Formula 1 2014: General Discussion Thread

_rebelkid

With the 2013 season over, all eyes have turned to next year. And what a year it's shaping up to be:

- overhaul of technical regulations
- new tyre development
- new engines
- lots of driver moving

A few people have posted some good things about 2014, so I've quoted them below.

vectra wrote: »

The BBC has announced which races it will show live in the UK next season and which will be shown exclusively live on Sky Sports.
Read more at http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/140041.html#ROJv0WPoGWfQLYC0.99

2014 division of races between UK broadcasters
March 16: Australia - Sky Sports
March 30: Malaysia - Sky Sports and BBC
April 6: Bahrain - Sky Sports
April 20: China - Sky Sports
May 11: Spain - Sky Sports and BBC
May 25: Monaco - Sky Sports
June 8: Canada - Sky Sports and BBC
June 22: Austria - Sky Sports
July 6: Great Britain - Sky Sports and BBC
July 20: Germany - Sky Sports
July 27: Hungary - Sky Sports
August 24: Belgium - Sky Sports and BBC
September 7: Italy - Sky Sports and BBC
September 21: Singapore - Sky Sports
October 5: Japan - Sky Sports and BBC
October 12: Russia - Sky Sports and BBC
November 2: USA - Sky Sports
November 9: Brazil - Sky Sports
November 23: Abu Dhabi - Sky Sports and BBC
Read more at http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/140041.html#ROJv0WPoGWfQLYC0.99

Zcott wrote: »

Not sure if this should be in an F1 2014 thread, but drivers are starting to choose their numbers, as Motorsport.com says:

After the FIA kicked off the selection process, telling drivers they should name their top three picks between 2-99, it has already emerged that Force India's Sergio Perez has plumped for number 11.

It is believed Fernando Alonso considers 14 to be his lucky number, Jean-Eric Vergne wants the iconic 27, and Nico Rosberg has asked to carry number 6, which was raced to the 1982 title by his father Keke.

Now, adding the hashtag 'Bo77as', Williams driver Valtteri Bottas has told his 49,000 followers on Twitter that he has put down 77 as his first choice.

Felipe Massa has nominated the number 19, but others - like new Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo - aren't saying.

v10 wrote: »

Small feature shown today on the F1 2014 1.6 Litre V6 Hybrid Engines :eek:

I know it means my username is well old but what are your thoughts on these ?



VIDEO HERE

Broadcasting is split again this year between Sky Sports F1 and the BBC. Schedule is above.

Matt Somerfield created a full overview of next years power train. Larger version available here.

Here are a few useful links I've put together. Add any you think are good as well below:

• 3rd PartyLive Timing
• FOM Live Timing
• Timing Data from 2013
• FIA F1 News and Data
• Adam Cooper
• Jack Leslie
• Vladimir Rys
• Matt Somerfield
• Craig Scarborough

v10

I seen this image on twitter showing engine changes side by side.

I find it interesting but I think I'll have to reserve judgment until the first race ..

I'll be heading to Jerez at the end of January to see these testing, should be fun.

rccaulfield

what about setanta thought they had all the races no?

ScrubsfanChris

ERS for 33 seconds a lap :eek:
Thought it was just a name change.

GarIT

ScrubsfanChris wrote: »

ERS for 33 seconds a lap :eek:
Thought it was just a name change.

The really annoying thing is the tech is there that it could last the lap and could be permanent rather than a boost. Limiting the time is just another rule to create a false sense of excitement.

Jordan 199

Hopefully we will hear some news about when next seasons cars will be unveiled soon

Peanut Butter Jelly

GarIT wrote: »

The really annoying thing is the tech is there that it could last the lap and could be permanent rather than a boost. Limiting the time is just another rule to create a false sense of excitement.

While I agree that it could be permanent, there's a few reasons why it cant be just yet. 1, the MGU-K takes from the braking around the lap, and as it is, there are some tracks where it's difficult to recharge the current KERS battery. 2, this is the first year using this technology and the strain of running it for about a third of the lap is a lot less than running it for a full lap. Perhaps in the future, the rules will allow the MGU-H to run continuously from the turbo but as it is, it will have to run through the MGU-K.

