2023 Formula 1 Season thread

[pachyderm]

I thought F1 was about branding, about sponsorship, who drives what and who wins, who whines, is not all that important, it is about the branding...I wonder if the owners of Liberty Media know anything about who Max is, or could tell you anything about driver of car 44.. Or what happened in Baku in 2021...

hmmmm disagree...

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

@The-Real-Deal82 Crappy? Have you ever ridden in one? They're pretty nice rides.
But, I do agree they are what I'd call an old people's car. But I'd never say they were crappy. Maybe not a BMW etc etc but still a very nice car. They had, maybe still do, a "Corvette" crossover which from the outside seemed to be a Corvette with a cadillac logo. I forget what it was called and couldn't find it when I ran a search. I want to say they've even powered an IndyCar team before.
Again, maybe not up to European luxury/sport standards but I wouldn't say they were crappy.

I have ridden in them whilst visiting the US and I have driven the European versions (Cadillac BLS) which was effectively a Saab rebadged. The brand hasn't done so well in Europe but maybe that is because the models sold here were crappy and styled for an acquired taste. The same goes for brands like Chrysler, Dodge and Chevrolet who have all failed here due to build quality and price. I would imagine the models in the States are much better though

 

[cyb3rdud3]

@The-Real-Deal82 Crappy? Have you ever ridden in one? They're pretty nice rides.
But, I do agree they are what I'd call an old people's car. But I'd never say they were crappy. Maybe not a BMW etc etc but still a very nice car. They had, maybe still do, a "Corvette" crossover which from the outside seemed to be a Corvette with a cadillac logo. I forget what it was called and couldn't find it when I ran a search. I want to say they've even powered an IndyCar team before.
Again, maybe not up to European luxury/sport standards but I wouldn't say they were crappy.

@cyb3rdud3 - Agreed.

Strongly agreed, and arguably they were originally way better than European cars other than Mercedes which wasn't affordable in those days unless you were a president, or dictator

But yes, then it went downhill in the 80,90 and 00s. But today, damn the line up is great and exciting. I'm so glad I'm moving back to a LHD country as they are getting the good stuff and some competition.

The German brands have to watch it that they don't make the same mistake; Mercedes E class and above is great build quality but below it just isn't the same even though it looks the same. BMW does similar, as does Audi. Even the Chinese brands are getting their act together; large players like Geely are killing it with Volvo, Polestar and Lotus. And smaller players like XPeng (stupid name for international use, they have to learn) are making an awesome product in the P7 and G9 but definitely got to work on branding.

Caddilac has got the history, and I love how they are having both ICE and EV versions of the same cars in their line up. Very smart and very important. So advertising and linking to F1, smart move.

I thought F1 was about branding, about sponsorship, who drives what and who wins, who whines, is not all that important, it is about the branding...I wonder if the owners of Liberty Media know anything about who Max is, or could tell you anything about driver of car 44.. Or what happened in Baku in 2021...

Huh!? Are you ok? Do you want a hug?

I have ridden in them whilst visiting the US and I have driven the European versions (Cadillac BLS) which was effectively a Saab rebadged. The brand hasn't done so well in Europe but maybe that is because the models sold here were crappy and styled for an acquired taste. The same goes for brands like Chrysler, Dodge and Chevrolet who have all failed here due to build quality and price. I would imagine the models in the States are much better though

LOL You've picked an ancient car from actual recent history that is from their lowest point. You should come to the present and look at what they are doing today in the here and now. Or you should look at the beginning and see the heritage of where the brand came from.

Dodge and Chevrolet are everywhere here on the continent, especially their pickups are doing really well. Makes me feel small in my full fat Range Rover. I think you have a very northern UK view and perspective, and for that particular relatively small area I do agree with you...They'd rather buy a 1970's British Leyland car than anything American, but it really isn't representative for the rest of the world...

 

[Glideslope]

I thought F1 was about branding, about sponsorship, who drives what and who wins, who whines, is not all that important, it is about the branding...I wonder if the owners of Liberty Media know anything about who Max is, or could tell you anything about driver of car 44.. Or what happened in Baku in 2021...

My guess is they could not. American ownership of F1 does not foster competition, innovation, or consistency.

However, it is what it is, and it’s not changing. Get ready for more disasters like Las Vegas after it’s meltdown.

 

[CWallace]

So Qatar Practice was effectively a wash-out between the very high winds and so much sand on the track it looked - and drove - like it was raining so Race Qualifying could have some interesting results.

Sprint Race tomorrow will probably give us a better idea of what to expect on Race Sunday.

 

[Glideslope]

So Qatar Practice was effectively a wash-out between the very high winds and so much sand on the track it looked - and drove - like it was raining so Race Qualifying could have some interesting results.

