Formula 1 2018: General Discussion Thread

Frank Bullitt · 07-11-2018 5:11pm

https://twitter.com/tgruener/status/1060125987587981312

As suspected, I knew these changes would do nothing in the long run.

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 07-11-2018 6:07pm

Will it happen?

https://twitter.com/autosprint/status/1059729618306064384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1059729618306064384&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skysports.com%2Ff1%2Fnews%2F12433%2F11398223%2Fthe-formula-1-gossip-column

Charlie-Bravo · 07-11-2018 9:24pm

Not until he has two more championships with Merc, and then he'll move to have done all that most want to do in F1, drive for Ferrari. But his focus to win, and unless Merc can't provide him that car, then he'll move on to them. There's no other move that I could think he'd make too!

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 07-11-2018 9:36pm

Mercedes dominance to continue until 2021 at the earliest.

El_Duderino 09 · 08-11-2018 8:52am

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/british-gp-silverstone-future-bratches/3209871/amp/

An interesting article on liberty media’s thoughts on new GPs and how they look at legacy venues like Silverstone.

The article would lead you to think liberty fancies more street races. I get the impression they would gladly drop Silverstone for a street race in London.

H3llR4iser · 08-11-2018 11:42am

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/british-gp-silverstone-future-bratches/3209871/amp/

An interesting article on liberty media’s thoughts on new GPs and how they look at legacy venues like Silverstone.

The article would lead you to think liberty fancies more street races. I get the impression they would gladly drop Silverstone for a street race in London.

Yep, it seems they yet have to fully understand the "nature of the beast" they're dealing with, and trying to lean a little bit too much towards the "casual fan" who wants "fashhht cars!" and "accidents!".

Don't get me wrong - on certain things Liberty are doing well, adding that level of showmanship US series have had for decades; I first saw the "Crank It Up!" thing about commentators shutting up for a minute and the engines taking the stage during a Nascar race when I was a kid, for example. They seem to be leaning increasingly towards the Internet and social media, which is a good thing if you want to attract younger fans - especially now that the "randomly stumbling upon the F1 race on TV" factor is out thanks to Sky.

Long time F1 fans, we may cringe a bit at these things (e.g. the soundtrack...), but they don't really do any harm to the bread&butter aspect of F1...and oh my, could we do with the likes of Crofty and Brundle shutting their gobs up for a minute or two for a break in the "Hamilton worship prayer", not to mention skipping the 197574th mention of mirrors being as useful as "chocolate teapots"

On the calendar / races however, they seem to be clueless. They claim the got the concept of the "Jewels of the Crown" (Monaco, Spa, Silverstone, Monza), yet they push for ridiculous "London" races...or Grand Prix meetings in places where F1 has never been heard of; Indeed as some say, the case of the Korean Grand Prix should be a stark reminder that you can't just build a track and make a sellout in any place.

Nor they seem to understand that of all expenses, travel is one of the highest for F1 teams and reducing rather than increasing the number of races in the calendar would be an obvious solution to that.

pjohnson · 08-11-2018 5:46pm

Jesus some of this is nightmare fuel. Someone has mashed together the two teamates faces onto one face.

muckwarrior · 08-11-2018 6:07pm

Can't decide if Fernoffel Aldoorne is the worst or Marles LeClerricson

ELM327 · 08-11-2018 6:28pm

muckwarrior wrote: »

Can't decide if Fernoffel Aldoorne is the worst or Marles LeClerricson

I think Fernoffel is the funniest, he looks like the portrait of a spanish king from hundreds of years ago.

Joeface · 08-11-2018 7:02pm

Perez still looks like Perez....ha

elperello · 08-11-2018 8:28pm

Let's just skip straight to 2019.

Burkie1203 · 08-11-2018 9:29pm

Max and RIC look like Graham Hill

eviltimeban · 09-11-2018 11:14am

Vettekkonen looks like a real person!

But Bottamilton looks like the kind of guy who would win the championship, but then make love to your wife (or you!).

theShire · 09-11-2018 11:51am

Anyone think that Hartley/Gasly look a but like Vettle in his early days on the grid?

H3llR4iser · 09-11-2018 12:01pm

eviltimeban wrote: »

Vettekkonen looks like a real person!

But Bottamilton looks like the kind of guy who would win the championship, but then make love to your wife (or you!).

That's what I was thinking - "he" looks like an actor out of a '70s porn movie!!!

