Formula 1 2019 - General Discussion Thread

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 18-04-2019 2:24pm

Harika wrote: »

Besides the obvious failure of Williams. I am very disappointed by Giovanazzi and Gasly, both are absolutely destroyed by their team mates.

Red Bull will act fast if Gasly doesn’t improve. If he’s jettisoned back to TR will Kvyat or Albon get the gig.

AMKC · 18-04-2019 3:14pm

Jordan 199 wrote: »

Kimi has had a great start to the season at Alfa Romeo. Scored points in all three races so far.

Yes he has done great so far and surprised some people to I would say. I would also say as long as it keeps going like that I think Kimi will be very happy and who knows maybe he will get on the podium some time this season too which would be great for Alfa.

As for Williams I just think it very sad the state that team is in and maybe there is some billionaire out there that might buy it and get them back on the right track again. It has been 7 years since they won last.

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 18-04-2019 3:49pm

AMKC wrote: »

It has been 7 years since they won last.

What’s more harrowing is that 2012 victory remains the only one since Interlagos in October 2004, the same year Williams had the Walrus style nose on the car.

chicorytip · 18-04-2019 5:14pm

AMKC wrote:

Yes he has done great so far and surprised some people to I would say. I would also say as long as it keeps going like that I think Kimi will be very happy and who knows maybe he will get on the podium some time this season too which would be great for Alfa.

I would say his performances have been of average standard. You would expect Alfa to be scoring these points anyway. His qualifying times and race performances are only very slightly improved compared to Leclerc's first three races last year. That's what you get from Kimi these days. He may be feeling relaxed and Alfa seem pleased with him but he's certainly not getting any quicker as he nears the forty mark.

AMKC · 18-04-2019 5:40pm

chicorytip wrote: »

I would say his performances have been of average standard. You would expect Alfa to be scoring these points anyway. His qualifying times and race performances are only very slightly improved compared to Leclerc's first three races last year. That's what you get from Kimi these days. He may be feeling relaxed and Alfa seem pleased with him but he's certainly not getting any quicker as he nears the forty mark.

You my be right but he also brings a lot of experience and knowledge that the Alfa team are happy to have at the moment while they rebuild.

mickdw · 18-04-2019 6:14pm

Peyton Lively Tiller wrote: »

AMKC wrote: »

It has been 7 years since they won last.

What’s more harrowing is that 2012 victory remains the only one since Interlagos in October 2004, the same year Williams had the Walrus style nose on the car.

What's more harrowing is that I believe that 2012 victory was not legit.
Bernie might just have hijacked a batch of Pirelli tyres and swapped in some different ones as a 70th birthday present for Frank.

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 18-04-2019 6:30pm

mickdw wrote: »

What's more harrowing is that I believe that 2012 victory was not legit.
Bernie might just have hijacked a batch of Pirelli tyres and swapped in some different ones as a 70th birthday present for Frank.

Could the same not be said for Damon Hill’s Near miss at Hungary 1997 in the Arrows? The Bridgestone’s on his car were at another level that day.

Had McLaren not short fueled Hamilton in Spain for qualifying and he started from pole instead of dead last, it is possible he could have gone on to win instead of starting at the back and finishing 8th.

Harika · 18-04-2019 9:37pm

Williams up for sale https://www.racefans.net/2019/04/18/mazepin-not-in-talks-to-buy-williams-says-company/
I know the article states different but that just means the opposite in F1

mickdw · 18-04-2019 9:42pm

Peyton Lively Tiller wrote: »

mickdw wrote: »

What's more harrowing is that I believe that 2012 victory was not legit.
Bernie might just have hijacked a batch of Pirelli tyres and swapped in some different ones as a 70th birthday present for Frank.

Could the same not be said for Damon Hill’s Near miss at Hungary 1997 in the Arrows? The Bridgestone’s on his car were at another level that day.

Had McLaren not short fueled Hamilton in Spain for qualifying and he started from pole instead of dead last, it is possible he could have gone on to win instead of starting at the back and finishing 8th.

