F1 News Snippets

[Penfold]

Or... the dregs that don't warrant their own thread.  You decide.

Just a fraction of the old thread (starting late Nov. 2013):

Drivers to keep numbers throughout career! Huzzah! A proposal anyway, but there seems to be general approval all around. So each driver would have their own personal number and would only swap for #1 in case of winning the championship. FIA/Bernie also asked teams for larger numbers on the car, but teams are reluctant.

I'm not too happy about this. I like the numbering we have now. It gives me as a viewer some sense of what the team has achieved. Running 1-2 on your car is good. Running 18-19 is not all that funny. I like it.

Then again, if at least number 1 is for the current world champion, then I'd be OK with it. I'd want number 69.

Oo-er!

I'm fine with the numbers as they stand.  I mean, am I likely to memorize the 22 driver/number combinations when we have only two drivers per (easily-identifiable) car, and they each wear a uniquely(ish) coloured crash helmet?  That said, I would be happy to see drivers limited to one helmet design per season (preferably they keep it their entire career, but I'll settle for one a year); also some variation between team-mates wouldn't go amiss - don't both pick designs of predominantly the same colour.

They do it in the US and people associate numbers with drivers there I am sure. In Europe, I only know Valentino Rossi.

Perhaps the sport could abandon tiresome names completely... come in Number Six, your time is up.


Moving on seamlessly from that nod to 1960's British TV... I see Williams is further strengthening its aero department with a pair of acquisitions: http://grandprix247.com/2013/12/09/williams-announces-new-recruits-from-red-bull-and-lotus/

Drivers to receive double points on final race from 2014 on! Meaning winner gets 50, 2nd place is worth 36 points, etc. on final race, other races the points stay the same. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/111795

Is this some kind of joke? Are they bloody serious with this? I'm no longer watching F1, screw 'em all!
Apparently there's already a petition against it (not that those ever worked, anyway, but worth a shot?) http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/formula1

Oh for fuck sake.  So you build up a 49-point lead over 18 rounds only to suffer an unfortunate mechanical failure/get taken out by another driver/run over tyre-ripping debris etc in Abu Dhabi and see the title snatched away, because apparently this one race is worth twice any other.  Do the people who come up with this stuff actually like Formula One?

Signed the petition and I shall now (well, later today) e-mail the FIA to express my displeasure.

Signed it and used the Penfold outrage as my comment.

So you build up a 49-point lead over 18 rounds only to suffer an unfortunate mechanical failure/get taken out by another driver/run over tyre-ripping debris etc in Abu Dhabi and see the title snatched away, because apparently this one race is worth twice any other.

This. Hah.

Omitted my first four words? 

A fourth place at Yas will earn just one point less than a victory at any other circuit.  Seems reasonable.  I honestly didn't think the FIA would ever out-gimmick DRS, of course I should've known better.

The first thing when I did when I spotted this was look at the calendar. Couldn't quite believe it wasn't the 1st of April.

Omitted my first four words? 

A fourth place at Yas will earn just one point less than a victory at any other circuit.  Seems reasonable.  I honestly didn't think the FIA would ever out-gimmick DRS, of course I should've known better.

With this new change, I think even "fake rain" would make more sense than this. Bernie's idea of random rain to spice it all up.

I will make the last MF1 round worth half as much to compensate.

Artificial rain, shortcuts, "turbo" button which you have, but the guy in front doesn't, double points on one race. Sounds like sport alright. Should perhaps put a joker instead, Jeux Sans Frontières-style. Or, might be an idea for MF1. Have a chance to win double points on any one race in the season, must be decided before qualifying.

Well, at least Vettel is with us: http://grandprix247.com/2013/12/10/vettel-this-is-absurd-and-punishes-those-who-have-worked-hard-for-a-whole-season/

Helmut Marko saying that the original idea was to have double points for the final four races but that it got whittled down to just one: the thrill-fest that is Abu Dhabi - a venue which has co-incidentally just paid a sizeable fee for the privilege of closing out the season.

co-incidentally

yeah

[Penfold]

Pirelli rules out one of their prototype constructions after Rosberg suffers 200 mph failure in Bahrain test: http://grandprix247.com/2013/12/19/pirelli-safety-of-tyres-which-will-be-supplied-for-2014-is-not-in-question/

A further two Red Bullers go off to pastures new: http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2013/12/19/two-red-bull-staff-switch-to-mercedes/


With Montezemolo and Domenicali openly critical of double points rule: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/111924 Bernie suggests there could be a new vote on the issue at January's Strategy Group meeting: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/10530334/Formula-One-chief-Bernie-Ecclestone-says-double-points-rule-could-be-scrapped-next-month.html

Live in hope and all that.

It's unusual for F1 to speak openly against these things. That is a good sign.

Lotus deal with Quantum Motorsports dead; praise the Lord we have Maldo's money this year, team boss Lopez thinks to himself: http://grandprix247.com/2014/01/16/lopez-says-all-is-well-but-quantum-deal-is-dead-while-ijaz-still-claims-to-be-a-lotus-owner/

On their car's development: "We are very satisfied with the development of our car," Lopez said, "which will perhaps look a bit different from the others. We believe it is better to use the next few weeks in the wind tunnel, which will give us more than one test on the track would."

