Any F1 racing fans?

[BytorJr]

I feel bad for Checo...he had the pace until that ill-timed crash.

Facebook F1 comment of the day: "Latifi is F1's Thanos."

Facebook F1 comment of the day, honorable mention: "Until Canada starts a war, we're stuck with Latifi."

As a new F1 fan thanks to DTS...these first two races have been spectacular. I don't really have a favorite team or driver (well, its fun to see KMag get Haas in the points the first two races), but its really hard to dislike LeClerc. I do think the whole yellow flag/'virtual safety car' thing is bullshit; if the yellow flag is flying, get the safety car out there, bunch them up, then let them restart and race.

You must be new to F-1 alright. LeClerc is a bit much to swallow at times. IMO he's an asshole (had you been watching in 2019 you'd understand) . However, being cocky is how one gets to F-1 and many have skills to back it up.

Having a safety car for a "sector" yellow flag is NASCAR redneck bullshit. It's for entertainment only. Same for IndyCar or whatever that's called now. Full Course yellow means they have to slow down and keep a certain time between cars and % of race pace. Safety car restarts are cool, no doubt about that - but, too many ruin a race and as was seen in 2020 if you were watching caused a MASSIVE accident - but if one is a NASCAR fan they loved that because that's why people love NASCAR). Take IMSA/LeMans, I don't think the safety car comes out for small mishaps there either.

Actually having them keep some type of pace based on current running position for a full course caution still rewards the best driver - that's the thought anyway. There are a lot of rules in F-1; moreso than any other motorsport that I know of. Some are a bit crazy, others make sense.

"Drive to Survive" : Worst thing that's ever hit F-1. PERIOD!!!! This just brings on that NASCAR shit you're speaking of to make everything drama (there was PLENTY of drama before it was manufactured). Hence why I totally and completely respect Max Verstappen for saying...I'm not going to be a part of that BS. DTS is drama, and most of it is made-up drama. I stomached one or 2 seasons. But trying to "Americanize it" is going to RUIN Formula 1. Now that Bernie (never my favorite guy) is not in control and some damn US media company is, I fully expect F-1 to become a total farce when the next engine changover happens in 2026.

But it's like everything else in life I've done. REAL car enthusiats do HSPDE at the race track to try exploring the limit of their car on the track and not the highway (& potentially getting into real racing). Then every Tom, Dick, and Harry goes and buys his GT3 (or other super expensive sports car) and thinks he can actually outdrive the guy in the 356, early torsion bar 911s, E30 BMWs... ruining the "sport" for most people who are doing it as a hobby and trying to really learn how to drive. Same shit with guns to some extent. Folks go and buy their race gun pistol and now they're IDPA professional. It's like anything cool becomes the "I have a small dick and I need something to show I'm still a man" show.

 

[BoilerUP]

I'm really glad you were an F1 fan before F1 was "cool".

I wasn't so lucky; I never gave a shit about any kind of open-wheel racing despite living in Indianapolis for a while. DTS changed that, because it offered a perspective that you never see just watching the coverage on Sky. For all the whining about DTS being fake drama (and yeah creative editing makes things look a certain way), the actual racing is WAY more dramatic. The entire process of Qualifying is really interesting, and the strategy behind decisions made is captivating for those who enjoy motorsport. FPs, Quali, and the race have been must-see TV in my house the last two weeks. Yes, those are the only two F1 races I've watched but they're absolutely not the last.

I wouldn't exactly call myself a NASCAR fan (seeing those chunky boiis move around COTA today is kinda fun tho), and certainly wouldn't want to "Americanize" Formula 1, but the whole VSC thing seems like a crock to me. I'd agree a car way off the track probably shouldn't result in a Safety Car, but I'm just not a fan of what I've seen with that so far. That's fine, nobody in FIA gives a crap about my opinion on the topic and perhaps my opinion will evolve over time.

LEC may have been an asshole in 2019, but which of these 20 guys isn't? I mean, they're arguably the top 20-30 drivers in the world...that's gonna come with a wee bit of ego and machismo, and anger and complaining when things don't go their way.

I think I'd have preferred Checo or Saniz to win, but it was exciting to watch and look forward to the rest of the season.

I think Melborne is going to be watched on DVR, though...