I don't see a valid comparison at all.
If the Bridgestone on hills arrows were the tyre to be one, so be it. They were a new tyre company into the sport. That's a lot different to the possibility of a controlled standard tyre being issues to a team with a differing compound to everyone else.

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 19-04-2019 6:52am

mickdw wrote: »

I don't see a valid comparison at all.
If the Bridgestone on hills arrows were the tyre to be one, so be it. They were a new tyre company into the sport. That's a lot different to the possibility of a controlled standard tyre being issues to a team with a differing compound to everyone else.

It was he only car that was competitive on those tyres. The next best was Nakano in the Prost who finished 6th only after taking Irvine out on the final lap.

Villeneuve, Herbert,both Schumachers, Irvine and Frentzen, who was leading until his fuel cap fell off were all on Goodyear’s.

Rossi IRL · 23-04-2019 12:18pm

https://twitter.com/F1/status/1120643795199066112?s=19

mickdw · 23-04-2019 12:32pm

Peyton Lively Tiller wrote: »

mickdw wrote: »

I don't see a valid comparison at all.
If the Bridgestone on hills arrows were the tyre to be one, so be it. They were a new tyre company into the sport. That's a lot different to the possibility of a controlled standard tyre being issues to a team with a differing compound to everyone else.

It was he only car that was competitive on those tyres. The next best was Nakano in the Prost who finished 6th only after taking Irvine out on the final lap.

Villeneuve, Herbert,both Schumachers, Irvine and Frentzen, who was leading until his fuel cap fell off were all on Goodyear’s.

Hill was a known specialist around there though so having him 1 and next driver 6th isn't a huge surprise. The tyre clearly worked around that track.

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 23-04-2019 12:42pm

mickdw wrote: »

Hill was a known specialist around there though so having him 1 and next driver 6th isn't a huge surprise. The tyre clearly worked around that track.

Prior to that his results were since 1993 (not point including his Brabham time):

1993 Win Williams
1994 2nd Williams
1995 win Williams
1996 2nd Williams
1997 2nd Arrows
1998 4th Jordan
1999 6th Jordan

Yes he was a specialist around there, but by god there must have been some magic in those tyres. Remember, that was the same year that the Prost in the hands of Panis almost won the Spanish Grand Prix only for Irvine to block him when he was catching Villeneuve and also wasn't Trulli leading the Austrian GP until his engine blew up? That was thanks to the Mugen Honda engine. There's just something about that race, Hill fell back into the wilderness again that year bar a brief moment with Schumacher while being lapped at Suzuka. Still though, to think that a 50p washer robbed F1 of ones of its finest moments.

Inviere · 23-04-2019 1:12pm

Rossi IRL wrote: »

https://twitter.com/F1/status/1120643795199066112?s=19

Wall to wall catch fencing, very narrow, and devoid of any character...yep, sounds like a new F1 track alright (you'd be forgiven for thinking it's an FE track too).

PukkaStukka · 23-04-2019 3:59pm

Peyton Lively Tiller wrote: »

mickdw wrote: »

Hill was a known specialist around there though so having him 1 and next driver 6th isn't a huge surprise. The tyre clearly worked around that track.

Prior to that his results were since 1993 (not point including his Brabham time):

1993 Win Williams
1994 2nd Williams
1995 win Williams
1996 2nd Williams
1997 2nd Arrows
1998 4th Jordan
1999 6th Jordan

Yes he was a specialist around there, but by god there must have been some magic in those tyres. Remember, that was the same year that the Prost in the hands of Panis almost won the Spanish Grand Prix only for Irvine to block him when he was catching Villeneuve and also wasn't Trulli leading the Austrian GP until his engine blew up? That was thanks to the Mugen Honda engine. There's just something about that race, Hill fell back into the wilderness again that year bar a brief moment with Schumacher while being lapped at Suzuka. Still though, to think that a 50p washer robbed F1 of ones of its finest moments.

The Prost had a tidy chassis that bore an uncanny resemblance to the '96 Benetton. The professor acquired that team late in the day from Flavio, along with a supply of Bridgestone tyres.