Hmm, but how different will the car look... intriguing.


F1 sticks with Pirelli for the next three years: http://grandprix247.com/2014/01/16/pirelli-concludes-three-year-f1-tyre-supply-agreement-with-fia/

Tyres will likely be conservative this year (I don't mean voting Tory in the EU elections) and so less of a factor anyway, unlike the measly 100 kg fuel limit that may see engines dialled right down at the thirstiest circuits - interesting piece here: http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2014/01/15/new-fuel-limit-2014-toughest-f1-rule/

Bernie is no more. He has just stepped down(?) from his throne as director of things F1.

Hmm, so he's stepped down from the board but will continue to run the business on a day-to-day basis: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/25762411


Ron Dennis back as McLaren CEO; Whitmarsh's days as team principal likely numbered: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula-one/25766407

What the above two news stories really mean is that "Bernie is no longer OFFICIALLY running things, but he is running things" and that "Ron Dennis will take a look at McLaren and see what can be improved". Dennis is definitely not back as team principal although perhaps it cannot be ruled out for the future. Ross Brawn, anybody?

Brawny is said to be Ron's top choice but is currently on a six-month sabbatical; so will he cut that short or might some interim guy fill the void - perhaps even Dennis himself?


Lotus waves goodbye to another member of staff, this time a chief engineer: http://grandprix247.com/2014/01/22/pilbeam-leaves-lotus-to-join-mclaren/


McLaren extends Santander sponsorship deal (or 'partnership' as they insist on calling it) for some unspecified duration.

Williams rumoured to be 'partnering' with Martini as title sponsor for 2014 and beyond; FW36 replete with Martini branding set to be unveiled on day one of Jerez test - if story is accurate.

Minimum weight limit raised by 1 kg to accommodate sturdier tyres: http://grandprix247.com/2014/01/23/heavier-pirelli-tyres-force-f1-car-weight-increase/

That's good. 1 kilo will make all the difference.

Some surprising news out of Lotus today as Eric Boullier leaves the team and has his position filled by co-chairman Gerard Lopez: www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2014/1/15409.html

Is Boullier McLaren bound?


Honda said to be doling out the big bucks in McLaren tie-up: http://grandprix247.com/2014/02/05/honda-package-for-mclaren-includes-free-engines-and-big-cash-injection/

What a financial platform for the team if stated figures are accurate - or even if they're just anywhere near the truth.

[Penfold]

Hunt's 1974 Hesketh 308 is up for auction, and all one requires to own this slice of F1 history is about half a million quid: http://grandprix247.com/2014/02/10/james-hunts-iconic-hesketh-308-to-be-auctioned-in-monaco/

I'll take two!  Oh, what do you mean there's only one available... but I must have a pair to flank the estate's grand marble portico!


Modern F1 is too artificial, says Villeneuve: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/26178312

Yep.

Once again, who asked him? But yep.

No cajoling required to get Jackie's opinion.


FOTA on the brink of collapse? http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/10638103/Formula-One-Teams-Association-on-the-brink-of-collapse.html

Organization has been largely impotent since Ferrari & Red Bull exited so they may as well shut-up shop.  Just crazy that the teams can't talk to the FIA & Bernie with a unified voice.


Graham Hill's Lotus 49 'Gold Leaf' is heading to auction; register your interest now: http://www.classicandsportscar.com/news/classic-car-auctions/ex-graham-hill-lotus-49-to-be-auctioned-at-goodwood


And now FOTA is officially dead: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/112702

Not like it's useful to have all teams speaking with one voice when dealing with the FIA or Bernie....

http://www.planet-f1.com/news/3213/9196782/Ecclestone-Hints-At-Azerbaijan-Race

I'm doubtful of this actually happening, and like everyone, I don't see the need for another street race. Baku is actually an interesting city, but I would have hoped that F1 would learn to avoid complicated political situations (see: Bahrain) and Azerbaijan has ongoing issues with Armenia.

Yeah, tremendous.  Another tedious circuit in a country without any apparent interest in motor racing.  Hope you're right to doubt any future Baku GP, but when Bernie and a big money deal see each other....


McLaren to start season sans title sponsor as Dennis refuses any low-ball offers; hopes to have agreement in place within first few events (obviously it's fingers crossed for strong early results to bump up the price): http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2014/03/06/mclaren-announce-sponsor-next-events/


Domenicali steps down as team principal, some bloke named Marco to replace him: http://grandprix247.com/2014/04/14/domenicali-stands-down-as-ferrari-formula-1-team-principal/


Fabio Leimer (GP2 champion) failed to secure a 2014 berth at Sauber despite having $14 million to ease his passage - the team is said to have requested twice that amount; meanwhile, van der Garde's 'many millions' may help him edge out Sutil in 2015: http://grandprix247.com/2014/05/05/leimers-14-million-could-not-buy-him-a-seat-with-sauber/

Fabio Leimer (GP2 champion) failed to secure a 2014 berth at Sauber despite having $14 million to ease his passage - the team is said to have requested twice that amount; meanwhile, van der Garde's 'many millions' may help him edge out Sutil in 2015: http://grandprix247.com/2014/05/05/leimers-14-million-could-not-buy-him-a-seat-with-sauber/

$14 mil can't buy a drive in F1? I need to re think my investment strategy, been practicing gran turismo too long to let it go to waist. 

