Formula One 2020

[utee94 15823]

Yeah, I was hoping for Ricciardo but that's certainly not Ferrari's style.

But a Sainz hire bores me to tears.  

[faps 806]

Same, would rather Daniel. There'd be fireworks with him racing Charles. Sainz while quick is a true #2 in this situation.

Let's see Alonso come back and take that spot at McLaren. Might be a good package with the Merc engines. He is getting kinda old though.

[wood 11225]

59 minutes ago, Anton Chigurh said:

It is going to be Carlos.

Yeah I think so ...

This article & these comments kinda went under the radar. It came out yesterday before the Vettel exit talk, with Alonso talking about Sainz's bright F1 future. I thought at the time that that last line was especially interesting... What is "it"?

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/938117/1/alonso-backs-sainz-have-great-future-f1

Quote

 

“Carlos is doing great, not only last year,” Alonso explained speaking to Sky F1 ahead of Sunday night’s Virtual Spanish Grand Prix.

“I think last year the whole team did a good season and Carlos was there in the right moment, in the right place. But I think from the very beginning, already for Toro Rosso, he was doing a very good job.

“He had Max Verstappen as a teammate at the beginning, which is never the easiest thing, and then he had Nico Hulkenberg in Renault, so he always had tough competition and he was always very, very competitive.

“I think it's great for the country, good for Spain and I think he will have a great future.”

 

Given this comment, the Sainz to Ferrari rumors, and the way Alonso reacted in the video when asked about what he'll be doing in 2021 ... Sainz to Ferrari, Alonso to McLaren, imho. But who knows ...

[wood 11225]

2 hours ago, Hawndoh said:

I wouldn't be surprised if Vettel is not in F1 at all.

Yeah I've been saying Vettel is a dead man walking for 2 years.  And from everything I'd heard, the team had seen enough, and he had seen enough of the team. 

[wood 11225]

Also, Brundle is saying it's Sainz to Ferrari, Danny Ric to McLaren, and Alonso or Vettel to Renault.

Edited May 12, 2020 by wood

[faps 806]

Maybe Vettel bumps Bottas out at Merc?

[TonyTexas 10513]

6 minutes ago, mcbrisket said:

Maybe Vettel bumps Bottas out at Merc?

That would be a lot of money on drivers

[faps 806]

Take a pay cut and go for #5.

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

On 4/18/2020 at 5:03 PM, TonyTexas said:

I know he loves Austin but does he have a home there?

He really does love all things Austin...he put this on his insta on May 1.

 

 

[wood 11225]

Sweet.

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

2 hours ago, wood said:

Also, Brundle is saying it's Sainz to Ferrari, Danny Ric to McLaren, and Alonso or Vettel to Renault.

 

I've really enjoyed the interplay between Sainz and Norris, so would a be a bit sad to see Sainz go.  On the other hand, Danny Ric = fun times too.

 

[PittsburghTiger 6186]

19 hours ago, wood said:

Yeah I've been saying Vettel is a dead man walking for 2 years.  And from everything I'd heard, the team had seen enough, and he had seen enough of the team. 

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a32445608/sebastian-vettels-statement-on-why-hes-leaving-ferrari-f1-no-longer-a-common-desire-to-stay-together/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_aut&utm_medium=email&date=051220&utm_campaign=nl20293714&utm_term=AUT_Autoweek_Racing_Daily_Newsletter_Subscribers

 

Vettel's statement.

[PittsburghTiger 6186]

18 hours ago, mcbrisket said:

Maybe Vettel bumps Bottas out at Merc?

I would have liked that as soon as Vettel left Red Bull. But now, eh.

[wood 11225]

Apparently Brundle still thinks Alonso is headed to Renault, with Seb not having anywhere to go...

 

Vettel F1 exit could open the door to an Alonso return

https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/52458/vettel-f1-exit-could-open-the-door-to-an-alonso-return/

[utee94 15823]

Renault?  Oof.  I'd almost rather not see Alonso return at all, than to return to Renault.  Watching him waste his time those last few years at McLaren was bad enough.

