We've made it to October and tradition dictates that it's time for a new 'Season' thread, so here it is.
Twenty two races on the calendar (though Vietnam & Zandvoort still need to be approved by FIA track inspectors), meaning we are now short two drivers for the MF1 game. Slightly odd choice to put Azerbaijan & Canada back-to-back.
1. Australia - March 15
2. Bahrain - March 22
3. Vietnam - April 5
4. China - April 19
5. Netherlands - May 3
6. Spain - May 10
7. Monaco - May 24
8. Azerbaijan - June 7
9. Canada - June 14
10. France - June 28
11. Austria - July 5
12. U.K. - July 19
13. Hungary - Aug. 2
14. Belgium - Aug. 30
15. Italy - Sept. 6
16. Singapore - Sept. 20
17. Russia - Sept. 27
18. Japan - Oct. 11
19. U.S.A. - Oct. 25
20. Mexico - Nov. 1
21. Brazil - Nov. 15
22. Abu Dhabi - Nov. 29
This year, the last race is a "re-use a third driver who scored poorly".
Either, we have two of those races for the coming season, or we get to pick two races during 2020 where we do not run a third driver at all.
Someone with virtually no chance to race in F1 will drive a Toro Rosso in FP1 at Suzuka. He's Japanese, obviously.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/yamamoto-toro-rosso-suzuka-practice/4553957/
PR stunt? Yeah. Possibility to replace someone at Toro Rosso for 2020? I'd say about 2%.
I'd say that sounds generous....
Re. MF1: I imagine that for 2020 we'll re-use two drivers who scored poorly, to me that's the best way of dealing with this surfeit of races/shortage of teams.
https://www.racefans.net/2020/01/30/fia-closely-monitoring-coronavirus-threat-to-f1-and-other-races/
The FIA is monitoring developments of the coronavirus in China. Shanghai is some 500km east of Wuhan, where the virus broke out, and this could effect the race depending on how the outbreak develops.
The Indoor Athletics World Championship was postponed to next year, so the virus has already had an effect on international sporting events.
Next month's Formula E race in Sanya has been pulled, as one would expect given events in China, but there is talk that they might try and slip the race in at a later date. The F1 race organisers meanwhile are said to be eyeing up a switch with the Russian GP; whilst the Vietnamese are also now "actively monitoring" the potential impact of Mr. Coronavirus on their debut race.
Well, even though Mr. Corona (not to be confused with the popular Mexican alcoholic beverage) is a fairly lenient strain of virus, 2% of the infected seem to die. Considering the number of people working in and around F1, as well as the spectator numbers in China, hosting a race there in April does come across as pretty dumb.
Vietnam has not been struck hard yet, and have recorded only a few infected (as has most of the world really). The Vietnamese GP is not currently at risk, but obviously monitoring the situation is healthy.
I would not mind a last minute Sepang return in place of Shanghai.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Flag_of_Malaysia.svg/320px-Flag_of_Malaysia.svg.png)
Let us update the calendar.
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.chinese-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-novel-coronavirus-outbreak.3g2y5Ngyrk1MbNxQB9hj4s.html
1. Australia - March 15
2. Bahrain - March 22
3. Vietnam - April 5
4. China - April 19
5. Netherlands - May 3
6. Spain - May 10
7. Monaco - May 24
8. Azerbaijan - June 7
9. Canada - June 14
10. France - June 28
11. Austria - July 5
12. U.K. - July 19
13. Hungary - Aug. 2
14. Belgium - Aug. 30
15. Italy - Sept. 6
16. Singapore - Sept. 20
17. Russia - Sept. 27
18. Japan - Oct. 11
19. U.S.A. - Oct. 25
20. Mexico - Nov. 1
21. Brazil - Nov. 15
22. Abu Dhabi - Nov. 29
Officially the race is merely postponed with the hope of rescheduling for later this year (assuming Covid-19 plays ball), but the likelihood of squeezing the race back into the calendar seems slim at best. Mr. RaceFans has taken a gander at the possible slots for a Chinese GP:
"RaceFans understands four alternative dates came under review, but all face serious obstacles. Staging the race during F1's summer break would requires unanimity from teams as F1's sporting regulations call for a statutory break in August. A quadruple-header of Singapore-Russia-China-Japan was deemed logistically too complex.
The race could be slotted into the schedule either before or after the current finale at Yas Marina. But Abu Dhabi is believed to pay a premium for the honour of staging the final race, and is unlikely to waive it. Plus December weather in Shanghai is not exactly ideal for a grand prix, with daytime average highs of just 8C.
The final alternative, a Brazil-China-Abu Dhabi triple-header is also problematic given the implications of time zone swings. Plus, of course, team will be gearing up for F1's new 2021 era, meaning spare parts will be at a premium, and Shanghai's weather is only marginally warmer in November. Pushing Abu Dhabi's date out by a week has implications on fans who have already booked flights and accommodation.
Thus, it seems, that the 2020 Chinese Grand Prix is likely to remain indefinitely 'postponed'."
Quadruple header, post-Abu Dhabi, or rescheduling other races. None of those will happen.
... And they shouldn't try and stick it in the summer break, either.
Could we lose Vietnam too?
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51486367
Ross Brawn says no, but then yesterday a Vietnamese village was quarantined due to the Coronavirus. That is the first quarantine outside of China, so that is worrisome.
We can't lose Vietnam, there'll be a gap in the calendar that would make Formula E blush! On a serious note, hopefully the Vietnamese have nipped it in the bud, they're still at only 16 reported cases so not exactly rampant.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/imola-offers-replace-cancelled-china/4687179/
Imola wants to replace Shanghai, whilst admitting themselves that such a replacement at this short notice is nearly impossible.
Current thinking is that Abu Dhabi could be nudged back a week to allow for a cold, late-November run around Shanghai - they are as keen as mustard to have a 2020 Chinese GP.
Just in case anyone was concerned Mercedes might struggle for wins this year, uncle Allison waxes lyrical about how much more downforce the new car is generating. Oh yeah, there's also been a bump in horsepower and the engine can now run at higher temps so smaller radiators needed: https://www.racefans.net/2020/02/23/new-mercedes-streaks-ahead-of-last-year-in-terms-of-downforce/
Well, Mercedes can be bullish if they know they will win. There is no point in copying their concept for 2021, so why not gloat.
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/f1-grand-prix-vietnam-faces-delay-over-covid19-concerns/169349.vnp
Vietnam is now opening up to a postponed GP as well.
As it seems to me, the Italian GP could become threatened too, as well as the Singapore, Japan, and Bahrain, depending on how the virus spreads.
With Italy locking up more and more provinces, both AlphaTauri and Ferrari could struggle to even leave home to go to races.
On that very point, here's the latest from Vietnam's official tourism website:
"All travellers entering Vietnam from China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran must carry out medical declarations and 14-day medical quarantine before entering the country."
So none of the Italy-based staff will be popping back to their factories/offices/homes after the Bahrain GP. Pirelli's F1 tyres are made at a plant in Izmit, Turkey (thanks, Google), so operationally easier than if they were coming out of Italy, but then you've still got the Milan-based technicians who fly out to every race.
So basically the Italian teams need to host their entire personnel in Asia for the entire first leg of this season, or at least somewhere away from home.
Bahrain has gone the same route as Vietnam and introduced a 14-day quarantine on visitors from high-risk countries, which of course includes Italy; however, the Bahrainis will operate an expedited process for F1 personnel which runs like this:
"Bahrain immigration and health authorities have requested the names and flight details of all F1 personnel who work for teams, administrators, broadcasters or media who have been to, or transited through, China (including Hong Kong), Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Egypt, Lebanon and Thailand in the 14 days before their arrival in Bahrain. This is in addition to the names and flight details of all passengers planning to arrive in Bahrain via the United Arab Emirates. These passengers are expected to be screened at Manama airport on arrival and if they are clear of the virus will be allowed to enter the country."
Quite likely that Vietnam will take the same approach for F1, well, for F1 staff that is, anyone from one of the restricted countries who planned to attend either the Vietnamese or Bahraini GP is flat out of luck (and pocket).
So basically, F1 personnel will be tested for the virus then let in? Makes good sense to me, and ensures that the staff aren't carrying the virus. As to spectators? Well, those numbers will surely be lower than usual.
The Haas boys may drop out by the end of this season, if they struggle like they did in 2019. The 2020 season needs to get off to a good start, Mr. Gene says.
https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/03/03/haas-to-do-another-five-years-would-be-a-big-commitment/
The question is, what would the Mr. Gene consider a good start? Given their set-up, I can only see them scrapping with Williams and maybe Alfauber. Haas doesn't have the budget or skills to compete with McLaren or Renault, whilst Tracing Point & BorisJohnson are both on the Haas path of least resistance, only with stronger F1 pedigrees and drawing from the two best parents on the grid. Then there's the driver line-up... not exactly consistent performers, at least not in a good way!
I hope the teams remember to pack plenty of loo roll for Oz, the stuff is flying off the shelves right now: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-51731422
Quote from: Penfold on March 05, 2020, 03:35:51 AM
I hope the teams remember to pack plenty of loo roll for Oz, the stuff is flying off the shelves right now: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-51731422
Same in Sweden, among other things. It's as though people only just realised that having a bunch of food and supplies at home is a good thing. Sure, corona may not kill us, but being able to isolate yourself on short notice is not bad thing.
Today, I was buying some water and the shelves here in San Francisco were at least 80% empty.
Speaking of the virus, Bahrain stops selling tickets and opens up the possibility of refunding people if they need to decrease attendance due to health guidelines:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/coronavirus-bahrain-ticket-sales-halted/4720718/?nrt=54
We need a corona topic soon.
Bahrain GP to go ahead without spectators:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9dvoi9h_Fe/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
I don't think you can isolate the 2020 thread from Mr. Corona....
McLaren has withdrawn from the Australian GP after a team member tested positive for coronavirus. Don't they realise that this will play havoc with the MF1 Championship?
Two senior F1 sources tell the Beeb that Sunday's race is off: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/51849163
I don't see Bahrain happening even without spectators. Same goes for Vietnam. With Europe erupting, I wonder when the first race will be held. According to the rules, a season must consist of at least 8 races. That's what they need for it to be considered a proper season.
