The Official Formula One Thread!

[joli160]

That was a great race, slowly building up the tension, really enjoyed it.

Sainz and Norris worked nicely together to secure their positions. Smart thinking of Sainz.

Suzuka back to normal with a win of Verstappen

[INC]

Originally Posted by 77T

IThen SAI gave the best line since “I know what I’m doing”…….”Yeah, It’s on purpose.” Sublime

I think what Sainz was truly amazing! What a strategy, what a perfect work!

Honestly, now I feel better, as VER almost catched LEC, beeing fifth means there were NO huge problems with their cars, so the remaining races will be a real fun in this year! That's what I missed so much, the race for the victory! And we finally got this!

I felt myself almost the same when VER won his first championship in the last lap. It was almost the same what SAINZ did today. I'm still smiling

Also, I must recall that what Lawson guy did was the other miracle: got 2 pts with such small practice! I think, we will know better this man soon. At least I hope so, because he seems really talented.

But, in the same time, I think, what happened to Russel was very sad, so close to the podium, so small mistake and game over. Also, I'm sad about Alonso. For the first time he would have a chance to win a race, but the team ruined his game. With a soft tyre he would have been a chance, but hadn't got a chance with a 45 sec pitstop

Anyhow, that was the race I really enjoyed for a long time

[1st amg]

What an exciting race, especially the last half of the race. Finally a top spot for the red car!

[prnceofpersia23]

Really enjoyed the late charge by Mercedes. Looked like a couple of predators hunting. The camera shots of them chasing were incredible.

Brilliant strategy by Sainz to give Lando DRS. They both needed it. "On purpose..." LOL

Tough result for George. I feel like Lewis could have won if he was the P3 car chasing at the end instead of George.

What a comeback from Max. 4 second gains per lap and almost beat Leclrec. Points for both RB's despite the disastrous qualifying.

Liam Lawson, what a start to his F1 career. The kid can drive.

FINALLY a national anthem other than Dutch/Austrian. It was fun listening to the Italians sing their hearts out!

[77T]

LAW is fast - and on the plus side, he has RIC pedaling hard in recovery….


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[SDGT3]

Originally Posted by prnceofpersia23

Really enjoyed the late charge by Mercedes. Looked like a couple of predators hunting. The camera shots of them chasing were incredible.

Brilliant strategy by Sainz to give Lando DRS. They both needed it. "On purpose..." LOL

Tough result for George. I feel like Lewis could have won if he was the P3 car chasing at the end instead of George.

What a comeback from Max. 4 second gains per lap and almost beat Leclrec. Points for both RB's despite the disastrous qualifying.

Liam Lawson, what a start to his F1 career. The kid can drive.

FINALLY a national anthem other than Dutch/Austrian. It was fun listening to the Italians sing their hearts out!

Agree on most points.

Alpha Tauri have a good problem and about a week to figure it out. No way they take Yuki out of the seat before his home GP so I can see RIC sitting out another week for recovery, but then it's decision time. How can you take Lawson out of the seat when they threw him in at Zaanfort, Monza and Singapore and he came out smelling like a rose? Yuki's last two races were not his fault as the car let him down before the race started in Monza and then on Lap 1 yesterday. What will AT do?

[prnceofpersia23]

Originally Posted by SDGT3

Agree on most points.

Alpha Tauri have a good problem and about a week to figure it out. No way they take Yuki out of the seat before his home GP so I can see RIC sitting out another week for recovery, but then it's decision time. How can you take Lawson out of the seat when they threw him in at Zaanfort, Monza and Singapore and he came out smelling like a rose? Yuki's last two races were not his fault as the car let him down before the race started in Monza and then on Lap 1 yesterday. What will AT do?

Looks like reports are saying it’s Yuki and Danny that they’re going with.

I’m taking the 20 year old rising star over the washed 35 year old, but what do I know.

[prnceofpersia23]

Originally Posted by 77T

LAW is fast - and on the plus side, he has RIC pedaling hard in recovery….


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Lawsons stock is HOT. He is ready. I can see him replacing Checo at RB or Sergeant at Williams next season.

[SDGT3]

Early unconfirmed sources are saying that Yuki will be retained for 2024. Don't understand that move but given the circus is at his home GP this weekend, it would make sense that AT would officially announce that this week.

[SDGT3]

Originally Posted by prnceofpersia23

Lawsons stock is HOT. He is ready. I can see him replacing Checo at RB or Sergeant at Williams next season.

RB have said that if Checo finishes 2nd in the points, he will retain his seat for 2024, but I cannot see him retaining it in 2025.

As a side note Perez had a very eventful race on Sunday for all the wrong reasons. He took out Yuki on lap 1 and then Albon late in the race pushing him out of a points paying position.

[77T]

TSU: Honda

I see him staying.


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[INC]

Originally Posted by SDGT3

RB have said that if Checo finishes 2nd in the points, he will retain his seat for 2024, but I cannot see him retaining it in 2025.

I don't know who told this at RBR, but I think, he was right about it: "The best place for Checco is the 2nd position in the championsip. Currently he owns this position. So why we should replace him?" This is more than logical to me. Because although it really seems that nobody is better than MAX at the moment, even if they could find one and hire him, RBR wouldn't be able to profit from him. Then, really, why replace Perez as long as MAX is sure to race for at least one more year? So in my opinion the only reasonable idea to replace Perez could be if RBR would know that Max will retire, as in this case they should find two pilot in a relatively short time.