[wood 11225]

37 minutes ago, utee94 said:

Renault?  Oof.  I'd almost rather not see Alonso return at all, than to return to Renault.  Watching him waste his time those last few years at McLaren was bad enough.

I dunno. They'd be aiming for 2022 and there's been a lot of talk that the budget cap sets them up nicely as their budget already fits the cap better than any of the works teams or McLaren.

It'll be fun to watch & see what happens, though.

Edited May 13, 2020 by wood

[Dutch 4465]

Sainz to Ferrari (apparently).  No knock on Sainz, but is this the case of giving the seat to a solid and fast driver who will reliably win points and podiums but isn't going to have "alpha dog pissing contests" with Leclerc? 

https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/29168923/sainz-set-replace-vettel-ferrari-2021-sources

Edited May 13, 2020 by Dutch

[wood 11225]

48 minutes ago, Dutch said:

Sainz to Ferrari (apparently).  No knock on Sainz, but is this the case of giving the seat to a solid and fast driver who will reliably win points and podiums but isn't going to have "alpha dog pissing contests" with Leclerc? 

https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/29168923/sainz-set-replace-vettel-ferrari-2021-sources

Yep. Another "excellent wingman" like Bottas...

That said, I like Sainz and think he could actually be better than Bottas. But who knows ...

[wood 11225]

Luke Smith
@LukeSmithF1
Daniel Ricciardo's deal with McLaren for 2021 is understood to have been signed

https://autosport.com/f1/news/149423/ricciardo-understood-to-have-agreed-mclaren-deal #F1

Mark Hughes & RACER mag also joining in with others saying Alonso to Renault looks likely,

Edited May 13, 2020 by wood

[wood 11225]

A look at the provisional 2020 calendar http://scuderiafans.com/a-look-at-the-provisional-2020-calendar/

4-5 July Red Bull Ring
11-12 July Red Bull Ring
25-26 July Silverstone
1-2 August Silverstone
8-9 August Hockenheim or Barcelona
22-23 August Hungaroring
29-30 August Spa
5-6 September Monza
19-20 September Baku (F2 only)
26-27 September Sochi (F2 only)
5-6 December Bahrain
12-13 December Yas Marina

Edited May 13, 2020 by wood

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

The Norris/Ricciardo memes/social media stuff is going to be fun.

[Goofyboy 3293]

The Norris/Ricciardo memes/social media stuff is going to be fun.

I hope so. I read a snippet somewhere that Norris might be trying to be more serious. I think a big part of his draw is that he’s fun and a really good driver.

[faps 806]

Norris was catching some flak for being a memelord on instagram. I am gonna enjoy he and Danny goofing around.

 

So I guess it's retirement for Vettel then?

[Anton Chigurh 3319]

I would love Vettel at Haas, not gonna lie.

[utee94 15823]

1 hour ago, Anton Chigurh said:

I would love Vettel at Haas, not gonna lie.

Yeah that'd be pretty fun.  But how could you possibly justify cutting loose either of the current drivers there????

 

[Updawg 2266]

Maybe vettel could give haas one last shot

Any info on their future ?

[Hawndoh 2386]

I'm guessing Gene is out when the tech regs change.

[wood 11225]

45 minutes ago, Hawndoh said:

I'm guessing Gene is out when the tech regs change.

Yeah I think they're history asap.

[wood 11225]

Ferrari confirms IndyCar evaluation project https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/ferrari-confirms-indycar-evaluation-project/4792399/

[Francisco 2.0 32393]

18 hours ago, wood said:

Ferrari confirms IndyCar evaluation project https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/ferrari-confirms-indycar-evaluation-project/4792399/

Maybe you are aware, but others might not be:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_637

 

Quote

Unhappy with the impending engine regulations in Formula One (which stipulated that the engine must be a V8 configuration), Enzo Ferrari commissioned the design of an IndyCar. He made no secret of his desire to win the Indianapolis 500; however, many believe that his threat to leave F1 for CART was merely a bargaining tool to make the FIA rethink their engine regulations. Ferrari approached Goodyear about the possible CART program, and Goodyear recommended the Truesports CART team for a research and development partnership.