Race not yet cancelled, FIA keeping us all guessing. Bahrain & Vietnam certainly doubtful as you say, and they can forget about the early European rounds. How about everyone reconvenes in Baku in early June?
As we're on the subject, here's a piece about why the virus might be flourishing in certain locales: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/12/coronavirus-belt-britain-right-centre-virus-danger-zone/
Fingers crossed for a warm Spring.
Seems the few teams present are currently packing it up, plus the premier of the region confirmed no fans will be let in due to new health and safety recommendations. This race is not happening.
Also, those rumours of Kimi and Seb flying out earlier this morning implies (if true) that they very well knew. Why has the FIA or F1 not made a statement? That is beyond unacceptable, it is absolutely shameful and despicable. Guests are queueing outside Melbourne Park because no statement is out.
They officially pulled the plug just a few hours before P1. The decision to cancel was clearly taken in that Thursday afternoon meeting (as reported by the BBC within an hour of said meeting finishing), and yet they waited until Friday morning to make a public statement.
As you say, this is a despicable way to treat the racegoers, and yet it's also a sad indictment of the FIA that I'm not in the least bit surprised at their shambolic handling of the situation....
Bahrain & Vietnam GP cancelled; situation in Europe being monitored to see whether races at Zandvoort, Barcelona, or Monaco will proceed in May (of course they won't): https://www.racefans.net/2020/03/13/official-f1-calls-off-bahrain-grand-prix-and-vietnams-first-race/
I still think Baku is the earliest we can expect the season to get under way.
Baku at earliest indeed. I wouldn't be surprised if the season starts after the summer break, assuming the coronavirus dies down. It has died down in Wuhan, but the benefit of being a dictatorship is you can lock your citizens in their houses. It looks to be slowing in Sweden too, but countries like Italy and USA are still developing. We could realistically expect it to peak within 60-90 days though, and F1 should be able to start some 1-2 months after the peak.
A lot of work ongoing to build a new schedule for F1:
* Remove the summer break
* Reschedule races to double headers
* Potentially move the season back so that it runs into early 2021 (this could also lead to the 2021 season running with the current regulations, to give teams proper time for the new cars for 2022 instead)
* Two-day race weekends (Sat+Sun) to enable more triple headers
Monaco GP is unlikely to happen, but they are preparing for it to happen. Also, some reports claim that F1 is trying to reschedule it for August whereas others say it will be cancelled.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/brawn-summer-break-coronavirus/4752437/
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/dutch-gp-lammers-date-zandvoort/4751012/
Ferrari has shut down their factory due to the coronavirus:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-suspends-operations-coronavirus-pandemic/4752234/
I'd rather have a shortened season than run it into '21, but the other ideas are all perfectly reasonable. Mind you, until there's either a vaccine ready for mass deployment (next year?) or enough of us have had the virus to produce herd immunity (assuming immunity endures), I'm not sure how countries are going to loosen travel restrictions without Mr. Corona making a grand return - particularly once we're getting towards next winter and those cool, damp conditions so beloved of viruses.
Two-day weekends especially makes a lot of sense.
I believe I read Ross Brawn aims at "17 or 18" races for the 2020 season. If we assume that the races will run only as double and triple headers, with one week in between, then 18 races should take us something like 24 weeks. So if we start in Baku, we should be able to host the 18th race by 29 November. Which just happens to be the date of the Abu Dhabi GP.
Even if they can't run them that tight and can't start that early, they should be able to wrap up the season before Christmas.
We can assume that races like Monaco and Australia are more difficult to reschedule due to their location in cities. I'm bored, this is my final day before I go back to work, so I'll invent a new schedule starting in mid-June.
Cancelled - Australia, Spain, Monaco, Canada
Dutch GP - 21 June (rescheduled from 3 May)
French GP - 28 June
Austrian GP - 5 July
British GP - 19 July
Hungarian GP - 2 August
Azerbaijan GP - 9 August (rescheduled from 7 June)
Russian GP - 16 August (rescheduled from 27 September)
Belgian GP - 30 August
Italian GP - 6 September (surely the Italian corona wave is over by September!)
Singapore GP - 20 September
Vietnamese GP - 27 September (rescheduled from 5 April)
Chinese GP - 4 October (rescheduled from 19 April)
Japanese GP - 18 October (rescheduled from 11 October)
United States GP - 25 October
Mexico City GP - 1 November
Brazilian GP - 15 November
Bahrain GP - 22 November (rescheduled from 22 March)
Abu Dhabi GP - 29 November
Surely this would be feasible, assuming 1.5 months of a delay is enough for Central Europe. It also means moving Russia to an earlier date, pairing it with Azerbaijan, and two tough one-week jumps across big watery areas (Japan-Mexico and Brazil-Bahrain) but other than that we are fine.
The later we start, naturally the fewer races can be slotted back in. I assume Abu Dhabi wishes to maintain their "last race" status, and I don't know if they are willing to move their date.
The only bit I don't like is having Canada as one of the four cancelled races, find a way to squeeze them in and then the 2020 Chrill Calendar will be ready for the FIA's eyes.
Well, the rumoured revised calendar seems to include Canada, and it also indicated we may even get a quadruple-header.
https://www.racefans.net/2020/03/18/analysis-why-f1s-best-case-scenario-now-is-a-19-race-2020-season/
Dutch, Spain, Monaco. "Postponed".
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.dutch-spanish-and-monaco-grands-prix-postponed.5CggooJeHoDchKkFehkrkY.html
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/azerbaijan-gp-postpones-officially-coronavirus/4772278/
Azerbaijan officially postponed.
Expecting to see "Montreal officially postponed" in due course, and of course the Olympics.
Presumably restrictions on international travel will remain in place until after a vaccine has been widely deployed; add in the widespread advice to engage in social distancing, and you've got to question the likelihood of any races this year - at least in front of an audience.
Only China reports that they have passed the peak. Sadly, countries like Italy USA and Spain are still climbing. That implies that the virus has yet to peak, and the effects we already feel will only take longer to manage.
The Olympics are postponed, most likely to 2021. The 2020 Euros (soccer) is now the 2021 Euros. And, of course, the Eurovision Song Contest is cancelled. Oh no! I was rooting for Iceland:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFZNvj-HfBU
There is some cause to hope that Italy, and perhaps even Spain, may finally be on a downward trend for new cases & deaths, and I assume the UK will follow along in due course - so three cheers for placing most everyone under virtual house arrest! What comes next is a mystery, as no-one in Govt. has explained quite how those of us shunning the herd immunity route can return to a fully-functioning economy before a vaccine is deployed.
Continuing on the Corona theme: You've probably read that various F1 teams have been lending a hand on plans to ramp-up production of ventilators, but Mercedes F1 has gone another route and is aiming to build Continuous Positive Airway Pressure devices by the thousand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52087002
Sweden has tried to handle the pandemic the other way, safeguarding the old and letting us youngsters roam more freely than most European countries. We're doing fine in terms of hospital capacity, and Sweden sits nicely at 140ish deaths which is a small number compared to the likes of USA, Italy, and Spain.
We started off on the same path but I don't think the separation of young from old was implemented with sufficient vigour; mind you, it probably would've required some Chinese-style enforcement when it came to multi-generational households! Anyway, the Govt. then got some updated projections indicating the NHS could be overwhelmed to the point where patients are being prioritised en masse, i.e. thousands of the weakest getting sent home to die, and so came the jump to lockdown.
The difference is that Swedes really do listen to our government. We are a very obedient group of people! Some 70% of adults work from home right now. The last 30% are either ignoring the recommendations, or work in industries unable to work from home (healthcare, emergency services, etc.).
We don't need to impose as strict regulations due to the culture of our country. We are just as locked down as the rest of Europe, we just don't need to enforce it as strictly to make it efficient.
Also, for the few who do still go out, I think our way of doing it could help some small business to survive. Hopefully, this is enough to "flatten the curve". We haven't hit the limits yet, and the Swedish military is building field hospitals to assist. So far, I feel like our approach is a healthy one. So do most Swedes.
Williams first team to announce that they are furloughing their employees:
https://www.williamsf1.com/news/2020/04/rokit-williams-racing-covid-19-statement
Now, my English is OK but this word is hard for me. Please clarify, does this mean that the staff remain unpaid for the short term or are they just reduced-pay? Or perhaps there is some sort of government intervention happening when you furlough employees?
Oh, Claire and her management buddies cut their salaries by a measly 20% in support of the ongoing.
Howdy, partner! Furlough... it's basically a period of unpaid leave during which you're not allowed to carry out any work for your employer; however, the UK Govt. will be paying 80% of any furloughed workers' wages (up to a maximum of £2500 per month) until further notice - up to individual companies whether they wish to cover any amount not being met by the Treasury.
I think McLaren furloughed some of its staff a few days back, and also cut salaries across the board by an undisclosed amount. Surprised Williams mgmt. didn't volunteer to take a bigger hit given how precarious the team's financial position must be, or at least will be as the months roll by.
Edit: I see that Racing Point has joined the furlough and wage cut party.
Mercedes F1 already churning out those CPAP devices; they made about 600 in the last 24 hours and will soon be at 1,000 a day: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/148935/mercedes-hpp-repurposed-to-aid-covid19-fight
Unrelated to this thread, but have either of you been getting errors sometimes when you try to come here? I've been getting e-mails the past couple of days about a database error, which usually happens if someone tries to access the forum and they can't. It was a fairly common issue with the old host, but I haven't gotten any since I changed hosts two years ago. I haven't had any issues accessing the forum.
Also, if you really like .net addresses, minardif1.net now also goes to the site. I'm still, uhh, quarantining the original .org address because of the load of junk emails that were going to it before, but it will eventually forward to the site as well.
I do frequently get it when using Google Chrome, Chrome has me logged out and fails to log me in. I'll print screen it next time it happens, to see if there's an error code.
It never happens on Firefox, although it too has me logged out but automatically logs me in when I click a forum section or subsection (such as this "Formula One" subsection).
It just happened again on Chrome. It simply says "Mod_Security" is causing it, and that it is unable to verify the URL.