Peanut Butter Jelly

Peanut Butter Jelly wrote: »

While I agree that it could be permanent, there's a few reasons why it cant be just yet. 1, the MGU-K takes from the braking around the lap, and as it is, there are some tracks where it's difficult to recharge the current KERS battery. 2, this is the first year using this technology and the strain of running it for about a third of the lap is a lot less than running it for a full lap. Perhaps in the future, the rules will allow the MGU-H to run continuously from the turbo but as it is, it will have to run through the MGU-K.

How long has KERS been around now, 5 years? Generally these things become more restricted over time, not less. All the artificial limits on boost pressure, fuel flow, RPM, ERS etc. are really annoying to me.

GarIT

Peanut Butter Jelly wrote: »

While I agree that it could be permanent, there's a few reasons why it cant be just yet. 1, the MGU-K takes from the braking around the lap, and as it is, there are some tracks where it's difficult to recharge the current KERS battery. 2, this is the first year using this technology and the strain of running it for about a third of the lap is a lot less than running it for a full lap. Perhaps in the future, the rules will allow the MGU-H to run continuously from the turbo but as it is, it will have to run through the MGU-K.

From what I've read heat/reliability would be an issue, but that could easily be worked on. It isn't realistic that you could go down a straight with the elec motor on, but it certainly is realistic that the elec motor could be used for all the main accelerating phases. I probably phrased what I said badly when I said the whole lap I more meant the tech is there that every time they put their foot down the elec motor could come on and stay on till maybe 6th gear rather than having a "boost button".

Peanut Butter Jelly

GarIT wrote: »

From what I've read heat/reliability would be an issue, but that could easily be worked on. It isn't realistic that you could go down a straight with the elec motor on, but it certainly is realistic that the elec motor could be used for all the main accelerating phases. I probably phrased what I said badly when I said the whole lap I more meant the tech is there that every time they put their foot down the elec motor could come on and stay on till maybe 6th gear rather than having a "boost button".

AFAIK, the MGU-H will automatically send some energy to the drivetrain under acceleration to cut out or reduce turbo lag until the turbo kicks in.

PopePalpatine

There's also the question of whether the MGU-H unit can actually harness 160kJ each second (in order for the ERS unit to run all the time).

Peanut Butter Jelly

PopePalpatine wrote: »

There's also the question of whether the MGU-H unit can actually harness 160kJ each second (in order for the ERS unit to run all the time).

I doubt that could be achieved in the next 2/3 years and will probably not be allowed anyway.

Frank Bullitt

Hopefully after the 1st things should pick up a bit more and we should begin to see some new cars and iterations of them pop up on the net.

Winter can be so bloody boring!

wobbles

GarIT wrote: »

From what I've read heat/reliability would be an issue, but that could easily be worked on. It isn't realistic that you could go down a straight with the elec motor on, but it certainly is realistic that the elec motor could be used for all the main accelerating phases. I probably phrased what I said badly when I said the whole lap I more meant the tech is there that every time they put their foot down the elec motor could come on and stay on till maybe 6th gear rather than having a "boost button".

Its possible, but at what point does it become an electric car. For me, if the car performs most of the acceleration up to 6th gear, its an electric car. Having a boost button limits the use of the electric motor keeping the purists happy. I dont think they are ready for an electric forumla 1 car given the response going back to 1.6l turbo

podmu80

Worrying news just breaking about Michael Schumacher. Suffered serious head injury in ski accident:-(

I was worried for a second that it was being run everywhere as breaking news. Bit irresponsible if he wasn't so much as knocked out.

_rebelkid

Reports now saying that he arrived at Grenoble hospital in a coma and required immediate surgery. Still in a coma. Hospital due to give statement at 11am tomorrow.

SnowDrifts

Thread for it here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057112870

Sterling Archer

Anyone seen Jean-Eric Vergnes comments about webber, not outlandish, just stating his opinion on why Make left F1.

“He would not even be happy if his team continued to win everything — you have the same car but you’re beaten every weekend by your teammate. You would get tired of that,” he added, “even when you are on the podium.

http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/formula-1/f1-webber-got-tired-of-losing-to-vettel-says-vergne/

Zcott

Shane_ef wrote: »

Anyone seen Jean-Eric Vergnes comments about webber, not outlandish, just stating his opinion on why Make left F1.

