F1 Thread

[N730]

Here's why it's not a legit critique; runs of dominance have been part of this sport for a while now. I'm sure people would talk about how boring Schumacher and Ferrari were during their dominant years. I remember people talking about Seb and Redbull being boring, too. If that is a dealbreaker, then like I said, this is not the sport for you. Formula 2 uses spec cars, so does IndyCar. Try them, maybe. And it's fine to think it's boring, but we don't need to rehash that fact every single week. It's like complaining about people shooting too many 3's in the NBA. Complaint noted, let's move on.
And I'm not here to naysay brick, but we do have a lot of disagreements. If that bores you, then I'm sure you'll keep with tradition by complaining and then watching it anyway.

This is not the same kind of dominance that Ferrari or Red Bull had. Mercedes has won something like 80% of races and 90% of poles in their run.

Red Bull was won just over 50% of races and had less than 70% of poles. In 2012, 7 different drivers across 5 different teams won the first 7 races.

Ferrari and Red Bull were superior. Mercedes is dominant.

Shit, Mercedes has more front row lockouts in 10 years than Ferrari does over 70.

Yes, boring races and the occasional boring season are normal, but this has been an extreme.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Baseops Network mobile app

[17D_guy]

Not a long time fan, but reading through the history and watching old races.  I can appreciate coming into this amazing dominant era of Mercedes...and agree that it makes the front boring.

Of course my NASCAR-loving friend says the same thing about dudes winning tons of races over there.

It seems like the commentary during the race had good coverage of the midfield? 

[brickhistory]

Even Hamilton says it's boring.

Does that qualify (no pun intended) as "legit critique?"

 

[N730]

Must have touched a nerve. I apologize.

Haha you didn't touch a nerve, you were just wrong.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Baseops Network mobile app

[brickhistory]

15 hours ago, joe1234 said:

Must have touched a nerve. I apologize.

Just not a fan of the "that's a stupid opinion" approach.

Argue a position and I can listen/even change my mind with the best of them.

Lecture me and I tune out.

 

But Hamilton did say it was boring now.  Both for fans and for him.  As did Verstappen.

I'm hoping tomorrow's race has something more than cars on parade.  Would love to see a McLaren podium.

[brickhistory]

Just so there are no spoilers for those who haven't watched the race yet, let me just say:

 

THAT was interesting and fun to watch.

[mp5g]

Say what you will, but this race reminded me why Hamilton is who he is.  Accepting a 30ish second penalty and dead last and still being able to move himself back into 7th position was impressive and dare I say, fun to watch. I think it speaks to his skill that he was able to overcome 10 places while Bottas pretty much stayed in the same spot after the red flag penalty was imposed.   I thoroughly enjoyed the “shakeup” in this race and hope to see more unexpected outcomes as McLaren starts contending. 

[brickhistory]

Indeed.

That was a phenomenal performance going from easily first, to dead last due his team missing the call, to roaring back to 7th.  He got performance from his car and, due to his really remarkable skill while, as you note, Bottas couldn't seem to get it together with the same car.  I also commend Hamilton for accepting the responsibility for the missed call after he checked with the stewards.  Bold move to challenge them, but then very classy to admit, "Yep, you're right.  Valid call."

 

I was really hoping old man Kimi could make it happen but he got bounced by everybody and their brother very quickly while flogging that Ferrari-lite car.  I was then pulling for Sainz to make it to first, but good on Gasly.  Gotta be some tension at Red Bull and Albon being nervous.

Also, as noted above - Ferrari.  LOL.

[N730]

Say what you will, but this race reminded me why Hamilton is who he is.  Accepting a 30ish second penalty and dead last and still being able to move himself back into 7th position was impressive and dare I say, fun to watch. I think it speaks to his skill that he was able to overcome 10 places while Bottas pretty much stayed in the same spot after the red flag penalty was imposed.   I thoroughly enjoyed the “shakeup” in this race and hope to see more unexpected outcomes as McLaren starts contending. 

He's incredible. I think it also puts Bottas and Rosberg into perspective too.

Bottas is reliable, but that's about it. And seeing stuff like this really makes me appreciate the fight Rosberg was able to give Hamilton.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Baseops Network mobile app

[brickhistory]

Vettel in at Racing Point, Perez out.

 

Wonder if Hass is replacing both next year?

[SurelySerious]

3 hours ago, brickhistory said:

Vettel in at Racing Point, Perez out.

 

Wonder if Hass is replacing both next year?

Somehow Grosjean keeps getting hired. I’d take Perez/Mag over him for sure. 

[N730]

Somehow Grosjean keeps getting hired. I’d take Perez/Mag over him for sure. 

I'd love to see Perez/Hulk over at Haas.