After that, the eponymous French team went downhill. Poor chassis, rentadrivers and heavy underpowered and unreliable Peugeot V10's followed by year old rebadged Ferrari motors.

flazio · 24-04-2019 7:08am

Inviere wrote: »

Wall to wall catch fencing, very narrow, and devoid of any character...yep, sounds like a new F1 track alright (you'd be forgiven for thinking it's an FE track too).

You know, if you showed me something similar of Baku before it came I'd probably be saying the same but it's actually turned out quite nicely so far.

Inviere · 24-04-2019 11:08am

flazio wrote: »

You know, if you showed me something similar of Baku before it came I'd probably be saying the same but it's actually turned out quite nicely so far.

Baku has, for whatever reason

patmahe · 25-04-2019 2:59pm

Inviere wrote: »

Baku has, for whatever reason

I think Baku is great because it has a mix of everything, tight twisty street section through the old town, long massive straights, cars crash there, others get damaged, tyres wear out, DRS is very effective, safety cars are likely. It all adds to the excitement.

Would be amazing if it could rain too

It has become a race I look forward too each year because its usually mental

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 25-04-2019 3:03pm

Yes Baku has become interesting in its very short life from Vettel and Hamilton colliding in 2017, to first the Force India's and then Red Bulls last year, Bottas seeing his tyre blow while in the lead. Hopefully we see more of the same. Another matter of note, this is the first 'real' opportunity where we will get to see how Kubica copes with tight twisty circuits.

Inviere · 25-04-2019 3:04pm

patmahe wrote: »

I think Baku is great because it has a mix of everything, tight twisty street section through the old town, long massive straights, cars crash there, others get damaged, tyres wear out, DRS is very effective, safety cars are likely. It all adds to the excitement.

Would be amazing if it could rain too

It has become a race I look forward too each year because its usually mental

Same here, it's mad because on paper it should be a total snore fest but it just somehow works.

mickdw · 25-04-2019 3:31pm

Peyton Lively Tiller wrote: »

mickdw wrote: »

Hill was a known specialist around there though so having him 1 and next driver 6th isn't a huge surprise. The tyre clearly worked around that track.

Prior to that his results were since 1993 (not point including his Brabham time):

1993 Win Williams
1994 2nd Williams
1995 win Williams
1996 2nd Williams
1997 2nd Arrows
1998 4th Jordan
1999 6th Jordan

Yes he was a specialist around there, but by god there must have been some magic in those tyres. Remember, that was the same year that the Prost in the hands of Panis almost won the Spanish Grand Prix only for Irvine to block him when he was catching Villeneuve and also wasn't Trulli leading the Austrian GP until his engine blew up? That was thanks to the Mugen Honda engine. There's just something about that race, Hill fell back into the wilderness again that year bar a brief moment with Schumacher while being lapped at Suzuka. Still though, to think that a 50p washer robbed F1 of ones of its finest moments.

I often think when watching a rerun of Hungary 97 that Hill not actually winning has made his achievement there just as impressive as if he had won as everyone clearly knows he was the class of the field that day however because of what happened, it is now many times more memorable than if he had won and is talked about much much more.

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 25-04-2019 3:34pm

mickdw wrote: »

I often think when watching a rerun of Hungary 97 that Hill not actually winning has made his achievement there just as impressive as if he had won as everyone clearly knows he was the class of the field that day however because of what happened, it is now many times more memorable than if he had won and is talked about much much more.

He must have been heavily restricted in his use of the throttle and gears on the day, it was the washer for the hydraulic pump that was the problem.

Losing a 35 second lead over 3 laps, 20 seconds alone on the last lap and finishing nearly 10 seconds behind Villeneuve. I have the recording of it here and the more i look at it the more upsetting it must have been for all concerned at Arrows,the car had an intermittent throttle, Hill was mad 'wagging' the car around thinking it was a lose connection, had the problem occurred one lap later than it did he would have won it but only just, as he was crossing the line to start lap 77 JV had just come into sight.

