Formula 1 2020 - General Discussion Thread (See MOD warning on first post)

Burkie1203 · 01-12-2020 10:24pm

Joeface wrote: »

this is stupid , Russell is a Williams driver , he shouldn't be allowed move teams for one race. Even more so with Covid moving form what is essentially one team bubble to another .

Vandoorne is the reserve driver , I really hope its just media boredom .

Maybe Hamilton has told Merc he is off into the sunset........

Rattlehead_ie · 01-12-2020 10:24pm

Yes he has won it, but has he been crowned the Champion for this yr, is that not technically done at the end of the seaon?

Infoanon · 01-12-2020 10:27pm

A lot of the current speculation is coming from English based journalists and magazines who not so long ago had illot as favourite for Haas.

Russell to swap for the weekend is possible but what's the real upside ? - ignore the bs being written about improving the standing of Williams - Bottas is locked in at Mercedes and Russell is locked in at Williams. Mercedes would have all the information they need on his potential.

What I am finding most unusual is that Mercedes are giving the impression that they had no plans in place for a positive Covid test - that's not how they work and the cynic in me thinks this is all good publicity for F1 and Mercedes during the post race quiet period.

afatbollix · 01-12-2020 10:38pm

Rattlehead_ie wrote: »

Yes he has won it, but has he been crowned the Champion for this yr, is that not technically done at the end of the seaon?

Who can catch him. :pac:

They gave him the golden P1 at Turkey for TV.

I don't think the FIA will have the Gala this year so it will just show up in the post.

AMKC · 01-12-2020 10:59pm

Cork Trucker wrote: »

Sunday’s race will be the first time since 2017 that the defending champion won’t take part in a race, and only the second time since 1994, on that occasion after Imola there was no past or present champion.

That's wrong do the second part. Sebastian Vettel and Kimi are both past Champions so it is wrong.

eviltimeban · 01-12-2020 11:09pm

AMKC wrote: »

That's wrong do the second part. Sebastian Vettel and Kimi are both past Champions so it is wrong.

I think they mean that after Senna died in Imola, there was no champion on the grid at the next race. Correct?

Cork Trucker · 01-12-2020 11:09pm

AMKC wrote: »

That's wrong do the second part. Sebastian Vettel and Kimi are both past Champions so it is wrong.

Read it again.

Cork Trucker · 01-12-2020 11:09pm

eviltimeban wrote: »

I think they mean that after Senna died in Imola, there was no champion on the grid at the next race. Correct?

Spot on

GarIT · 01-12-2020 11:43pm

Infoanon wrote: »

Russell to swap for the weekend is possible but what's the real upside ? - ignore the bs being written about improving the standing of Williams - Bottas is locked in at Mercedes and Russell is locked in at Williams. Mercedes would have all the information they need on his potential.

You can never have enough information.

Another upside is they get to try out their next in line for a seat as Toto calls him.

Williams gets money from Mercedes for Russell and money from whatever pay driver they take on.

Adamocovic · 01-12-2020 11:47pm

I can see the cruel world of Motorsport unfolding now.

Russell gets given the Merc. Well in the points. Engine failure with 4 laps to go.
Latifi up from 11th to 10th for Williams first points in donkeys.

Heartbreak for Russell haha

AMKC · 01-12-2020 11:56pm

Cork Trucker wrote: »

Spot on

Awe ok. So if Imola 94 was one time when was the other time there was no F1 champion on the grid?

GarIT · 02-12-2020 12:17am

AMKC wrote: »

Awe ok. So if Imola 94 was one time when was the other time there was no F1 champion on the grid?

They said defending champion, not any champion. Rosberg retired after winning.

elperello · 02-12-2020 12:36am

I thought it was a trick question.

Answer 1950.

El_Duderino 09 · 02-12-2020 12:55am

VW announced it’s pulling out of all motorsport. It had previously said it’s pulling out of internal combustion engine sports to focus on electric powered cars. But yesterday Audi announced it’s leaving FE and today VE made the broader announcement.

It might be limited to other motorsports but I think this is part of a trend (which includes Honda pulling out of F1). Nobody has sold cars in the last year. Ot must be hard to justify motorsport programmes when there’s probably a global recession coming.

pjohnson · 02-12-2020 1:14am

Audi had been rumoured to quit Formula E this year but when the new gen car was postponed they opted for one more year. There time in FE was limited once Porsche joined the grid. Volkswagen didn't need them competing with eachother so Audi's departure was planned before Covid.

GarIT · 02-12-2020 4:05am

Jenson Button has let Mercedes know he is available. Mostly as a joke but I don't think he would say know if he was asked. It created one of the best Twitter threads I've ever seen. They wrote out Jensen asking for a drive and getting rejected in the style of Eminem - Stan.

Also a few people calling for Rosberg, Alonso, Verstappen or Vettel to get the drive.

Rosberg started a petition for Russell to get the drive.

The above is mostly all nonsense but fun to think about.

SMC92Ian · 02-12-2020 5:26am

I want Hulk in the car.

