02/2016-formula-one-testing-first-pictures.html

The359
February 22nd, 2016, 09:53 AM
Only the first test, but at least Haas is already on pace with Manor, despite Manor now having the super Mercedes motor, and somehow ahead of Renault.

Freude am Fahren
February 22nd, 2016, 10:39 AM
I didn't realize it until the videos, but I actually like the Ferrari livery...

Mr Wonder
February 22nd, 2016, 11:27 AM
My man in the know reckons HAAS could be one to watch this year - it's pretty much a 2015 1/2 Ferrari.

CudaMan
February 22nd, 2016, 12:37 PM
I wouldn't read too much into the first test. Teams are probably testing systems and experimenting more than going for lap time.

HAAS car looks solid but basic, aerodynamically.

McLaren have a new front suspension, otherwise they seem to be building off of last year's concept as far as aero goes. Rumor mill suggests Honda will be testing 2 different directions as far as the Power Unit, and will choose one direction to refine and go with for Melbourne.

I reckon STR has the best looking new car. The undercut as the sidepod flows into the gearbox area is nuts! Funny nobody are talking about them. I hope it's a good car so we can see Max and Carlos mixing it up closer to the front.

http://cdn-9.motorsport.com/images/mgl/2doMwz70/s8/f1-barcelona-february-testing-2016-carlos-sainz-jr-scuderia-toro-rosso-str11.jpg

http://img2.auto-motor-und-sport.de/Toro-Rosso-STR11-fuer-2016-fotoshowImage-1cfd30df-928632.jpg

XHawkeye
February 22nd, 2016, 01:24 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CbzdTlRXIAAkRdB.jpg:large

While most teams have low-key paddock buildings here for the test, @MercedesAMGF1 has its 'full monty'
https://twitter.com/ianparkesf1/status/701678990998827008

Freude am Fahren
February 22nd, 2016, 01:25 PM
I noticed the Red Bull doesn't have a single engine name on it anywhere. They are using Renault, right?

MR2 Fan
February 22nd, 2016, 01:50 PM
I noticed the Red Bull doesn't have a single engine name on it anywhere. They are using Renault, right?

They're using "TAG-Heuer"

Kchrpm
February 22nd, 2016, 02:21 PM
Only for the timing chain.

The359
February 22nd, 2016, 02:44 PM
Yeah, it's the Renault motor without any Renault badging.

Freude am Fahren
February 22nd, 2016, 03:44 PM
Only for the timing chain.

http://i.imgur.com/jPkrX.gif

http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_leut89oTFl1qf8yek.gif

Crazed_Insanity
February 22nd, 2016, 06:36 PM
So if RB wins championship, they'd be the 1st world champion watch maker?

Freude am Fahren
February 22nd, 2016, 06:48 PM
TAG was actually an "engine manufacturer" before I think, with McLaren/Porsche. But they didn't win, so yeah?

Blerpa
February 23rd, 2016, 12:44 AM
They actually did. With Lauda and Prost.

The359
February 23rd, 2016, 06:05 AM
Yeah, TAG the holding company was the badge on the McLaren Porsches. Now TAG Heuer the watch company is on Red Bull.

Godson
February 23rd, 2016, 06:57 AM
As Cuda says, the STR wind layout is crazy cool.

XHawkeye
February 23rd, 2016, 09:52 AM
#F1 #BarcelonaTest on track; #Mercedes as impressive as ever, #Ferrari quick, #RedBull impressive traction/stability, #Renault loose. @F1Photographer (https://twitter.com/F1Photographer/status/702081691763011585)



Mercedes is ridiculously smooth right now. Sends Rosberg out before flag is green - it goes green about 4s before he reaches pit exit #F1 @ChrisMedlandF1 (https://twitter.com/ChrisMedlandF1/status/702040480712945664)

samoht
February 23rd, 2016, 10:33 AM
Sadly, this radical plan to make the 2016 Championship more competitive failed when the #44 still lapped faster than any of the Renault-powered cars:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cb54eSuWEAAVnqI.jpg

XHawkeye
February 26th, 2016, 01:17 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CcD7ct5W8AE23h5.jpg:large

The man, the legend... Fernando Alonso: King of Patience. #F1 https://twitter.com/F1Nova/status/702838037898723328

samoht
February 27th, 2016, 01:08 AM
They decided to change the qualifying format to spice things up. This year, ie in three weeks' time.

Then they realised there wasn't enough time to rewrite the software that runs qualifying.

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2016/02/f1-qualifying-bernie-ecclestone-admits-f1-not-ready-for-new-format/

Doh!

Drachen596
February 27th, 2016, 01:48 AM
that whole qualifying setup seems stupid honestly. they need to make things simpler. not more complicated.

Freude am Fahren
February 27th, 2016, 10:49 AM
My first thought when I heard about the new format was how complicated it was, not just to follow by a viewer, but for timing and scoring. Also how stupid it was. The format they have now is fine. Is this side of the rules a Bernie thing, or an FIA thing?

overpowered
February 28th, 2016, 08:57 AM
The new format seems unnecessarily complicated. I guess they want people trying hard during the whole session or something? That actually kind of sucks, particularly for teams that might be struggling with mechanical issues.

FaultyMario
February 28th, 2016, 09:49 AM
The new qualifying format is the Virgin the teams had to sacrifice to appease god Bernie, since he wanted to handicap Mercedes (basically) with winner's ballast.

Drachen596
February 28th, 2016, 11:55 AM
F1is way too restrictive for the leading technological race series anymore.

in fact i would argue that lmp racing is far more advanced and actually useful to automakers.

FaultyMario
March 1st, 2016, 10:49 AM
Rosberg set a time on Day 5 that is 0.2 slower than Vettel's best, on a compound that is 2 steps harder. So yeah, Ferrari have clawed back at Mercedes, but it seems that it won't be enough.

Rare White Ape
March 1st, 2016, 02:11 PM
F1is way too restrictive for the leading technological race series anymore.

in fact i would argue that lmp racing is far more advanced and actually useful to automakers.

You're probably not wrong there, but I do foresee a bright future of reasonably priced 1000kg hatchbacks driven by prodigiously powerful direct drive electric-turbo combustion engines, and that's mainly an F1 thing at the moment.

FaultyMario
March 2nd, 2016, 07:26 AM
From elsewhere on the internet



Haas had a turbo failure. The Ferrari engine’s main rumoured problem is strong vibration at partial throttle. So unrelated, I guess, but yeah, they do seem to have problems.
An insider said Vettel’s ultrasoft time last week was set with a detuned engine – and judging by his 24.6 on meds today, it may well be the case.

FaultyMario
March 4th, 2016, 08:40 AM
Sebastian Vettel's view on the halo:


“better to have an ugly F1 car but more drivers alive”

FaultyMario
March 4th, 2016, 08:48 AM
Also, it is rumored Mercedes did not bother to try the SS and US compounds because of excessive degradation at the abrasive Montmeló surface.

It might be that, all that fuel saving and coasting has put a blanket on the excessive tire wear they had in 2012 and 2013, and the reason why they were hampered so much in Singapore 2015 when they were forced to up their tire pressures.

overpowered
March 5th, 2016, 10:05 AM
Halo? WTF?

Rare White Ape
March 5th, 2016, 12:19 PM
This thing:

http://media.meltyxtrem.fr/article-3156520-ajust_400-f1456999066/media.jpg

http://media.meltyxtrem.fr/article-3156517-ajust_400-f1456999065/media.jpg

I can see it becoming used as just another aerodynamic device.

MR2 Fan
March 5th, 2016, 04:50 PM
:twitch:

FaultyMario
March 5th, 2016, 06:25 PM
From what I've read, it's not carbon, it's not even a mock up. It's the ugliest, most obtrusive version they could come up with to get fan reaction and driver feedback.

So yes, Michael is right, once it gets homologated it should be more aerodynamic.

Xhawkdude, any chance you can edit and add a poll? F1 threads need a poll.

Drachen596
March 6th, 2016, 01:43 AM
Can we just skip that and go full canopy like the cars the article that Daily Mail UK had in photomockups back in June?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3131978/Is-future-motor-racing-Designer-reveals-supersafe-F1-car-concepts-allow-racing-weather.html

FaultyMario
March 6th, 2016, 08:26 AM
2 main problems with canopies is that space is really limited with the post-Senna tubs, so the hardware needed for safe extraction under normal conditions is difficult to fit in there, with damage sustained from a collision it becomes more complicated. And number 2 is driver health, it is already super hot in there even with the open top.

Random
March 6th, 2016, 10:10 AM
LM cars run AC...

Freude am Fahren
March 6th, 2016, 10:20 AM
Finding room for A/C in an F1 car would be interesting. Problem with the Halo is they don't really stop a nose cone or other smaller object from getting in there are the right angle. Sure it's safer in some ways, but others? What about vision? Is the risk reward on the plus side? Would it have prevented Jules' injuries?

Alan P
March 6th, 2016, 02:36 PM
Finding room for A/C in an F1 car would be interesting. Problem with the Halo is they don't really stop a nose cone or other smaller object from getting in there are the right angle. Sure it's safer in some ways, but others? What about vision? Is the risk reward on the plus side? Would it have prevented Jules' injuries?

Mandate it in the regulations. Hell, even mandate which one from which supplier and say that it must always be powered to stop teams turning it off for that small performance boost they'll get by turning it off.