I have about $14 million to spare. I'll happily give you it. They did say he needed to double it? Yeah, you can come waving with $28 million next year.

Fabio Leimer (GP2 champion) failed to secure a 2014 berth at Sauber despite having $14 million to ease his passage - the team is said to have requested twice that amount; meanwhile, van der Garde's 'many millions' may help him edge out Sutil in 2015: http://grandprix247.com/2014/05/05/leimers-14-million-could-not-buy-him-a-seat-with-sauber/

$14 mil can't buy a drive in F1? I need to re think my investment strategy, been practicing gran turismo too long to let it go to waist. 

I assure you that playing video games long enough will always go to the waist.

[Penfold]

Lotus chief calls for a more even distribution of F1's riches: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/113809

What a novel idea.

Merc to trial volume-boosting exhaust in FP1 or at next week's test: http://grandprix247.com/2014/05/08/mercedes-to-test-megaphone-exhaust-in-barcelona-practice/

I'd rather they didn't bother.

The sound is quite ok now, I don't much mind since I've become accustomed to it. I just wish the engines would rev higher.

Same here.

Two-year contract extension for Rosberg: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/27523534


Finding F1 a trifle dull these days even with all those DRS passes?  Well frown no more, for the FIA has dug deep into its bag of cunning plans and hauled out... sparks!  Yes, it's titanium skid blocks for all: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114525?source=mostpopular

Exciting stuff I know, but wait just a minute because the FIA isn't done with us yet.  Back into the bag it goes and this time comes out clutching............. standing restarts!  Oh yes, have your lead eliminated by a safety car and then line yourself up to risk it all in the pot luck of a grid start: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114529?source=mostpopular

That idea with sparks is idiotic, but I quite like the idea of a standing start after a safety car. That works fine for me.

Yeah, obviously the race leader should face a high risk of losing his position if, say, the guy running 17th smashes into a wall.

Yeah, obviously the race leader should face a high risk of losing his position if, say, the guy running 17th smashes into a wall.

Exactly. With the fake rain, we're basically back at the original of F1 racing. This is the future.

I think they could go with more controlled rolling restarts, like NASCAR or IndyCar, rather than the standing start idea. Those create opportunities for passing and more excitement without being as random or risky as a standing start.

I'd rather that than standing starts, but what I don't get is why restarts need to provide a good opportunity for passing.  I've always viewed the safety car as simply a tool to allow the track to be cleared rather than a chance to shake-up the running order.

What Penfold says. We might as well do restarts every 15-20 laps the way it is now. To spice up the action.

Need it nice and unpredictable.  How about we have Charlie Whiting pull a numbered ball (or two) from a hat before each race, and then as the leader begins said lap Charlie can hit the giant red restart button, fireworks will erupt all around the circuit, and the drivers will bunch behind the leader as he makes his way back to the grid.

Lotus-Mercedes in 2015? http://adamcooperf1.com/2014/06/24/could-lotus-switch-to-mercedes-power-from-2015/

The irony that 'Teflon' Bernie has been allowed to pay $100 mln to make his BRIBERY TRIAL go away should not be lost on anyone...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28656050

He ended up paying more than the original (alleged) bribe but I'm sure it was still worth his while...

You know how it goes...

http://i.imgur.com/7b1hkQX.png
All credit to Cerf_, for making the comic.

[Penfold]

Lotus-Mercedes it is: http://www.grandprix247.com/2014/10/09/lotus-to-race-with-mercedes-power-from-2015/

Well.. Lotus might be a challenger in 2015 then. We can assume they abandoned this years car a long time ago.

We can probably assume they abandoned it during the winter...  Usually the next year's car is an evolution of the previous one, carrying over all the ideas that work and changing those that don't, quite apart from it having four wheels I'm not sure what else Lotus will carry over from this year's car.  Actually, it's a massive risk for the team because with the engine changing there won't be any continuity with the car at all and there's no guarantee that the change in power will launch them back to the sharp end...

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/89171/audi-to-join-f1-in-2016
Red Bull-Audi and Toro Rosso-Audi for 2016?

The amount of times VW didn't enter F1, I don't believe they will this time, either ...
Though if anything, I find it more likely they outright buy one of the teams (STR) or something and go all Toyota, but doubt anything's gonna happen anyway.

Well, Domenicali to Audi is something interesting. Perhaps he is going for Le Mans, yes, but... he doesn't have experience there.

