F1 is back

[zama]

I know there are many fans here. First time I have seen it live since the vacuum cleaner motors were introduced. They really are tragic, it was quieter than every other class on the day from old can am and open wheelers (understandable) but less than GT3 and even Porsche cup that is just sad.

The old Minardi 2 seater with the V10 motor used in the race against a road C63 Merc and Merc GT3 GT was music to everyone's ears. Cant imagine the new owners of F1 won't bring them back inside 12 months.

As for the season, it looks like Hamilton will be hard to beat, shades of 2015 with Ferrari close behind and the Renault runners a peg back even with better drivers in Red Bull.

The Honda McLaren is just sad, no sponsors and no speed, Sauber who basically need to pass the hat around to race, also with no sponsors averaged a better grid result than McLaren. All important Rolex branding in some shots for the fan boys. Apologies I am no great photographer with my I-phone, but it is better than nothing, I was surprised I caught them centre of shot more than 50% of the time.

Wetting my appetite for Monaco and Le Mans in May/June.

[The Joker]

Thanks for the pics Craig. You at the race tomorrow also?

As much as I'm rooting for Hamilton really hope there will be some close racing.

Yep remember you mentioning Monaco and Le mans, will be awesome.

[zama]

Originally Posted by The Joker

Thanks for the pics Craig. You at the race tomorrow also?

As much as I'm rooting for Hamilton really hope there will be some close racing.

Yep remember you mentioning Monaco and Le mans, will be awesome.

No I just flew down from Sydney for the day, TV is still the best way to watch the race and the modern format where there is not much on race day is always a bit flat. I catch first flight down in the morning 6am and come back on the last out that way I don't need to find a hotel, and still get other stuff done Sunday morning at home.

FYI I think Hamilton will cruise to victory tomorrow and probably set a record number of wins for the season (You just suspect Merc still have stuff up their sleeve and won't show their hand). Bottas will also play the tail gunner to let Lewis chase the wins, it is going to be a long season. I think the worst rumours about overtaking will also be realised, the new cars while faster are going to be even harder to pass.

[returntorolex]

Go Mercedes-AMG!!

[maxbaris]

Looks like it will be between Ferrari and Mercedes but you never write off Verstappen. He's something else.

I think the street races will be more boring this year since the cars are 20cm wider, which will in turn make overtaking even more difficult in Monaco and the like. Regardless, looking forward to the new season.


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[topgear]

I hope Ferrari is right up there with Mercedes in racing trim.

[Cantab]

Would be great to have a real contest without predictable results.

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by maxbaris

Looks like it will be between Ferrari and Mercedes but you never write off Verstappen. He's something else.

I watched FP2 and Q on TV and the Red Bull cars did not look good. Unless Newey gets the car performing better or Renault has some massive update that can match Mercedes in power, I don't see either Red Bull driver challenging Mercedes.

[HoustonRoo]

Great post and enjoy the race!

Lifelong F1 fan but also a disappointed fan as the sport has become too reliant on technology and computers.

I miss Ayrton. I miss real cars and drivers without telemetry.

Having said that, I'll still be watching the race and cheering for Ferrari.

Can't stand Hamilton or the Mercedes team.

Verstappen is also a favorite driver and I enjoy watching that kid race.

[HoustonRoo]

Edit to add: Verstappen may well be the next Senna IMHO

[goin camping]

Vettle's Ferrari was only 3/10ths. slower than Hamilton. Should be a good year.

It appears from FP sessions that the new tires hold right up to the second they cut loose. That ought to add some excitement to the races.

[Soly20]

Go Lewis! I am not going to be able to watch the race though, boarding a 10 hour flight to London in in a few minutes

[TheRolexKingofLV]

LETS GO LEWIS

[HoustonRoo]

Bottas has put on an impressive show in qualifying. Hamilton will have a very competitive team mate this season.

I'm hoping for Ferrari to do well as they're my team.

The cars look better this year, wider bodies and wider tires. Back to looking like race cars again.

Looking forward to watching the race!


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[topgear]

Very exciting first few laps. Hopefully, it will continue for the rest of the race.

[GerardoG]

Lap 32/57. Wine in hand, TRF on iPad....life is GREAT!!!!!

[GerardoG]

Ferrari it is!

[Toony]

Ferrari!!!

[Frosty]

Great race!

[OmegaJJH]

Should be an interesting season after this result.

Although really hope Lewis can claim his 4th world title.

[Kingair]

Go go go !

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[texasmade]

Rare strategy screw up by Mercedes that Ferrari got right. Max isn't going to win anything this year with the way Red Bull is right now.

[returntorolex]

Nice job Ferrari

Just finished watching the race - OMG - Jackie Stewart totally gets pushed to the side as the dignitaries are scrambling to exit the podium as the Champagne begins to fly!

Next up.....China!

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by returntorolex

Nice job Ferrari

Just finished watching the race - OMG - Jackie Stewart totally gets pushed to the side as the dignitaries are scrambling to exit the podium as the Champagne begins to fly!

...I would bring a glass and just enjoy!

[Soly20]

It seems like it is going to be a close and exciting season especially if Ferrari keeps up its current form.

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

...I would bring a glass and just enjoy!

Absolutely....but Sir Jackie was punted like he was crowded out at turn 1 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. No respect!

[Cantab]

I'm not a "Tifoso", but happy with the result.

[HoustonRoo]

Fantastic race! Amazing moment when Vettel came out of the pit and you could see Hamilton closing in.

Brilliant win for Scuderia Ferrari!




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[Snow-Dweller]

Originally Posted by Cantab

I'm not a "Tifoso", but happy with the result.

Hear hear. We should be in for a good year.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by HoustonRoo

Great post and enjoy the race!

Lifelong F1 fan but also a disappointed fan as the sport has become too reliant on technology and computers.

I miss Ayrton. I miss real cars and drivers without telemetry.

Having said that, I'll still be watching the race and cheering for Ferrari.

Can't stand Hamilton or the Mercedes team.

Verstappen is also a favorite driver and I enjoy watching that kid race.

No doubt that computers and technology have taken things too far. Whilst we can naturally expect advances over time, these seem to have taken away from the spectacle and drama.......just not what it was a few years back!