Vision doesn't affect Fighter pilots who have to look all around them, not just the 150' in front of them. The only thing I can see causing a problem is bad weather. WEC cars run wipers but Rain-X and that sort of thing should resolve that problem, although I could see a car burning oil causing a problem.

The359
March 6th, 2016, 02:45 PM
I think rubber and bug build-up might also be a problem, but then they could also use tear-offs during pit stops.

Freude am Fahren
March 6th, 2016, 03:45 PM
I was refering to the Halo in regards to vision. Of course the canopy would be better barring build-up.

Rare White Ape
March 7th, 2016, 01:02 AM
I think they look terrible and I am against them. This is because I'm a stuffy conservative purist.

And what I meant by this:

I can see it becoming used as just another aerodynamic device.
was that it affects airflow, so it comes naturally that teams will immediately try to find ways to use them to their advantage (i.e. by making them bigger or higher/lower, aerodynamically sculpted etc), and thus we will end up with round after round of protests and rule re-writes to better define their purpose and their shape.

BLEH!

Alan P
March 7th, 2016, 07:33 AM
So mandate a specific supplier in the regulations along with mounting points and dimensions? Puts that idea to bed almost immediately.

FaultyMario
March 7th, 2016, 09:52 AM
The only way Jules'd be with us is if that stupid truck wasn't there that day.

Crazed_Insanity
March 7th, 2016, 02:01 PM
It'd be much easier to mandate all trucks on track be lowered to a certain height to prevent such accidents...

CudaMan
March 7th, 2016, 03:21 PM
What would the halo have done in the Massa spring incident? Deflected the spring away? Or more directly into his eye? Or nothing?

We can't forsee all possibilities. I'm not sure on this idea yet.

MR2 Fan
March 7th, 2016, 10:41 PM
What would the halo have done in the Massa spring incident? Deflected the spring away? Or more directly into his eye? Or nothing?

We can't forsee all possibilities. I'm not sure on this idea yet.

Exactly...it's always going to be a dangerous sport.

Rare White Ape
March 8th, 2016, 04:42 AM
It'd be much easier to mandate all trucks on track be lowered to a certain height to prevent such accidents...

Not a dumb idea.

After all, from what I understand (though it may be wrong) the nosecones, sidepods and tail supports - all crash structures - are mandated to work within a certain height range, aren't they?

So install a skirt on any track vehicles that will prevent an F1 car from diving underneath if it hits one.

Although I feel this would be just another knee-jerk solution to one freak accident. But we live in a world where there is a mission to cause zero harm, and this is what we have to deal with.

Reynard
March 8th, 2016, 04:28 PM
I was refering to the Halo in regards to vision. Of course the canopy would be better barring build-up.

It won't really be a vision impediment as you're not focusing on your cars' nose at speed, rather the road ahead and the strut is so close the driver is essentially looking past it. It's like having a scratch right down the middle of your helmet face shield. At first, you might be annoyed but once your moving you and focused on the road ahead, you wouldn't even know it there.

Sure it's ugly but then I think this modern, long & skinny generation of F1 cars are all ugly to begin with so this (if implemented) won't detract from them to my eye. ;)

Freude am Fahren
March 9th, 2016, 10:25 AM
2016 USGP is officially on. They also have decided to add a rain guarantee. If they get more than 2.5 inches of rain 24 hours before the race starts, grandstand ticket holders get 105% REFUND even if the race still is held (must purchase by July 5th). Tickets are allegedly cheaper too.

However, I don't think bleachers count, and they don't have the turn 6 bleachers listed on the tickets pages, which was an awesome seat when I went, so maybe they're not putting them up this year.

I'm going to try to go again this year, after missing last year.


2016 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX Confirmed with Headlining Performance by Taylor Swift

"We are very excited to celebrate the 5th anniversary of our F1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX! To mark this momentous occasion, we're thrilled to announce Taylor Swift will headline a performance on COTA's Super Stage on Saturday, October 22. By combining the excitement of Formula 1, the anticipation of Haas F1 Team's inaugural F1 race in the U.S., the fun of the festival and a full concert by Taylor Swift, fans can enjoy the greatest sports and entertainment event of the year." - Bobby Epstein


As a loyal patron of the F1 USGP at Circuit of The Americas, we're excited to announce lower ticket prices for 2016. And, if you purchase a 3-day reserved Grandstand seat or Sunday-only reserved Grandstand seat before July 5, we will refund 105% of the value of the ticket if it rains over 2 and a half inches in the 24 hours before the start of the F1 race on Sunday. Even if the event is not cancelled, you will still receive the refund. It's our 5th year anniversary gift to you!

You also have exclusive pre-sale access to tickets before they go on sale to the general public on April 6. Your pre-sale will begin March 29 at 10 a.m. CST. A pre-sale code and direct purchase link will be emailed to you prior to March 29.

VIEW TICKET PRICING AND GET MORE INFO

If you have any immediate questions, give us a call at 512.655.6300 to speak with a friendly COTA sales representative.

Oh yeah, and this years music is Taylor Swift.. The only way that helps is if a bunch of teens' dads are like "well, I guess I'll go to check out the race"


As nice as that refund would be, if that happened, say goodbye to COTA.

Kchrpm
March 9th, 2016, 11:40 AM
I wonder if T Swizzle will help bring mainstream attention to the event, and perhaps do some buzzworthy promotional stuff leading up to it.

Godson
March 9th, 2016, 12:56 PM
I think that's the angle. T Swift will bring attention. Then some more people will be drawn naturally.

Freude am Fahren
March 9th, 2016, 01:28 PM
"How Awful Songs About Being A Vengeful Girlfriend Could Save F1" (http://blackflag.jalopnik.com/taylor-swift-will-save-formula-one-in-america-1763765838)

:lol: Best subheading ever.

Crazed_Insanity
March 9th, 2016, 02:23 PM
I kinda like Taylor Swift..., maybe I'll finally shell out the money to go to a F-1 race this year....

Rare White Ape
March 9th, 2016, 09:12 PM
Fill me in plz: what was the problem with the USGP which requires the offer of huge refunds and a kick in the dick by Tay-Tay?

Kchrpm
March 10th, 2016, 05:00 AM
The threat and reality of rain was so bad last year that they had horrid ticket sales and attendance, weren't able to make necessary payment(s) to F1, and I think the city and/or state government didn't want to help. That's off the top of my head, there's likely an article on Jalopnik or the like that's a much better source.

*checks* http://blackflag.jalopnik.com/soggy-austin-formula-one-race-was-financially-devastati-1739425942#_ga=1.238631040.1273901456.1445270859

Kchrpm
March 10th, 2016, 05:02 AM
A lack of other opportunities for Swift fans to see her perform in person should also drive up ticket sales. So far, COTA’s F1 date is the only Taylor Swift concert currently scheduled in the United States.

Well shit. Yeah, this is going to be big.

Rare White Ape
March 10th, 2016, 06:07 AM
The threat and reality of rain was so bad last year that they had horrid ticket sales and attendance, weren't able to make necessary payment(s) to F1, and I think the city and/or state government didn't want to help. That's off the top of my head, there's likely an article on Jalopnik or the like that's a much better source.

*checks* http://blackflag.jalopnik.com/soggy-austin-formula-one-race-was-financially-devastati-1739425942#_ga=1.238631040.1273901456.1445270859

I seem to have neglected the money thing.

Here, a big race such as F1 or MotoGP is largely funded by government money, so no private company foots the bill if it is a flop, it's part of the tourism and events budget for Victoria. Plus the government gets to spruik the benefits to the economy/tourism and yadda-yadda. So yeah, I shouldn't be surprised that there's no govt. funding, but I am so used to it being the case here that it slipped my mind.

That aside, the loss of ticket sales would have to be underwritten by insurance, surely?

Kchrpm
March 10th, 2016, 06:23 AM
I don't know how loss of ticket sales due to rain works. They have said that refunds are insured, I haven't seen anything about subpar ticket sales.

More to the point, though, their government funding comes from a fund that is filled by tax revenue from out-of-state attendees. If they're all going to Mexico a week later, or staying home because of a flood prediction, that fund is going to be underfunded. I don't know if that's part of the reason they switched up the formula for how they decide how much to give (they cut it from $25 million in previous years to $19.5 million (http://blackflag.jalopnik.com/future-of-austins-f1-race-reportedly-in-question-after-1741829102)).

The359
March 10th, 2016, 07:00 AM
From my recollection Texas did initially support the race but a legal change dropped that funding. I believe it was a tax issue.

Random
March 10th, 2016, 07:27 AM
I wonder how Bernie feels being the undercard to a pop concert? :D


(Probably doesn't give a shit as long as the money rolls in.)

XHawkeye
March 11th, 2016, 01:35 PM
New F1 qualifying format simply explained. (https://twitter.com/GrandPrixDiary/status/708235618959101952) <-- Open for GIF

Freude am Fahren
March 11th, 2016, 02:07 PM
:lol:

Rare White Ape
March 11th, 2016, 07:17 PM
Chortle!

overpowered
March 11th, 2016, 09:00 PM
New F1 qualifying format simply explained. (https://twitter.com/GrandPrixDiary/status/708235618959101952) <-- Open for GIFYep.

FaultyMario
March 16th, 2016, 05:43 PM
It might seem that Ferrari have made their engine a (almost) sparkless system. With technology convergence so tight, most power gains come from compression, thermal and fuel efficiencies.