Rubens was all set to nick Kobayashi's seat for the last three races: http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/caterham-problems-put-stop-to-surprise-comback-for-barrichello-110414


Stumbled across an interesting snippet: "Meanwhile, Italy's Autosprint said the Strategy Group on Tuesday ruled to scrap plans for standing re-starts after safety car periods next year ..."

Haven't seen this mentioned elsewhere but my God I hope it's accurate.

Extract from: http://www.grandprix247.com/2014/11/26/todt-rubbishes-red-bulls-twin-turbo-plan/

I haven't heard anybody being positive about it. A standing re-start only achieves two things - unfairness to whoever is leading as well as increasing the risk for ANOTHER safety car period thanks to start pileups.

Staggered that such a terrible idea made it this far.  Now just fingers crossed that double points get ditched.

Even Bernie said "Teams don't get it" and admitted that double points looks set to be removed, although he wants it to stay.

[Penfold]

Well, this is sad to see... Marussia's assets are being auctioned off: http://cal.cagp.com/event/marussia/#imageclose-1

At least if you buy the cars you csn run them in 2015, Caterham 's buyers got permission to do that...

Then again, you also need an entry to the whole series. I don't think that's included with the car sadly.

http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/marussia-block-unsportsmanlike-minardi/?v=2&s=1
#Minardi

Losing teams and losing viewers: http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-bucks-trend-with-f1-viewing-1423684118

But don't worry, it's most likely only the casual viewers turning their backs on F1.  So that's okay.

After all, the thing we need is old men with money in their pockets to buy a wristwatch or two.

I feel sure there must be a longer term flaw in that approach....

It's taken them some time, but the FIA has finally listened to the fans and tackled F1's big issue - drivers changing helmet designs mid-season: http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/02/18/fia-prohibit-helmet-design-changes-during-season/

Now just sit back and wait for the viewers to roll in.

Yeah, it always frustrated when all of a sudden, you'd see a car with the number 1 and lots of red bulls and a completely new helmet. I would scream out loud, throw things at the TV in frustration over not knowing who drove that vehicle.

... well now you'll know 

[Penfold]

So, seems Manor are aiming for the Australian GP with Will Stevens and... *drumroll* someone else. We don't know who yet.

https://www.facebook.com/ManorRacing/posts/788324517890038

FIA condenses 2016 calendar with Melbourne pushed back to the 3rd of April: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118705

Max Mosley proposes teams receive significant technical freedom in exchange for operating within a budget cap: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118698?source=mostpopular

Wow, there's a novel idea.  Think I suggested this three or four years back... perhaps even earlier.

I like the condensed calendar. Too many breaks in the season. Although IndyCar has condensed their calendar too much, and both fans and sponsors have complained about it. Sponsors don't like only getting exposure in six months of the year. F1 will still be longer than that though.

If teams struggle to make it from November to March, are they going to fare better not getting money from November to April? I see this is a cost cutting measure (less time to travel back home, simply jump from race to race when far away) but it also gives you a longer time without the same sponsorship income.

If you're getting the same amount for the year, it doesn't matter. I assume each team receives their payments differently, some may have deals to spread out payments over the entire year as it is. But even if they don't, it's just a matter of budgeting the money you make while you're receiving payments so that you can cover the rest of the year.

No new sponsor (wonder why?), but McLaren is poised to treat us to an exciting new livery in Barcelona: http://adamcooperf1.com/2015/05/02/mclaren-to-debut-new-livery-in-spain/

Apparently we're not having 5 engines per car this season afterall. http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/plans-for-fifth-engine-set-to-be-scrapped/

Apparently we're not having 5 engines per car this season afterall. http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/plans-for-fifth-engine-set-to-be-scrapped/

Seems like Red Bull, or Renault really, are in a bit of trouble then.

I'm thinking three engine penalties for Ricciardo this year... the first of them in Canada.

That's assuming they get everything running nicely with their fifth engine, the one they debut in Canada, and suffer not one single engine failure for the rest of 2015. Including Canada, you have 13 races remaining. That means every single engine will need to complete at least four full race weekends, one engine doing five. Assuming one more engine cocks up (and it's likely at least one will), I can see them getting penalised for engines 4-5 times this year.

Mine is the optimistic scenario where Renault has nailed its reliability issues by Montreal; yours might be the more realistic vision of Ricciardo's future.


See, all four Renault-powered machines made it to the flag... all it took was to dial down the power: http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns30784.html

Teams may get free choice over which two tyre compounds they use, although Pirelli ain't so keen on the idea: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/32672072

Teams may get free choice over which two tyre compounds they use, although Pirelli ain't so keen on the idea: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/32672072

The "small" teams would always be too aggressive, in hope that one day their aggressive choice turns out to be the right one and they hurry past the established teams. A Force India and a Sauber on the podium once per season would make those teams happy.

One notch softer with the option tyre would give an eye-catching boost to qualifying performance, and then pit on lap 5... much as some went for a short first stint in the days of refuelling.