Sprint Race tomorrow will probably give us a better idea of what to expect on Race Sunday.

I thought Fred looked very good 4th quickest on mediums.

 

[Abdichoudxyz]

@The-Real-Deal82 Crappy? Have you ever ridden in one? They're pretty nice rides.
But, I do agree they are what I'd call an old people's car. But I'd never say they were crappy. Maybe not a BMW etc etc but still a very nice car.

I think the general consensus in Europe is that US made cars were typically massive, slow and not very well built. Cadillac is seen as a daft, vulgar brand that makes really ugly cars. The name has never been synonymous with genuine quality, in the same way that Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini etc have. The current Cadillac range is still bloated, ugly, inefficient vehicles compared to what you can buy in Europe. F1 is about the pinnacle of motorsport; the Cadillac brand doesn't really fit into that, for me.

 

[Abdichoudxyz]

And back to the actual racing; Max fastest, Lewis wearing yet another stupid attention seeking outfit in a desperate bid to stay relevant. Same old, same old.. Ferrari looking much better over the last couple of races, Alonso hopefully competitive. The only question is, will Max win his 3rd DWC in the sprint race, or will he have to wait until Sunday?

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

And back to the actual racing; Max fastest, Lewis wearing yet another stupid attention seeking outfit in a desperate bid to stay relevant. Same old, same old.. Ferrari looking much better over the last couple of races, Alonso hopefully competitive. The only question is, will Max win his 3rd DWC in the sprint race, or will he have to wait until Sunday?

Lewis was wearing those ridiculous outfits when he was winning multiple titles, it’s not to try and stay relevant, it’s his passion outside of F1 and it gives exposure to designers etc. I suppose anybody talking about it is keeping it relevant.

Anyway, away from the snarky comments, I think Max will seal the deal in the farcical sprint event. If I were him I’d sit it out and win the title in a race, but if he’s as bored as some of us, he probably wants it just done and dusted.

Anybody but a Red Bull on Sunday is my only ask.

 

[Abdichoudxyz]

Anybody but a Red Bull on Sunday is my only ask.

Anybody but a Mercedes on Sunday is my only ask.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Anybody but a Mercedes on Sunday is my only ask.

Your ask is far more likely I think.

With any luck both Mercedes and Red Bull will crash out and Lando will win the race, with Sainz second and Albon third. The Drive to Survive production crew will simultaneously step in a puddle of electrified water putting an end to the series and F1 will experience a rapid return to a better quality of audience. Fingers crossed, some of the wishes come true.

 

[Abdichoudxyz]

F1 will experience a rapid return to a better quality of audience

What does that mean? F1 has always and only ever existed to be a sport for the very wealthy, and was hardly followed at all until quite recently. I remember watching races in the 80s, and nobody else I knew watched it or was interested. It's now one of the most watched sports on TV, globally. So it now enjoys a far wider and more diverse audience. That's better 'quality' imo.

Unless you want it to get crap again and have like 3 viewers and a dog?

Ah, the Good Old Days. They were great, unless you were actually there....

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

What does that mean? F1 has always and only ever existed to be a sport for the very wealthy, and was hardly followed at all until quite recently. I remember watching races in the 80s, and nobody else I knew watched it or was interested. It's now one of the most watched sports on TV, globally. So it now enjoys a far wider and more diverse audience. That's better 'quality' imo.

Unless you want it to get crap again and have like 3 viewers and a dog?

Ah, the Good Old Days. They were great, unless oyu were actually there....

At least you took that part of the sentence seriously.

 

[Abdichoudxyz]

With any luck both Mercedes and Red Bull will crash out and Lando will win the race, with Sainz second and Albon third.

We all have different desires. I'd like to see Max totally dominate once more, crushing all who stand before him. Alonso to cruise to 2nd using his immense driving skills. Ferrari to have an epic battle which Sainz wins for 3rd. Tsunoda to get a surprise 5th place. McLarens to crash out following Norris claiming he's better than anyone, but causes an unnecessary crash with his team mate. The Mercedes team to implode, with rival Hamilton and Russell factions having a proper vicious fight with tools in the garage, whilst the drivers crash on track then have a slapping duel trackside. Safety car out. Perez takes advantage of all this and steals 6th place. The rest just drive around but nobody actually cares.

Hamilton's dog has a dump on the foot of a Qatari VIP. War breaks out. Nukes are fired; planet is destroyed.

The End.

 

[Abdichoudxyz]

At least you took that part of the sentence seriously.

Tbh I couldn't really take any of it seriously, I won't lie. See my post above.

 

[CWallace]

Wind really messing with the cars and plenty of laps deleted for exceeding track limits.