Tom Servo
March 17th, 2016, 10:20 AM
Who wore it better?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cdvo5gmUUAAxu3s.jpg

Freude am Fahren
March 17th, 2016, 01:19 PM
:lol:

FaultyMario
March 17th, 2016, 09:57 PM
Cars sound significantly different on TV than last year.

Freude am Fahren
March 24th, 2016, 12:51 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CePVPDxWwAAbOfP.jpg:large

FaultyMario
March 24th, 2016, 05:26 PM
Bernie's response. (http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/24/bernie-ecclestone-f1-governance-obsolete-ill-structured)


It is not always easy to agree with you


At least it is better to think before you wish.

Dudley
March 25th, 2016, 05:22 AM
Of course the response to the drivers saying Pay TV was bad was to chose to announce that day that free coverage in the home of motorsport will be ending.

FaultyMario
March 25th, 2016, 11:04 AM
Happy to see you duds.

Just to show how outdated FOM's pay wall is, it reportedly cost Murdoch £300M for the five years of the exclusivity contract. Whereas if they had a microtransaction platform how much would they need to charge and how many subscribers would they need during those 60 months to earn more, in the UK?

At 1 million subscribers per month charging £10 they would've doubled their income.

XHawkeye
March 25th, 2016, 04:50 PM
This is F1:
Feb 24: New quali unveiled
Feb 27: 'Delayed until Spain'
Mar 6: Approved for Oz
Mar 19: Debut
Mar 20: 'Dropped'
Mar 26: Stays

https://twitter.com/f1writers/status/713296974016028676

G'day Mate
March 28th, 2016, 04:15 AM
Hi duds

XHawkeye
March 28th, 2016, 04:53 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ceohd7TWwAAl9h1.jpg:large

@HulkHulkenberg (https://twitter.com/HulkHulkenberg/status/714420298297249792): Hanging out with my new cool Crystal Sneaker by @philipppleininternational http://bit.ly/CrystalSneakers_Nico …

======

@GrandPrixDiary (https://twitter.com/GrandPrixDiary/status/714422507026120704): I hope they pay him well...

Dudley
March 31st, 2016, 10:29 AM
Hi duds

Sup.

And yes, I think it's because Bernie is now looking quite short term, he's even said only old people are rich enough for him.

But it's a huge mistake. I got into F1 through BBC TV, through cheap qualifying sessions and free winter sessions.

My family has never had Sky. If it was Sky only then would I be into F1? Or motorsport in general? Would I be a racer myself?

Certainly it's less likely. And while I don't put into F1's coffers through payTV I've been to races, I've bought any number of team related items, I only all 6 of the Codemasters games, iffy though they are...

Dudley
March 31st, 2016, 10:33 AM
It's the time of year I get to use my favourite bit of trivia.

F1 has literally never had a season where the same drivers entered every race. The nearest we came was 2008 when there were no driver changes but Super Aguri didn't enter all the races.

Today's news re:Alonso means of course that we're waiting at least a year for another chance.

Freude am Fahren
March 31st, 2016, 10:41 AM
Whoa, never thought about/realized that. Pretty crazy.

Fogelhund
March 31st, 2016, 12:49 PM
So is this just in the UK, that you can't watch F1 for free, or other parts of Europe? It's still on TV here in Canada.

Freude am Fahren
March 31st, 2016, 01:19 PM
In the US, other than a handful of races in the past two decades, it's only been available on (mostly 'premium') cable. Not subscription based, like HBO, but you at least usually had to have some kind of special sports tier to get Speedvision/SPEED. Speed was starting to find its way to basic cable just before F1 jumped ship to NBC Sports, which was in a similar position, but is now included in most cable packages that included things like ESPN or TBS, I think. But still not on free, over-the-air TV.

Blerpa
April 2nd, 2016, 12:57 AM
In Italy only HALF races are shown LIVE for Free on Rai (the italian equivalent of BBC). All the rest of the races are LIVE exclusively on Sky Italia... and you get to see them DELAYED, many hours later, on Rai.
Pretty much sucks and it could go the same way as UK in a couple of years... I've already lost quite a lot of interest last year.

The359
April 2nd, 2016, 09:28 AM
It's the time of year I get to use my favourite bit of trivia.

F1 has literally never had a season where the same drivers entered every race. The nearest we came was 2008 when there were no driver changes but Super Aguri didn't enter all the races.

Today's news re:Alonso means of course that we're waiting at least a year for another chance.

2013 was pretty close too, no driver changes until Kovalainen replaced Raikkonen at Lotus for the last two races of the season.

Crazed_Insanity
April 2nd, 2016, 10:28 AM
Cool thing about this season is that there isn't a super slow team that seemed out of place. It seems we have top team and bunch of midfield teams.

Honda is obviously improving... I'm most surprised by Haas. Was expecting this American team to perform like minardi or super aguri...

Hoping for an exciting season even with lousy qualifying rules...

The359
April 2nd, 2016, 11:13 AM
I don't think Manor is quite a midfield team. They're still the Minardi of F1.

Dudley
April 2nd, 2016, 01:09 PM
I actually think Sauber are. Manor will be clear of them once they get a little more sorted, hidden a little by the fact they have 1 driver.

The359
April 2nd, 2016, 02:51 PM
I'm thinking Sauber might not be back next year if they don't find a good pay driver, they seem to be really falling backwards.

XHawkeye
April 2nd, 2016, 04:02 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfAqSSFWwAAKlOA.jpg:large

Kimi #Raikkonen, Iceman under the fiery desert sunset, finishing P5 in FP2 #BahrainGP via: @F1Photographer

overpowered
April 3rd, 2016, 12:20 AM
I don't think Manor is quite a midfield team. They're still the Minardi of F1.Minardi is now Toro Rosso, and they're kind of not sucking lately.

FaultyMario
April 3rd, 2016, 05:35 AM
I'm thinking Sauber might not be back next year if they don't find a good pay driver, they seem to be really falling backwards.

That's my fear as well.
How is the Euro complaint going?

Godson
April 3rd, 2016, 05:34 PM
Fucking Haas F1 is standing tall! Glad to see an American team doing so well out of the gates.

Crazed_Insanity
April 3rd, 2016, 07:47 PM
Like I said, there's no more minardi or super aguri... Any midfield team could wound up at the back of the pack in qualifying or race... Manor or Sauber drivers are not always just fighting for last place!

Anyway, Haas is indeed amazing.

Has there been any new teams been this successful? Do you have such trivia info handy, Dud?

Dudley
April 3rd, 2016, 11:45 PM
Well you can get a little snobby about Haas' status given how little they design and even less build of their car, perhaps they're more correctly given the same status Super Aguri or Toro Rosso 2005-2009 or so had. I'm also obviously not going to count Brawn GP here for obvious reasons.

But if we do suspend the slight disbelief and say they built it from scratch I'd actually suggest the team they're about to put out of business, Sauber were very quick on their debut, finishing a car 5th. This being the early 90s they took another 3 races to get a car to the finish but when they did it was a 4th.

And they did it with their own engine.*

* Own engine only valid if you credit Haas with building the "Haas" car ;)

Yobbo NZ
April 4th, 2016, 03:49 AM
Would Brawn count?

Dudley
April 4th, 2016, 03:52 AM
I covered that in the post but no, not even a little bit. They were literally the Honda works team running out of the same facilities with much, much less money.

XHawkeye
April 4th, 2016, 04:40 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReVb5P0mdds

If you're got 78 minutes...
...look back at the 2008 and 2009 Formula 1 seasons when Honda pulled out of the sport. Ross Brawn and Nick Fry, after trying to find a buyer, decided to purchase the team themselves

XHawkeye
April 4th, 2016, 04:44 AM
Mercedes already have as many points as their three closest rivals put together: http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2016/04/03/2016-bahrain-grand-prix-championship-points/ … #F1

=========

#F1 beats its 2005 Bahrain track record by 0.034s but cars were 4.5s/lap slower in the race: http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2016/04/04/rosberg-becomes-eighth-driver-to-win-five-in-a-row/ …

Freude am Fahren
April 4th, 2016, 08:03 AM
The way points are distributed these days, people make too big a deal of them early in the season. 30 points (or 50 in teams) isn't a big deal two races in. That's ignoring looking at actual performance of the cars on track, but still.

Crazed_Insanity
April 4th, 2016, 10:54 AM
Okay, I don't really know the details of how Haas formed his team. I know Haas has Ferrari Engine, but other teams have Ferrari engines too, No big deal, right? Or does Haas somehow negotiated a better engine than others?

Regarding chassis, if Haas didn't build from scratch, then what was it based on? Or if he didn't build it, who did? I thought they had extensive use of Ferrari's wind tunnel... are you saying Ferrari also basically helped them build the car as well?

How about the people running team Haas? Other than Haas, are they all former experienced F-1 folks just like the drivers?

Anyway, even if answers to all my questions are 'yes', it's still pretty incredible. For sure Haas is nothing like Brawn GP, but for sure has many advantages Sauber never had.

XHawkeye
April 4th, 2016, 11:16 AM
http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2016/01/more-than-a-b-team-the-story-so-far-of-formula-1s-newest-team-haas-f1/


Haas F1 has a well-known close relationship with Ferrari that has led to the American squad being dubbed a “B-team” for the Scuderia. However, it still has to produce a number of listed parts itself in order to be considered an F1 constructor.