Renault's dyno telling porkies: http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/05/14/renault-something-is-wrong-with-our-dyno/

[Penfold]

Good to see Manor hiring some new technical bods: http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2015/06/01/ex-mercedes-and-mclaren-staff-join-manor/

Well, Manor are supposedly working on a new chassis. Why? Save it for 2016.

Introducing a new chassis this season will get them Ferrari's fancy 2015 powertrain... so quite a boost to performance.

Yes, but they should invest for 2016. They signed some actual names for developing the car, which is something they can only do if they have money to invest:

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2015/06/01/ex-mercedes-and-mclaren-staff-join-manor/

I wouldn't be surprised to see the 2015 car, assuming it materializes, form the basis of next season's challenger - we have rule stability after all.  Then fairly early next year this expanded technical team could crack on with an all new motor for 2017... and do so under the Renault name if you take this rumour seriously:

http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/06/02/is-bob-bell-leading-renault-take-over-of-manor/


Helmut Marko not expecting a power boost until last three races: http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/06/15/renault-delay-roll-out-of-improved-power-unit/

How useful.

In other news... McLaren has now successfully crash tested a shortened nose for the MP4-30 and could deploy it as early as Austria.  So at least there's a chance of higher running positions before the inevitable retirements.


Force India test driver positive on upgrades: http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/revised-force-india-is-mega-really-quick-claims-ocon/

[Penfold]

Draft 2016 calendar runs to 21 races as Germany returns to the fold and we gain Baku.  Two notable changes as Russia leaps forward to May and Malaysia becomes a back-to-backer with Singapore in late September.

April 3: Australia (Albert Park)
April 10: China (Shanghai)
April 24: Bahrain (Sakhir)
May 1: Russia (Sochi)
May 15: Spain (Barcelona)
May 29: Monaco (Monte Carlo)
June 12: Canada (Montreal)
June 26: Britain (Silverstone)
July 3: Austria (Red Bull Ring)
July 17: Europe (Baku)
July 31: Germany (Hockenheim)
August 7: Hungary (Hungaroring)
August 28: Belgium (Spa)
September 4: Italy (Monza)
September 18: Singapore (Marina Bay)
September 25: Malaysia (Sepang)
October 9: Japan (Suzuka)
October 23: USA (Austin)
October 30: Mexico (Mexico City)
November 13: Brazil (Interlagos)
November 27: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)

Moving Malaysia back may be a good idea, with what April being monsoon season. I'm thinking they would want to reduce it to 20 races but I don't see which one would be removed. These 21 races do appear quite likely to happen. Perhaps the move to a later starting date is enough to give the mechanics some time off anyway

Surprised to see that the Korean GP has not been afforded its now traditional 'provisional then cancelled' status...

These 21 races do appear quite likely to happen.

Never mind.
http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/07/17/russian-grand-prix-on-verge-of-financial-collapse/

I'll go out on a limb and say the money will be found to keep Sochi rolling.

Might have two U.S.-owned teams in F1 next year: http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/13259251/us-based-investment-group-hoping-buy-existing-team-join-f1-grid-2016


Montoya saying F1 should ban tyre and brake temperature sensors to increase the challenge: http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/07/30/montoyas-plan-to-improve-f1-gets-backing-from-button/

And Button agrees. Hah. Me too. The idea that drivers are drivers have long been forgotten. They are robots. Let them decide when the car needs to pit for tyres, or if the brakes are getting too hot. Remove all sensors related to improving performance and keep only that which is installed for safety.

[Penfold]

Renault close to ending supply of customer engines: http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-frankfurt-motor-show/renault-boss-carlos-ghosn-admits-f1-divorce-red-bull-close

Ghosn states they'll run their own team or quit F1 completely.

F1 is so damn popular at the moment that Austrian broadcaster ORF may not continue live coverage beyond 2016: http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/09/16/austrian-broadcaster-may-stop-f1-coverage/

More powerful DRS, that's what we need.  And perhaps limit cars to two engines per season.

http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/09/17/rossi-chooses-number-53-ahead-of-singapore-debut/
Alex Rossi will race for Manor in car number 53.

Also this chart of used engines for 2015:

Interesting graphic.  How long before Ferrari takes engine no. 5?

http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/09/21/button-expected-to-announce-f1-retirement-in-japan/
Jenson Button expected to announce his retirement in Japan.

http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/09/21/marchionne-singapore-was-not-just-a-one-off/
Marchionne thinks Singapore was not a one-off. Makes me wonder if they know something we don't. How much of an improvement did the parts added in Singapore really offer? Are they genuinely on par with Mercedes now? They sure sound overly positive.

http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/09/21/mercedes-reveal-that-manor-engine-deal-is-real/
Manor-Mercedes is looking more and more certain for 2016, with Mercedes speaking in favor of supplying the team with engines. Also, Mercedes reveals that Manor will be working with Williams to develop the Manor chassis.

Red Bull is blackmailing Ferrari in the media in order to force equal footing. They want the same engines, the same fuel and the same software as Ferrari, or else they will quit Formula 1. You know what? Go right ahead then. I don't want to lose 4 cars but I also don't want a team forcing their way around like they are better than everyone else.

