2024 Formula 1 Season thread

[The-Real-Deal82]

Indeed. It’s like the employee working his notice. His heart isn’t in it. I hope Ferrari works out for him. Would be great to see a battling Lewis for wins again.

It’s been awkward for a while and I get the impression from some of the decisions that Lewis isn’t getting a lot of input, or in many cases, it’s being ignored as Mercedes are working on George’s confidence. Lewis is done for this year and you can see he’s excited for the next challenge. To be fair the season is over for a lot of fans too and I’m not wasting time watching any highlights, i’ll just keep up with events. The season is definitely too long now and they need to drop 2 or 3 races in my opinion. Never been a fan of Sprint races either and only watched one ever, they need to kill that format with fire and soon as it lacks relevance and feels like a top up for certain types of fans.

 

[Apple fanboy]

It’s been awkward for a while and I get the impression from some of the decisions that Lewis isn’t getting a lot of input, or in many cases, it’s being ignored as Mercedes are working on George’s confidence. Lewis is done for this year and you can see he’s excited for the next challenge. To be fair the season is over for a lot of fans too and I’m not wasting time watching any highlights, i’ll just keep up with events. The season is definitely too long now and they need to drop 2 or 3 races in my opinion. Never been a fan of Sprint races either and only watched one ever, they need to kill that format with fire and soon as it lacks relevance and feels like a top up for certain types of fans.

Absolutely. Sprint races are just not for me either. I mean I watch the highlights but only because there isn’t much else going on!

 

[cyb3rdud3]

It’s been awkward for a while and I get the impression from some of the decisions that Lewis isn’t getting a lot of input, or in many cases, it’s being ignored as Mercedes are working on George’s confidence. Lewis is done for this year and you can see he’s excited for the next challenge. To be fair the season is over for a lot of fans too and I’m not wasting time watching any highlights, i’ll just keep up with events. The season is definitely too long now and they need to drop 2 or 3 races in my opinion. Never been a fan of Sprint races either and only watched one ever, they need to kill that format with fire and soon as it lacks relevance and feels like a top up for certain types of fans.

What certain types of fans? The kind who actually watch the races? The kind who actually go see the races in person and love a full weekend of great motorsport?

 

[JustinePaula]

Well, seems a big crash in a support race destroyed part of the track/fencing, the repairs took so long, the Women's Academy Race 2 was cancelled.. To get the schedule back online..

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Absolutely. Sprint races are just not for me either. I mean I watch the highlights but only because there isn’t much else going on!

Yeah it’s just an extra event that has been dreamt up for certain markets and perhaps to fulfil DTS obligations on marketing. I just ignore it and focus on qualifying and the race as the traditional format is more my taste.

 

[CWallace]

I like the Sprints and I like a 24 event calendar because I like more racing.

My biggest issue was that with only one FP session, if you had an incident that cost you time in the pits you were pretty much stuffed on setup. That has now been remediated with Parc Ferme not going into effect until after the Sprint Race itself and said race is a great opportunity for the teams and drivers to get a feel for what their car is going to feel like on lower fuel in the main race (notice how Red Bull were able to significantly improve their GP qualifying performance after making setup changes after the Sprint.

 

[JustinePaula]

Nah, there is no value to Sprints, it is putting the main event at risk, for cheap thrills, what is it the PHD's in nutrition call junk food, empty calories.. You gain no value eating junk food.. Sprints could result in a Grosjean fireball, all for what? A posthumous World Title, this has happened before in F1.. We don't want to cancel events in memory of a recent RIP..

A RIP in a standard sanctioned full length race, accepted, but a sprint... Sprints for the reserve drivers, to keep safe and skills sharp, but to risk the main drivers for a stupid 10% event.. nope...I question the mental health of 10 team managers/CEO to sanction such stupid racing!

 

[Glideslope]

Anthony Davis in the Sky Pre-Race trying to explain Max’s FIA penalty saying “He totally understands it.” While Jenson and Bernie are wondering what he is drinking while being professional.

Sky Sports Commentary, Priceless. For everything else there’s VISA.

 

[JustinePaula]

Safety car 4 laps too late, Clowns rule F1 Race Director, must have been on the loo or something.. 3 cars damaged... Insane, I hope Merc/Ferrari sue the Race Director..