These are:

• Monocoque
• Survival cell
• Front-impact structures
• Roll-over structures
• Bodywork – except airboxes, exhausts, and prescribed bodywork geometries
• Wings
• Floor
• Diffuser

But the required listed parts have been drastically reduced in recent years, which allowed Haas F1 to put together its unique approach to F1. Ferrari will supply the remaining elements of the car – the power unit, gearbox and suspension (as well as smaller technical parts such as brake ducts), which reduces Haas F1’s R&D costs, while allowing the team access to proven Ferrari kit.

Chassis and aero

Long-time Italian chassis manufacturer, Dallara, is producing Haas F1’s first car and Gene Haas explained last year that he expected it to be “better” than Ferrari’s own effort.

He said: “I think our chassis is going to be substantially different in construction from the Ferrari one, because we’re just doing it separately.

“We think our chassis in some ways will be better than a Ferrari chassis because we’re using some more … I won’t say state of the art but we’re taking a different approach than Ferrari is and we think it’s probably a better design.

Haas F1’s relationship with Ferrari allowed it to use the Scuderia’s windtunnel to develop its aerodynamic concept, although the two outfits have been under scrutiny in recent months over this arrangement.

Mercedes asked the FIA to clarify the rules surrounding new teams without naming Haas F1 or Ferrari, but the governing body was satisfied no rules had been broken.

Freude am Fahren
April 4th, 2016, 11:33 AM
Wait, Haas is running pushrods right? Because Ferrari only switched to pushrod this year. So either their getting a custom bespoke suspension or the 2016 Ferrari spec, which wouldn't make sense given Gene's comments about the different chassis. A lot of people called their car basically a year old Ferrari, but that doesn't make sense at all.

Crazed_Insanity
April 4th, 2016, 12:29 PM
Thanks for the article. Very informative.

Anyway, for Grosjean to abandon the French works team for a new comer like Haas, there must be something substantial for him to make such a gamble on his career. Unless the Renault take over was just too uncertain at the time and he didn't want to wait and find out?

If I were French and I know Renault is going to re-establish a works team, there's just no way I'd give up on that and sign with a new team... even if it's the so called Ferrari B-team. Just too risky.

But Grosjean's bet certainly paid off big time so far!

XHawkeye
April 4th, 2016, 01:26 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfId1dFW8AAYSnK.jpg:large

Rosewater....so we meet again (https://twitter.com/Mattzel89/status/716668096396787712)

XHawkeye
April 4th, 2016, 01:27 PM
After two races Romain Grosjean has more points than Sebastian Vettel and I'm not talking about penality points. #F1 (https://twitter.com/f1talks/status/716690272739000320)

Godson
April 4th, 2016, 03:10 PM
What makes the rosewater so funny for Kimi, at least for me, is he does well at this track every year.

G'day Mate
April 4th, 2016, 08:48 PM
(never mind)

FaultyMario
April 5th, 2016, 04:26 AM
I really liked that Haas' strategy went the other way compared to Australia, lots of rubber snd lots of pushing in. Greatly aided by DRS passes but Grosjean did it flawlessly.

Blerpa
April 7th, 2016, 10:22 AM
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123649/formula-1-team-payments-for-2016-revealed

Ferrari will receive more money than any other team in Formula 1 for its 2015 performance despite finishing second in the championship, Autosport can reveal.
Formula One Management collates revenues from hosting fees, media rights and other streams such as trackside sponsorship and hospitality.

The 2015 total was $965m and this will be distributed across 10 teams through nine monthly payments from April with a final "check" payment - when definitive revenues have been calculated - early in 2017.
The table below details the split, divulged to Autosport in Bahrain, and shows how F1 disproportionately awards its revenues.

Column 1 payments are based on a team's classification over two of the past three years, while Column 2 payments are based solely on a team's 2015 classification.
The Column 1 pot is divided equally amongst all qualifying teams with each estimated to earn $33.5m.

Column 2 is calculated on a sliding scale from first to 10th place with first receiving 19 per cent of the fund, sixth 10 per cent and 10th four per cent.
There are constructors' championship bonus (CCB) payments for four teams - Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren, which have been agreed in separate deals.

There is also a long-standing team payment for Ferrari and other fixed prize fund payouts such as a heritage bonus for Williams and negotiated payments for Red Bull Racing and Mercedes.
Red Bull receives its extra annual payment for being the first team to sign the current bi-lateral agreement, which runs to 2020, while Mercedes will earn its bonus annually from now on after meeting its agreed target of two world championships.

1674

This year, Ferrari will earn an estimated $192m which is almost 20 per cent of the total. It's also $33m more than the team earned last year.
Ferrari's earnings consist of $87m in performance payments and $105m in historic/CCB bonuses.

Reigning champion Mercedes won 16 grands prix, including 13 one-twos, compared to Ferrari's three wins but earned just 17.7 per cent of the total fund with $171m, of which $74m consists of bonuses.

Further down the order the disparities are more glaring, with Red Bull receiving $144mm to the $87m earned by third-placed Williams, which finished ahead of it in the 2015 constructors' standings.
Sir Frank Williams's team will receive less than half that of Ferrari's total despite finishing just one place adrift in the championship.
McLaren, which finished ninth, receives a projected $82m, while fifth-placed Force India earned $67m - a situation that lays at the heart of the team's complaint to the EU Commission over what it insists is unfair competition.

Speaking to Autosport in Bahrain, FOM CEO Bernie Ecclestone admitted there had been "conversations" with the Commission over complaints filed by Force India and Sauber, which placed eighth ahead of McLaren, yet receives just $54m.
The imbalance is best illustrated by the fact that equally sharing the "pot" amongst ten teams would lead to Williams earning $96.5m rather than $87m for third place.

At $965m, the teams' payouts are nine per cent up on last year's total payout of $883m despite there being the same number of rounds (19).
However, a $35m bonus negotiated by Mercedes for a second constructors' championship is paid from a separate reserve, making the purified revenue increase $47m, or roughly five per cent.
FOM's 2015 turnover is estimated at $1.9bn, with underlying revenues estimated $1.4bn.

These are shared between FOM and the teams on an approximate 35/65 split based on terms of individual bilateral contracts that run through to 2020.

Dudley
April 7th, 2016, 11:19 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReVb5P0mdds

If you're got 78 minutes...

I heard that on the Motorsport magazine podcast. If you have any interest in what went on as Honda left, as Brawn turned up and what happened in 2009 get it, it's goddamn fascinating.

Incidentally, I don't think there's anything wrong with what Haas is doing, I'm just not fond of those rules. Either make a constructor do it properly or (and I'd actually prefer this along with free, 3rd car and single event entries), let people buy actual year old equipment and go racing.

Want a B-Team Ferrari? Let them run a pair of SF15-Ts.

FaultyMario
April 8th, 2016, 06:27 AM
Your single event entry idea (as you've previously elaborated) is one of the most effective ways to add excitement for fans, teams and sponsors. As such, it's never going to take off until B.E. is no longer the showrunner.

Oh, and now that Teams present a united front against the elimination/aggregate qualifying and have gotten their way, I fear for Bernie's revenge, as he was evidenced on his crazy on a very public level.

Dudley
April 8th, 2016, 11:11 AM
I don't think I can remember the teams universally standing up to him before. I wonder if it's a trend.

Alan P
April 8th, 2016, 12:45 PM
I wonder what Revenge Bernie will extract in the future. He doesn't like being stood up to.

Freude am Fahren
April 8th, 2016, 01:09 PM
It hurts his neck when most humans do it.

XHawkeye
April 11th, 2016, 01:38 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfiPfK6WEAIS_s3.jpg:large

😂😂😂 (https://twitter.com/nico_rosberg/status/718481907252609025)

XHawkeye
April 15th, 2016, 04:32 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CgEbdhBUEAAL8u6.jpg:large

@KevinMagnussen has been getting stick for posting this meme. Thought it was rather amusing myself. #LightenUpFolks (https://twitter.com/GrandPrixDiary/status/720887611280138240)

XHawkeye
April 16th, 2016, 05:51 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CgHMkzDWQAA0f6s.jpg:large

XHawkeye
April 16th, 2016, 05:51 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CgIjW4KW4AAZVi2.jpg:large

#Raikkonen lit up the circuit in #FP2, topping the session after taming the SF16-H via: @F1Photographer #ChineseGP

XHawkeye
April 16th, 2016, 08:22 AM
Comparison - Turn 14 (last lap in Q3): Raikkonen - Vettel - Rosberg (https://twitter.com/Gianludale27/status/721337338618621956/video/1)

Freude am Fahren
April 16th, 2016, 10:43 AM
Yeah, I was surprised to see both Ferrari's screw that up. I wonder if there was a wind shift. I thought they had a chance (though a small one) at a 1-2.

Drachen596
April 16th, 2016, 06:49 PM
Seeing some stories saying that Red Bull will be testing a canopy at Sochi.

side note to that, i wonder how much it would improve aerodynamics over the completely open cockpit.

Alan P
April 17th, 2016, 03:45 AM
Seeing some stories saying that Red Bull will be testing a canopy at Sochi.

side note to that, i wonder how much it would improve aerodynamics over the completely open cockpit.

Horner said as much to Sky Sports.

XHawkeye
April 17th, 2016, 04:37 AM
VIDEO: Who is guilty? #F1 #ChineseGp https://t.co/VHnNgfBX3m

XHawkeye
April 17th, 2016, 04:39 AM
@AxisOfOversteer (https://twitter.com/AxisOfOversteer/status/721585833677971456) F1 guys fighting like it's a spec Miata race! #ChineseGP

-------------

@EliGP (https://twitter.com/EliGP/status/721589939012530176): Vettel crashes into his teammate and overtakes two cars under the safety car. Hulkenberg investigated for driving too slowly. Makes sense.