 

[BoilerUP]

I'll add that I'm one HPDE in the books so far this year, registered for two more (one April/one May), with five additional on my calendar June-Nov.

I'm slow as a learn the limits of my car and tires...but getting faster. I also know when to give the sandbagging Miata in Novice a point-by

 

[Schütze]

A litte tip from an old German, loose Facebook in fact fuck Facebook!

 

[eflyguy]

Vegas?

What a fucking joke. As if Miami wasn't bad enough.

Nothing but a circus.

 

[Bacarrat]

Vegas?

What a fucking joke. As if Miami wasn't bad enough.

Nothing but a circus.

It has always been a circus. Miami and Vegas fits perfectly what F1 embodies. The parties, the glamor, the super wealthy, high speed and they are going to be racing on parts of the Strip is going to be mad. I'm going!

That has to be one of the biggest circuits on the calendar. Hitting 200mph on The Strip is going to be wild.

 

[Schütze]

Have you looked at tickets pricing for Miami yet? I don’t think Vegas will be any cheaper.

 

[BoilerUP]

The gnashing of teeth from whining Europeans this morning is entertaining...

"ThE uSa HaS tHrEe GrAnD pRiXs...No OtHeR cOuNtRy HaS tHrEe"

Nevermind that CONUS with its future three GPs is 80% larger than the European Union with its ten GPs...

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

I like the long straight I just wish they made the other 2/3s of the track more technical. It will be fast but more drag racey than f1

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

Street circuits. You will have more fun watching a top fuel dragster running the 1000 foot strip.

 

[eflyguy]

I wouldn't go if it was free.

I've had to endure that place probably over a dozen times, despise it.

 

[Schütze]

I do not like the idea of introducing more street circuits, they are not save enough for the f1 performance in my opinion.
Monaco is an exemption of course, it’s also not as fast as all the newer ones.
The crash in the last race confirmed it.
Nothing to learn here… let’s just add two more street circuits.
And then the cost cap, hitting Haas already big time because of the accident.
These kind of accidents are just way more common on street circuits and often destroy the whole car.
To the „whining“ of the Europeans, of course we like to see them running on Grand Prix circuits that are especially designed for f1 with enough runoff areas.

 

[Bacarrat]

I think the big problem with Jeddah is that it had blind corners at super high speeds. Most of the other street circuits I don't mind. I actually like Baku and Singapore. Monaco sucks because no passing, but you can't get rid of that race.

 

[BytorJr]

I think Europe has a valid reason to bitch. F-1 is only popular NOW because of that stupid DTS shit. Unlikely it'll last that long IMO; I could be wrong. However, getting rid of historic tracks is now a real possibility - Spa, Silverstone, and likely Imola (again!!) let alone Japan and Brazil. I'd rather watch a race at any of those 5 tracks than any street race surrounded by walls.

Don't get me wrong, I get "we're bigger" but I don't really think the US can handle 3 GPs...without one venue not suffering. I can see two. I'd even be okay with Austin going away in favor of something like Road America and Road Atlanta (both would have to be seriously revamped for safety (or not, seems like safety is taken forgranted now with street tracks and how we've gotten lucky the last 3 bad crashes - Grosjean, Verstappen, and Schumacher.

Actually, instead of Vegas let's go to Laguna Seca!

Miami? Screw that, let's go back to Sebring (though we'd have to lose those famous bumps in the Ulman Straight and the exit of Turn 17).

VIR? Hell anything but street shit. But then again, those tracks are for hard core enthusiasts.

 

[eflyguy]

Road Atlanta would be a terrible F1 track, as bad as or worse than any street circuit. I have raced on it. They built this cute little track up in North GA (AMP) using F1-inspired designs, it was pathetic in an Atom or R8 or LP-560.

F1 cars belong on tracks designed for them. Not streets, and not "hobby" tracks designed for sports cars.

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

Most racing I have ever done is on auto cross courses. I learned enough that I can drive our son’s race prepared Miata fairly competently but was completely out of my ability trying to drive my Corvette. (Fairly competent means I can finish in the middle of the pack, not anywhere close to winning but above at least half of the other competitors) So, you can question my abilities, because that is the best I can claim.