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by prnceofpersia23

Lawsons stock is HOT. He is ready. I can see him replacing Checo at RB or Sergeant at Williams next season.

I concur with your take on LAW. He came out of nowhere (off most fans' radars) & seems to be hangin' in there. I was never a RIC fan, his attitude (read: arrogance) & sporadic successes were... meh...

I'm honestly surprised that BOT is still driving. He's on the Kimi & Vettel retirement plan... Do really well, then go to [a series of] 3rd tier teams just to continue racing, then go out on the bottom. I've got nothing to say about ZHO. He may be a decent driver, but the car is comparatively crap & he'll never succeed there.

ALB has become a favorite of mine as of recently. The Williams is fast in a straight line & ALB can certainly hang. His teammate on the other hand... High hopes for his first season...

I know it'll never happen, but if papa Stroll ever wants to see his AMs as a constructor's championship contendors, he'll have to drop his baby boy. Lance is such a doofus behind the wheel. I say all of this knowing that I cruise control at 70mph on the highway & could never drive an open-wheel Formula car, but I can sure yell from my couch!

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by piratfisk

I...never drive an open-wheel Formula car, but I can sure yell from my couch!

Gift yourself Skip Barber for a fun week

https://www.skipbarber.com/courses/3...chool-formula/

[77T]

Tires…the mother’s milk of racing…if you can make speed with less tire torture then you get a golden stint.

This Friday, all the teams test a new C2 prototype for 2024 in FP1 & 2.

Supposed to give more grip than current C2 with less deg than a super soft C1. Drivers get 2 additional sets of tires, compared to the usual 13 sets.

Another test will take place at Mexico GP for a new hard C4 compound.


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[SDGT3]

Reports are that Lawson is out at AT with RIC and Yuki retaining their seats.  Toto says that Schumacher will retain his seat as a reserve driver at Mercedes F1 but will be allowed to drive in WEC so that means he's not going to Williams.  Piastri extended by McLaren until 2026.  Shame if Lawson doesn't get a shot in the Williams in 2024 as I think that's the only seat left on the grid for next year.

[77T]

Sometimes it’s better to avoid grasping at straws - LAW should remain #1 reserve driver at AT IMHO. RIC has the contract but 2024 could be seminal in his career.


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[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by 77T

Tires…the mother’s milk of racing…

Amen. Amen. And again amen.

Thanks for the info about the new rubber.

[jatco]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Gift yourself Skip Barber for a fun week

https://www.skipbarber.com/courses/3...chool-formula/

I've always wanted to do that....

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by jatco

I've always wanted to do that....

Do it! DO it NOW

It's a lot of fun, and a great learning experience of course. Plus a mini vacation of sorts on top of it all.

1.jpg

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by joli160

That was a great race, slowly building up the tension, really enjoyed it.

Sainz and Norris worked nicely together to secure their positions. Smart thinking of Sainz.

Suzuka back to normal with a win of Verstappen

[77T]

Merc split tire strat didn’t work well.

McLaren poised for 2024 - let’s see how that plays out for remainder of ‘23…


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[prnceofpersia23]

Originally Posted by 77T

Merc split tire strat didn’t work well.

McLaren poised for 2024 - let’s see how that plays out for remainder of ‘23…


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Piastri looks like he will surpass Norris eventually.

[prnceofpersia23]

Originally Posted by 77T

Sometimes it’s better to avoid grasping at straws - LAW should remain #1 reserve driver at AT IMHO. RIC has the contract but 2024 could be seminal in his career.


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This is exactly what's happened.

Reserve in 24 with a RB/AT seat promised in 25.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Gift yourself Skip Barber for a fun week

https://www.skipbarber.com/courses/3...chool-formula/

How much experience does one need for that? I have done some track days, HPDEs but still very much a novice.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by SMD

How much experience does one need for that? I have done some track days, HPDEs but still very much a novice.

Over the years rules change. Best bet is to contact Skip Barber AND maybe just go SCCA if you want to race. Back then, after some time, went from an SCCA Regional to an SCCA National license (back then truly wished I had funding to buy a Porsche seat during 24 Hour Daytona).

Just be forewarned, tracking for fun is fun and relatively reasonable. Racing is a whole 'nother thing on many levels. It kinda cost me my first life partner/wife, she was not a fan of the time, dedication, and risk levels.

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by prnceofpersia23

Piastri looks like he will surpass Norris eventually.

PIA is such a surprise. I know that that team has a really competitive car this season with two competent drivers, but so nice to see Team Papaya come back from the doldrums of three years ago. NOR has been one of the drivers I've most enjoyed watching this season (along with some streaks of brilliance from RUS, ALB & MAG).

Danny Disappointment should just get into Aussie V8 Supercars. He's a Texan at heart & Supercars is about as close as you can get between NASCAR & F1. Or maybe challenge Romain Grojean in IndyCar.

[codecow]

I didn’t get a chance to catch it because of the time. Highlights were meh.

[piratfisk]

Podium predictions for Qatar:

1- VER/SAI
2- HAM/NOR
3- ALO/LEC

Would love to see: LAW, PIA, RUS, MAG do well.
Would hate to see: VER continue to win, PER take someone else out, OCO/GAS whine about team orders.

I think Qatar is a boring race (that I'll still watch... I think Interlagos is the best track on the calendar) without a ton of opportunities for action. Turns 4/5/6/7 could be fun, but the ME tracks seem too clinical.