Great way to start a business relationship....

This does, however, illustrate why McLaren went with Honda; sure Merc & Ferrari dole out the same hardware to their customers, but the HP gains from tailor-made fuel/oils and fancy software guarantee it's not a level playing field.

Silly season 2016 is all about the engines, and today we add Toro Rosso with Honda power to the mix: http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/09/23/honda-power-may-be-only-option-for-toro-rosso/


Bit more than a snippet this one... Renault is actually going to buy Lotus: http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2015/09/28/renault-confirms-it-is-buying-lotus/

So, will it be Grosjean, Vergne, or even Ocon alongside Pastor?

I think it will be one of the latter two. Grosjean not announced but Pastor is, that sounds like a Grosjean-to-leave-anyway thing.

Also, rumours has it that Ferrari-Red Bull talks have broken down over the fact Ferrari won't provide the very same engine, fuel and software spec that they themselves run. Red Bull exit looking like a real possibility now. That would almost certainly force 3 car teams, with Bernie offering teams a 25 million Pound bonus for running a 3rd car the entire year.

So, seven or eight teams in F1 next year? It's looking possible that all of Red Bull's toys will come flying out of the pram because Why Shouldn't They Get Exactly What they Want? In truth, there's never been such a dearth of engine manufacturers in the sport and Honda's woes this year will dissuade others from chancing their hand. Which leaves Ferrari to supply both the RB teams...

That VW buyout looks rather unlikely now, doesn't it, which casts further doubt on the long term future of both teams...

I'm thinking Volkswagen needs some positive news. Joining F1 could be that.

Because nothing says 'we're one with the common man' quite like blowing 100 million quid a year on two cars zipping round a load of distant tarmac strips....

Bernie's monumental error was to turn F1 into a closed shop. Effectively it's a 10 team franchise system and, on reducing the number of teams and increasing the entry requirements it has only served to exacerbate the difference between the haves and the have nots.

None of us want fly by night teams springing up like Andrea Moda back in the day, but I think Bernie expected more manufacturers would want to run teams as they do in rally and touring cars...

There aren't even that many manufacturers in rally, are there?

VW, Citroën, Ford and Hyundai. Not counting WRC2, WRC3, etc. So no, not quite many. WTCC only Honda, Citroën and Lada (plus Chevrolet in several non-manufacturer/independent teams). BTCC has 4 manufacturer entries (Infiniti, BMW, Honda, MG), but quite a lot of different cars as independent entries. DTM only has BMW, Mercedes and Audi. Even WEC doesn't have a whole lot, though a bit more.

In comparison, F1 has Ferrari and Mercedes (and sort of Honda, and sort of McLaren (they do make cars, don't they)), perhaps Renault returns. Not a huge difference. And we did have Ferrari, Honda, Toyota, BMW, Renault at the same time at one point, until they all quit at the same time, too.

[Penfold]

Manor confirmed as a Merc customer for 2016: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/34410873

Also entered into partnership with Williams from whom they will receive gearboxes and suspension - I wonder whether that will be solely the rear springy bits or front end as well?

A half-decent chassis & aero package and they'll be worrying guys like Sauber next year.

I think 2016 could become a season where all teams score points. If the Honda engine steps up, and the Manor-Mercedes-Williams love affair works fine, then Sauber sure needs to step up unless they want to finish dead last every race.

Sauber have invested a lot in their 2016 car, word is the upgrades added in Singapore are not really built for the 2015 car but a step toward a massively improved 2016 car. I hope so. I want more Swedish points.

How is this for Red Bull?

Ferrari is willing to supply 2016-engines to Toro Rosso, but not to Red Bull. Mercedes is possibly willing to supply 2015-spec engines to Red Bull in 2016. They may go for that, but it's starting to look likely that Red Bull will leave F1.

If Red Bull goes can Toro Rosso remain?  Surely it's one out, both out....

Would RB ever accept being stuck with second-tier Merc engines?  Okay, probably still a step-up over Renault's 2016 offering, and presumably less of a power deficit than the team has endured this season, but I'm struggling to see Mateschitz swallow that pill.

Would RB ever accept being stuck with second-tier Merc engines?  Okay, probably still a step-up over Renault's 2016 offering, and presumably less of a power deficit than the team has endured this season, but I'm struggling to see Mateschitz swallow that pill.

It may well be a temporary solution. If Red Bull is to remain in F1, they NEED their own engine. I can't see them continuing in a position like Williams or Sauber where they would be 2nd team to use the engine.

Doesn't seem as if VW will be coming on board so not sure how they get their own engine; and how many seasons before any new unit would be competitive?  Christian Horner said in Sochi that Bernie told him the problem had been solved, but that unfortunately Mr. E. hadn't specified which problem or what the solution was.  Helpful.


Only current-spec engines will be allowed from 2016: http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2015/10/14/teams-barred-from-using-old-specification-engines-in-2016/

So bang goes Merc/Ferrari supplying 2015 units to Red Bull.