At least Top Fuel and Funny Cars, run on dedicated “race” tracks. And up until this year, probably had on average more legitimate passing without having to have clunky gear that guarantees a pass .

Still, this is “road” racing, not street racing not concrete canyon racing. In my years of following F1, the organizers seem to have become money driven. Their only real concern how much green enters the pockets. Big city governments throw money at them and the rural circuit owners can’t match. So, we get shitty racing on shitty tracks and the really neat and traditional tracks who’s owners have spent a fortune implementing safety features are left to fade away. Sadly, people flock to these street races like moth’s to a flame.

its kind a funny. NASCAR, the originator of the “Big One” is becoming in its slightest little way, more of a road racing event and Formula 1 is becoming the group that loves to stage the “Big One.”

 

[BytorJr]

Road Atlanta would be a terrible F1 track, as bad as or worse than any street circuit. I have raced on it. They built this cute little track up in North GA (AMP) using F1-inspired designs, it was pathetic in an Atom or R8 or LP-560.

F1 cars belong on tracks designed for them. Not streets, and not "hobby" tracks designed for sports cars.

That's a true statement. RA does have a shit ton of close walls, as does Sebring. Most likely could never maintain the feel of the track without completely reworking it. I guess my point should have been that these street tracks have no awesomeness to them. No "signature turns" per se. Example: when I think of Sebring, I think of the fantastic section between Cunningham and Le Mans corner. Yet again, plagued by walls. A bit intimidating (especially Bishop which is pretty much all out in my car).

Two things need to happen though:
1) Stop this street circuit shit (I mean, it's much more cool to have the ability to run your car on same track as F-1, which SHOULD be a marketing ploy to help track and F-1)
2) NEVER allow Tilke to design another track other than perhaps a rodent track.

 

[Charlie112]

Well, what do you all think of the “ new car” so far,,if this has been covered, I missed it…
Thanks,
Charlie112

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

Not able to see them in person, its hard to tell the difference. My issue remains, using artificial means to pass, on artificial walled tracks where there are few or no good turns that’s would facilitate the better drivers ability to pass, makes the entire process…well sortof artificial.

 

[brianf]

Well, what do you all think of the “ new car” so far,,if this has been covered, I missed it…
Thanks,
Charlie112

looks wise they do look nice and i like the variation in design ideas

as for the passing etc i dont think we know if the design really works as expected.

personal belief is that most of the passing/fun we are now seeing is because the designs are new and unrefined..some teams still have the bobbing happening

i think by next year we will be back in parade territory or the limitations on changes will have one team like mercedes and RB before them ruling for a few years

the cars either have to:

become much harder to drive which i dont think is possible at this performance level with out increasing danger

brand new tracks have to be made with several looong straights so its like nascar with a few right hand turns tossed in...

of the performance level has to be decreased so the "difficulty" is increased with out killing drivers

i think there will come a time that tires become "bricks" and there will be forced tire changes, making guys drive like 1970 sliding around the track but much slower than current day. that might bring back the tough guy/hero personal they can market

 

[eflyguy]

I don't see any indication that all the odd visible aero attachments/changes has improved overtaking.

It does seem, however, that the playing field has leveled out somewhat, so I'm happy about that.

 

[BytorJr]

The "aero" package seems to be very dependent on the track. Melbourne is awful. Hell, even Saudi Arabia has better layout - it's just that there is nothing but close walls that seem to be the main problem. Take that track, build it without walls and it's a cool track. Melborne just sucks.

The aero seemed to work in Saudi. The biggest issue to me is that they took away the inerters which would help. But they could add back active suspension as well as the inerters. Regardless, the porpoising has got to go. Poor Sainz looked like he probably did damage to his disks in his back the bouncing was so bad. BIG mistake by F-1 "rule makers" to not actually test this on the track before putting the formula out. ALL of the cars porpoise which means it's inherent to the rule.

I'm ready to give Ferrari the titles and move to 2023!! Max has GOT to be furious by now. Newey is usually the best at aero so it's shocking RBR is so out of wack. Regardless of the DNF's (had nothing to do with aero obviously) RBR doesn't seem to be up to snuff. Will they get it up to speed or not?