After the 1985 CART season, Truesports and driver Bobby Rahal traveled to Italy to demonstrate a March 85C-Cosworth. The car was tested by both Rahal and Ferrari driver Michele Alboreto at the Fiorano test track. Afterwards, the car was taken apart and studied by Ferrari. In 1986, Ferrari designed and built their own car, which was tested by Alboreto.

Ultimately, this car was never raced as a Ferrari, but was passed on to fellow FIAT subsidiary Alfa Romeo, who were looking to improve their market share in the US.

 

 

 

[PittsburghTiger 6186]

Not sure how all of this shakes out. I like Ricciardo and hope things work well for him.

Edited May 16, 2020 by PittsburghTiger

[wood 11225]

Autohebdo is reporting Alonso and Renault have signed a 'pre-agreement'.

Fernando Alonso 'signs pre-agreement' with Renault for shock F1 return http://shr.gs/M6IxDmQ

[Hawndoh 2386]

I predict some clashing between Alonso and Cyril, should make some good radio messages.

[wood 11225]

27 minutes ago, Hawndoh said:

I predict some clashing between Alonso and Cyril, should make some good radio messages.

I'd like to see Alonso in, Cyril out.

[utee94 15823]

On 5/16/2020 at 11:36 AM, wood said:

I'd like to see Alonso in, Cyril out.

word

 

[wood 11225]

British GP plans dealt big blow by quarantine measures https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/silverstone-british-gp-government-quarantine/4793934/

[PittsburghTiger 6186]

This is really cool. 

[DCA_HORN 725]

Does anybody have connections to any of the teams? Or indy?

[wood 11225]

If the UK enforces that 14-day quarantine, then the whole F1 season is in a fair amount of trouble.

[utee94 15823]

54 minutes ago, wood said:

If the UK enforces that 14-day quarantine, then the whole F1 season is in a fair amount of trouble.

Yeah, like the article mentioned, their only choice at that point might be for the 7 UK-based teams to set up temporary HQ somewhere outside the UK.

 

[PittsburghTiger 6186]

4 minutes ago, utee94 said:

Yeah, like the article mentioned, their only choice at that point might be for the 7 UK-based teams to set up temporary HQ somewhere outside the UK.

 

Let them set up at a track, or two.  

[utee94 15823]

Just now, PittsburghTiger said:

Let them set up at a track, or two.  

Sure, one of the tracks that are going to host a couple of different weekends, would make sense.

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

Good lord, Horner.

Quote

 

Vettel won all four of his world titles with Red Bull in 2010-13 before leaving at the end of the 2014 season, but has remained on good terms with the team.

But Red Bull F1 chief Horner said he did not see a scenario where Vettel could return next year, saying that having two drivers expecting to lead the team rarely ended well.

"I think it's enormously unlikely," Horner said on Sky Sports News.

"We have a long-term agreement with Max [Verstappen]. Alex [Albon] is doing a good job. We've got a good dynamic within the team.

"Experience shows that two alpha males, it doesn't tend to pan out well. Sebastian is still a very competitive grand prix driver. I don't think it would be conducive for our team to have two alphas."

 

 

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/vettel-red-bull-return-horner/4793519/

[utee94 15823]

I just watched the episode of Drive to Survive where Horner accused Ricciardo of running from a fight.  That jackass sure knows how to talk out of both sides of his mouth. 

 

[Hawndoh 2386]

I'm sure Alex loved those comments.

And it wasn't just the Ricciardo stuff the Netflix show highlighted when it comes to Horner double speak. During all the Gasley stuff they constantly showed him saying one thing to Pierre and then absolutely throwing him in the garbage behind his back.

[utee94 15823]

30 minutes ago, Hawndoh said:

I'm sure Alex loved those comments.