How about a Red Bull Racing Championship in the future? Screw Bernie, screw the FIA, go solo.

Never going to happen. Also describe one instance where splitting something into two championships hasn't ended in disaster.

Rugby and Soccer.
Or, for motorsports:
RallyCross. There's the nice American one and the nice FIA one. Both are nice.

Soccer isn't really split into two championships. It's a bunch of regional championships that then have their best teams play each other. It's not like there are two leagues claiming to be the top division of English soccer, or any other country. I know nothing about rugby, but I would guess that it's the same. RallyCross is a different situation because it's an entirely new type of sport/racing. They both began around the same time. If it continues to grow, then they'll need to merge, or they'll both bleed viewers and interest from each other.

Boxing, American open-wheel, and American sports cars are the three best examples of two championships competing against each other. Boxing has a ton of federations all claiming to be the top, and no one cares about it anymore. AOW killed itself when CART and the IRL split and now is, depending on who you ask, struggling to survive. ALMS and Grand-Am dealt with a lack of interest and they finally merged. Unless all of the teams agree to move to a different championship, splitting F1 in two would do the same thing that the CART/IRL split did.

To quote a little Lincoln, "[a] house divided against itself cannot stand." [#MURICA]

[Penfold]

Red Bull could run unbranded Renault engines next year.  They're basically your standard Renault unit (so that's a big positive) but the French firm's name has been ground off: http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-could-be-saved-by-unbranded-renault-plan/

I still don't understand why Ron Dennis is so set on having Honda to himself. That engine needs all the testing and input it can get. Having another team run the engine would give McLaren another team they have a chance to beat.

Not if it's Red Bull.  That's just a way to highlight your own car's shortcomings... same reason Ferrari & Merc won't sell RB top-spec engines.

Edit: Renault staff seeping back into Lotus's base of operations; and Bob Bell (former Renault stalwart) also tipped to rejoin his old team after departing from Manor: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/121647?source=mostpopular

If Ron's concern is that his own team can't compete with RBR, then maybe he should be more concerned with other issues. I'm not even sure I buy it. Given how obviously underpowered the Honda is, the McLaren as a car doesn't seem to be that bad. I also think that maybe people didn't give Vettel enough credit for RBR's success. Look at what he has been able to do at Ferrari.

Anyway, point is, I don't think RBR is some unbeatable organization on equal engine footing. They're good, but they go through cycles just like any other team. Being relevant with a good engine but getting beaten by RBR is still better than being irrelevant and getting beaten by everyone. And if the Honda isn't any better next year, they could get beaten by Manor and Haas.

The Honda unit has a fundamental design flaw in the turbo/compressor/MGU-H arrangement which they will attempt to rectify in the off-season, so in this aspect the no. of cars carting their engines round circuits next year is irrelevant.  Obviously I've no idea how advantageous it would be for Honda to have an extra team to work with (would Merc. have suffered had they supplied just their own outfit?), but Ron Dennis has presumably reasoned that any gains won't outweigh the negative of assisting a business rival.


Ferrari open to technical partnership with Red Bull to develop a second line of engines: http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-offers-red-bull-new-engine-idea/


FIA & Bernie see plan to introduce a budget engine in 2017 voted down: http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/11/25/f1-low-budget-engine-proposal-rejected-by-large-majority/

Suggested that the FIA could still force through the change... but they probably won't.  However, the four engine suppliers "have agreed on a course to address several key areas relating to power unit supply in formula one", or so states a jointly issued statement.  Announcement due in mid-January.


Ecclestone & Todt given mandate by WMSC to address F1's 'pressing issues': http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2015/12/02/ecclestone-and-todt-given-new-power-to-address-f1s-pressing-issues/

Always good to get a fresh perspective on a problem....

Also in that article: extra engine development tokens for the next four years, which should be something of a help for Honda & Renault; and the path is now clear for Toro Rosso to run a 2015-spec Ferrari unit next season.

Renault confirm Lotus takeover, but not yet detailed if the Lotus team will run Renault engines for 2016 or remain with their Mercedes contract for now. Renault-Mercedes would be an odd team name.

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2015/12/04/red-bull-to-use-tag-heuer-branded-engines-in-2016/

With Red Bull running Tag Heuer-branded Renault engines next year, I think we can safely say the Renault team will use their own supply.

So that's a Renault-Ilmor-TAG Heuer engine? Interesting.

Catchy name.  Might need a smaller font to fit it on the car.

[Penfold]

Talking of Renault... reported that the team will enjoy a healthy budget from now on: http://www.grandprix247.com/2015/12/07/renault-to-have-mercedes-sized-budget-for-f1/

COULD THIS SPELL THE END OF MALDONADO?!?!?!?!?! Oh here's hoping. I'd enjoy seeing a JEV - Palmer line-up, albeit a bit inexperienced. There are no experienced strong first team drivers on the market for a seat for next year.