Other takeaways:
1) Alonso MAY have been on pole - THAT says Alonso is back as a driver.
2) Seb needs to get a hair cut and retire. He sucks. Hulkenberg hadn't been in a car in over 15 months and had the safety car not caught them out would have scored in Saudi Arabia. All while having to deal with out of shape neck.

 

[ColinW]

Am I the only one who's a little happy to see Hamilton struggling this season so far? I know that sounds awful, but....Mercedes being down is a good thing, I'm a Ferrari guy.

 

[BytorJr]

Am I the only one who's a little happy to see Hamilton struggling this season so far? I know that sounds awful, but....I'm a Ferrari guy.

Not a Ferrari guy at all here. Stems from my utter hatred of Enzo and his treatment of drivers and especially the treatment of Prost. That said, I will tip my hat to Binotto...He's completely changed the team.

That said, I'm loving that for the most part, George is doing better than Cry Baby. That said, I'll give him credit, he's a damn good driver. Had he let his driving do the talking (like he did his first year) I'd probably still be a fan (as I was years 1-2). I think it's interesting to see how LeClerc is really kicking Carlos' butt.

But to me the biggest interest is mid-pack. Already it appears to me that:
1) Seb needs to be out, he sucks. He's sucked since Ferrari ate him up (like they do most all their drivers, save Schumacher) and hasn't been "right" since his crash at the German GP in 2018.
2) Danny Ric needs to go as well. He's either a total goofball or he cannot drive (I suspect a combination).
3) Albon shows again deserved better than Williams. Latifhi needs to be terminated.
4) Haas was disappointing...but why?

 

[brianf]

Am I the only one who's a little happy to see Hamilton struggling this season so far? I know that sounds awful, but....Mercedes being down is a good thing, I'm a Ferrari guy.

Biggest problem I have with Mercedes’ is that they are not married to F1

Every few years it’s a question if they’ll stay in.

They look like crap for 4-5 years and they’ll jump ship.

I also like about 2-3 years of dominance is about the limit for enjoyment or watching the sport.

 

[Shooter McGavin]

Am I the only one who's a little happy to see Hamilton struggling this season so far? I know that sounds awful, but....Mercedes being down is a good thing, I'm a Ferrari guy.

For all the trouble Merc is having they are still scoring points and are ahead of RB. Ferrari looks unstoppable this year. I am glad to see them back. It would have been more fun to see 3 teams if not 4 teams competing ever race. I would have like to see Merc, Ferrari, RB and McLaren all battling for first place every race.

Instead we are back to the same old crap of one constructor just dominating the series and that's not good for racing or the fans.

 

[brianf]

The sport as a whole is in a better position with Ferrari being a top team.

You always need the most recognizable team in the mix.

Same in all sports,
Baseball needs the Yankees to be in the mix
Football needs the cowboys to be in the mix
Hockey needs Chicago or New York or Canadians in the mix

No one cares (except for the hard core fan), if mid pack vs mid pack are in the running.

 

[ColinW]

For all the trouble Merc is having they are still scoring points and are ahead of RB. Ferrari looks unstoppable this year. I am glad to see them back. It would have been more fun to see 3 teams if not 4 teams competing ever race. I would have like to see Merc, Ferrari, RB and McLaren all battling for first place every race.

Instead we are back to the same old crap of one constructor just dominating the series and that's not good for racing or the fans.

Valid points! It's always be better to have 3 teams fighting for the championship than only Ferrari or Mercedes dominating the podiums.

 

[BytorJr]

The sport as a whole is in a better position with Ferrari being a top team.

You always need the most recognizable team in the mix.

Same in all sports,
Baseball needs the Yankees to be in the mix
Football needs the cowboys to be in the mix
Hockey needs Chicago or New York or Canadians in the mix

No one cares (except for the hard core fan), if mid pack vs mid pack are in the running.

I still hate Ferrari; but I agree, not having them on podium isn't good for sport; yet, in 2019 they finished 2nd - so they've only been down for 2 years and really 2020 was the disaster year. But they're in F-1 forever. If Ferrari leaves, F-1 dies. Mercedes isn't as committed IMO as Red Bull. I think this is why it's important to make the sport less "manufacturer" based and more "private" based. I may be wrong on that; but back in the day it was Ferrari (then an independent car maker), Williams, McClaren, Tyrell, Lotus. All using engines "bought" from somebody (save Big Red).