T-Maxx · 28-04-2019 2:08pm

Just finished the final part of Stephan Johannson's proposal on how to get F1 back on track. A great read. Couldn't be arsed to link but a quick Google should get you there.

the_pen_turner · 28-04-2019 2:25pm

T-Maxx wrote: »

Just finished the final part of Stephan Johannson's proposal on how to get F1 back on track. A great read. Couldn't be arsed to link but a quick Google should get you there.

what are the sugestions

PopePalpatine · 28-04-2019 3:20pm

You can have a look here.

Harika · 28-04-2019 7:55pm

Flew over it, but is the part with the engines missing?
Anyway, he suggests to have more than one tire manufacturer for the series. This was tried everywhere and I don#t think any top series atm has more than one tire supplier. SUperbike and Motogp put the brake on it as costs spiraled out of control and with one supplier it is easier to control that part of regulations.

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 28-04-2019 8:23pm

OSI wrote: »

Yeah, last time we had 2 suppliers we ended up with a race with only 6 cars running. Fantastic racing spectacle that was :rolleyes:

Yes it was, the final podium finish for a Jordan :cool:

Harika · 28-04-2019 8:52pm

He recommends replacing DRS with push2pass
reducing downforce by 70%
introducing unified parts like gearbox, breakducts and so on
Also to let the engine manufacturers come up with an ideal number of engines during the season. Like originally you could have had 5 per season, then 4 now 3 and the costs for that has risen instead of fallen.
Bring costs down, fire people of the overblown aero departments (sacrifices have to be made for the greater good)
Overall interesting to dig in, if you have time to read through 22 pages

chicorytip · 28-04-2019 9:33pm

T-Maxx wrote:

Just finished the final part of Stephan Johannson's proposal on how to get F1 back on track. A great read. Couldn't be arsed to link but a quick Google should get you there.

Is that Stefan Johannson the ex F1 and Indy driver?

galwayllm · 28-04-2019 9:37pm

RIP F1..... It's dreadfully predictable and boring!

It was once the pinnacle of the mootorsport world now it's not even worth a watch.

Each race is now bla!

Never again!

AMKC · 28-04-2019 10:05pm

So who is going to watch the W Series Racing next weekend? Got to be better and less predictable than F1. I will certainly give it a look at. Its only six races long do.

Cookie_Monster · 29-04-2019 3:14am

PopePalpatine wrote: »

You can have a look here.

hard to disagree with a single point he make IMO

pjohnson · 29-04-2019 9:48am

While Merc is pissing it amd Williams barely at pre drinks I'm enjoying the midfield this year.

jv2000 · 29-04-2019 9:56am

galwayllm wrote: »

RIP F1..... It's dreadfully predictable and boring!

It was once the pinnacle of the mootorsport world now it's not even worth a watch.

Each race is now bla!

Never again!

Yes F1 is really starting (or continuing) to be shown up at the moment by other inferior yet much more entertaining series. This weekend as an example the F2 was much better, especially the sprint race on Sunday. And as for the FE, the wet race on Saturday probably was something of a novelty but insane and closely competitive at the same time (like many FE races). Indycar and MotoGP also serve as good examples of exciting and unpredictable racing (let's pretend Marc Marquez doesn't exist for a moment). F1 feels scripted at the moment - Ferrari are the fastest on Friday, Mercedes concede they will never be able to make up the gap... next day pole position, still worried about the Ferrari race pace... Sunday, an easy victory. Bottas being semi-competitive in the best car is the only consolation, I just can't imagine that he has the same mental strength of Rosberg to try and stay with Hamilton for the entire season and possibly sneak the championship, I hope I am wrong.

skipper_G · 29-04-2019 3:29pm

How about some nice speculation, I think the Spanish GP is struggling to find the money to pay the race fees given the political and economic situation in the region, and as such I reckon there won't be a Spanish GP in 2020 and instead we'll have a Dutch GP at Zandvoort.

AMKC · 29-04-2019 4:45pm

skipper_G wrote: »

How about some nice speculation, I think the Spanish GP is struggling to find the money to pay the race fees given the political and economic situation in the region, and as such I reckon there won't be a Spanish GP in 2020 and instead we'll have a Dutch GP at Zandvoort.