 

[CWallace]

What a wild race. And Zhou finishes 8th and gets Driver of the Day!

 

[Akrapovic]

That was one of the worst officiated races since Michael Masi was let go.

The Race Director had to do 13 sessions this weekend. Last week he did the Las Vegas event, and the week before he did Macau GP. Plus all the off-track jobs related to this. Charlie Whiting, who was THE standard for Race Directors, stood down from F2 and F3 saying it was too much for 1 person. Now we've loaded even more onto someone who is less experienced than Charlie, at a time when the FIA is struggling to fill senior roles due to the amount of terminations.

MBS is creating a very public mess.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

What a wild race. And Zhou finishes 8th and gets Driver of the Day!

It was crazy. Lando seems to have been dealt an incredibly harsh card with a 10s stop and go penalty.

EDIT: Just seen the Anthony Davies analysis. It is in the rule book, black and white. And what is actually even more impressive is that Max reacted just on the flags, no lights, no race engineer, and lifted. And then threw his mate Lando under the bus. But that is why someone is a world champion and the other is not.

I also really feel for Lewis. So unlucky, and it’s just not working for him.

But great race by Max, Zhou wow!

Checo!? Checo who?

 

[Glideslope]

That was one of the worst officiated races since Michael Masi was let go.

The Race Director had to do 13 sessions this weekend. Last week he did the Las Vegas event, and the week before he did Macau GP. Plus all the off-track jobs related to this. Charlie Whiting, who was THE standard for Race Directors, stood down from F2 and F3 saying it was too much for 1 person. Now we've loaded even more onto someone who is less experienced than Charlie, at a time when the FIA is struggling to fill senior roles due to the amount of terminations.

MBS is creating a very public mess.

Unlikely MBS will loose the upcoming vote with all his "accounts" he sets up.......

 

[CWallace]

So Ocon is out at Alpine a race early with Jack Doohan replacing him at Abu Dhabi.

I wonder if Lewis will take the lights or if he will call it a career with Mercedes and let Kimi Antonelli have his seat. He certainly seems to be done with the team.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Personal highlight was Max complaining about George getting him a penalty, apparently he now ‘doesn’t want anything to do with him’ and has ‘lost all respect for him’ ….. Only to actually do it himself today with Lando lol!!! These kids and their double standards on each other 😂

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

So Ocon is out at Alpine a race early with Jack Doohan replacing him at Abu Dhabi.

I wonder if Lewis will take the lights or if he will call it a career with Mercedes and let Kimi Antonelli have his seat. He certainly seems to be done with the team.

It would be a bit strange if he did that without a celebration like some Abu Dhabi doughnuts considering he’s won them 14 World Championships in his time there. He probably does now want to slip off and get his winter break underway though, but poor on Mercedes’ part.

 

[Glideslope]

So Ocon is out at Alpine a race early with Jack Doohan replacing him at Abu Dhabi.

I wonder if Lewis will take the lights or if he will call it a career with Mercedes and let Kimi Antonelli have his seat. He certainly seems to be done with the team.

Doohan will be a DNF next weekend. I think there is a very good chance today was the last time in a Mercedes for Lewis, although it would be an uncharacteristic move for him. That being said, I've never see him so removed either. Let alone ask to retire the car. Although that can be put squarely on the FIA and the 4 Lap delay insanity. Personally, I think it would be healthy for him to start his winter break early. Focus on Mission 44 for 4-6 weeks, then show up at Maranello.

I honestly feel for him. Very unhealthy.

 

[JustinePaula]

That was one of the worst officiated races since Michael Masi was let go.

The Race Director had to do 13 sessions this weekend. Last week he did the Las Vegas event, and the week before he did Macau GP. Plus all the off-track jobs related to this. Charlie Whiting, who was THE standard for Race Directors, stood down from F2 and F3 saying it was too much for 1 person. Now we've loaded even more onto someone who is less experienced than Charlie, at a time when the FIA is struggling to fill senior roles due to the amount of terminations.

MBS is creating a very public mess.

Nothing can excuse his actions regarding wing-mirror-gate... He has no excuse, I read reports that vary from it was unfair to throw a VSC, as cars were too far apart, to a SC was too extreme.. The dude is paid above minimum wage to make the decisions, that is his job..