XHawkeye
April 17th, 2016, 04:40 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CgLHat0WQAAT85v.jpg:large

Building in strength, @nico_rosberg's first pole of the season, but for a third win? via: @F1Photographer #ChineseGP

XHawkeye
April 17th, 2016, 04:41 AM
@f1writers VIDEO
"You came like a torpedo"

Yes Seb, main objective of F1 is to be the fastest car/driver! Stop moaning please! https://t.co/tTFJ251JTx

Alan P
April 17th, 2016, 06:14 AM
I never considered that. Vettel passed two cars while the safety car was out. The Pit Lane, does it count as the track?

Freude am Fahren
April 17th, 2016, 09:12 AM
That's what I was shouting at my TV (well in my head) when he did it. Who cares if it's legal in that part of pit entry (it shouldn't be), it was a full course yellow.

As for turn 1, I can't really fault Kvyat. He held that inside line, he didn't force Vettel over into Kimi. Kimi cut back assuming Vettel would do the same, not accounting for a third car on the inside. To me, I think Kimi is most at fault, and Vettel obviously had nowhere to go, except maybe slam on the brakes, but then he would have been rear ended probably, and Dani made a good move.

Crazed_Insanity
April 17th, 2016, 12:36 PM
It's a racing incident, and if one must be blamed, the one lagging the most behind should be blamed, in this case, Vettel. But in all honesty he was stuck in between a rockinen and hard charger...

XHawkeye
April 18th, 2016, 01:37 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CgSxrDHVAAAt47a.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CgSxupLUEAA1lPt.jpg:large

Kimi Raikkonen at Pudong International Airport this morning #ChineseGP #Kimi7 via @KimsterIndo

FaultyMario
April 18th, 2016, 05:46 PM
Oooh, fancy!

FaultyMario
April 25th, 2016, 04:39 AM
Why engines PUs are so darn expensive:
http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/analysis-how-jet-technology-is-shaping-f1-engine-battle-690156/

XHawkeye
April 30th, 2016, 01:55 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChPDJseWgAANNup.jpg:large

;) #F1Halo

XHawkeye
April 30th, 2016, 01:56 PM
Rosberg tomorrow in the Russian GP looking for other cars to race with (https://twitter.com/_aarava/status/726396140321705984) <--- Open for Gif

racerfink
May 1st, 2016, 04:30 AM
When did F1 adopt a 'have at it, boys' policy?

Freude am Fahren
May 1st, 2016, 09:30 AM
Also Kvyat and Sainz get the same penalty? KVY ran up the back of Seb twice, ending his race (though the second was probably partly bc of Seb losing a tire), and Carlos simply forced a car wide...

XHawkeye
May 2nd, 2016, 05:21 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChYBDchXEAEqfDc.jpg:large

Of all the people to make Kimi smile, you really wouldn't have put money on it being Vladimir Putin.

Crazed_Insanity
May 2nd, 2016, 09:20 AM
They have the same kind of smile. :D

Godson
May 2nd, 2016, 09:49 AM
Boy was vettel HOT when Kyvet hit him.

balki
May 2nd, 2016, 11:45 AM
Yeah.
I have to admit he's pretty good at cursing in English.

FaF, I thought Sainz got a drive-through while Kvyat got a 10 second stop-go. Plus the second collision didn't seem like it was his fault (at least it looked like a corner normally taken flat out).

XHawkeye
May 2nd, 2016, 01:33 PM
YEEEEEE HAWWWWWW!!!! We put the 2 car on the points ... #F1 #RussianGP (https://twitter.com/f1writers/status/727058172423331840) <--- Gif

XHawkeye
May 2nd, 2016, 01:33 PM
Yeah.
I have to admit he's pretty good at cursing in English.

FaF, I thought Sainz got a drive-through while Kvyat got a 10 second stop-go. Plus the second collision didn't seem like it was his fault (at least it looked like a corner normally taken flat out).

Video here (https://twitter.com/f1writers/status/727077493333741568)

Freude am Fahren
May 2nd, 2016, 01:55 PM
FaF, I thought Sainz got a drive-through while Kvyat got a 10 second stop-go. Plus the second collision didn't seem like it was his fault (at least it looked like a corner normally taken flat out).

Gutierrez got a drive through for hitting Hulkenburg. Sainz later got a 10-sec stop-and-go penalty for forcing one Magnussenwide, with no contact, after he made a pas and MAG was tyring to retake the position on the outside of an exit of turn 2 (3?). Unless they showed the wrong replay, or they told him to give the place back and he didn't, it seems overly harsh.

As for Kvyat, I guess they figured drive through for the first contact (like GUT), add 10 sec for the second. You certainly could argue against the second not being his fault, but maybe not a good idea to follow a ca you just rear-ended through a highspeed turn.

Blerpa
May 5th, 2016, 12:00 AM
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/124111/red-bull-replaces-kvyat-with-verstappen

Max Verstappen replaces Daniil Kvyat in Red Bull F1 line-up

"Max Verstappen will replace Danill Kvyat at Red Bull from the Spanish Grand Prix with the Russian taking the Dutchman's seat at Toro Rosso.

Kvyat collided with Sebastian Vettel for the second successive race in Russia, with the latter ending up in the wall on lap one.
After the race, Red Bull boss Horner said Kvyat "accepts he made a mistake" and apologised to the team.
But following talks, Red Bull has taken the decision to drop Kvyat in favour of Verstappen from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards.

"Max has proven to be an outstanding young talent," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

"His performance at Toro Rosso has been impressive so far and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to drive for Red Bull Racing. We are in the unique position to have all four drivers across Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso under long term contracts with Red Bull, so we have the flexibility to move them between the two teams. Dany will be able to continue his development at Toro Rosso, in a team that he is familiar with, giving him the chance to regain his form and show his potential."

Verstappen is believed to have a three-year contract with the Red Bull family, which runs until the end of 2017.
It is understood this move is seen as an opportunity to evaluate him sooner with a view to sign him longer term if he delivers."

OH!

FaultyMario
May 5th, 2016, 04:03 AM
I think that while the crash(es) at Sochi were a big part of the decision, he did after all ruin 3 RB races -his, ric's and sainz's-, it was mostly an internal morale move. Someone else in the organization must have complained about him; whether it was an engineer, another driver or an executive figure either as a result of this incident or from a previous grievance.

XHawkeye
May 5th, 2016, 05:03 AM
Dear Red Bull,

Thanks for giving us something to talk about today instead of the silly Mercedes conspiracies.

Yours,

F1 Fanatic (https://twitter.com/f1fanatic_co_uk/status/728125937821220864)

XHawkeye
May 5th, 2016, 05:05 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Chr3jrYUUAAGIxC.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Chr-yARWUAAju67.jpg

XHawkeye
May 5th, 2016, 05:06 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChrxKsBVAAAHFlX.jpg:large

@SportmphMark explains the full story behind the @redbullracing switch: http://bit.ly/1OfjZBL

IMOA
May 5th, 2016, 05:59 AM
I think red bull simply decided that the swap was inevitable so they might as well do it now.

Freude am Fahren
May 5th, 2016, 07:33 AM
Hmm, remind me how points work in this situation. I assume the driver keeps his points and takes them with him, but what about constructors? I also assume they stay with the team?

Crazed_Insanity
May 5th, 2016, 07:42 AM
Yeah, I imagine drivers get to keep their points and teams get to keep theirs...

But how are we going to resolve this in fantasy F1? I paid for a red bull driver, I don't want to end up with a toro Rosso!!!

Reynard
May 5th, 2016, 09:05 AM
I've looked through the sporting regs and could find nothing to specifically address this situation. I have to assume the same that the points earned stay where they are with both driver & constructor going forward. If anyone else wants to have look: http://www.fia.com/regulations/regulation/fia-formula-one-world-championship-110

FWIW as I never heard mention of this during the race but the second hit on Vettel IMO was because Seb lifted for Perez who was in front of him slowing & twitching all over the place with a cut tire in turn 3 and Kvyat just couldn't react in time. Of course you can say he was ultimately responsible for Perez's cut tire too which happened after being hit by Ricciardo in turn 2. I'm just not sure if two penalties were warranted myself.

Freude am Fahren
May 5th, 2016, 09:43 AM
I think Seb himself had a tire going down from the first hit. If I remember correctly, you could see the tire down when he was spinning, before hitting the wall.

Crazed_Insanity
May 5th, 2016, 11:57 AM
Kvyat caused the mayhem during the 1st hit. Rear ending somebody is not a good idea whether on track or on the road. Plus, the spot light is already on him after China. He really should've toned it down a bit..., unfortunately this was his home race... so maybe he naturally was a bit overly enthusiastic... Anyway, I think the penalties are appropriate. The initial hit was a mistake, not racing incident. You're already on the watch list... and then you caused Vettel to crash again and again and again? Hard to believe they're all racing incidents even if they really are all!

Anyway, I do believe it's stupid for RB to demote drivers like this. You might as well fire the guy if you've lost confidence in him. What would be the point of Torro Rosso inheriting a demotivated driver? Also all the previous testings by each of the drivers became null and void. Most teams wouldn't do this in mid-season and I think RB is stupid for doing something like this. Unless Max is really some super talented kid and able to adapt quickly and out perform Ricciardo..., which I seriously doubt.