Anyway, Canada joins list of postponed races:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/canadian-grand-prix-postponed-coronavirus/4778178/
Rumours put France on the postponement too, but with the development here in the last few days I can genuinely see Austria staying in place for the first of many two-day race weekends this summer and fall, all the way up to Christmas.
---
Also, could the freeze for 2021 ensure Lewis ends up a 8-time world champion, overhauling Schumacher's titles and number of wins? I think so, the 2020/21 Mercedes did come across as rather decent in pre-season.
I don't know, right now an early July race sounds optimistic to me. It would be good to know by when a decision has to be made to hold an event, are we talking two weeks prior to the race, or four, six, eight...? I know F1 would love to squeeze in sixteen races to get its full whack of money from the broadcasters, but unless they can get a bunch of European races done before mid-October the weather is going to stymie them - same issue applies to Canada, Russia, and perhaps even China.
If we see a continued decrease in ICU patients and deaths (Which indications suggest we may now start seeing in Europe as well as in New York), then a no-spectators race could easily go ahead 3 months from now.
UK Covid-19 patient numbers, in common with various other countries, have plateaued of late and should drop back in the coming weeks, and hopefully some of the current domestic restrictions on movement/economic activity will be eased at the same time. The more pertinent issues in my mind are the international aspect of F1 - are they going to be able to flit from one country to another on a weekly basis - and whether teams will endure the sort of frantic schedule Ross Brawn recently suggested: three consecutive race weekends, followed by one weekend off, repeat until eighteen or nineteen races have been run.
Very true. The travel aspect was brought up recently, how responsible is flying them around? Silverstone have suggested using alternative layouts. What if they limit this season to Europe, and use the most versatile tracks in terms of layout? Paul Ricard could probably host 10 different races in various configurations! Not that we'd want to watch that, but as a means of fulfilling some of the commercial agreements.
So many variables at the moment (known unknowns?) that whatever anyone suggests will doubtless be overwhelmed by events but, and at the risk of contradicting my previous post, I don't think we necessarily have to limit ourselves to European venues. If the season can get under way by mid-July (not impossible though I do still have my doubts) then there's scope to have a decent number and geographical spread of rounds - assuming the various countries grant easy access to the F1 circus.
Start off in Europe and get perhaps eight races in by the end of September (before the weather fails us); hop to the Americas for three consecutive weekends (USA/Mexico/Brazil), followed by a two-weekend break; repeat this formula in the Far East with China/Japan/Singapore - sorry Vietnam!; then finish off the season with Bahrain & Abu Dhabi - possibly on the 20th December. That's sixteen races in twenty-four weeks, so still a tough schedule for those involved but not quite as unrelenting as Brawn's version.
I don't think there will be a 2020 season. They might be able to get some demonstration races in or something around Europe, but I'm not sure the window to do it will be long enough for a true season, and the fly-away races seem especially unlikely. Domestic sports have a better chance of returning.
I am still expecting a season, although a shortened one. In order to be able to award a championship, 8 races need to be held. They could even squeeze those into four straight double-headers in December if need be, with a race on Saturday and one on Sunday.
Or else, we better just start a 2021 topic already.
Possibly with a shortened list of entrants because it's going to be a financial disaster for some of the teams if there's no racing in 2020.
Yes well, I'm sure the top trio won't mind fielding a third or fourth car. Not to mention Aston Martin, now with Toto Wolff part-ownership, will be financially solid. Four teams, four cars each, plus McLaren and Renault. That's a 20-car grid even if we lose Haas and Williams. A less interesting grid, mind you, but Mercedes can score the first 1-2-3-4 finish in a while.
Ferrari and Red Bull both already field four cars courtesy of their junior outfits, and Mercedes has re-entered last year's motor under the Racing Point moniker. I don't think anyone's too keen on the 'big 3' adding to this impressive array of machinery/level of control, not least McLaren and Renault who would condemn themselves to a life of points penury should they agree to a third car for the top teams.
Mind you, the Williams name should continue in F1 now that borrowings have been refinanced via a Michael Latifi company, meaning that all their F1 assets - land, buildings, machinery, and over 100 historic racing cars - will be Latifi's should Williams default on its debt. No reason to think he wouldn't keep the team name if the Williams family loses control....
Quote from: Penfold on April 22, 2020, 09:12:48 AM
Mind you, the Williams name should continue in F1 now that borrowings have been refinanced via a Michael Latifi company, meaning that all their F1 assets - land, buildings, machinery, and over 100 historic racing cars - will be Latifi's should Williams default on its debt. No reason to think he wouldn't keep the team name if the Williams family loses control....
What a clever way to take control of a team!
Sneaky is best....
As one would expect, Liberty Media is planning for all eventualities including there being no racing this year: https://www.racefans.net/2020/04/24/f1-planning-for-possibility-it-may-not-be-able-to-hold-races-in-2020/
I liked this bit: "Holding races behind closed doors would bring an added cost, Maffei admitted, as race promoters would have to be compensated for the loss of income from ticket sales. He indicated Liberty is prepared to bear that cost."
How noble of them. I mean, it's not as if the vast majority of costs incurred by race promoters are the hosting fees paid to Liberty Media....
So what he is essentially saying is "If we force you to host a race with no spectators, we will actually lower the fee for hosting said race". Very noble indeed.
I do still hold out for a late summer tour of Europe's circuits, but there is risk that 2020 will not happen at all.
I think 2020 will be widely regarded as not having happened, with all historical records of the year confined to a single word: Coronavirus.
One would hope Liberty will go so far as to scrap the hosting fees and also cover any reasonable costs incurred by whichever circuits can hold a round (or two) this year.
If there is a GP at Silverstone this year, it will be behind closed doors:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silverstone-british-gp-no-fans/4785242/
Austria set to be announced as season opener, with a double-header at the track on consecutive Sundays:
https://www.planetf1.com/news/austrian-gp-season-opener/
EDIT: And the first part of confirming Austria as season-opener is cancelling France. Which they just did:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/2020-french-gp-cancelled-coronavirus/4785260/
That's a race I wouldn't mind cancelling more regularly.
UK Govt. plans to hold weekly meetings to discuss how sporting events will function as and when restrictions are eased: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/52423767
Talking of restrictions... they've been extended into July in France which means no GP (at least not on the original date): https://www.racefans.net/2020/04/27/official-french-grand-prix-called-off-due-to-government-restrictions/
Edit: I took so long to finish my post that you've already snuck the French GP story into yours! One thing I will add, which I read a while back and assume is accurate, is that F1 hasn't gone around cancelling races itself because if the promoter pulls the plug they still have to pay Liberty the hosting fee. Sneaky.
One consequence of this is that, assuming 2021 is not at all hit by COVID-19, some circuits will still be forced to pull out of F1. We could see a shorter calendar next year even if everyone is healthy. We could also get tracks like Imola and Mugello hosting F1, if the fees are cut to make up the calendar.
And with that said, F1 implies that Austria is set to open the season:
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.statement-from-f1-ceo-chase-carey-target-is-to-begin-season-in-austria.5zn2chyMjrqC8n0BkEt9e.html?
I do hope F1's road map to glory (a full season) pans out:
(https://www.formula1.com/content/dam/fom-website/manual/Misc/2020delay/F1%20Revised%20Calendar%20V3.jpg.transform/9col/image.jpg)
Quote from: Chrill on April 27, 2020, 02:45:25 AM
One consequence of this is that, assuming 2021 is not at all hit by COVID-19, some circuits will still be forced to pull out of F1. We could see a shorter calendar next year even if everyone is healthy. We could also get tracks like Imola and Mugello hosting F1, if the fees are cut to make up the calendar.
It was reported a while back that the Spanish race promoters are rather tight on cash these days, so Barcelona could be one of those casualties.
Well, if we have to lose some 4-5 races, I think Barcelona is definitely an OK one.
I'd love to see a return to Turkey and Malaysia personally, two of Tilke's few great tracks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motor_racing_circuits_by_FIA_Grade#Grade_One
Here is a list of all the Grade 1 approved circuits. Go ahead and make your fantasy 2021 calendar.
Quote from: Chrill on April 27, 2020, 04:58:34 AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motor_racing_circuits_by_FIA_Grade#Grade_One
Here is a list of all the Grade 1 approved circuits. Go ahead and make your fantasy 2021 calendar.
OK, Chrill, I'll do that!
1: Albert Park Circuit,
Australian Grand Prix2: Sepang International Circuit,
Malaysian Grand Prix3: Hanoi Street Circuit,
Vietnamese Grand Prix--- End of Asian flyaway races4: Baku City Curcuit,
Azerbaijan Grand Prix5: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve,
Canadian Grand Prix--- End of the pseudo-European races that do not take place in Europe yet somehow is associated with the European summer races6: Mugello Circuit,
European Grand Prix7: Circuit de Monaco,
Monaco Grand Prix8: Red Bull Ring,
Austrian Grand Prix9: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari,
San Marino Grand Prix10: Silverstone Circuit,
British Grand Prix11: Hockenheimring,
German Grand Prix12: Hungaroring,
Hungarian Grand Prix13: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps,
Belgian Grand Prix14: Autodromo Nazionale Monza,
Italian Grand Prix--- End of the European summer races15: Marina Bay Street Circuit,
Singapore Grand Prix16: Istanbul Park,
Turkish Grand Prix17: Suzuka International Racing Course,
Japanese Grand Prix18: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez,
Mexican Grand Prix19: Circuit of the Americas,
United States Grand Prix20: Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos),
Brazilian Grand PrixI have a big meeting in 50 minutes but nothing to do before it, so here you go. Compared to the actual 2020 calendar, I say good bye to Bahrain, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Russia, and Abu Dhabi. To replace those 6 I introduced 4 tracks (to make it 20 races): Malaysia, Italy, Italy, and Turkey. Brazil returns to their rightful spot as season finale.
I was tempted to insert Finland's Kymi Ring (why did they not just name it Kimi Ring?) but its layout does not really lend itself to great F1 racing.
F2 team Carlin implies that both Austria and UK will run double-headers, so we'll have four races in four weeks on two circuits if the season is indeed able to start in July:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-motor-carlin-inter/carlin-fully-supports-formula-ones-double-header-plan-idUKKCN22A2CB
The second of each double-header might be a tad predictable - where's Bernie with his sprinklers when you need him!