 

[BoilerUP]

It'd be really interesting if VW Group actually does get into F1.

 

[BytorJr]

It'd be really interesting if VW Group actually does get into F1.

I wonder if RBR is still the team they may buddy up with? It'll be interesting. Of course, they had their chance to get Porsche involved when they (Porsche) were on the future engine team where the proposed something like the 919 was running - cheap, reliable, and allowing a variety of manufacturers to enter the game (of course, that was nixed - likely because Merc bitched and threatened to pull out).

Historically, and I think the better decision for a car company was that Dr. Porsche wanted Porsche to remain in high level sport's car/endurance racing to better the breed. Me thinks that's speaks for itself seeing the reliability over the years of say Porsche vs Ferrari. Only recently has Ferrari made their street cars semi-reliable (even if still quite unservicable by the end user - Porsche seems to have gone that route too).

If VW would brand itself in F1 (and not Audi) it'd do a LOT of good for them as a company especially if their hybrid unit is any good.

 

[brianf]

they are making the higher priced cars "unfriendly" to the consumer because the average consumer is cheap and uneducated

starting with the F430 there was not a easy way to change the oil.

dealer told me that ferrari had so many customers changing their own oil and using cheap oil and filters or putting the wrong fluids in that spout they were getting problems.

draining oil and its only half full, comes out like goop because someone put in antifreeze..idiocy like that

they moved the oil fill hole that if you wanted to do it you had to realllly want to do it.

having a customer bitch isnt as bad a replacing a engine because of a customer screw up

 

[BytorJr]

they are making the higher priced cars "unfriendly" to the consumer because the average consumer is cheap and uneducated

starting with the F430 there was not a easy way to change the oil.

dealer told me that ferrari had so many customers changing their own oil and using cheap oil and filters or putting the wrong fluids in that spout they were getting problems.

draining oil and its only half full, comes out like goop because someone put in antifreeze..idiocy like that

they moved the oil fill hole that if you wanted to do it you had to realllly want to do it.

having a customer bitch isnt as bad a replacing a engine because of a customer screw up

Tis true. I did the dealer change (VW daily) until warranty was up. I halved the recommended schedule. Then once, instead of Castrol 5w-40 the other dealer put Chevron 5w-40 Synthetic. I about blew my top. I don't know much about Chevron Synthetic, but that the factory fill was Castrol I got a little miffed - why would dealer not use the VW factory fill? Since warranty is out, I used some Castrol for 2 fills but now exclusively use Motul (either Specific or XCess). Now on the track car, I'm always torn...VR1, Motul Classic. As you can tell, I'm a big Motul fan.

I always wonder what the real oil makeup of an F-1 engine is. Or for that matter, something like an IMSA car (GT and up).

 

[brianf]

Tis true. I did the dealer change (VW daily) until warranty was up. I halved the recommended schedule. Then once, instead of Castrol 5w-40 the other dealer put Chevron 5w-40 Synthetic. I about blew my top. I don't know much about Chevron Synthetic, but that the factory fill was Castrol I got a little miffed - why would dealer not use the VW factory fill? Since warranty is out, I used some Castrol for 2 fills but now exclusively use Motul (either Specific or XCess). Now on the track car, I'm always torn...VR1, Motul Classic. As you can tell, I'm a big Motul fan.

I always wonder what the real oil makeup of an F-1 engine is. Or for that matter, something like an IMSA car (GT and up).

they "mix" the F1 oil in the paddock at the track

each time they come in the pits during friday practice they take samples and adjust the additives per car

theres a video of it on youtube, might even be Jay leno

 

[Shooter McGavin]

Tis true. I did the dealer change (VW daily) until warranty was up. I halved the recommended schedule. Then once, instead of Castrol 5w-40 the other dealer put Chevron 5w-40 Synthetic. I about blew my top. I don't know much about Chevron Synthetic, but that the factory fill was Castrol I got a little miffed - why would dealer not use the VW factory fill? Since warranty is out, I used some Castrol for 2 fills but now exclusively use Motul (either Specific or XCess). Now on the track car, I'm always torn...VR1, Motul Classic. As you can tell, I'm a big Motul fan.