I really don't like how RB treats its jr drivers with such ruthlessness. I guess RB is still kind enough to offer Kvyat a seat... and RB might as well cycle thru all of its jr drivers in its #2 seat and see how others stack up against Ricciardo.

Anyway, I just don't think such treatment to its drivers will help motivate them to perform to the max, but hopefully Max will maximize this opportunity.

balki
May 5th, 2016, 12:45 PM
Could just be an excuse to promote (and keep) Max; Ferrari are looking at having him replace Kimi next year (Mercedes may as well).
Max (and Jos the Boss) are looking for a top seat next year, RB Sr fits that bill

IMOA
May 5th, 2016, 01:13 PM
Why are people surprised? This was kinda expected in the mid season break and red bull have been clear in saying that their drivers are contracted to red bull, not the teams, and can be placed in either team at any time. Red Bull run a tough programme, they are one of the very few who support drivers based on talent rather than sponsorship and the 'stable' of drivers they support is 4 or 5 times the size of what anyone else does. They are however quite clear in that they're not looking for good drivers, they're looking for world champions and while they will give a lot of drivers a shot if the driver doesn't cut it they'll be gone. Kimi is contracted to ferrari for next year fwiw, chances of any changes now in Ferrari, red bull or mercedes is pretty slim, 2018 will be the big movement year.

Yobbo NZ
May 5th, 2016, 04:13 PM
Just like Brendon Hartley was dropped from Red Bull and did a big up yours and is now doing well with Porsche in WEC.

Blerpa
May 6th, 2016, 01:49 AM
IMOA, honestly, so far you are the only person I know that says it had seen it coming.
I agree with Billi, RB shows again its ruthless vile tactics. But it is in their rights to do so.
Surely Verstappen will jump ship if Ferrari or Mercedes (and Williams and McLaren if they will eventually up their ante and get back to ole days' glory) come up to him with a contract offer.
I mean... on a same performance base, would you win a championship with a soda millenials brand or with one of the four aforamentioned F1 legacy teams (yes, I know, Mercedes being there is stretching it a bit)? There's a right answer only.

Crazed_Insanity
May 6th, 2016, 05:20 AM
Utilizing the same RB tactic, had Vettel mated up with Ricciardo as a jr driver, within a single season, Vettel would be deemed 'not championship material' and replaced by another jr driver.

In terms of results in championship points, the crashy Russian actually out scored Ricciardo. He also got a podium ahead of Ricciardo this year. RB has a very funny measuring stick. BTW, even Max himself was surprised by this move...

FaultyMario
May 6th, 2016, 08:28 AM
Antonio Fuocco testing in Fiorano, didn't realize the F14T was that fugly.

Blerpa
May 7th, 2016, 04:11 AM
Utilizing the same RB tactic, had Vettel mated up with Ricciardo as a jr driver, within a single season, Vettel would be deemed 'not championship material' and replaced by another jr driver.

In terms of results in championship points, the crashy Russian actually out scored Ricciardo. He also got a podium ahead of Ricciardo this year. RB has a very funny measuring stick. BTW, even Max himself was surprised by this move...

I quite agree with this.
Surely politics and Verstappen's entourage have a lot to do with it.

FaultyMario
May 7th, 2016, 06:44 PM
By most accounts KVY did not beat RIC in '15. There have been some numbers leaked and whenever they both finished, RIC was nursing some sort of engine problem, it's been said that those problems cost him a couple of tenths per lap, and even with them RIC was able to match him on pace.

Somewhat related, RB's frustrations with Renault came from those issues as they felt they had a good chassis and at least one driver squeezing a lot of performance from it.

Crazed_Insanity
May 7th, 2016, 09:45 PM
Just out of curiosity, was Vettels low point count due to having more bad luck or having to nurse his car more often than Ricciardo too?

Would Vettel have a F1 career if he were paired with Ricciardo as a jr driver?

FaultyMario
May 8th, 2016, 11:34 AM
Vettel's '14 campaign was marred by 2 personal situations, becoming a father and visiting the ailing Schumacher. The latter did really take a toll.

Crazed_Insanity
May 8th, 2016, 06:12 PM
Exactly my point, who knows how many possible future champs were axed by Red Bull due to one off season or one off race...

Why not just let these jr drivers duke it out in one of their old car and pick couple of promising kids and groom them to be champions? Rather than trying to give every jr driver a chance to race and then just dump them shortly...

Plus, it is known that when you have a championship car, you don't need Senna, Alonso, or Hamilton to win races. No need to constantly introduce young rookies into F1.

FaultyMario
May 8th, 2016, 06:42 PM
Only by giving a large number of promising youngsters a chance can you find wdc material. Kvyat, JEV, Alguersauri were all solid drivers. Vettel, Ricciardo and Max are all title contenders.

Crazed_Insanity
May 9th, 2016, 09:05 AM
Ricciardo had never been a title contender, nor will Max anytime soon.

It's nice of RB to offer these young guys a shot at F-1, but I really doubt demanding people to be at their limits and not allowing them much margin for errors is a recipe for extracting their max potential. They're more like slave drivers.

Vettel was lucky to win a wet race for Torro Rosso and even luckier to be promoted to RB at the right time to win so many championships. Not saying he's undeserving, he has obviously proven himself by consistently beating Webber, but if it were Ricciardo instead of Webber, I'm willing to bet Vettel's career would be cut real short.

FaultyMario
May 9th, 2016, 10:51 AM
The problem with the the Red Bull program is that disrupts a natural process that drivers (also-rans and champions alike) have in the past needed to develop.
Where would MS be without Dekra, or Senna without Nacional? Drivers have got to learn to attract and keep personal sponsors as they climb the motorsports pyramid®

I'm sure Jean Eric Vergne could have landed a decent drive from which to rebound and become a sought-after driver, like Grosjean did, if he had the backing of Total/Elf like RoGro did. No other team does for young drivers what Red Bull does, but they do it looking after their interests, and that is both good and bad for the drivers enrolled.

FaultyMario
May 9th, 2016, 10:55 AM
Ricciardo had never been a title contender, nor will Max anytime soon.

You're looking at it the wrong way, the 2014-2017 engine-dependent formula will not stay forever.
Put either of those drivers in a 2009-2013 Brawn/Ferrari/McLaren/RedBull and they would be winning races. Like Webber, Rosberg, Massa or Button.

Crazed_Insanity
May 9th, 2016, 01:26 PM
If given such a chance, I'm sure most of those RB jr drivers could win races at any one of those top teams.

If RB could do the same with engines and dump Renault and get a Mercedes at mid-season, there's no guarantee that Ricciardo will be able to beat the Mercedes factory team. The new engine might not fit or it might upset the whole balance of the car!

A 'team' takes time to develop. Especially the driver part. It's not like other engineering updates... hey, if it doesn't work as hope, then swap it out and get a new update...

Even assuming RB's tactic really works and will quickly find the next world champ..., without a winning car, some other top team will simply pick the fruit of your labor away from you.

Be relentless at perfecting the mechanical side, sure, but can't really do this on the human side. If they keep at it... and without Adrian Newey, RB will not be able to stick around in F-1 on a long term basis.

Crazed_Insanity
May 9th, 2016, 01:32 PM
I'm sure Jean Eric Vergne could have landed a decent drive from which to rebound and become a sought-after driver, like Grosjean did, if he had the backing of Total/Elf like RoGro did. No other team does for young drivers what Red Bull does, but they do it looking after their interests, and that is both good and bad for the drivers enrolled.

That's another thing that raised my eye brows... how was Kvyat promoted to RB over JEV? What metrics did they perform to dump a driver who obviously outscored his teammate... and then promote the lower scoring teammate to take place of Vettel?

And after Kvyat out scored Ricciardo, they don't sack Kvyat, but demote him back to Torro Rosso.

Why not just get rid of him and give another Jr driver the chance?

I can't help but wondering that there are some political/business deals involved.

FaultyMario
May 10th, 2016, 04:13 AM
If RB could do the same with engines and dump Renault and get a Mercedes at mid-season, there's no guarantee that Ricciardo will be able to beat the Mercedes factory team.

He won in 2014, And he didn't need a Mercedes PU.

And before you go off on a tangent, please tell me of the last champion who didn't have a championship winning car. Alonso came close, and there's been multiple stances where the reverse is true, but you're not making a case against RB's driver development program, you're just saying you don't like it. And that's OK, most of us don't.

Alan P
May 10th, 2016, 04:56 PM
Surely by default the person who wins the Championship has a Championship winning car? :?

If you mean 'Didn't have the fastest car' then Alonso has come the closest.

The Verstappen move has little to do with Danil and a lot to do with Verstappen and his Dad. From what I've read he had a two year deal with an option on both sides that could be refused if either party wished. his Dad made no secret that unless he moved into the RB main team that he would be talking to other teams soon as he had no plans on staying at TR for yet another season. It also seems that in addition to the move 'up' he's also signed a new, improved contract which might keep him at RB even longer, possibly until the end of the 2021 season.

Crazed_Insanity
May 10th, 2016, 07:25 PM
I don't understand these teams...

If you build a fast car, the fast drivers will come. Why are they afraid of other teams stealing one of their jr driver?

If you have the car, sure even Alonso or Hamilton will be willing to take a pay cut to join you.