Alternative layouts! Run in reverse!
Kills your legs.
Alternative layout(s) for Silverstone should be easy enough; not sure how much scope for variation exists at the RB Ring - is the extra chunk of track used until the mid-nineties still up to F1 grade?
The section between turns 1 and 2 still exists but from satellite photos do not look built for racing. Most likely they are used to transport goods and people, but definitely not for racing.
Not built for racing... there are a few circuits on the calendar that fit that description!
Anyhoo, the UK Govt. has indicated that closed-door sporting events mey be permitted from beginning of June, and in related news, Silverstone & Liberty are haggling over payments for hosting such an event (or two): https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/52612210
Haggling over, Silverstone is willing to host two races this year: https://www.racefans.net/2020/05/15/silverstone-says-it-has-agreement-to-told-two-f1-races-this-year/
Two identical races do sound boring. Please use this opportunity to try a different race weekend format, or use an alternate layout.
I don't know, quantity over quality sounds about right for F1 these days.
Hopefully they'll run a different layout to try and inject some jeopardy into proceedings, although how vital this is depends on whether the first race is dominated by any one team, one which may or may not paint its cars silver....
NASCAR is running a combined 700 miles at Darlington over four days (Sunday afternoon, Wednesday night), then doing 900 miles at Charlotte in the same timespan. It is interesting though because the races have no qualifying and no practice. Just show up and race. Meanwhile, almost every other night is filled with the two feeder series, Xfinity and trucks. Although tonight's Xfinity race was rained out and rescheduled for Thursday.
The Dutchies have confirmed that Zandvoort will not feature on a revised 2020 calendar, and that they will focus on 2021. Vietnam, however, hopes to find their way onto this years grid:
https://www.racefans.net/2020/05/29/vietnam-still-seeking-2020-date-for-first-f1-race/
They've had so few cases of Covid-19 in Vietnam that it seems an obvious choice - just keep team personnel in their own bubble and make sure race tickets are priced for the local market.
Indeed. Regarding the number of cases in various countries, I struggle to see us visiting Spa this year even if in isolation. Even finding a sufficient number of skilled marshals may be difficult with how widespread covid-19 is in Belgium.
We (F1) are (is) off to Austria on the 5th & 12th of July, and Budapest could follow on the 19th: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/52860575
With F1 running double headers at Spielberg and Silverstone (and possibly Bahrain), the idea was floated to try a different format for race 2. One such format was a reverse-grid sprint race to serve as qualifying for the Sunday event. The race itself would go as normal, but qualifying would be a race based on reverse championship standings. That is, Latifi and Russell in a 1-2 up front with Magnussen and Grosjean giving chase.
Whilst I oppose reverse grids in general, giving it a try during the second race weekend makes perfect sense to me. We can evaluate it, and if it turns out great it could be implemented properly for 2022 but if it does not turn out great well then we know.
9 teams agree to it, even Ferrari. Guess who opposes it? The ones likely to line up at the back, Mercedes:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-opposes-reverse-grid-plan/4799520/
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/2020-f1-calendar-announced-europe/4800251/
We have an official calendar!
Date Venue
July 5 Red Bull Ring, Austria
July 12 Red Bull Ring, Austria
July 19 Hungaroring, Hungary
August 2 Silverstone, Britain
August 9 Silverstone, Britain
August 16 Barcelona, Spain
August 30 Spa, Belgium
September 6 Monza, Italy
Double-headers at Red Bull Ring and Silverstone (rounds 1-2 and 4-5 respectively). Hungaroring inbetween. Also confirmed are Barcelona, Spa, and Monza. No word yet on Barcelona and Spa, although the first five as well as Monza have confirmed no spectators.
The 2nd Austrian GP will officially be known as Formula 1 Pirelli Grosser Preis der Steiermark (as opposed to the Rolex-sponsored first race, which is the Grosser Preis von Osterreich).
The 2nd British GP will be named Emirates Formula 1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix
Also, this technically moves the Hungarian GP closer in time as it was intended to be hosted on August 2nd.
I don't suppose they'll have spectators at Spa or Barcelona, probably still be too many cases/too much fear floating around. The upside of no fans trackside is that directors won't be cutting to them at inopportune moments, i.e. straight after a pass and then missing the counter-attack....
Quote from: Penfold on June 02, 2020, 05:18:23 AMThe upside of no fans trackside is that directors won't be cutting to them at inopportune moments, i.e. straight after a pass and then missing the counter-attack....
They could just as well cut to team personnel instead. Those will be in attendance, albeit in smaller numbers.
Damn it. Of course they will.
I see Mercedes & Mercedes b (aka Racing Point) have put the kibosh on the reverse grid thingy. Bit of a shame they wouldn't play ball, because whilst it's not something I'd want to see in a normal season, I think it would've been a good way to inject some interest into the second weekends in Austria and Silverstone.
I wonder if we'll see other changes to the race weekend, then. I'm of course thrilled we'll have 6 races in 7 weeks, but I am not thrilled we'll have the same race twice (twice).
We might see a race at Mugello or Imola this season.
(https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/101875901_10158320287461506_5592059651458859008_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=ca434c&_nc_ohc=29z-mrSFB8kAX_a9Sxl&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=1809012ca6c1be2421ca098a987332ac&oe=5EFD4C20)
A Sochi double-header... be still my beating heart!
Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola. Imola.
Not that I have any real preference.
The Sochi double header sounds like something Ecclestone would have arranged. Pre-corona.
And we'll all need to drink a lot of Corona to enjoy it, or at least make it tolerable.
With the revamped 2020 calendar, Ferrari's 999th race in F1 will occur at Monza. Their 1000th? Well, that would be the 9th round of this championship. Why not visit Mugello?
https://www.racefans.net/2020/06/08/mugello-ferrari-1000-f1-race-italian-grand-prix/
Back in 2012 or whatever, F1 tested at Mugello and the drivers were enjoying driving there.
https://www.planetf1.com/news/baku-singapore-japan-cancelled/
We could lose Japan, Singapore, and Azerbaijan this year. Ah well.
Singapore must go in order to accommodate the rumoured Mugello GP. Will it be name the San Marino GP? Maybe the "Gran Premio di Toscana"? How about the "Ferrari 1000th Race Grand Prix"? Only time will tell.
The Singapore crew has said from the off that the race would only proceed on its original date and if safe for fans to attend; that's not quite the level of flexibility that Liberty needs right now.
https://www.racefans.net/2020/06/12/official-f1-cancels-races-at-suzuka-baku-and-singapore/
Aaaand it's confirmed, no races in AZE, SIN or JAP.
Fingers crossed we get at least three races in Sochi to make up for these losses.
I wouldn't be surprised.
So we could end up with something a little like this:
Austria
Austria 2
Hungary
UK
UK 2
Spain
Belgium
Italy
Russia
Russia 2
China
Canada
USA
Mexico
Bahrain
Bahrain 2
Abu Dhabi
That's a 17-race calendar, and does see us visiting the Americas. If that's not doable, I could see China notching up a second race and the season being a 15-race calendar.
Surely there's room for surprising late additions such as Mugello, Imola, or Portimao?
However, a possible Bahrain 2 could use their hyper fast outer circuit, which would be a bit exciting. That configuration is already approved by FIA as a Grade 1 circuit.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Bahrain_International_Circuit--Outer_Circuit.svg/1024px-Bahrain_International_Circuit--Outer_Circuit.svg.png)
I'm not quite sure if that track would be as fast as Monza, or slower/faster.
However, assuming it is absolutely equally fast, then at Kimi's average speed from his 2018 pole position lap, they would lap the outer circuit during qualifying in 0:50.041. We could, with newer cars and a good use of slip stream, see sub-50 second laps in qualifying and 55ish seconds in the race. It would be one very short race at those speeds.
I quite fancy the idea of them tearing round that Bahrain loop about 100 times. Flat out and just a few slowish corners, somewhat reminiscent of the old Hockenheim - albeit with fewer trees.
Well, if we are to race at Bahrain twice they may as well give it a try. It would be unique, at least.
Portimao and Algarve for a Portuguese double header?
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/portimao-algarve-double-header-races/4806513/
The races at the Portimao circuit would be instead of the Russian GP. So this aligns nicely with a race at Mugello/Imola/Hockenheim for September 13th, and not a Russian double header. Unless of course Sochi is moved back and runs in mid-October.
Just watched the 24 Hours of Portimao this weekend. There were only 15 cars... But anyway, it's definitely a more interesting track than Sochi.
I said I wasn't sure there would be any season this year, and soon I'll hopefully be proven wrong. But now I have to say that I'm not sure there will be a season outside of Europe. With China now having an increase in cases again, and the US never really stopping, I think it might be harder and harder to leave Europe. Also, if tracks won't have fans, I think it will be hard to justify shipping everything all around the world.
I think you underestimate just how badly the world needs tourism and a working economy. All the countries easing restrictions are doing so for financial reasons, because the pandemic is far from over. F1 will surely get to visit Asia just because there is money to be made (Even without spectators at the circuit). I just hope teams set up rigid guidelines to keep personnel safe.
Montreal slated for the 11th of October: https://www.poleposition.ca/actualite/2020/06/23/le-grand-prix-du-canada-aura-lieu-les-9-10-et-11-octobre/
Might be chilly....
Average high in Montreal in October is 13C (55F). That does sound a bit chilly. Daily mean is just 9C (47F).
Comparable to our Midlands region where one would find Silverstone, and who in their right mind would consider a mid-October UK race a good idea?
Well, teams who are great at heating their tyres may just excel in those conditions. Why not go to Canada in October?
Cold with a reasonable chance of rain, some teams perhaps struggling to get their tyres working, it kind of sounds like a recipe for multiple crashes & laps behind the safety car. Actually, that might be fairly entertaining, inject a spot of jeopardy into proceedings.
Canada and safety cars go well together.
Of course, a proper cold wave could bring slushy snow.