I am surprised nobody said anything about Gartley...a nightmarish cross of Frankenstein monster and what would have happened if a young Arnold Schwarznegger didn't eat for 3 months

Infoanon · 09-11-2018 7:06pm

Robert Kubica is believed to have been offered a williams race seat ands has said that he will make his decision ( on taking a race seat with Williams ) or a test role with Ferrari after the Brazilian GP

El_Duderino 09 · 09-11-2018 7:54pm

Infoanon wrote: »

Robert Kubica is believed to have been offered a williams race seat ands has said that he will make his decision ( on taking a race seat with Williams ) or a test role with Ferrari after the Brazilian GP

What’s the source for that?

g1983d · 09-11-2018 9:39pm

Infoanon wrote: »

Robert Kubica is believed to have been offered a williams race seat ands has said that he will make his decision ( on taking a race seat with Williams ) or a test role with Ferrari after the Brazilian GP

Says a lot about what's thought if a Williams seat, if true and Kubica wants to race again it's his only realistic chance of a race seat yet he's still considering a test role as a better option

mickdw · 09-11-2018 9:56pm

I suppose if you are Kubica, you have to look at the Ferrari offer (if true) and see that its a lifetime job in general with options to race in other series etc versus possibly a year at the back of the grid at Williams and a kick in the ass after. There might still be the issue of his insurance payout too.

Id actually pay to see him back in a race seat but I think Ferrari is the way to go if that offer is open to him.

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 09-11-2018 9:59pm

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

What’s the source for that?

https://www.planetf1.com/news/williams-offer-kubica-race-seat-for-2019/

Infoanon · 09-11-2018 10:02pm

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

Infoanon wrote: »

Robert Kubica is believed to have been offered a williams race seat ands has said that he will make his decision ( on taking a race seat with Williams ) or a test role with Ferrari after the Brazilian GP

What’s the source for that?

Adam Cooper - Autosport

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 09-11-2018 10:05pm

Williams could up their game for next year, the Ferrari option could still be there in a year's time. I'd hope he takes the race seat. It could put him in the shop window for the 2020 merry go round

El_Duderino 09 · 09-11-2018 11:39pm

Addyson Gray Glue wrote: »

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

What’s the source for that?

https://www.planetf1.com/news/williams-offer-kubica-race-seat-for-2019/

I hope it’s true but lest be fair, he’s ‘in the frame’ for next year. So we have no idea how likely he is to actually get the seat. If Williams fails to get anyone else they always have Kubica. So he might be last resort for Williams or else Ferrari test driver.

They’re not brilliant options really, are they? I keep having be realistic about his chances of return to racing. If Williams WANTED him, they need only offer him a drive. He’d sign in a heartbeat.

Isn’t it time to evaluate that nobody has offered him a festive for a reason?

Harika · 09-11-2018 11:42pm

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

I hope it’s true but lest be fair, he’s ‘in the frame’ for next year. So we have no idea how likely he is to actually get the seat. If Williams fails to get anyone else they always have Kubica. So he might be last resort for Williams or else Ferrari test driver.

They’re not brilliant options really, are they? I keep having be realistic about his chances of return to racing. If Williams WANTED him, they need only offer him a drive. He’d sign in a heartbeat.

Isn’t it time to evaluate that nobody has offered him a festive for a reason?

to be fair. Ocon has also re-emerged as "in the frame" for the ride, but needs cash

mickdw · 10-11-2018 2:02am

I think Toto was pretty clear that he didn't fancy putting ocon in the williams as it could only really damage his career.

skipper_G · 10-11-2018 10:11pm

Mclaren to compete in the Indy 500 next year with Alonso at the wheel. On their official twitter feed now

Charlie-Bravo · 10-11-2018 11:23pm

Now I'd follow McLaren in Indycar just because Alonso is in there. Never really followed the two but there is a recipe for my appetite!!!

Inviere · 11-11-2018 5:49pm

TCP/IP · 12-11-2018 3:23pm

I have been thinking about something recently in order to spice up the show and put some excitement back in F1.

In my opinion F1 is far to safe nowadays, F1 in the 60,s to 80’s was a Very dangerous sport and the drivers were true gladiators of their time.

With all the run offs on tracks removal of walls and so forth there is really no danger in the sport anymore. If A driver has a mistake there is no consequences anymore.

Would love to know peoples thoughts. F1 is far to sanatised these days.