Rare White Ape
May 10th, 2016, 10:32 PM
Surely by default the person who wins the Championship has a Championship winning car? :?

Would it mean "won the drivers championship, but the car didn't win the constructors championship"?

The last driver to do that was Lewis Hamilton in a McLaren in 2008. That year the winning constructor was Ferrari.

FaultyMario
May 10th, 2016, 11:26 PM
He did have the wrong Finn as teammate.

IMOA
May 11th, 2016, 01:34 AM
That's another thing that raised my eye brows... how was Kvyat promoted to RB over JEV? What metrics did they perform to dump a driver who obviously outscored his teammate... and then promote the lower scoring teammate to take place of Vettel?

And after Kvyat out scored Ricciardo, they don't sack Kvyat, but demote him back to Torro Rosso.

Why not just get rid of him and give another Jr driver the chance?

I can't help but wondering that there are some political/business deals involved.

With Kvyatt and Vergne it was the timing of vettels retirement. Out of the two of them Kvyatt showed the most potential, he was faster and while less consistent the consistency is easier to learn than being fast. So one of them had to make way for Max and it was decided that Vergne was that someone. then Vettel quite which left a spot open in Red Bull. I suspect if he had've quit before Vergne was cut that Vergne might have got that spot, even if it was just for 1 year, but he was gone so they couldn't really go back on that. So Kvyat being the only other driver with F1 experience in their stable got the gig. I think that Kvyat is likely on the way out and his main role now is be be a known benchmark for Sainz. The other issue is with the qualification changes I don't think Red Bull have another junior driver right now who qualifies for a super licence.

re the points last year, Riccardo had a big qualifying advantage over Kvyat and a race pace advantage in prety much every race. What happened though is he suffered really bad reliability in the second half of the year when the red bull started to improve to the point it was getting decent poinst hauls so that cost him a massive amount of points compared to Kvyat.

Crazed_Insanity
May 11th, 2016, 09:15 AM
If RB offers Vettel's seat to all available drivers with a super license, surely 99% of them would not turn it down. Was Vergne really so hot that he was immediately snatched up somewhere else and unavailable to return to RB? What about host of other ex-jr drivers? All of them with license revoked no longer available or interested in F1? The seats at TR must be given to fresh inexperienced rookies? What logic is that? Just to ensure that TR can never mount a serious challenge to RB I guess?

Or did RB burn the bridges so badly that nobody wants to return?

At the end of a race, it's the points that make a driver a champion. Doesn't matter if you qualified faster or has the fastest laps. But I suppose you're right that RB doesn't care about points. As Vergne was sacked when he ended the season with a lot more points. RB was kind enough to Kvyat I suppose, didn't immediately get sacked by having more points, just demoted.

Very anxious to see how Max will do compared to Ricciardo.

IMOA
May 11th, 2016, 01:21 PM
I don't think you understand the red bull junior programme. Red Bull only want drivers from their program in their cars (Webber was the last non junior and he started nearly 10 years ago) and the the red bull junior program isn't about creating a stable of fast drivers, it's about finding world champions. Once they don't think you're world champion material you're gone. Fwiw I don't think Red Bull burns bridges as pretty much all of them continue their association with Red Bull is some form, take coulthard as an example who retired a long time ago and was treated very poorly by Marko but he did his latest promotional video for them the other week. Or guys that are cut early on, have a look at Brendan Hartley's helmet, he's still sponsored by Red Bull.

Red Bull gives more junior drivers without a rich uncle a shot than the rest of the world put together, actually, probably double the rest of the world actually. In return for their massive investment (they are paying millions a season to fund the racing of these junior drivers) they expect you to perform to a very high standard and once you stop doing that they shake your hand, pat you on the back and see you on your way. I think you'll find that drivers recognise just the enormous opportunities they provided rather than bitching about not quite making the grade. I fire people too, it doesn't make me an arsehole, just someone who sets a clear standard and will let you go if you don't meet it.

Alan P
May 11th, 2016, 06:28 PM
My understanding of Red Bull contracts, at least to begin as a RB Jr. driver anyway, is that you're contracted to 'Red Bull' the company, not any particular team and you're assigned to drive for a particular team as and when they see fit. Someone like Ricciardo and probably Vettel at the time likely had something a bit more concrete about who they'd be driving for but it's likely Kyvat had absolutely no come back on what happened and couldn't do a damned thing about it.

IMOA
May 11th, 2016, 07:29 PM
Yep, while we don't really know whats in the contracts this is how marko, horner etc have explained it. Fwiw I wouldn't be surprised if Riccardo is still on a 'Red Bull' contract and not a 'Red Bull Racing' one, I think he's still with them until the end of 2017 and then he's a free agent so to speak. Vettel had the Ferrari clause in his contract so he must have been on his own one by the time he left.

Blerpa
May 12th, 2016, 01:25 AM
I don't think you understand the red bull junior programme. Red Bull only want drivers from their program in their cars (Webber was the last non junior and he started nearly 10 years ago) and the the red bull junior program isn't about creating a stable of fast drivers, it's about finding world champions. Once they don't think you're world champion material you're gone. Fwiw I don't think Red Bull burns bridges as pretty much all of them continue their association with Red Bull is some form, take coulthard as an example who retired a long time ago and was treated very poorly by Marko but he did his latest promotional video for them the other week. Or guys that are cut early on, have a look at Brendan Hartley's helmet, he's still sponsored by Red Bull.

Red Bull gives more junior drivers without a rich uncle a shot than the rest of the world put together, actually, probably double the rest of the world actually. In return for their massive investment (they are paying millions a season to fund the racing of these junior drivers) they expect you to perform to a very high standard and once you stop doing that they shake your hand, pat you on the back and see you on your way. I think you'll find that drivers recognise just the enormous opportunities they provided rather than bitching about not quite making the grade. I fire people too, it doesn't make me an arsehole, just someone who sets a clear standard and will let you go if you don't meet it.

Yep, very good explanation.
I still don't like parts of Red Bull modus operandi but some of the positives cannot be hidden.

Crazed_Insanity
May 12th, 2016, 09:48 AM
Of course I have to admit that I don't fully understand RB's way of developing their Jr drivers..., I can understand that it's their business how they wish to run their business. For sure the fact that they gave a LOT of drivers a shot at F-1 is pretty cool. Can't complain there.

However, the main issue I have is with their way of determining whether a driver is championship material or NOT!

Kvyat's situation is the most puzzling thus far. The fact that he beat out Vergne with a LOT less points. Yeah, he might be faster, but less reliable... and if you want to benchmark the young Max, having another fast and unreliable driver is the way to go? And how did Kvyat managed to show that Vergne is not championship material? I don't have all the data handy, but was Vergne always out qualified and ran slower than Kvyat whenever they're both running too?

Also, I guess Kvyat is still deemed championship material? Or he's only driving a TR now simply because they're out of young drivers at the moment? In order to continue on their business strategy, they should've kept plenty of super licensed young kids in the pipeline.

I just can't help but feel that some young talents being short changed in this RB process...

IMOA
May 12th, 2016, 05:12 PM
With Kvyat and Vergne I would guess that the two key points were that Kvyat showed more pace (you can teach a fast driver to be consistent .....) and that Vergne had spent 3 years in F1 at that point so they could be a lot more confident in their assessment that he wasn't going to make it.

The super licence rules changed significantly last year which makes it a lot harder for a young up and coming driver to get one, especially a red bull junior who comes up the WSR rather than GP2/3

Crazed_Insanity
May 12th, 2016, 06:30 PM
So that's basically how Kvyat managed to have a seat at TR? RB might give you more chances if they're in short supply of jr drivers?

Do you think they're still not sure if Kvyat is champ material or not? That's why they didn't just let him go?

Kinda hard to figure out what RB is thinking...

With Max's engineer quitting, I really can't imagine such a move is good for either teams...

By the time they've figure out who's really fast, Ferrari probably will steal him away again...

IMOA
May 13th, 2016, 02:06 AM
I suspect that if Vettel hadn't of gone to Ferrari that Kyat would have never made it to Red Bull. These last two years would have been Vettel and Riccardo and by now Max is seen as the better prospect so when one of them left (or was dropped) it would have been Max getting promoted. My guess is they don't think he's championship material, or at least they're pretty sure he isn't. Why not let him go? Well, like I said, he's under contract and has a super licence, I think this swap is more about seeing Max in a Red Bull against a known quantity that moving Kyat out.

Max's engineer didn't quit, he was fired. Apparently there's been a lot of argy bargy between the technical teams in Torro rosso, we've seen the manifestation of this in some of the radio messages with Max and sainz. The last straw was russia when max's engineer changed to a different tyre selection strategy than what had been discussed and agreed with the team. This open fighting and insubordination within the team was given as part of the reason for the change - see how max goes, reduce tensions in torro rosso.

And I think Ferrari is the last team lining up for Max, they prefer older drivers and they prefer a clear number 1 and subservient number 2, max is neither.