I always wonder what the real oil makeup of an F-1 engine is. Or for that matter, something like an IMSA car (GT and up).

Motul is all I ever use in my race car.

 

[eflyguy]

F1 YT put out a cool video on the internal structure of an F1 fuel tank. Pretty interesting.

 

[BytorJr]

F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Is Just Tip of the Iceberg of Upcoming Changes

Formula 1 leaders say new TV deal for U.S. market, possible loss of traditional Formula 1 venues are on the agenda.

www.autoweek.com

And here it is again...Spa may be off the calendar to support freaking street races in USA. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

Take Spa off two things happen: Spa dies, F-1 dies as a real racing series and will be only for show (we're close to it now!!).

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Is Just Tip of the Iceberg of Upcoming Changes

Formula 1 leaders say new TV deal for U.S. market, possible loss of traditional Formula 1 venues are on the agenda.

www.autoweek.com

And here it is again...Spa may be off the calendar to support freaking street races in USA. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

Take Spa off two things happen: Spa dies, F-1 dies as a real racing series and will be only for show (we're close to it now!!).

Uncountable string of four letter words. Moderators, I should be permanently banned for what I am thinking right now.

BytorJr. You have totally, totally ruined my day. Not your fault mind you, Losing my favorite race for a canyon lined with concrete walls in a wasteland of what was once a perfectly good desert…

 

[johnnyvw]

They'll never get rid of Monaco. Spa...maybe...

Most street circuits suck....

 

[BytorJr]

Uncountable string of four letter words. Moderators, I should be permanently banned for what I am thinking right now.

BytorJr. You have totally, totally ruined my day. Not your fault mind you, Losing my favorite race for a canyon lined with concrete walls in a wasteland of what was once a perfectly good desert…

Oh, there would be two people banned...for life and any other life that follows. I'm 100000% okay with Monaco going, a waste of a date IMO (but history will never allow that to die). But Spa is truly the last of the great driver's tracks. Sure, maybe they need to change the date to avoid the rains (granted, it's in the Ardennes so it rains all the time) but this, to most real racing fans (don't even have to be F-1 fan per se) would be a tragedy of unknown proportion in racing. Like shutting down Daytona or Talledega for NASCAR weenies.

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

Oh, there would be two people banned...for life and any other life that follows. I'm 100000% okay with Monaco going, a waste of a date IMO (but history will never allow that to die). But Spa is truly the last of the great driver's tracks. Sure, maybe they need to change the date to avoid the rains (granted, it's in the Ardennes so it rains all the time) but this, to most real racing fans (don't even have to be F-1 fan per se) would be a tragedy of unknown proportion in racing. Like shutting down Daytona or Talledega for NASCAR weenies.

But rain is part of Formula 1. Rain is part of racing. yes it becomes more difficult. If it was always easy it would be pointless. Best NASCAR race I ever watched was the 2021 race at Austin. Yes, those NASCAR boys can drive in the rain. They may not like it, but they did a great job.

 

[eflyguy]

But rain is part of Formula 1. Rain is part of racing. yes it becomes more difficult. If it was always easy it would be pointless. Best NASCAR race I ever watched was the 2021 race at Austin. Yes, those NASCAR boys can drive in the rain. They may not like it, but they did a great job.

The only NASCAR event we ever went to, there was a light sprinkle just a couple of laps in, track didn't even look wet, but they halted it. Then they had the dryers out, after a delay of something like 2hrs, they restarted, then another light shower, halted again. They eventually called it another couple of hours later, and said it would be run the following day. I played hookie so we went back to finally get to watch a race. At least crowds & traffic were light, as it was a Monday.

 

[BytorJr]

But rain is part of Formula 1. Rain is part of racing. yes it becomes more difficult. If it was always easy it would be pointless. Best NASCAR race I ever watched was the 2021 race at Austin. Yes, those NASCAR boys can drive in the rain. They may not like it, but they did a great job.

I just don't want to see another 1 lap race or whatever it was last year. I like rain races; because that separates the drivers from the playboys.