Or see if Rossi would come over from Indycar (I doubt he would), but Haas would definitely benefit from being a North American team with a Mexican and American driver.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Baseops Network mobile app

[Prozac]

As much as I’d like to see Rossi driving for an American team, I think you’re right. He’s likely not interested in a mid-tier team with limited podium opportunities. It’s going to be interesting to see how F1 positions itself to remain relevant in the coming years. I wouldn’t be surprised if FormulaE eventually surpasses it in popularity. I have to say I was initially skeptical, but the FormulaE format has become fairly compelling over the last couple years. What I’d really like to see is F1 come up with a far less restrictive rules package.  Maybe say teams are limited to a 1.5 liter naturally aspirated power unit and anything else goes. Closed cockpits, active aero, shrouded wheels, etc. Other options to keep the speeds out of the stratosphere could be an outright HP limit or even a fuel limit. Can you get around Spa for 30 laps on say 30 gallons of fuel faster than your competitors? I think F1 is truly missing the mark when it comes to spurring innovation and providing an entertaining experience for fans. Much more imagination is needed. 

[N730]

I'd rather do the opposite with the fuel limit. Remove the fuel limit and bring back refueling.

That alone would bring back so many more strategy options. That could make the race interesting.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Baseops Network mobile app

[busdriver]

They need to cut the downforce levels. A lot. Then open up the power plant and suspension rules. The MP-4/4 is still the baddest F1 car ever.

[brickhistory]

NASCAR tactics with F1 equipment today...

[Prozac]

6 hours ago, brickhistory said:

NASCAR tactics with F1 equipment today...

Awful lot of time with everybody in the pits. Also, how the hell do the backmarkers so royally fuck up a rolling re-start?

[17D_guy]

I thought this was a good breakdown of the backmarkers issues with the way the restart happened.

https://imgur.com/gallery/wNhC5Kh

[brickhistory]

No race this weekend and since no one commented on last week's "cars on parade" again performance, it seems like most thought it boring as well.

 

Honda said "we are outta here" next year as an engine supplier.

[17D_guy]

On 10/3/2020 at 7:59 AM, brickhistory said:

No race this weekend and since no one commented on last week's "cars on parade" again performance, it seems like most thought it boring as well.

 

Honda said "we are outta here" next year as an engine supplier.

And that's not good news they're bouncing either.  I'm interested to see if FIA is going to do anything to try and attract more engine suppliers, otherwise it's going to get even more boring.

[GrndPndr]

16 hours ago, 17D_guy said:

And that's not good news they're bouncing either.  I'm interested to see if FIA is going to do anything to try and attract more engine suppliers, otherwise it's going to get even more boring.

Yes, a good question for the FIA.  I am most curious to know where they go in five years, it seems like there is still some ultra-efficient engine scheme on the near horizon.  Electric is already well developed in Formula E, so where do we go, and will it be entertaining?

[SurelySerious]

56 minutes ago, GrndPndr said:

Yes, a good question for the FIA.  I am most curious to know where they go in five years, it seems like there is still some ultra-efficient engine scheme on the near horizon.  Electric is already well developed in Formula E, so where do we go, and will it be entertaining?

Well developed in the sense that it works to make a car go around the track, but since it’s all narrow street circuits with relatively wide cars not very entertaining at all. 
 

Marbula E, though? Gold. 

[Breckey]

Well developed in the sense that it works to make a car go around the track, but since it’s all narrow street circuits with relatively wide cars not very entertaining at all. 
 
Marbula E, though? Gold. 

I love Marbula E.

[17D_guy]

On 10/6/2020 at 9:36 AM, Breckey said:

On 10/6/2020 at 8:37 AM, SurelySerious said:

Well developed in the sense that it works to make a car go around the track, but since it’s all narrow street circuits with relatively wide cars not very entertaining at all. 
 
Marbula E, though? Gold. 

I love Marbula E.

Searching what this was gave me a good chuckle.

[brickhistory]

Several next generation F1 wannabe's were supposed to get practice drives this weekend but were rained out on Friday.  If you are one of the drivers who isn't under a contract for next year, that's gotta be a crappy feeling having to sit out from "your" car while Jr. gets a shot at replacing you right in front of you.  

As to Honda leaving to concentrate on 'lectrical stuff for the future, next year will be another kludge on top of the kludge left over from this year.

If/as manufacturers go the electrical route, and since Formula E is already a thing, does that mean Formula 1 goes back to being pure gas technology only?  Or something more exotic like hydrogen fuel cells, etc?

One idea, not mine originally, would be for F1 to go back to entertaining the petrolheads that is their core audience and bring back V8s or V10s.  Or something like some super-duper efficient 4 cylinder that produces eleventy-million horses.

Or they can continue to become woke and go broke quickly at the rates they go through cash.