On to a track that won't bring snow, but it seems an official Mugello confirmation is imminent.
https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/53566/ferrari-wish-granted-as-mugello-to-stage-scuderia-s-1-000th-gp-in-september/
The above article says F1 will then go to Sochi for one (1) race before visiting Portugal. However, Imola wants to join their Italian friends in an Italian triple-header:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/imola-lobbies-2020-f1-calendar/4811358/
It makes sense from a travel standpoint. If we're going without spectators, why not use tracks geographically adjacent to one another? The Imola GP should revive the San Marino GP moniker. The Mugello could be named "Scuderia 1000 GP" or something.
It's been a while since F1 visited Portugal - I remember them racing at Estoril back in the '90s - and it's been too long since they roared around Imola, so hopefully that gets chucked into the mix as part of the Italy triple-header. One Sochi per year is about all I can stand so I'm hoping that article is on the money.
I would definitely be up for an Italy Italy Italy Russia Portugal run. Probably with just a one-weekend break somewhere in the middle no?
If covid-19 is going to give us anything, may it be visits to new or old tracks that F1 haven't used in a while.
Every cloud has a silver lining....
Well, I suppose between Italy 3 and Russia would be the obvious choice for a weekend off in that scenario.
Mugello & Portimao GP expected to be confirmed shortly, meaning that from race seven the calendar goes: Spa - Monza - Mugello - weekend off - Sochi/Hockenheim - Portimao - Montreal
Sochi not yet a definite owing to some doubts about Covid being brought under control, with USA & Mexico iffy for the same reason.
So Sochi is iffy because they don't want to leave Europe, but Canada's fine? Hmm.
Ah well, even without Montreal, this would give us a total of 11 races. Even if we only race in Europe and the Middle East, adding a Bahrain-AbuDhabi-AbuDhabi triple header we'll have 14 races. It's something.
Bugger all cases in Canada at the moment so that's why they get a pass.
THE SEASON IS HERE!
After Friday's running, we have some rather interesting discoveries. First of all, Red Bull seem to struggle with grip. Verstappen was off maybe 3 times, Albon spun at least once. Both drivers failed to produce a good lap time when running low-fuel on softs.
My impressions so far:
Quali pace:
1. Mercedes
2. Racing Point
3. Ferrari
4. McLaren
5. Red Bull
6. Renault
7. AlphaTauri
8. Alfa Romeo
9. Haas
10. Williams
Race pace:
1. Mercedes
2. Racing Point
3. Ferrari
4. Renault (+2)
5. Red Bull
6. McLaren (-2)
7. Alfa Romeo (+1)
8. AlphaTauri (-1)
9. Williams (+1)
10. Haas (-1)
The Racing Point cars could be challenging for 2nd row tomorrow, but I am expecting an upturn in form from Red Bull. As it looked in FP1 and FP2, Red Bull did not quite match Ferrari or Racing Point in either one-lap pace or in race stints.
Merc. clearly out in front (who could've predicted!) but yeah, like you I'm also expecting Red Bull to step things up tomorrow. Not sure I'd rate RP quite as highly although obviously plenty of pace in their car.
Quote from: Penfold on July 03, 2020, 09:30:54 AMNot sure I'd rate RP quite as highly although obviously plenty of pace in their car.
Their race pace, both for Stroll and Perez, were second only to Mercedes. Not even Ferrari could run their mediums or hards at the pace RP did.
Of course, they could have run a lower fuel, but why do that during race prep? It would only serve to put you on the back foot on Sunday.
I just reckon that once Red Bull crank up the engine (and give Max one of the new front wings - he broke the last one) that they (well, Max) will be next behind the Mercs, and that RP (well, Perez) will be duking it out with Ferrari for the next spot.
After FP3, it seems Racing Point really are in with a shot at row 2 for tomorrow's race. Perez was ahead of both Ferrari cars and Albon. Verstappen p3 but not in a position to challenge the always dominant Mercedes team.
Racing Point was fast. But McLaren was faster. Who knew?
Mercedes in this all alone. It's not impossible they will win every race this season, but I do hope at least Red Bull can snatch a win or two. Verstappen has a tendency of delivering above his car's capacity.
If Mercedes is to waltz away with this, at least let Bottas bring the battle to Hamilton. Pole position is a good start, but can he do it in the race too?
What a race. Easy win for Albon lost after another coming together with Hamilton.
Norris setting FL to be within 4.9s of Lewis at the flag.
Vettel p10 when only ten cars finish.
I'll sum it up and rate some drivers.
Hopefully Max can give the Merc boys a run for their money at Austria this Sunday. Entertaining to see the McLarens and Perez fighting with 'It is I', whereas Seb continues to fight with himself....
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mugello-september-2020-calendar-slot/4828667/
The 2nd part of the season looks set to shape up like this:
Date Race
13 Sep Mugello Tuscany GP
27 Sep Sochi Russian GP (with spectators)
4 Oct Portimao Portuguese GP
20 Oct Shanghai Chinese GP
27 Oct Hanoi Vietnamese GP
--- November races TBD --- (Imola, Hockenheim, USA, Mexico, Brazil, etc.)
29 Nov Sakhir Bahrain GP
6 Dec Sakhir Bahrain GP 2
13 Dec Yas Marina Abu Dhabi GP
The announcement for part 2 (Sep-Oct) is expected this week. The announcement for part 3 will probably not come for another month or so.
Races 9 and 10 (Tuscany and Russia) confirmed.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mugello-italy-sochi-2020-calendar/4829726/
Ahh, but can you guess which of those I'm keener to see?
The English coverage seemed to go very light on Leclerc. They kind of meekly said it was his fault, but if that was Vettel making that move, he would be getting destroyed. He dove four-wide on his teammate and took them both out in a move that was never going to work.
The commentary baffled me at the time, Coulthard & the other bloke who does C4's coverage saying it was optimistic but that there was a gap for Leclerc to go after. Well, technically correct I suppose, there was a gap between Vettel and the kerbing... but then Seb insisted on going round the corner rather than veering left into the car on his outside. As you say, it would've been instant nutjob Vettel remarks if the roles were reversed.
Still, good on 'It is I' to take full blame after the race. Sounded most contrite did the young chap, actually he sounded genuinely quite upset by what he'd done.
Shame it happened, but the blame was perhaps 10% racing, 0% Vettel, and 90% Leclerc.
Nurburgring to be slipped into this year's calendar: https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/22/nurburgring-to-join-2020-f1-calendar-with-portimao-and-imola/
With Imola-Portimao-Nurburgring about to be confirmed, where will those races slot in? 11, 18, and 25 October? That would leave Sochi a non-double header!
With a weeks rest after that, we'd resume racing in Bahrain on November 15th and again on the 22nd, and the season would then terminate at Abu Dhabi on November 29th.
Since they've said they are looking to end the season in December, I think we could still another one or two races confirmed. Perhaps a double-header in Abu Dhabi too.
If they go with your schedule for Imola-Portimao-Nurburgring, followed by a weekend off, then Bahrain no. 1 could be on November 8th rather than the 15th. You obviously lost track as you were counting the days... I guess you ran out of fingers :P
This means they could leave a gap between Bahrain & Abu Dhabi and run double-headers at both.
Well, they've gone for a schedule one week longer than my proposal, so November 15th still checks out. ;D
Nürburgring will host the Eifel (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eifel) Grand Prix on 11 October.
Portimao follows two weeks later with the Portuguese Grand Prix on 25 October.
Imola, run back to back with Portimao, will host the Emilia Romagna (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emilia-Romagna) Grand Prix on November 1st, with a two-day schedule including just the one 90-minute practice session!
Well you fluked that one.
Some fascinating races this year, perhaps not the races themselves with Merc's dominance, but Portimao, Mugello, Imola... oh yes, still quite a tasty treat for us F1 folk. Actually, you can add the second Bahrain race to that if they run it on the short but fast configuration mooted a while back.
https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/29/more-new-races-may-come-to-f1s-overhauled-2020-calendar/
So, it seems we have two (and a half) paths to go for the end of season:
1. Malaysia, Vietnam, Bahrain, UAE
2. Bahrain, Bahrain, UAE
2.5 (Turkey), Bahrain, Bahrain, UAE
I'd love to have the almost-oval race in Bahrain, that would be spectacularly unique (and Ferrari would finish 14th), but I also quite like the variety offered by option 1. Of course, the Turkish GP was a great track but Erdogan is not a great guy. We're already racing in enough dictatorships as it is, we don't need to support the killing of Kurds in the process.
Turkey is seen as an unlikely option because the track, whilst still holding the FIA grade necessary, would be in need of quite some polishing to bring it back up to date.
Sergio Perez has been excluded from today's press conferences at Silverstone due to testing Maybe on the coronavirus:
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150925/perez-awaiting-covid-retest-after-inconclusive-result
A new test will hopefully determine whether he may partake in this weekend's GP or not. The official reserve driver for Mercedes, Esteban Gutierrez, would likely replace Perez in case he is unable to compete. Stoffel Vandoorne, who more recently raced in F1, is not at Silverstone this weekend.
Aaand it's confirmed. We'll see if Racing Point ask for Gutierrez or if they elect to bring in Vandoorne. Or why not the Hulk if he's not busy? Perez probably will miss at least the next two races, perhaps three, before being negative and allowed to rejoin.
https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/30/perez-goes-into-quarantine-ahead-of-british-gp-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19/
Why not the Hulk indeed?
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hulkenberg-tipped-to-replace-perez-at-racing-point/4846486/
Poor Serge. Obviously we're all desperate to see Gutierrez back in F1, but if RP goes with The Hulk I reckon we can all live with the disappointment....
I kind of would be disappointed to see the Hulk rejoin (because being a team mate to Perez who scored several podiums Hulk never got a single one) but I guess we'll know very soon. FP1 starts in 90 minutes, and they would want someone to drive that car then!
Perez reportedly has a clause that can be triggered by today at the latest. So this could even spell the end to his career at Racing Point, with Vettel joining early. I know everyone denies it, but Vettel->RP, Sainz->Ferrari, Ricciardo->McLaren, Alonso->Renault could ALL happen next weekend or after this triple header of UK-UK-Spain.
EDIT: Reddit did some research:
1) There is an airplane flying from Monaco (where Hülkenberg was up until yesterday) to the airport nearest to Silverstone. Is he onboard? Possible
2) Gutierrez does not have a super license due to inactivity, and would need to compete 300km in FP1 before then applying for it. Risky but doable
All in all, I'd guess Hulkenberg is the chosen replacement for Perez.