Charlie-Bravo · 12-11-2018 3:26pm

A point made recently that was if a driver went off the track, and hit gravel, that he would be out of the race too easily. For the majority of the race-going fans, they don't want to see their driver go out of the race so easily hence the major hard surface run offs. I get this reasoning.

muckwarrior · 12-11-2018 3:36pm

TCP/IP wrote: »

I have been thinking about something recently in order to spice up the show and put some excitement back in F1.

In my opinion F1 is far to safe nowadays, F1 in the 60,s to 80’s was a Very dangerous sport and the drivers were true gladiators of their time.

With all the run offs on tracks removal of walls and so forth there is really no danger in the sport anymore. If A driver has a mistake there is no consequences anymore.

Would love to know peoples thoughts. F1 is far to sanatised these days.

So you're saying you want to see drivers getting injured and dying? Eh, no thanks!

TCP/IP · 12-11-2018 3:50pm

muckwarrior wrote: »

So you're saying you want to see drivers getting injured and dying? Eh, no thanks!

With the car safety systems these days that’s nearly impossible look at Alonso accident in 2016 in Australia that he walked out of. These cars are near indestructible.

eviltimeban · 12-11-2018 3:57pm

TCP/IP wrote: »

I have been thinking about something recently in order to spice up the show and put some excitement back in F1.

In my opinion F1 is far to safe nowadays, F1 in the 60,s to 80’s was a Very dangerous sport and the drivers were true gladiators of their time.

With all the run offs on tracks removal of walls and so forth there is really no danger in the sport anymore. If A driver has a mistake there is no consequences anymore.

Would love to know peoples thoughts. F1 is far to sanatised these days.

Two words: Jules Bianchi.

chicorytip · 12-11-2018 4:04pm

muckwarrior wrote:

So you're saying you want to see drivers getting injured and dying? Eh, no thanks!

If that's what he wants, Indycar has it all.

LollipopJimmy · 12-11-2018 4:05pm

eviltimeban wrote: »

Two words: Jules Bianchi.

That one is out there on it's own, there was a feckin teleporter on the track and I don't think TCP/IP was suggesting we park a crane in the middle of Eau Rouge or Beckitts

Inviere · 12-11-2018 4:18pm

I hate all the big run off's as much as everyone else....but, it makes sense. If there's gravel everywhere, drivers are going to be that bit more cautious, and I feel the show would suffer. There's already far too much babysitting of tires going on, imagine then adding in the possibility of end-of-race for a simple spin or something? Nah, I feel the big run off's are a necessary evil.

Adamocovic · 12-11-2018 4:35pm

What's peoples take on Max and Ocon?

Like everyone I find Max entertaining but I find it gas fans and writers leaping to his defence and describing him as fiery and passionate. If Lewis or Seb had acted the same way they'd be ripped apart but for Max it's chalked down to his desire.

I get why he lost it, although I'm a fan of Econ, and it was great entertainment to watch, but I do think Max's reputation or image around him gets him away with murder. The loss of temper is also a little ironic since he's been the driver causing collisions from aggressive overtaken many times.

Inviere · 12-11-2018 4:51pm

Adamocovic wrote: »

What's peoples take on Max and Ocon?

Stupid stupid move by Ocon, but Max should have been a bit smarter about it & waited.

What followed though, with Max putting his hands on another person in angst, I feel that reflects very poorly on him. Yes we've seen all the greats do it in the past, but times have moved on - there's a higher standard on professionalism nowadays, and it's an awful, awful look to have captured on video. I feel the community service penalty is ridiculous and just a box ticking exercise, it should have been a stern talking to and left alone after that.

Normally I like Ocon, but he took out the leader of a race while being lapped/unlapped...crazy stuff altogether.

Adamocovic · 12-11-2018 4:57pm

Inviere wrote: »

Stupid stupid move by Ocon, but Max should have been a bit smarter about it & waited.

What followed though, with Max putting his hands on another person in angst, I feel that reflects very poorly on him. Yes we've seen all the greats do it in the past, but times have moved on - there's a higher standard on professionalism nowadays, and it's an awful, awful look to have captured on video. I feel the community service penalty is ridiculous and just a box ticking exercise, it should have been a stern talking to and left alone after that.

Normally I like Ocon, but he took out the leader of a race while being lapped/unlapped...crazy stuff altogether.

His audition for Mercedes perhaps

Inviere · 12-11-2018 5:00pm

Adamocovic wrote: »

His audition for Mercedes perhaps

Please tell me you don't believe the nonsense conspiracy theories do you?