Cork Trucker · 02-12-2020 7:04am

AMKC wrote: »

Awe ok. So if Imola 94 was one time when was the other time there was no F1 champion on the grid?

No, post Imola 1994 the rest of that season was bar the 4 races Mansell drove in

racersedge · 02-12-2020 8:15am

F1 Twitter states Russell confirmed in the Merc. Aitken in the Williams. Stoffel mans the waffle stand.

Cork Trucker · 02-12-2020 8:16am

Russell confirmed at Mercedes.

Aitken in at Williams

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-george-russell-to-replace-hamilton-at-mercedes-for-sakhir-grand.5vMOKRppSzFMz7RZzdzmxs.html

donspeekinglesh · 02-12-2020 8:19am

Aitken will be driving the Williams and Russell the Mercedes
https://www.williamsf1.com/news/2020/12/j

Burkie1203 · 02-12-2020 8:24am

https://twitter.com/harrismonkey/status/1334035341725102080?s=19

PsychoPete · 02-12-2020 8:24am

I don't think f1 drivers should be allowed to go from one team to another just for one race, f1 teams should have to use their reserve driver or one that isn't part of a team. I hope Russell gets a good result this weekend

Trampas · 02-12-2020 8:33am

Crofty will be more unbearable. Mr Saturday will need to be mr Sunday also

Rossi IRL · 02-12-2020 8:35am

Hope Russell does well. Would be nice to see him get a podium.

He has a 50-50 chance of winning. Let's be honest, it's between him and Max.

Top Dog · 02-12-2020 8:40am

Now the big question - can he maintain his 100% qualifying performance against a teammate?

Cork Trucker · 02-12-2020 8:49am

Top Dog wrote: »

Now the big question - can he maintain his 100% qualifying performance against a teammate?

I’m going to say no. He’ll be beaten by Bottas and Verstappen in qualifying. As we know the Mercedes doesn’t like traffic, so if Russell starts third that’s going to be it unless something happens in front of him. Also worth noting will Latifi out qualify Aitken.

Harika · 02-12-2020 8:52am

A further announcement is looming for today.

eviltimeban · 02-12-2020 8:57am

I don't get the point of a reserve driver now.

jv2000 · 02-12-2020 8:59am

eviltimeban wrote: »

I don't get the point of a reserve driver now.

I think most teams assume they will never need to use their reserve driver. This year has really caught them out.

Harika · 02-12-2020 9:03am

jv2000 wrote: »

I think most teams assume they will never need to use their reserve driver. This year has really caught them out.

Let's face it, Stoffel has same qualifications as Russell. But Mercedes is clearly putting their bet on Russell for a future cockpit with them.
Stoffel will have to be clear to himself that he is out of F1 and his future is formula e, GT or Touring Car.

pjohnson · 02-12-2020 9:09am

Tbf I think Russell actually is Mercedes official reserve, just leased out to Williams. Giovinazzi is actually Ferrari's reserve. Aitken is Williams reserve.

So reserves are earning their keep this weeekend.

Harika · 02-12-2020 9:12am

Schumacher confirmation at Haas, now all I want is Illott to win F2 championship

PsychoPete · 02-12-2020 9:14am

Will be nice to see that name back in F1

https://twitter.com/F1/status/1334044805022756864?s=19

Harika · 02-12-2020 9:15am

https://twitter.com/RachelBrookesTV/status/1334047635674705920
I love the Norris Sainz banter

Infoanon · 02-12-2020 9:26am

eviltimeban wrote: »

I don't get the point of a reserve driver now.

Surprised by Russell move potentially for the next two races - reserve drivers are losing out because of recent race and new tyres experience apparently

recyclebin · 02-12-2020 10:52am

Not sure how Aitken has got the reserve role at Williams. I presume it's for money reasons. His results in GP2 are only average at best.

artanevilla · 02-12-2020 10:55am

Huge pressure on Bottas now. Will be very interesting to watch.

eviltimeban · 02-12-2020 11:01am

Harika wrote: »

Let's face it, Stoffel has same qualifications as Russell. But Mercedes is clearly putting their bet on Russell for a future cockpit with them.
Stoffel will have to be clear to himself that he is out of F1 and his future is formula e, GT or Touring Car.

Unless it's because Stoffel wouldn't have had enough time to quarantine after arriving in Bahrain. Or he didn't have enough track time? I mean, it's not like they have anything to lose - they've won everything already. Races are just testing sessions for them at this stage.

pjohnson · 02-12-2020 11:05am

eviltimeban wrote: »

Unless it's because Stoffel wouldn't have had enough time to quarantine after arriving in Bahrain. Or he didn't have enough track time? I mean, it's not like they have anything to lose - they've won everything already. Races are just testing sessions for them at this stage.

Bahrain is strict BUT he just would have passed multiple tests as Formula E testing was this weekend and only ended yesterday so he likely wouldn't have had an issue.