XHawkeye
May 13th, 2016, 04:55 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiU6pYKWwAAyMbF.jpg:large

"RUN! Marchionne's just turned up!" (https://twitter.com/GrandPrixDiary/status/731054998457622528)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiU6G6aXIAEWxvd.jpg:large

Helmut Marko already has a back up plan in case things don't work out for Max at Red Bull. (https://twitter.com/GrandPrixDiary/status/731054406586773505)

Crazed_Insanity
May 13th, 2016, 10:23 AM
:lol:

XHawkeye
May 13th, 2016, 05:33 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiW_p3aXAAAaXK2.jpg:large

.@LewisHamilton (air) one ñRT @RaimonDuran Nice plane at Barcelona Airport's platform ... (https://twitter.com/f1writers/status/731208525070905344)


One person that clearly (http://corporatejetinvestor.com/articles/top-10-private-jets-most-stylish-756/) doesn’t mind standing out from the rest is Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton, who took delivery of a Bombardier Challenger 605 private jet in January 2013. With its overall red and black colours the aircraft (registered as msn 5904 / G-LCDH) also carries a personalised tail number, with G-LCDH representing Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton.

Rare White Ape
May 14th, 2016, 01:54 AM
Lewis Hamilton may be an immense wanker, but he's the one having regular coke-fuelled gang bangs at 30,000 feet and we're not.

XHawkeye
May 14th, 2016, 08:28 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CibKlGOW0AAgK7C.jpg:large

An evocative image @McLarenF1 @Prost_official @C4F1 (https://twitter.com/GrandPrixDiary/status/731494740311592960)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiaGzTMWEAAq7Yf.jpg:large

WOKING STRATEGIST TEAM. @MclarenF1 #SpanishGP #via @soy_f1 (https://twitter.com/f1writers/status/731420322612809728)

XHawkeye
May 14th, 2016, 08:31 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiaW40_WwAA1lBy.jpg:large

.@RenaultSportF1 is not going to like this pic ... #F1 #SpanishGP http://twitter.com/f1writers/status/731437125003034624/photo/1pic.twitter.com/7ccMOAUzeA

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CiawWpxW0AAFPg-.jpg:large

#TooLate (https://twitter.com/F1archives/status/731465894036176896)

Freude am Fahren
May 14th, 2016, 10:34 AM
:lol:

Also, I don't think Renault cares that much. The bottom of the car doesn't have a lot of room for secret stuff because of rules, especially from the front.

Rare White Ape
May 14th, 2016, 02:23 PM
There's a lot of stuff there that would interest me, right down to how much of the plank gets scraped. I'd imagine that an aerodynamicist would have a field day with a photo like that.

XHawkeye
May 15th, 2016, 05:33 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cif59DmWsAAM1eh.jpg:large

The FIA stewards have (https://twitter.com/Stuart_Dent/status/731828293335429122) made their descision on the two Mercedes drivers...

XHawkeye
May 15th, 2016, 07:49 AM
@virtualstatman: Max Verstappen saving his tyres for sector 3, then pushes to stop Raikkonen making a DRS pass. This is brilliant tactical driving #SpanishGP

@virtualstatman: I've never doubted Verstappen's ability to battle wheel-to-wheel. Now i'm being wholly convinced of his racing brain too #SpanishGP

XHawkeye
May 15th, 2016, 07:51 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CigIbW6XAAAxv7v.jpg:large

Fernando greeting Max (https://twitter.com/ScarbsTech/status/731844241446539264/photo/1)

XHawkeye
May 15th, 2016, 07:52 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cif4iOYXAAAuVE4.jpg:large

XHawkeye
May 15th, 2016, 07:53 AM
@EliGP: Hopefully the stewards will congratulate Hamilton and Rosberg and encourage them to do it more often.

Freude am Fahren
May 15th, 2016, 07:55 AM
I think Kimi's reaction after the race tells you a lot. He sat behind him for what, like 45 laps or something, and was clearly impressed. Also, he apparently had a much lower downforce setup compared to Ricciardo, which really helped him stary ahead (and hut Dan vs. Vettel).

As for the Mercedes, I don't want to say it was a racing incident, which puts blame on neither, but rather, I blame both. Lewis went for a very small opening that was just getting smaller, then Nico shut it abruptly. I'm not sure that had Nico just continued his line Lewis would still have been able to make it, so boneheaded moves by both, IMO.

Crazed_Insanity
May 15th, 2016, 08:13 AM
Yes blame both! Penalized both drivers with lower grid positions for next race! :D

Anyway, though Rosberg lost his streak, but Hamiltons points gap remains large! Should be good for Ros...., unless this continues!

Be interesting to see if merc will self destruct this season.

Lastly, Max is really good and lucky at the same time! Unbelievable!

XHawkeye
May 15th, 2016, 11:57 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CihB6BcXIAAg8uF.jpg:large

Lo prometido, la primera vez que metí a @Max33Verstappen en un F1. En el coche de su padre, y ya apuntaba maneras!!!

FaultyMario
May 15th, 2016, 12:15 PM
I put the blame on HAM, IMO it's the passing driver's responsibility to do the pass safely.

FaultyMario
May 15th, 2016, 12:32 PM
Tremendous race by Kimi. His best since the Lotus days. People deservedly rave about Max's racing brain maturity; well Raikkonen did just as much but in dirty air. He must have spent 40 laps in Verstpaen's wake and still managed to conserve tires and mount an attack on the later stages of the race.

racerfink
May 15th, 2016, 06:12 PM
I put the blame on HAM, IMO it's the passing driver's responsibility to do the pass safely.


And you'd be wrong. Rosberg was making adjustments on his wheel settings, exiting the corner at a slower than normal pace. He saw Hamilton closing and went to shut the door, but Hamilton was going some 25-30mph faster. Had Rosberg not been fiddling with settings and looking at the track, it would have never happened.

FaultyMario
May 15th, 2016, 06:28 PM
17 km/h to be precise, or less than half of what you assumed was the difference.

Championship leader was always going to shut the door, even if it was way off line.

Hamilton was dealt a flashy but weak hand, he put a big wager on it and lost.

Crazed_Insanity
May 16th, 2016, 09:29 AM
Ros closed the door too late, Ham was trying to be safe by avoiding collision, but fortunately lost control on grass...

I totally agree it's a racing incident. Both executed risky moves that could've ensured a win or resulted in a crash. When fighting for championships, can't blame them for taking such risks... With such a huge lead, I think Ros was the one taking unnecessary risk. Or he just wasn't paying full attention because he was trying adjust switches in the cockpit.

Had one of them survived the race, I think the surviving driver might end up looking like the bad guy... so I think it's fitting to see both of them crash out.

I just wish Kimi was the winner..., I'm pulling for the old guy! ;)

Dicknose
May 16th, 2016, 02:12 PM
All this talk of two guys crashing out, what about Max!?
Youngest winner, still almost a year younger than anyone else who has raced.

Just looked at a list of youngest winners and its dominated by current/recent drivers, Vettel, Alonso are next. Also got Kimi and Lewis and Kubica.

I do wonder if this is going to push teams towards younger talent. The bikes have been doing this for a while, although they have more obvious lower categories that run at the same event, but they have plenty of teens racing.

Interesting race and well done Max

XHawkeye
May 16th, 2016, 03:57 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cil2EsxXEAImm8z.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cil2EshXEAAZBo5.jpg:large

@F1autographs: (https://twitter.com/F1autographs/status/732246242433114112) Jos Verstappen leads Kimi At the French Grand Prix 2001.
Now @Max33Verstappen leads Kimi in 2016.

@LauraLeslie23: (https://twitter.com/LauraLeslie23/status/732325667526873092) Jos even has a Red Bull logo on his car! Foreshadowing or what... #F1

XHawkeye
May 16th, 2016, 03:58 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CilFjaTWEAAAvXB.jpg:large

@C4F1: (https://twitter.com/C4F1/status/732209754072711168) The #SpanishGP was the first time since Japan 1990 that the front row starters eliminated each other on lap 1 #C4F1

Dicknose
May 16th, 2016, 08:20 PM
Cool that Kimi has raced father and son.

XHawkeye
May 17th, 2016, 04:40 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chIC70HFLtk

XHawkeye
May 27th, 2016, 01:29 PM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjZOld5XEAATPws.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjZOleSWUAAhJTf.jpg:large

Freude am Fahren
May 27th, 2016, 01:48 PM
(those should probably be the other way around ;) )

XHawkeye
May 28th, 2016, 11:05 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjfSbaLXAAEZv2q.jpg:large

@f1writers (https://twitter.com/f1writers/status/736289737871380481) The long awaited "meme" OMG... #PlacesAlonsoRatherWouldBe xDDD (@Oksana_Anuska thanks)

XHawkeye
May 28th, 2016, 11:18 AM
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cjh2BrpWEAAWgdO.jpg:large

A glimpse of the future #F1

Freude am Fahren
May 29th, 2016, 11:30 AM
Rossi just won the freaking Indy 500. Suck it, Manor!

Rare White Ape
May 29th, 2016, 12:37 PM
Rossi just won the freaking Indy 500. Suck it, Manor!

Ummmmm how about a bit of a spoiler warning huh?

Freude am Fahren
May 29th, 2016, 12:57 PM
Oh come on, it's gonna be all over the internet, maybe not go into a racing forum before you watch it?

Kchrpm
May 29th, 2016, 03:19 PM
Uh, I wasn't expecting to see it in an F1 thread :| Watching it on the DVR right now.

Crazed_Insanity
May 29th, 2016, 05:30 PM
Indy500 is all about luck. The Andretti family knows that the best!

Rare White Ape
May 29th, 2016, 05:42 PM
What Keef said. F1 thread.

Kchrpm
May 29th, 2016, 05:43 PM
The Indy 500 is all about luck...and strategy...and talent...and smarts...and setup...it's all about a lot of stuff!