“He would not even be happy if his team continued to win everything — you have the same car but you’re beaten every weekend by your teammate. You would get tired of that,” he added, “even when you are on the podium.

http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/formula-1/f1-webber-got-tired-of-losing-to-vettel-says-vergne/

I think someone is still bitter about their teammate getting the Red Bull seat...

Infoanon

Shane_ef wrote: »

Anyone seen Jean-Eric Vergnes comments about webber, not outlandish, just stating his opinion on why Make left F1.

“He would not even be happy if his team continued to win everything — you have the same car but you’re beaten every weekend by your teammate. You would get tired of that,” he added, “even when you are on the podium.

http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/formula-1/f1-webber-got-tired-of-losing-to-vettel-says-vergne/

JEV drives for who again ?! , considering Mark was on his way out of F1 long before Sebs winning streak JEV comments carry very little weight.

Infoanon

Infoanon wrote: »

JEV drives for who again ?! , considering Mark was on his way out of F1 long before Sebs winning streak JEV comments carry very little weight.

Of course Webber was consistently beating Vettel before that.

ZiabR

Infoanon wrote: »

JEV drives for who again ?! , considering Mark was on his way out of F1 long before Sebs winning streak JEV comments carry very little weight.

He is just still very very bitter. Remember the interview with Johnny Herbert during a track walk. Jev was very annoyed he was not given the seat, blaming bad luck and car issues etc.

Jordan 199

Three seats left to fill.

I think Marussia will hold onto Chilton for this season. Don't know what will happen at Caterham.

Infoanon

logik wrote: »

He is just still very very bitter. Remember the interview with Johnny Herbert during a track walk. Jev was very annoyed he was not given the seat, blaming bad luck and car issues etc.

And he wants to use #27....

Infoanon

Jordan 191 wrote: »

Three seats left to fill.

I think Marussia will hold onto Chilton for this season. Don't know what will happen at Caterham.

Hopefully they will make the grid in 2014

Jordan 199

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c1oYUhxkQI

ZiabR

Jordan 191 wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c1oYUhxkQI

Great find, Hamiltons looks more childish or toyish i think.

camel jockey

logik wrote: »

Great find, Hamiltons looks more childish or toyish i think.

I'd have said the dials on Hamilton's are easier / quicker to read since you only see the selected digit on the dial not the full set of digits. It sounds like this is something that came from McLaren, McLaren probably spent tens of thousands researching the best dials to use.

camel jockey

Zcott wrote: »

I think someone is still bitter about their teammate getting the Red Bull seat...

Infoanon wrote: »

JEV drives for who again ?! , considering Mark was on his way out of F1 long before Sebs winning streak JEV comments carry very little weight.

Deleted User wrote: »

Of course Webber was consistently beating Vettel before that.

logik wrote: »

He is just still very very bitter. Remember the interview with Johnny Herbert during a track walk. Jev was very annoyed he was not given the seat, blaming bad luck and car issues etc.

He might be bitter, but doesn't mean he's wrong.

And it isn't just the second half 'winning streak'. Compare the drivers stats over the last 4 seasons...and see previous posts on reliability comparisons. Aside from Marko I can't see the rest of the senior team (e.g. Newey) or the owner favoured Vettel, so they competed with matching equipment.

Myrddin

“He would not even be happy if his team continued to win everything — you have the same car but you’re beaten every weekend by your teammate. You would get tired of that,” he added, “even when you are on the podium.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't think he's particularly far off the mark there. I think Webber would tell you the same thing, but he'd put it another way. I'd say being Vettel's team-mate, much the same as any highly dominant driver's team-mate...isn't too much fun. When you know before the green light shows that unless your team-mate has an issue then it's almost certain the best you'll finish is 2nd...it must get pretty frustrating. I say this as a fan of Mark, & with all due respect to Vettel too...

lolie

First pic of kimi in the ferrari gear.
I like the shirt but its a bit weird with Santander on it seeing as they paid kimi to leave ferrari in the first place.

Myrddin

I'd be both an Alonso fan, & a Kimi fan...& as much as the Ferrari lineup works on paper...I can't see it working in reality. I really doubt they'll be team-mates come 2015

Myrddin

Myrddin wrote: »

I'd be both an Alonso fan, & a Kimi fan...& as much as the Ferrari lineup works on paper...I can't see it working in reality. I really doubt they'll be team-mates come 2015

I'll call it now, Ferrari won't be in the top 3 constructors next year. Even with those 2 drivers I have a feeling the car is going to be really rubbish.