H3llR4iser · 02-12-2020 11:33am

Well, this makes no sense whatsoever. Unless the rumors of Lewis thinking about moving on to different activities at the end of the season have a bit of truth to them, and the team are taking the opportunity for a trial.

GarIT · 02-12-2020 11:35am

H3llR4iser wrote: »

Well, this makes no sense whatsoever. Unless the rumors of Lewis thinking about moving on to different activities at the end of the season have a bit of truth to them, and the team are taking the opportunity for a trial.

It makes absolutely perfect sense. It's possibly the only logical solution.

klose · 02-12-2020 11:36am

Should make the weekend very interesting, three drivers in cars they wouldn't be too familiar with, bottas with pressure on him now both with Russell in the merc and verstappen chasing him down for 2nd in the drivers.

GarIT · 02-12-2020 11:36am

eviltimeban wrote: »

Unless it's because Stoffel wouldn't have had enough time to quarantine after arriving in Bahrain. Or he didn't have enough track time? I mean, it's not like they have anything to lose - they've won everything already. Races are just testing sessions for them at this stage.

They just didn't want him. He's not talented enough and doesn't have the potential to be an F1 driver.

quokula · 02-12-2020 11:44am

GarIT wrote: »

They just didn't want him. He's not talented enough and doesn't have the potential to be an F1 driver.

That's going a bit far - he'd potentially be a very decent driver and he was just unfortunate he never got a chance in anything other than a backmarker McLaren with Alonso for a team-mate. He's certainly a far better driver than Bottas if you look at the whole of his career.

With that said, he's been out of F1 for a few years so it would be a big ask to jump in at a moments notice, so Russell is a far better choice.

Joeface · 02-12-2020 12:00pm

2 Races left and Williams still chasing a single point this season and their best chance based of securing even one is with Russell behind the wheel and they give him up for one Race . It seems poor in a competition sense that Williams loose their driver . As has been pointed out Mercedes have secured both championships, they didn't need to hamper another team just for this race. With Covid in place Drivers should not really been moving teams , and as Covid has been in the Mercedes camp for a few weeks now this makes even less sense. If Vandoorne is a Test and Simulator driver for Mercedes that's who should be in place .

To me it makes a little bit of mockery of the "competition" and also Why all the fuss earlier over Williams not confirming Russell seat for next season straight way. if they have to give him up any time Mercedes have a problem.

Faugheen · 02-12-2020 12:22pm

First time a Mercedes junior driver has raced for the full works team.

quokula · 02-12-2020 12:58pm

Joeface wrote: »

2 Races left and Williams still chasing a single point this season and their best chance based of securing even one is with Russell behind the wheel and they give him up for one Race . It seems poor in a competition sense that Williams loose their driver . As has been pointed out Mercedes have secured both championships, they didn't need to hamper another team just for this race. With Covid in place Drivers should not really been moving teams , and as Covid has been in the Mercedes camp for a few weeks now this makes even less sense. If Vandoorne is a Test and Simulator driver for Mercedes that's who should be in place .

To me it makes a little bit of mockery of the "competition" and also Why all the fuss earlier over Williams not confirming Russell seat for next season straight way. if they have to give him up any time Mercedes have a problem.

Russell has scored zero points this season and is technically behind Latifi (also on 0) in the championship because his best finish is actually lower.

That car doesn't stand a chance of scoring 3 points without absolute chaos occurring, in which case there's just as much chance of a different driver doing it.

It would make a bigger mockery of the competition to put a driver that's several years out of practice in the fastest car on the grid. Russell has always been a Mercedes driver, Williams need any help they can get in terms of support and discounted engines, so it's easy to see why they'd oblige.

GarIT · 02-12-2020 1:01pm

Joeface wrote: »

2 Races left and Williams still chasing a single point this season and their best chance based of securing even one is with Russell behind the wheel and they give him up for one Race . It seems poor in a competition sense that Williams loose their driver . As has been pointed out Mercedes have secured both championships, they didn't need to hamper another team just for this race. With Covid in place Drivers should not really been moving teams , and as Covid has been in the Mercedes camp for a few weeks now this makes even less sense. If Vandoorne is a Test and Simulator driver for Mercedes that's who should be in place .

To me it makes a little bit of mockery of the "competition" and also Why all the fuss earlier over Williams not confirming Russell seat for next season straight way. if they have to give him up any time Mercedes have a problem.

A point won't do much for Williams. They would need at least 4 to beat HAAS. It's hard to say what's better for them the publicity from a point or their driver not finishing last and the extra publicity, and double.extra publicity if it's realised they have a future star or at.least race winner. Payments from Mercedes and Aitken would definitely sweeten the deal.

Mercedes need to keep Bottas' morale up, secure second for him and to do that someone who could take point off Verstappen or be used as a roadblock would be helpful. They also want to trial who they plan to be their next driver.

Top Dog · 02-12-2020 1:04pm

If by some miracle Russell is leading Bottas in the closing stages of the race, does anyone think team orders will be employed to help Bottas in his fight for 2nd overall?

Formula 1 2020 - General Discussion Thread (See MOD warning on first post)

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