Adamocovic · 12-11-2018 5:01pm

Inviere wrote: »

Please tell me you don't believe the nonsense conspiracy theories do you?

Haha I don't, as entertaining as it would be!

Think it was a case of Ocon believing he was the faster driver, also coupled with the thought that he may not be out there next year decided "why not?" enjoy himself and attack cars.

If it had of come off smoothly it would have gotten lovely attention, unlapping yourself against the race leader, not a bad way to drum up attention around your ability.

TCP/IP · 12-11-2018 5:37pm

Max is right up there with being as nearly annoying as Lewis. He seems to think that he is this unreal talent that deserves to be able to do as he pleases.
I think Ocon layed down a marker for 2020 that he will stand up to Max when he will be in the Mercedes seat as its plainly obvious that Bottas is a waste of a Merc seat.

TCP/IP · 12-11-2018 5:39pm

OSI wrote: »

Jules Bianchi?

That's a completely different type of accident. If he spun off the track and hit a wall or barrier he would have been totally fine. He hit an object that should not have been on the track at the time.

H3llR4iser · 12-11-2018 6:39pm

Inviere wrote: »

Please tell me you don't believe the nonsense conspiracy theories do you?

Conspiracy theories...considering this happened when the games were set already (Ferrari needed to outscore Merc by 10 points in order to have any hope for the WCC), it's probably just an unfortunate set of circumstances. Mercedes and Hamilton would have been perfectly happy with finishing behind Verstappen and clinching the WCC.

Standing the fact that Verstappen was also an idiot in the circumstance (if you're leading and a lapped car is going faster on fresh tires, you don't let them by but also you don't go into a freaking defensive line approaching a corner, which will lose you time!), had something like this happened earlier in the season, with the championships still undecided, there would have been more than legitimate reason for doubt; Ocon is the driver who more than anyone else has been behaving like an extension of a top team, Mercedes in this case, to the point of them admitting to "team orders" to get Lewis past Esteban in Monaco (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/1548/mercedes-gave-ocon-team-orders-in-monaco/).

Add to it the fact the Frenchman has often "forgot" to look into his mirrors when lapped by a Ferrari or a Red Bull at various points this season.

As I said in the other thread, the last thing F1 needs is a 21st century Roland Asch...

recyclebin · 12-11-2018 6:45pm

Is that a legit site? I can't believe Mercedes were so blatant about it. Its race fixing in my opinion.

H3llR4iser · 12-11-2018 6:55pm

recyclebin wrote: »

Is that a legit site? I can't believe Mercedes were so blatant about it. Its race fixing in my opinion.

They are quoting Wolff directly - they wouldn't name names and attribute words if he didn't say so; It's a multi billion company that can sue any minor website into oblivion at the snap of two fingers, after all.
I also clearly remember it being stated during the live coverage on Sky.

Any more citations needed?

http://thenewswheel.com/team-orders-helped-hamilton-to-the-podium-in-monaco/

"Later comments by Ocon, who is also a Mercedes junior driver, added weight to the suspicion. 'I’m a Mercedes driver, you should ask the boss,' he told Sky Italia, before adding that 'it was pointless to fight with him, especially as he had new tires,' and that he had 'maybe' received team orders."

"Mercedes boss Toto Wolff then confirmed the entire thing to La Derniere Heure, stating that Ocon had indeed been instructed to let Hamilton past “because that’s the way it is.”

Or...
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2018/05/mercedes-ordered-ocon-to-let-hamilton-pass-at-the-monaco-grand-prix/
https://www.f1today.net/en/news/f1/238900/wolff-confirms-force-india-team-order

flazio · 12-11-2018 6:59pm

Remember, a lot of tracks are used for motorbike racing as well and according to Charlie, gravel traps are more dangerous for motorbikes then tarmac.

PopePalpatine · 12-11-2018 7:36pm

My first thought after that Ocon/Max collision was, "I wonder if he thought he was fighting off a Toro Rosso." The next thought was cursing a lost bet.

Inviere · 12-11-2018 8:17pm

recyclebin wrote: »

Is that a legit site? I can't believe Mercedes were so blatant about it. Its race fixing in my opinion.

The customer teams are more or less purchased road blocks at this stage, you can clearly see how easy it is for a Ferrari to pass a Haas, or a Mercedes to pass a RPFI, etc.

pjohnson · 12-11-2018 8:27pm

Apparently Kubica will sign his Williams deal this week.

Ocon will be test/reserve at both Mercedes & Racing Point.

Formula 1 2018: General Discussion Thread

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