 

[Abdichoudxyz]

Wow. Max on pole again; Perez 13th.😲🤫

 

[Glideslope]

Bummed for Lando and Oscar. George getting the job done for Mercedes once again………….

Just when you think the gaps are narrowing, Max just turns it up.

Another Sprint Stunt tomorrow. If it stays for 2024 they need to allow Parc Ferme to be after the Sprint.

 

[CWallace]

Another Sprint Stunt tomorrow. If it stays for 2024 they need to allow Parc Ferme to be after the Sprint.

I am in agreement with Karun on this. It is not fair for a team to only get one session to setup their car for a Sprint Weekend when they get three on a non-Sprint Weekend. Especially when at a "new" track with poor track and weather conditions.

 

[JustinePaula]

One thing that is very confusing to me, if F1 is about money, a lot of races now in the Middle East, and this weekend is the first time back in 2 years, why did this venue not be the season ender for F2/F3. So that F2/F3 can sweep the dust away? Why thought sending out what costs a lot more than $1m, cars that cannot tolerate the dust? Why not use the junior categories as hoovers? Did Liberty not know about dust/sand?? In a desert??

 

[sunapple]

Cadillac on the grid? That brand has zero presence outside of the US. Same as most US brands.
I guess that’s the idea. But you do wonder what a car brand gains unless it can win the WC?

Coincidentally I just read Cadillac Lyriq will be coming to Europe (at least, to Switzerland) next year 🤔

 

[Akrapovic]

And back to the actual racing; Max fastest, Lewis wearing yet another stupid attention seeking outfit in a desperate bid to stay relevant. Same old, same old.. Ferrari looking much better over the last couple of races, Alonso hopefully competitive. The only question is, will Max win his 3rd DWC in the sprint race, or will he have to wait until Sunday?

And yet here you are, giving him attention.

 

[Akrapovic]

One thing that is very confusing to me, if F1 is about money, a lot of races now in the Middle East, and this weekend is the first time back in 2 years, why did this venue not be the season ender for F2/F3. So that F2/F3 can sweep the dust away? Why thought sending out what costs a lot more than $1m, cars that cannot tolerate the dust? Why not use the junior categories as hoovers? Did Liberty not know about dust/sand?? In a desert??

Because extending the F2 calendar and F3 calendars increase the cost to these teams. You don't fly out hundreds of extra people to be track sweepers.

The cars can cope with the dust. It just isn't optimal. Which is good. We shouldn't have 20 races of optimal. This circuit with its constant radius corners and perfect cambers is already too optimal.

 

[pachyderm]

1	1	Max Verstappen	RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT	1:25.007	1:24.483	1:23.778	19
2	63	George Russell	MERCEDES	1:25.334	1:24.827	1:24.219	21
3	44	Lewis Hamilton	MERCEDES	1:26.076	1:24.381	1:24.305	20
4	14	Fernando Alonso	ASTON MARTIN ARAMCO MERCEDES	1:25.223	1:25.241	1:24.369	21
5	16	Charles Leclerc	FERRARI	1:25.452	1:25.079	1:24.424	26
6	81	Oscar Piastri	MCLAREN MERCEDES	1:25.266	1:24.724	1:24.540	23
7	10	Pierre Gasly	ALPINE RENAULT	1:25.566	1:24.918	1:24.553	23
8	31	Esteban Ocon	ALPINE RENAULT	1:25.711	1:24.928	1:24.763	24
9	77	Valtteri Bottas	ALFA ROMEO FERRARI	1:26.038	1:25.297	1:25.058	21
10	4	Lando Norris	MCLAREN MERCEDES	1:25.131	1:24.685	DNF	21
11	22	Yuki Tsunoda	ALPHATAURI HONDA RBPT	1:26.058	1:25.301		16
12	55	Carlos Sainz	FERRARI	1:25.808	1:25.328		18
13	11	Sergio Perez	RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT	1:25.991	1:25.462		16
14	23	Alexander Albon	WILLIAMS MERCEDES	1:26.118	1:25.707		15
15	27	Nico Hulkenberg	HAAS FERRARI	1:25.904	1:25.783		12
16	2	Logan Sargeant	WILLIAMS MERCEDES	1:26.210			10
17	18	Lance Stroll	ASTON MARTIN ARAMCO MERCEDES	1:26.345			10
18	40	Liam Lawson	ALPHATAURI HONDA RBPT	1:26.635			10
19	20	Kevin Magnussen	HAAS FERRARI	1:27.046			9
20	24	Zhou Guanyu	ALFA ROMEO FERRARI	1:27.432			9

 

[JustinePaula]

It is not extending, for example what idiot thinks Monaco is a great idea.. Scrap that venue.. Race here instead...