You guess correctly: https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/31/official-racing-point-name-hulkenberg-as-perezs-replacement-for-british-grand-prix/
He did seem the obvious choice. Question is, can he grab his first F1 podium?
Well, no. With no experience of this year's car (and no Racing Point experience for three or so years), he'll struggle this weekend. Perhaps next weekend, he can get close to Stroll. Even then, if any Racing Point driver is to beat a Red Bull or a Mercedes to find a podium, I'd say it is Stroll.
I did have next weekend in mind as Hulk's best shot at a podium rather than this Sunday.
* As soon as the pit stops happened so early, I thought there were going to be tire problems. I was really surprised it wasn't discussed much by the broadcast. I expected just slower lap times rather than complete failures, but nonetheless. And then both Mercedes drivers started discussing blisters with like 20 to go, and the tires were visibly bad soon after that, and still all the broadcast talked about was whether Verstappen could catch up. Honestly it seemed like a lot of teams unwilling to take a chance.
* I couldn't believe what I was seeing when Max pitted. Both Mercedes have the same tire problems, one just had a complete tire failure, and you pit? There was nothing to gain by that. The extra point does nothing for them. What they would have lost if Max had a similar failure would have done nothing to them. They're easily second with no real competition in either direction. Even with Albon's inconsistency, I don't see a consistent third-best team that will be able to match Max and RBR.
I hope they don't go back on the plan to have softer compounds next week. Maybe make the teams actually run a smart strategy instead of everyone doing the same thing and no one being willing to take a risk. You tell me Vettel pits with 20 to go and he doesn't end up at least right where he was with new tires?
Sometimes there's a chronic lack of imagination in race strategy, and no one does this better than Ferrari: Vettel trundling round in 11th, not advancing without retirements, with everyone ahead one-stopping - why not pit in the hope that others will see their tyres drop off the proverbial cliff.
Then there's Mercedes... If you set out to get 40 laps from your tyres and they start blistering with 20 to go, it might be time to consider a plan B! Merc could've pitted both cars 15 laps from the end and chased down Max without too much effort: new tyres and driving the Merc, got to be 1.5 seconds/lap advantage in that. They'd catch Max in about 10 laps and cruise straight past him.
I'm with you on Max's stop, you could see in the preceding laps that Hammy's front left was just as knackered as Botty's, so a failure was certainly on the cards. As you say, take the risk for the race win because they've got no challenger for second in the Constructors' this year.
Also with you on the tyres. Pirelli will probably bottle it and stick with last weekend's compounds, and that will make it a medium/hard one-stopper for all but those crazy enough to run softs to reach Q3.
I doubt Pirelli even have tyres available for any other plan than using the previously decided C2-C3-C4, one step softer than the first weekend. We'll easily see two stops, perhaps three, depending on weather. Looking like a very hot weekend for the 70th Anniversary GP, no?
Yep, looking toasty for the first two days (about 30 Celsius), before easing back to the mid-20s for Sunday.
Noises from F1/Pirelli suggest that they will be able to provide enough C1s for the race, but actually, if it's as hot as forecast, will they be able to do a medium/hard one-stopper? Assume it would be a roughly 20 lap/30 lap split between the compounds. I'm sure they can survive that long even in the heat, but at what pace? Someone running a two-stopper, if they can find sufficient clean air, might be able to jump themselves up the field.
Two weekends in a row without rain at Silverstone? I don't see it happening. We'll have a wet quali or a wet race.
That's what you'd normally bet on, but things looking settled right now: https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2637827
Good to see Pirelli sticking to their guns and ditching the C1s for Sunday's race. They're going to increase minimum tyre pressures to lessen the strain, and also review tyre usage guidance for the teams - hopefully when they advise a life for each compound the teams will actually listen.
Silverstone is also re-extending the exit kerb at Chapel (where lots of drivers kicked up dirt before very harshly hitting the beginning of the kerb).
I do appreciate Pirelli basically saying "Teams ran for too long, and they should've used the 2020 rubber because it was built for this. It's your own fault".
Assuming the virus has already left his body, Perez will be permitted to race this weekend:
https://www.racefans.net/2020/08/06/perez-completes-quarantine-can-return-this-weekend-if-he-tests-negative-for-covid-19/
I don't know for how short a time period the virus is present, but it seems he shouldn't be free of it already. We'll learn soon enough, tonight or tomorrow morning.
Jimmie Johnson tested positive and only missed one week after getting two negative tests. Who knows.
It depends on the amount of virus people contract, it seems. Asymptomatic covid-19 cases usually recover in a matter of days. A colleague of mine was in hospital for about two weeks, and last tested positive about 35 days after his first positive test.
Renault wins in their protest against Racing Point's brakes!
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/racing-point-renault-protest-verdict/4851032/
But the outcome is... docking 7.5 points per car for one race, and just reprimands for the other races. So uh, I do not at all understand the penalty. First of all, why dock points instead of exclude if they are in the wrong? Second of all, why change from a penalty to a reprimand in other races? Weird.
Still, the result is that Racing Point are docked 15 points in total (7.5 points per car) for one race (they scored 14 points in Styria, so that race I guess gave them -1 point), and reprimanded for the others, and I guess they're forced to use another brake duct this weekend?
That's a confusing mess. Here's the explanation lifted from some other site:
While Racing Point legitimately obtained Mercedes' 2019 brake ducts last year, the case hinged on whether they could continue to use them in 2020. The matter was further complicated by the fact Racing Point used Mercedes' front brake ducts on its car in 2019, but while it also acquired the rear brake duct designs at the time, these were never used on its RP19.
As a result of this, the stewards found Racing Point's front brake ducts were compliant with the regulations, but not the rears.
They ruled the front brake ducts the team is using this year are derived from the designs used last year, when they were obtained from Mercedes. But as the team did not race Mercedes' rear brake ducts last year, the same argument cannot be made for its rear brake ducts. The stewards ruled Racing Point's rear brake ducts were principally designed by Mercedes, and therefore breach the regulation requiring teams to design their own.
However, as the rear brake duct designs are compliant with the technical regulations, the stewards noted it is not realistic to expect Racing Point to re-design them. They stated the sanction is intended to penalise the potential advantage Racing Point may have gained in its design process.
Racing Point can continue to use the rear brake ducts in future races, but will continue to receive reprimands if they do. "The use of the BDs in further competitions, however, remains an infringement of the SRs," noted the stewards, "but a penalty of reprimand seems sufficient, because the actual infringement, namely the improper development of the BDs, is sufficiently covered with the penalty assessed at the Styrian Grand Prix."
In less complicated news, The Hulk will race at Silverstone this weekend after Perez's latest Covid test returned a positive.
So much for the temperature easing back for the race, the current forecast has it nudging 30C (mid-eighties in Fahrenheit) on both Saturday & Sunday.
Limited running in P1 as drivers save the harder compounds for when it really matters.
Those softs, if forced to start with, guarantee a two-stopper. You can't really push past 15 laps, which would leave you running another 40-lap stint (which did not work great on harder tyres in cooler weather last weekend).
I could see Mercedes trying to make it through Q2 on hards, which would be unique and probably doable. They could run them for some 30 laps, switch to mediums for the final 20 or so laps.
They made it through Q2 on these hards last time, just that they were called mediums....
I think 30 laps from the off, so with a full tank of fuel, in the heat expected on Sunday might be pushing the hards to breaking point. I don't know why they'd risk it rather than two-stop - hard/hard/medium makes sense to me.
Well, Verstappen went for hards. The others are all on mediums. Nobody went through to Q3 on softs. So we are likely looking at running medium-hard-medium or even medium-hard-soft depending on how late you pit for the final time.
When did we last see drivers use all three compounds in one race? Unusual, for sure.
The softs don't seem to have many good laps in them, not sure they'll be much use except for an assault on the fastest lap.
Graphic of which compounds people have in their arsenal: https://mobile.twitter.com/pirellisport/status/1292361142136971266
I did not expect Verstappen to win. I did expect Leclerc to do well whilst Vettel struggled.
Decent pace from the Hulk, though he was forced to pit with what looked like some nasty vibrations near the end.
Vettel mastered the blown diffuser era. He struggles now.
Is it simply a matter of Vettel being a high-downforce expert? Is this where he excels, where he beats anybody? With Ferrari building a slow draggy car, and therefore forced to reduce downforce, is that why he suffers more than Leclerc?
Webber has opined that Seb's style was better suited to that blown-diffuser era of cars. It also helped that he often didn't have to fight people on track, just drive very quickly on Saturday & Sunday. Not to say that he's been shit in the years since, 2017 and most of '18 were strong efforts, but now I think his heart is not really in it.
Quote from: Penfold on August 10, 2020, 02:48:04 AMNot to say that he's been shit in the years since, 2017 and most of '18 were strong efforts, but now I think his heart is not really in it.
Well, 2017 was the introduction of wide cars, big tyres. Grippy stuff! 2018 was another good year, but Ferrari went low-drag for 2019 and that's when Vettel began to struggle more.
The thrust of Webber's comments was that Seb needs a car with a stable rear-end, he likes it planted for corner entry & exit.
Perez is back (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-perez-will-compete-in-spanish-gp-weekend-after-testing-negative-for.5xCHxe9XrVYLTPR9pAio7k.html) after testing negative to coronavirus.
Glad Hulk got one race in; most useful now he's chasing after an Alfa seat for next year.
With Kimi looking more and more likely to retire, I see Perez at Haas and the Hulk at Alfa Romeo. Sure, two drivers too good to drive near the back, but so is Kimi.
Unless of course Aston Martin don't let Perez go. Stroll losing his seat at Aston would indicate that the team is serious. A lineup of Vettel-Perez is not a bad one, despite Vettel's current season.
Now the drivers are hating the hards: https://www.racefans.net/2020/08/14/horrific-garbage-hard-tyres-may-force-drivers-onto-two-stop-strategies/
Might be different come race day with more rubber down on the track, but keeping fingers crossed that the tyres mix things up a little.