Looking at THIS, the most experienced drivers available are:

Sebastien Buemi
Anthony Davidson
Kazjuki Nakajima
Mark Webber
JP Montoya

Now, I don't see any of these being lined up for a 2016 drive.

Nah, I think Renault wants his money... at least for now.  With the historic payments from Bernie, Pastor's dosh, a healthy dollop from Red Bull for engines, and killing the RB-Infiniti tie-up (said to be worth £40 million or more to Red Bull), Renault can get their 200 - 250 million Euro budget without too much financial effort.


Former Ferrari aero guy has joined Manor: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122495?source=mostpopular


F1 to stick with V6 hybrids until at least 2020, and they will be cheaper: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/35357791

Take a look at these delicious 2017 prototype tyres.

Watched highlights of the Monaco Historic GP thingy yesterday, enjoying all those '70s cars with their fat tyres and wildly differing aero designs, and whilst we won't ever have the latter it is fantastic to see some more meat on our modern-day wheels.

The Swedish commentator, Eje Elgh, was racing in that Monaco GP Historique. Good driving too. He said "I can't really see left, I am going a bit blind. I should only race at Monza". Heh. He was up to P4 before pitting after rubbing the tea tray car against the wall.

Beautiful car (March?) if you can ignore the wacky front wing.  Adrian Newey was racing in his stunning Gold Leaf Lotus, but I lost track of how he fared - perils of highlights.

Selection of pics from the event: http://petrolicious.com/here-s-all-the-insane-action-from-the-monaco-historique-grand-prix

I think it's a March from the early 70's, sure that I've seen some pictures of Ronnie Petersen driving one in STP colours and it was rather successful.  The Beeb did a feature about strangest looking F1 cars during one of their live text commentaries.  If the Ferodo colours are original livery then it must be a customer model as they sold to a lot of the grid at the time...

It's definitely a March (called the March 711), but this colour scheme belongs to Frank Williams Racing.

[Penfold]

https://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/awards/dhl-fastest-pit-stop-2016.html

That Williams pit stop in Baku, Azerbaijan. Wow.

Mental.  Too bad their cars aren't lightning fast....

Sauber has now been sold to the world renowned Longbow Finance SA. Oh, you haven't heard of them either? I can't find ANYTHING about them on Google, so I haven't a clue who is behind it. At least it's a Swiss based finance company. Good for them. Should secure some monies.

They kept that all tightly under wraps.  Now if we could just have some details....

Ask and you shall receive. I've done some googling (and by some, I mean a LOT) on Longbow Finance. Their CEO is a man called Pascal Picci. I have managed to find that he has some Swedish connections indeed:

PER CENNY BRACK, MAIDENHEAD, UK - This PER CENNY was born in March 1966. Former Indy 500 winner (and former Marcus Ericsson coach) Kenny Bräck is born in March 1966. He happens to live in Maidenhead too.
EGIL RAUSING - Egil is the middle name of Finn Rausing, part-owner of Tetra Pak. Tetra Pak has been speculated to be part of the rescuers who saved Sauber earlier this spring. Mysterious "Swedish investors" which was heavily denied.
KARL-JOHAN ERLING GORAN PERSSON - Owner of international chain H&M and one of the largest Swedish companies worldwide.

Right, so both Tetra Pak and H&M can be linked to Longbow Finance through this Pascal Picci guy. Intriguing to say the least. I am sure this information is not supposed to be announced yet, if at all. But clearly some very rich Swedes are invested in Marcus Ericsson. This will almost certainly mean that he will remain at Sauber for 2017, then.

That's some quality sleuthing... give yourself a gold star.

Hope to hear something from Sauber this weekend.

Media has now started reporting that Longbow Finance is pretty much a facade for Tetra Laval, which indeed confirms the ties to Mr. Rausing and Tetra Pak.

[Penfold]

Standing starts in the wet! www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/125505


Sale of F1 may actually happen this month; Liberty Media tops list of potential buyers: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126051

If that ousts Bernie, I'm all for it. If it doesn't, I'm not all too bothered.

If Liberty Media takes control of F1 it seems that Bernie will indeed be stepping down... it will just be in three years' time: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37298242


McLaren to burn BP fuel next year: https://joesaward.wordpress.com/2016/10/25/mclaren-and-bp/


This has been on the cards for a while given that the majority shareholders wanted him out, but Ron Dennis is now officially no longer chairman or CEO of McLaren: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/37987396

http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/37970529

New investor on the cards for Manor: http://www.grandprix247.com/2016/12/01/manor-set-for-new-investor-boost/


Paul Ricard, which happens to be owned by a certain Mr. B. Ecclestone, has completed a deal to host the French GP from 2018; this be the layout preferred for F1: http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2016/12/08/f1-use-chicane-mistral-straight-paul-ricard/

I agree with using the Mistral straight chicane. It'd be absurd to keep them revving at max all the way down that straight. The chicane will provide an overtaking oppurtinity, something Paul Ricard appears to lack overall. I'm glad to see F1 returning to France but if we had to add one European race then maybe Paul Ricard was not meant to be the one.

Not even my top choice of track in France!