Interesting. I wonder what that would mean for testing next year then if they can't use the track in Spain or would they still go and test there anyway?
I can't say I would miss it if it did go as its boring most of the time except for the odd race like the one in 2012.

ayux4rj6zql2ph · 29-04-2019 4:55pm

AMKC wrote: »

Interesting. I wonder what that would mean for testing next year then if they can't use the track in Spain or would they still go and test there anyway?
I can't say I would miss it if it did go as its boring most of the time except for the odd race like the one in 2012.

Spain 1994 for Schumacher's achievements being stuck in fifth gear.

Spain 1995 Herbert drove off down the pit lane with the jack still attached

Spain 1996 by far the greatest victory of Schumacher's career.

Spain 1997 Panis nearly won it only for Irvine to block him, something even Alesi took issue with.

Spain 1999 Villeneuve rising to third on the first lap in a dog of a B.A.R

Spain 2001 Schumacher winning when Hakkinen's clutch blew up on the last lap.

Spain 2012 as you already mentioned.

Spain 2016 the 2 Mercedes take each other out, Verstappen wins on his Red Bull debut as a result.

Infoanon · 29-04-2019 7:43pm

OSI wrote: »

Pretty much shows he's talking **** from that excerpt alone. "Let's make all the cars the same because they are already. That will spice things up!"

I believe the point been made is the cars are build to such stringent regulations which gives no room for innovation that why not have a spec series instead of spending literally billions which is adding nothing to the 'show'.

skipper_G · 29-04-2019 11:44pm

More calendar rumblings, Silverstone new deal imminent. 3 year extension if the rumours are to be believed

El_Duderino 09 · 30-04-2019 3:45pm

Infoanon wrote: »

I believe the point been made is the cars are build to such stringent regulations which gives no room for innovation that why not have a spec series instead of spending literally billions which is adding nothing to the 'show'.

It depends on what the billions are spent on. The mechanics and innovation in energy recovery is brilliant and will influence the road car industry. Spending billions on tiny aerodynamic tweaks with absolutely no application beyond a formula 1 car is a complete waste of money.

flazio · 30-04-2019 9:00pm

Let me throw out an idea. Ferrari cheifs start talking to Fred Vassuer about a promotion to Ferrari? I know you might think Gunther Steiner would be more obvious candidate but in my opinion Haas have been too hit and miss while Sauber have been more consistent in their position.
Fred might have it in him to be the next Jean Todt in my opinion.

AMKC · 30-04-2019 9:12pm

Peyton Lively Tiller wrote: »

Spain 1994 for Schumacher's achievements being stuck in fifth gear.

Spain 1995 Herbert drove off down the pit lane with the jack still attached

Spain 1996 by far the greatest victory of Schumacher's career.

Spain 1997 Panis nearly won it only for Irvine to block him, something even Alesi took issue with.

Spain 1999 Villeneuve rising to third on the first lap in a dog of a B.A.R

Spain 2001 Schumacher winning when Hakkinen's clutch blew up on the last lap.

Spain 2012 as you already mentioned.

Spain 2016 the 2 Mercedes take each other out, Verstappen wins on his Red Bull debut as a result.

Most of them are before my time. Only really from the late 90's , 00's on did I get into F1.

chicorytip · 30-04-2019 9:30pm

If you were to assess his suitability for promotion solely based on Alfa's performance last weekend you would probably end up having to look for alternative candidates. Ferrari needs to break the tradition of appointing a team principal from within "house" and go for a complete outsider. Horner from Red Bull, for example.

El_Duderino 09 · 01-05-2019 7:58am

Peyton Lively Tiller wrote: »

Spain 1994 for Schumacher's achievements being stuck in fifth gear.

Spain 1995 Herbert drove off down the pit lane with the jack still attached

Spain 1996 by far the greatest victory of Schumacher's career.

Spain 1997 Panis nearly won it only for Irvine to block him, something even Alesi took issue with.

Spain 1999 Villeneuve rising to third on the first lap in a dog of a B.A.R

Spain 2001 Schumacher winning when Hakkinen's clutch blew up on the last lap.

Spain 2012 as you already mentioned.

Spain 2016 the 2 Mercedes take each other out, Verstappen wins on his Red Bull debut as a result.