Frank Bullitt

Deleted User wrote: »

I'll call it now, Ferrari won't be in the top 3 constructors next year. Even with those 2 drivers I have a feeling the car is going to be really rubbish.

I'm not so sure, it really will depend on the engines and how the teams cope with them.

Plenty of rumours were doing the rounds that Ferraris engine was below par etc, but those have switched around now, from what I have read on other forums.

I would give them a fighting chance, with James Allison on board now as well, they could well spring a surprise.

Zcott

Deleted User wrote: »

I'll call it now, Ferrari won't be in the top 3 constructors next year. Even with those 2 drivers I have a feeling the car is going to be really rubbish.

Can we quote you on this at the end of the season? ;-)

Zcott

Zcott wrote: »

Can we quote you on this at the end of the season? ;-)

I'm hoping it'll be me quoting it :P

Jordan 199

Deleted User wrote: »

I'll call it now, Ferrari won't be in the top 3 constructors next year. Even with those 2 drivers I have a feeling the car is going to be really rubbish.

With the new rules, every team is starting with a fresh sheet of paper. As for Ferrari, the biggest problem they had was the upgrades they bought to races for the past few years didn't work.

They have their wind tunnel sorted out, and with James Alison working in aero and having the car designed by Rory Byrne, Ferrari should have a very good car this year IMO.

Remember last time everyone started with a blank sheet of paper?

greedygoblin

Deleted User wrote: »

Remember last time everyone started with a blank sheet of paper?

Except Ross Brawn is no longer around (for the time being anyway) but Adrian Newey still is. Does that mean several more years of Red Bull dominance? I hope not

ZiabR

Jordan 191 wrote: »

With the new rules, every team is starting with a fresh sheet of paper. As for Ferrari, the biggest problem they had was the upgrades they bought to races for the past few years didn't work.

They have their wind tunnel sorted out, and with James Alison working in aero and having the car designed by Rory Byrne, Ferrari should have a very good car this year IMO.

I would second that. I am excited for Ferrari this year. I think the car is going to be a big improvement. My concerns are around the driver lineup. If Alonso or Kimi start to fall behind one another, will it see them taking risks on the track, which would damage Ferrari? Also, team orders that we know Ferrari use, are not going to work with these drivers. Alonso is stubborn and Kimi just wont listen to them.

greedygoblin

logik wrote: »

I would second that. I am excited for Ferrari this year. I think the car is going to be a big improvement. My concerns are around the driver lineup. If Alonso or Kimi start to fall behind one another, will it see them taking risks on the track, which would damage Ferrari? Also, team orders that we know Ferrari use, are not going to work with these drivers. Alonso is stubborn and Kimi just wont listen to them.

Yes me too. I think they should be much more competitive this year.

I don't think Kimi would have returned to Ferrari if he thought there was any possibility of him being asked to play second fiddle to Alonso. Plus, Alonso's criticism of the team last year didn't do him any favours either.

Jordan 199

F1 engine builder Brian Hart has died.

ZiabR

Jordan 191 wrote: »

F1 engine builder Brian Hart has died.

Sad to hear, RIP.

Lotus are going to miss the first test:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/112041

I have a bad feeling about Lotus, they're struggling financially and even Maldonado's money may not be enough to see them through to the end of 2014.

Frank Bullitt

Lotus really look in trouble.

andyman

Looks like Hulk got out of jail there...

ZiabR

While its not a good sign, I don't think Lotus are going to be the only team to miss the first test. This is further proof that the costs are too high in F1 and the season maybe too long for teams.

Jordan 199

Mercedes to launch their new car at Jerez on the 28th of January.

ZiabR

Jordan 191 wrote: »

Mercedes to launch their new car at Jerez on the 28th of January.

Expecting BIG things from this car.

Peanut Butter Jelly

logik wrote: »

While its not a good sign, I don't think Lotus are going to be the only team to miss the first test. This is further proof that the costs are too high in F1 and the season maybe too long for teams.

I don't think the length of the seasons are what put Lotus in trouble. They were in the red before the 3/4 mark of the season so that't what, 14/15 races out of the 19? Sauber were screwed since June so even back in 2003, both of them wouldn't have made the full season. I think it's the economic climate that's really leading to a team exiting F1.