If only they had an influence on... Oh wait! They opted to keep these 2019 tyres for this season, despite Pirelli developing a tyre for the 2020 downforce levels. And Pirelli will get the stick for this once again. Rather unfair deal for those Italian rubber blokes.
Agree. It's pretty funny that teams voted against the new 2020 tyres to avoid making the required aero modifications, but now the FIA is considering imposing aero changes for '21 because the cars (Mercedes) are creating too much load for the older spec tyre. Of course, we should've been getting the all-new cars (and 18-inch tyres) next year, but Covid intervened and now the decision to stick with the old rubber for this year has rather bitten them in the derriere.
The Spanish GP, as usual, was decided by the first corner. Bottas was faster than Verstappen but couldn't show it. Verstappen was slower than Hamilton, and could go nowhere. The only surprise was Vettel keeping his softs alive for what was actually a pretty good performance for him.
Ignore the first three cars and we had a fairly entertaining race. Fingers crossed the Mercs take each other out at the first corner in Spa.
For the championship, I think we need Hamilton to suffer covid-19 for three or so weekends. Mind you, I think he'll win anyway, but it's not a certainty if he drops 70ish points to Bottas or Verstappen.
Black mark (or has that phrase been outlawed!) against Bottas that he's behind Max in the standings. I know he had the tyre failure and subsequent loss of points at Silverstone, but Max DNF'd in Austria 1 and has now finished ahead of the Finn in the last four races.
Right, so Hamilton missing 3 races would see him lose 75ish points to Verstappen and 54ish points on Bottas. Assuming none of them score Fastest Laps. Hamilton would then make a comeback in Russia, sitting a pretty 38 points adrift of Verstappen, but incredibly only 11 behind Bottas.
It would at least tighten the championship. Then again, with Hamilton out of the way I think Mercedes could let Russell (assuming he'd replace Hamilton) fight exclusively for Bottas. The Finn would then enjoy a good opportunity to beat Verstappen, especially on power-heavy circuits like Spa and Monza.
So all we need for an interesting Championship fight is either for Valerie to beat Lewis in the next five or six races, or for some infectious pleb to cough/sneeze right into Hamilton's unmasked face. I know which one I'm pinning my hopes on.
Istanbul, not Constantinople (why they changed it I can't say, people just liked it better that way) could find itself on the final calendar for 2020:
https://www.racefans.net/2020/08/18/final-17-race-2020-f1-calendar-taking-shape-including-istanbul-and-two-bahrain-races/
This says that we will indeed race twice in Bahrain, once on the Outer circuit. This layout:
https://www.racefans.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bahrain-international-circuit-outer.jpg
After the 13th round, hosted at Imola on November 1, the calendar could wrap up with this:
14. Istanbul Park, Turkey - November 15, 2020
15. Bahrain International Circuit (Grand Prix), Bahrain - November 29, 2020
16. Bahrain International Circuit (Outer), Bahrain - December 6, 2020
17. Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi - December 13, 2020
Why did Constantinople get the works?
That's nobody's business but the Turks, Penfold.
Sorry, didn't mean to be nosy....
As I said before, I'm rather looking forward to the Bahrain ring road race so confirmation of that will be welcome. Also, 17 races means we get to ditch four weak drivers for MF1 this year - assuming people picked Hulk for Silverstone. Hmm, Latifi & Giovinazzi are the most obvious ones to avoid, but not sure whether to add their team mates to the list or the Haas guys.
I'll definitely skip Giovinazzi, Latifi, and Russell. The Haases can score points, they have done, and Kimi isn't hopelessly last even when qualifying P20.
Ahh, but which of those three do you avoid? The Alfa seems uniformly slow but at least Kimi is a consistent performer; the Haas is a faster but more unpredictable beast, plus you also never know what to expect with KMag or Grosjean.
Well, I'll avoid all of them won't I? And having selected Hülkenberg in the 70th Anniversary GP, I can avoid a 4th driver too. That could end up seeing me use no Alfa or Williams car at all.
I meant which one out of Kimi and the two Haas drivers would you avoid.
It'll have to be Kimi. The Haas looks just a bit better than the Alfa.
It does, but then you do get the lottery of the Haas drivers....
The final calendar is now confirmed, bringing this season to 17 races. That's definitely a number worthy of being called a World Championship (we'll race in Europe and Asia).
Istanbul Park returns, a Bahraini double header confirmed (no word on layouts for the second race), and the season will wrap up in Abu Dhabi like usual:
https://www.racefans.net/2020/08/25/2020-f1-calendar-confirmed-including-istanbul-and-two-races-in-bahrain/
Round Race Date
1 Austrian Grand Prix Jul 3-5
2 Styrian Grand Prix Jul 10-12
3 Hungarian Grand Prix Jul 17-19
4 British Grand Prix Jul 31-Aug 2
5 70th Anniversary Grand Prix Aug 7-9
6 Spanish Grand Prix Aug 14-16
7 Belgian Grand Prix Aug 28-30
8 Italian Grand Prix Sep 4-6
9 Tuscan Ferrari 1000 Grand P Sep 11-13
10 Russian Grand Prix Sep 25-27
11 Eifel Grand Prix Oct 9-11
12 Portuguese Grand Prix Oct 23-25
13 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix Oct 30-Nov 1
14 Turkish Grand Prix Nov 13-15
15 Bahrain Grand Prix Nov 27-29
16 Sakhir Grand Prix Dec 4-6
17 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Dec 11-13
I hope someone in F1 has the wit to see that two races round the normal Bahrain layout won't make for a spectacular viewing experience. One race per year is too many for me.
I see Pirelli is bringing the compounds used for Silverstone II, so all we need is blazing sunshine and Merc might be in blister hell once again. Goes to check Spa forecast... aah, how unexpected, cool, cloudy and with a chance of showers. There goes that dream.
Showers? In Spa? I never!
Oh yeah, they really are forecast. Here's a link so you can see for yourself: https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2786318 :P
Outer circuit confirmed for Bahrain II - https://www.racefans.net/2020/08/28/f1-bahrain-outer-circuit/
Cool.
They had the guts to try it. Lovely.
It might be shit, but we'll see. If it works out, I wouldn't mind seeing Bahrain alternate their configurations with an Outer Circuit race every two years.
87 laps, sub-55s in quali and sub-60s in race. Spectacular.
Ferrari lining up 13th & 14th ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
That is all.
This is surely the last season for Giovinazzi, right? Regardless of what Kimi does, Ferrari has too many junior drivers and Giovinazzi has not done much to impress.
He might be slow but he crashes with a certain panache. Does that count for nothing?
Well, 3 into 2 don't go. Ilott, Schwartzman, Schumacher? Schumacher due to his name, but he is 4th in F2 despite some unfortunate DNFs. Schwartzman and Ilott just happen to be 1st and 2nd. All three do deserve promotion, I feel. Perhaps Schumacher-Hulkenberg at Haas, Ilott-Schwartzman at Alfa? ;D
If Kimi and Vettel do leave F1, and Giovinazzi+Grosjean fail to find a seat, there are a lot of slots open for 2021 rookies. Add to that Williams with new investors may wish to influence the driver pairing, so we'll see who.
Don't even talk about Williams dropping Latifi, I'm not sure I could bear such a jolting loss....
With Mugello just two weeks away, how will Ferrari benefit from it being their test track? A lot of medium-to-high-speed corners could benefit the Ferrari which seemed decent in a medium-downforce configuration. Plus, you know, they have intricate knowledge of the circuit unlike all the other teams. I do expect a slight return to form, at least one car in Q3 (maybe two), with the aim of finishing 5th.
Yes, they should be back to fighting with the best of the tier 2 teams rather than trailing behind them all. Just got to get past the pain of Monza first.
The Turkish GP is likely to host 100,000 people (out of a 230k capacity) over the weekend. Full weekend tickets scheduled to cost just £10. How about we take a trip to Istanbul together, guys?
Middle of November... the lunatics in charge will have us back in full Covid lockdown by then. All have to self-isolate for two weeks upon return from any country in the World.
Monza looking dry and hot. Another strong Renault weekend?
Should suit them at least as well as Monza, so next best behind Mercs & Max unless Albon can pull it together. Hopefully it'll be another weekend of torment for Ferrari!
In regards to the new engine mode regulations, where you have to run pretty much the same engine mode in qualifying and in the race, I've been very unsure what to think. It's obviously a way to catch Mercedes (although that may backfire), but it does take care of this too:
- Ensures customer teams can run the engine as hard as the manufacturers by removing the use of party mode
- Makes it easier for the FIA to ensure engines comply with regulations, as part of the crackdown Ferrari suffered last year
- Puts more focus on the driver driving the car to the best of their abilities, rather than teams setting up the engine for the driver
So I may feel like perhaps I'm ok with this regulation change.
I'm also fine with it, which I'm sure will come as a great relief to the FIA! I can't see that it's going to hinder Merc that much in quali, and it might well let them run harder in the races, but I do like the bit about ensuring parity for customer teams.
Can you believe that Merc is currently one-two in FP1. Remarkable.
Well, that was a race.
Can't argue with that.
At the red flag, I found myself in a refreshingly unusual situation. I had literally no idea what was going to happen or who was going to win. I could picture 5 or 6 different outcomes. When did that last happen? Maybe 2012, when we had a different winner for was it 6 or 7 races including Pastor Maldonado?
Well, that was a different race.
Been a while since we've seen that much carnage.
Indeed. I had a friend over who's never seen an F1 race, I struggled to explain why that Safety Car restart crash was so unusual. She wasn't too bothered by it. ;D
Rest of race must've seemed dull by comparison.
Disappointing to lose Max from proceedings; judging by the speed Albon was able to wrangle out of the Red Bull, Maxxy might've been able to take the fight to Mercedes.
Someone on Racefans came up with this: "Car44 is 44 points ahead of Bottas, who is 33 points clear of Car33. And between Car44 and Car33 are 77 points and Car77."
Incredible. I mean how is Bottas in the mighty Mercedes only 33 points clear of Verstappen?
Silverstone 1 hurt him, but Max has had unlucky results too, as in Mugello. Bottas also almost always qualifies second, and I think it has been pretty clear that the Mercedes does not handle being in traffic well at all. And lastly, even though Mercedes is clearly best on one-lap pace and, all things considered, race pace (but not by as much), Max is even further clear of the rest of the field for third, meaning Bottas is usually no more than one spot better than him on any given weekend.