While that's great knowledge, most of those incidents tend to be one off and not to do with the track. The track itself doesn't promote good racing. The long fast turn before the main straight is hard to follow because of the turbulent air and the straight itself is too short to allow cars to battle into turn 1.

Tends to be a procession. I'd have no problem with it being dropped from the calendar.

Adamocovic · 02-05-2019 9:24am

skipper_G wrote: »

How about some nice speculation, I think the Spanish GP is struggling to find the money to pay the race fees given the political and economic situation in the region, and as such I reckon there won't be a Spanish GP in 2020 and instead we'll have a Dutch GP at Zandvoort.

At least the dutch will more than likely serve pints at their track :P

Anyone know exactly why the Spanish GP doesn't serve alcohol? I know the hospital suites have it (not that I've been in them!) but why is the reason on track it isn't sold? Surely would bring in a lot more money if it was.

El_Duderino 09 · 02-05-2019 9:32am

Adamocovic wrote: »

At least the dutch will more than likely serve pints at their track :P

Anyone know exactly why the Spanish GP doesn't serve alcohol? I know the hospital suites have it (not that I've been in them!) but why is the reason on track it isn't sold? Surely would bring in a lot more money if it was.

Is that true? That's outrageous. With Heineken sponsorship, they don't even sell Heineken? They don't sell booze cheap at races. There must be a law preventing them from selling because i'd say it makes a pretty penny for vendors but more importantly and it's great advertising. All the lads, sitting around together, having a great time and drinking Heineken.

skipper_G · 02-05-2019 9:51am

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

Is that true? That's outrageous. With Heineken sponsorship, they don't even sell Heineken? They don't sell booze cheap at races. There must be a law preventing them from selling because i'd say it makes a pretty penny for vendors but more importantly and it's great advertising. All the lads, sitting around together, having a great time and drinking Heineken.

In fairness they're doing everyone a favour, there is no fouler taste in the world than a flat pint of warm Heineken served in a plastic cup

El_Duderino 09 · 02-05-2019 10:37am

skipper_G wrote: »

In fairness they're doing everyone a favour, there is no fouler taste in the world than a flat pint of warm Heineken served in a plastic cup

I'd agree under normal circumstances but I was at the Budapest GP last year with the lads. It was scorching hot weather and the Heineken was ice cold. I would still never buy Heineken if I had a choice, but have to say I have a much more positive opinion of Heineken because it's associated with such a great few days with the lads. The branding works.

skipper_G · 02-05-2019 10:40am

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

I'd agree under normal circumstances but I was at the Budapest GP last year with the lads. It was scorching hot weather and the Heineken was ice cold. I would still never buy Heineken if I had a choice, but have to say I have a much more positive opinion of Heineken because it's associated with such a great few days with the lads. The branding works.

Don't get me wrong, my fridge is always stocked with ice cold bottles of the stuff! :pac: But I had a bad experience with it in pint form which left me permanently scarred

Adamocovic · 02-05-2019 12:35pm

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

Is that true? That's outrageous. With Heineken sponsorship, they don't even sell Heineken? They don't sell booze cheap at races. There must be a law preventing them from selling because i'd say it makes a pretty penny for vendors but more importantly and it's great advertising. All the lads, sitting around together, having a great time and drinking Heineken.

Wasn't sure if it was still the case but quick search shows it seems to be according to ticketing sites:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Alcohol is only available at the circuit if you have booked a hospitality ticket for Silver or Gold Member products. None of the onsite bars offer alcoholic drinks!

Also adds:

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR:

We recently secured our suite again opposite the pits in the Main Grandstand. The Gold Suite F1 package comes with all day open bar and catering – a must if you wish to drink alcohol as the general public and grandstand ticket holders will not be able to purchase alcohol due to Catalonian laws for sporting events with a zero alcohol policy.

So some Catalan laws stopping them.

No doubt they sell the alcohol free stuff but it's a bit odd. I know in Italy last year the Fins had cleaned out most of the bars by the end. Was around one left on track near us that still had some sort of beer. I imagine it's a big income generator.

Formula 1 2019 - General Discussion Thread

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