 

[bigdaddydmd]

I like the rain when it hits F1. Not every race mind you. The rain gives the bottom third a chance to fight into midpack and shakes up the status quo of the parade of cars. Always a fun watch for the battles in middle of the pack. I have been disappointed in the dependability of RB this year. Two DNFs in the first race for both cars and then the DNF by Max last weekend was hard to watch. I much preferred watching Max fight with LeClerc over the battle of Max and Hamilton the last couple of years. I sure hope RB gets the reliability corrected.

 

[brianf]

I like the rain when it hits F1. Not every race mind you. The rain gives the bottom third a chance to fight into midpack and shakes up the status quo of the parade of cars. Always a fun watch for the battles in middle of the pack. I have been disappointed in the dependability of RB this year. Two DNFs in the first race for both cars and then the DNF by Max last weekend was hard to watch. I much preferred watching Max fight with LeClerc over the battle of Max and Hamilton the last couple of years. I sure hope RB gets the reliability corrected.

problem is with the stupid cost savings/token system, you almost have to ruin your season to make any big changes

 

[1stIDvet]

Well I for one am happy Crashstappen can’t get his car right and Mercedes hasn’t put their cars together either. I hope their misery keeps up for the rest of the year and maybe for the next 10 years. But I’m a Ferrari guy through and through! Grazie Ragazzi! 🏎

Oh yeah the street tracks suck. Clearly it limits the ability to pass and introduces more red flag events that, IMO, ruin the races. I sure hope they don’t remove some good old school tracks just to hold some grand prix’s here in the U.S.

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

Greatest formula one race in history…Monza 1971, closest finish ever in a F1 race, top Five finishers were within .61 seconds of each other. Chris Amon in a Matra won the pole with the Fastest Lap Ever Set in F1 (156mph).

This, combined with the modern safety features, is where Formula 1 needs to get back too. DRS zones, fenders, wings that would make a WW1 Fokker Triplane jealous, hybrid, composite battery/turbo powered engines ain’t where its happening.

Monza 1971

 

[BytorJr]

Greatest formula one race in history…Monza 1971, closest finish ever in a F1 race, top Five finishers were within .61 seconds of each other. Chris Amon in a Matra won the pole with the Fastest Lap Ever Set in F1 (156mph).

This, combined with the modern safety features, is where Formula 1 needs to get back too. DRS zones, fenders, wings that would make a WW1 Fokker Triplane jealous, hybrid, composite battery/turbo powered engines ain’t where its happening.

Monza 1971

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First and foremost, the hybrid shit needs to go. Or at least how it's done now. I kind of like the Porsche 919 style or a flywheel like they had in GT3 (that'd make things interesting in handling for sure). The aero is strictly a problem with the formula. We had ground effects in the 80s' and nice wings and such that didn't screw with the other car as bad. Always nice to see a defense back in the day on getting the slipstream moving around - of course, they've weenied the rules so only one defense (should be all the way until the brakes are hit or 100 feet before that general line). One defense is bogus.

Those new front wings are HUGE and UGLY. I'm still unconvinced this is going to lead to better racing. It looked promising at the first two races, but in Melbourne it looked like another follow the leader from about position 5 and up. Midpack was somewhat entertaining, but not that much. Heck, I'd bet if they'd stayed with same aero package as before but with skinnier "tyres" they could have livened it up immensely just by losing 1/2" of rubber fore/aft.

The current cars are also WAY too big (because of that hybrid BS). Go look at pre-2014 cars and how small they were. Especially the 80's early 90s cars...TINY.

 

[eflyguy]

Beating a dead horse here, but happy to see how RUS is out-performing cry-baby (who has stated it's not enjoying driving the new car.) His face during interviews is longer than that woman that looks like a horse. It's exactly what I expected. Hope his little side-gig into soccer pushes him into retirement.

It is nice to see a mix of teams (and drivers with actual talent) now appear to be competitive.

 

[bigdaddydmd]

Enjoyed that race. Especially seeing K-Mag getting Haas up there and score points. I was really wanting to see him pit first for slicks to start the pit row parade. Would have given him a chance to be out and warm his tires while the others were pitting and possibly make up a few more positions. Not sure he could have held them. It was nice to see Red bull pull a 1-2 and it seems they have fixed their reliability issues. It was just icing on the cake to see Russel outperform Hamilton so decisively.