I know how it's come to be, I just feel it reflects poorly on Bottas that the gap is so small, particularly when Max has had three DNFs to Val's one. Even them up on that front and Verstappen could've been second in the standings. Of course, and as you say, the main issue is that Val can't routinely challenge Lewis for poles or wins and so at best is typically only one place ahead of Max.
It's going to be cold in the Eifel region of Germany this weekend. Sunday temperatures could drop to 7°C (45°F), which won't help graining too much.
Will it help or hinder Mercedes? Will Hamilton be six tenths quicker than Max on Saturday, or only a few tenths clear!
Could throw up some interesting results behind the Mercs & Max. Interesting to see who can get the tyres working at those temps, plus we (the race) might get a sprinkling of rain on Sunday....
Both of today's practice sessions cancelled due to poor weather grounding the medical chopper. Going to be a busy FP3, assuming they have one....
FP3 was indeed both dry and busy. Ferrari P3 and P5.
Stroll isn't feeling well and didn't run. Race against time to bring Hulkenberg into the car again, alternatively Vandoorne will take the drive unless Stroll improves suddenly.
https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/21/stroll-tested-positive-for-covid-19-after-eifel-grand-prix/
Turns out Stroll had covid while at Nurburgring, but self-isolated with the first symptoms on Saturday and then tested positive on the Monday after the race. He has since tested negative, and will race in Portugal.
https://www.racefans.net/2020/11/30/pietro-fittipaldi-f1-debut-grosjeans-substitute-at-sakhir-grand-prix/
The Fittipaldi name returns to F1, with Pietro named as Grosjean's replacement for the Sakhir Grand Prix this weekend. Grosjean will miss "at least one race", leaving open the possibility that Grosjean's F1 career ended with his disastrous shunt.
Warning - while you were typing a new reply has been posted....
I clearly need to type quicker.
Been a while since F1 had a Fittipaldi among its ranks. I do remember Christian driving for Minardi and Arrows way, way, way back.
And it ends the lack of Brazilians on the grid too. He's not likely to be there in 2021, unless he can bring more backing than Schumacher/Mazepin of course.
Seems unlikely! Also, not as if the Haas will let him showcase his talents - likely to be the worst car out there next weekend. I suppose just try and get as close to KMag as possible. In terms of speed that is, not physical proximity either in or out of the car.
Talking of Haas drivers... I do hope Grosjean is fit for Abu Dhabi, so that his last act in F1 isn't crashing into Kvyat and a wall.
Yes, I think anyone in F1 will feel like they'd want to beat those cars one final time. The cars will not defeat them. I sincerely hope Grosjean is fit to return. If not, I hope he gets to do some test runs in 2021, if only to prove to himself he can go that fast and drive that hard, and slam on the brakes that late.
Lewis Hamilton to miss the Sakhir Grand Prix, he has tested positive for corona.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-covid-miss-sakhir-bahrain/4919071/
Huh. Is this Hülkenberg's first podium, or will they let Gutierrez/Vandoorne look stupid next to the presumably dominant Bottas? Or will Russell get a chance to test a fast car? We'll find out very soon I'm sure.
For me, Russell would be the most intriguing choice, see how he performs being thrown in at the deep end, but Toffee Van Door does seem a more likely candidate. Then of course there's Hulk with his strong showings at RP this year... interesting to see which way they go.
... and Russell it is! https://www.racefans.net/2020/12/02/official-russell-to-stand-in-for-hamilton-at-mercedes-aitken-handed-debut-with-williams/
George Russell is replacing Lewis Hamilton for Sakhir, and maybe Abu Dhabi depending on how quickly Lewis recovers.
Jack Aitken will take Russell's place at Williams, ensuring Latifi will beat a team mate in qualifying at least once this year.
With Fittipaldi replacing Grosjean, Russell Hamilton, and Aitken Russell, this must be the first in a long while that three driver changes happen inbetween two races mid-season.
What did you say yesterday about posting faster huh?
I raced you today!
I saw you here and thought I'd sneak in first with a really short message....
On a more serious note... great that Merc is giving Russell a shot. Obviously can't get too carried away with what he's likely to achieve when dropping straight into the car for just one race, but I'm sure it will give Mercedes some extremely useful data to help measure his potential.
And yeah, I can't recall having three inter-race driver changes... though my memory for all things F1 ain't what it was.
I'm definitely expecting a podium from Russell. With the high speeds, Red Bull will struggle like at Monza. So, who's in the way of a podium? Ricciardo, Ocon, Verstappen, Stroll, Perez. He should beat those guys in a Mercedes even with the lack of experience. He'll probably go through a rather lap-heavy program on Friday to set him up nicely in the car. He knows the track, ish. He knows the tyres and engine well, and he'll adjust his braking points quickly enough. He'll definitely be chasing Bottas in qualifying. I mean, I'm not saying Russell is on course to win, but a P2 is not inevitable with the advantage Mercedes should enjoy on this type of track.
Certainly a podium should be his target given the tools at his disposal and the track characteristics, I just don't expect him to be besting Bottas in quali or harrying him on Sunday, and I'm sure you don't either, but some of the comments I've seen elsewhere have him performing at such a level this weekend that Merc will be desperate to give him Valerie's seat next year.
Over a lap, I think Russell can get close to Bottas for sure. Russell is, after all, pretty good in qualifying. Pretty good indeed, as in 36-0 vs team mates over his career. It's the looking after tyres, understanding when to push and when not to, that he will struggle with in a new car.
I think this track layout makes that less of an issue. But I think people are reading too much into the gap in FP1. I would guess they're getting Russell comfortable in the car and building confidence, which means a fair amount of low fuel running with ideal handling conditions. The heavier work will go to Bottas.
But I still think Russell could beat Bottas, who has been way off form the last few races anyway.
I'm jealous of whoever had not already picked Russell so far this season!
Noticed that at least three of us chose Stroll for last weekend, so a fast track to no points!
I was one of those three, but hopeful that Russell will help me out this weekend!
Not a dead cert that Lewis will be back for Abu Dhabi, so Georgie might get two bites at the cherry. Actually, seeing him in a Merc. at a conventional circuit would be more interesting than this one round the Bahrain loop.
Given that I have to do something different, I stuck with Perez this week with the hope that Hamilton won't be back next week.
... or that Russell DNFs today!
Grosjean won't be back for Abu Dhabi, the burns to his hands are too severe.
Well, I know two drivers worthy of a 10/10 rating after this race.
Sergio Perez was spun around, ran dead last at the end of Lap 1, and won this race. Even without Mercedes doing... well, that, Perez was still definitely heading for the podium. That is so very very impressive. Albon qualified 12th. And like, I guess he was in the race???
Come on, Horner and Marko, just call the Mexican. Do it.
Quote from: Chrill on December 07, 2020, 12:28:32 AM
Well, I know two drivers worthy of a 10/10 rating after this race.
Vettel and Leclerc?
As for Perez, we've now got Lawrence Stroll saying that Sergio deserves the Red Bull seat next year. Hang on, maybe he deserves one of the Aston Martin seats next year....
Quote from: Penfold on December 07, 2020, 02:42:46 AM
As for Perez, we've now got Lawrence Stroll saying that Sergio deserves the Red Bull seat next year. Hang on, maybe he deserves one of the Aston Martin seats next year....
That's a bit rich coming from Lawrence. We all know signing Vettel makes sense from a marketing perspective, and I think most F1 fans can agree Stroll isn't entirely useless, but Perez is the better driver of the 3 in 2020. That's fact.
"That's a bit rich" is a polite way of putting it!
I'm a polite man.
Engine change for Perez and Magnussen dumps them to the back of the grid, which admittedly is not that significant for KMag.
So Perez to win again? I mean, he did it last week from being last.
If he can haul himself up to being best of the rest (behind Ham/Bot/Ver), that would be quite some drive. Personally, I just hope he finishes ahead of Stroll....
He did not.
Albon had a decent-ish race in Abu Dhabi, finishing not far behind the tuned down Mercedes cars. Still, Verstappen beat them solidly. Was this enough to salvage Albon's career, or will Perez get a chance to compete at the top level next year?
That is the question. Going by the post-race comments of Little Jack Horner's brother we should know fairly soon, sounded like it'll be announced this side of Christmas.
In 2020, a whopping 13 different drivers visited the podium at least once;
2 Mercedes
2 Red Bull
2 McLarens
2 Racing Points
2 Renaults
2 Ferraris
1 AlphaTauri
That's pretty impressive. In 2019, only 8 drivers did:
2 Mercedes
2 Ferrari
1 Red Bull
1 McLaren
2 Toro Rosso (mhm...)
And in 2018, only 7 drivers:
2 Mercedes
2 Ferrari
2 Red Bull
1 Force India
Bottas reckons his race pace was stronger in '20: https://www.racefans.net/2020/12/21/race-pace-not-qualifying-was-my-most-improved-area-bottas/
Must've been a very marginal improvement because he's still clearly a step behind Lewis in both qualifying and races; he's also harder on his tyres, struggles to pass people, and makes more errors than Hamilton. Still, good enough for a no. 2 at Mercedes.
He's been a fairly solid number 2, but only because no other team has threatened with two drivers. Can Perez be the one to push Mercedes away from easy 1-2s? If both Max and Sergio can chase the Mercs, they will be limited in terms of strategy even if they have track position.
I had the same thought immediately after I posted but was too lazy to go back and put it into words!
Personally I think Perez is an especially good option as a second driver because, beyond just his consistency, his ability to conserve tires should open up several different strategy options for Red Bull to pressure Mercedes with.
Absolutely, expecting Red Bull to make good use of his talent on that front next year, providing their race pace is within a couple of tenths of Mercedes. Hopefully force them to make some tricky mid-race strategy calls.
Ah, the disappointment if it turns out Perez also consistently qualifies four tenths off Verstappen and struggles to reach 4th in races...
Ricciardo was similar to Max.
Ricciardo was a little better than Ocon.
Perez was a little better than Ocon.
If Red Bull's car really is that weird, then all they're doing is ending their chances of being competitive, even if Max has figured it out.