And it wasn't just the Ricciardo stuff the Netflix show highlighted when it comes to Horner double speak. During all the Gasley stuff they constantly showed him saying one thing to Pierre and then absolutely throwing him in the garbage behind his back.

Yeah that will come later, I've only watched the first couple episodes.  But it doesn't surprise me at all.  Christian Horner seems like he sucks.

[wood 11225]

Oh, fyi ...

ESPN Salutes Racing’s Biggest Day with Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500 Encore Presentations https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2020/05/espn-salutes-racings-biggest-day-with-monaco-grand-prix-indianapolis-500-encore-presentations/

SCHEDULE FOR ESPN2 MOTORSPORTS TRIBUTE – SUNDAY, MAY 24 

Time (ET)	Event	Series	Network
6 a.m.	2018 Monaco Grand Prix, Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo	Formula 1	ESPN2
8:30 a.m.	2019 Monaco Grand Prix, Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo	Formula 1	ESPN2
11 a.m.	F2 Virtual Racing – Monaco (Live)	Formula 2	ESPN2
Noon	F1 Esports Monaco Pro Exhibition (Live)	F1 Esports	ESPN2
1 p.m.	F1 Esports Virtual Monaco Grand Prix (Live)	F1 Esports	ESPN2
2:30 p.m.	F1 Esports Virtual Spanish Grand Prix (encore)	F1 Esports	ESPN2
3 p.m.	2006 Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway	IndyCar Series	ESPN2
5 p.m.	2011 Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway	IndyCar Series	ESPN2
7 p.m.	2014 Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway	IndyCar Series	ESPN2

All telecasts will also stream live on the ESPN App.

[wood 11225]

And whoa, this is kinda big ...

F1 teams approve radical rule, budget changes https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-teams-approve-radical-rule-budget-changes/4795544/

Quote

Following weeks of discussions between teams, the FIA and F1 bosses about potential changes aimed at cutting costs and improving the show, the ‘New Deal’ proposals were put to a team e-vote on Friday.

Multiple sources have confirmed that teams supported the changes, which included F1’s budget cap being cut from $175 million to $145 million next year and other rules including an aero development handicap system and the use of open source parts.

The key battleground in recent weeks had been the level of the budget cap, with Ferrari in particular reluctant to cut the level too much despite pressure from other teams.

 

Edited May 23, 2020 by wood

[wood 11225]

And this, too ...

F1 will not receive quarantine exemption from British government https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/no-F1-quarantine-exemption-silverstone/4795519/

And this ...Austin health official casts further doubt on US GP https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/us-gp-austin-doubts-health-official/4794921/

Quote

 

Austin's senior public health official says that large events are unlikely to take place in the Texan city before the end of the year, casting further doubt on the US Grand Prix, which is still scheduled for October 25.

Austin is now operating to Stage 3 of its reopening plan after an initial lockdown, which allows groups of up to 10 "low risk" people to gather. That status would have to move to Stage 1 before major events are even considered.

Dr Mark Escott, the interim medical director and the health authority for Austin Public Health, stressed that allowing large gatherings is not a priority.

"The large events are the first thing that we turned off and are going to be the last thing we're going to turn back on because of that risk of exposing lots of people to one another, particularly individuals of the same household," he told the Austin-Statesman.

"We are working on a plan to help forecast what we think is going to be reasonable, but looking through the end of December, we don't have any indications at this stage that we would be able to mitigate risk enough to have large events, particularly ones [with] over 2,500 [people]."

 

Buried in further down in the article is imho kind of a bombshell that I had not seen or heard anywhere until now ...

Quote

F1 is understood to be keen to still receive hosting fees from flyaway races, in order to mitigate the transport costs involved, while making more favourable arrangements with European promoters.

This is key and is huge imho. If it's true, then this is a big blow to any chances the 2020 USGP happens at COTA, or that GPs happen at most flyaway circuits, except maybe Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.

[elfenix 34240]

"you can't sell any beer or tickets but we still want you to pay us"

abu dhabi's used to that

Edited May 23, 2020 by elfenix