OK it is hard, but he knew going in, when he signed the contract.. It is what it is, it was not a hard decision, a 2 lap safety car through the pits, we have seen this before, it is not uncommon...

I really hope teams sue him personally, in his personal capacity, and sue the FIA/F1/Liberty/Venue for what happened..

What is his whinging about? 13 sessions? He cancelled one, had time off to vape..have a snooze.. Visit the loo.. He should buy the guy that crashed a cola beverage.. The repair took so long, it looked like F2 would be cancelled..More time off..

Nothing can excuse the lack of a decision in regards the wing mirror, toddlers know what to do, but as we age, we loose the ability to make good decisions maybe?? How old is the Race Director? Maybe Seb Vettal could do it.. What about Crofty/Hill, they are unemployed come the 1st of Jan 2025... They are job seekers..

 

[cyb3rdud3]

Personal highlight was Max complaining about George getting him a penalty, apparently he now ‘doesn’t want anything to do with him’ and has ‘lost all respect for him’ ….. Only to actually do it himself today with Lando lol!!! These kids and their double standards on each other 😂

Russel is like the teachers pet. He should focus first on winning races on the track opposed to in the stewards office. Then he starts earning the right to complain. And in this particular instance his own pitwall told him to watch out as well. Another odd decision.

But yeah, winning more races than Max has world championships may earn him a little bit more respect. I do believe he has the capability, he just gets involved with stuff he really shouldn’t be.

 

[JustinePaula]

This is not real life, it is a soap opera, a fairy tale, about as legit as Star Wars.. Drive to Survive is a documentary about clowns and what happens when you try and fake real life.. Nothing in F1 is real.. it is all 100% fantasy..

 

[Akrapovic]

Russel is like the teachers pet. He should focus first on winning races on the track opposed to in the stewards office. Then he starts earning the right to complain. And in this particular instance his own pitwall told him to watch out as well. Another odd decision.

But yeah, winning more races than Max has world championships may earn him a little bit more respect. I do believe he has the capability, he just gets involved with stuff he really shouldn’t be.

I both agree and disagree with this.

George comes off as a bit two faced. However, you don't need to be winning to have legitimate claims against other drivers. If you need to results to be allowed to complain then every single driver needs to keep their mouth closed whilst Lewis is on track.

Max is very quick to be upset and "lose respect" for drivers who call him out. Then he's the first on the radio shouting about someone else. They're all at it.

 

[pachyderm]

UNR

This is not real life, it is a soap opera, a fairy tale, about as legit as Star Wars.. Drive to Survive is a documentary about clowns and what happens when you try and fake real life.. Nothing in F1 is real.. it is all 100% fantasy..

yup

 

[pachyderm]

Nothing can excuse his actions regarding wing-mirror-gate... He has no excuse, I read reports that vary from it was unfair to throw a VSC, as cars were too far apart, to a SC was too extreme.. The dude is paid above minimum wage to make the decisions, that is his job..

OK it is hard, but he knew going in, when he signed the contract.. It is what it is, it was not a hard decision, a 2 lap safety car through the pits, we have seen this before, it is not uncommon...

I really hope teams sue him personally, in his personal capacity, and sue the FIA/F1/Liberty/Venue for what happened..

What is his whinging about? 13 sessions? He cancelled one, had time off to vape..have a snooze.. Visit the loo.. He should buy the guy that crashed a cola beverage.. The repair took so long, it looked like F2 would be cancelled..More time off..

Nothing can excuse the lack of a decision in regards the wing mirror, toddlers know what to do, but as we age, we loose the ability to make good decisions maybe?? How old is the Race Director? Maybe Seb Vettal could do it.. What about Crofty/Hill, they are unemployed come the 1st of Jan 2025... They are job seekers..

Or VSC in sector one and have a steward run out and grab the mirror...?

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I both agree and disagree with this.

George comes off as a bit two faced. However, you don't need to be winning to have legitimate claims against other drivers. If you need to results to be allowed to complain then every single driver needs to keep their mouth closed whilst Lewis is on track.

Max is very quick to be upset and "lose respect" for drivers who call him out. Then he's the first on the radio shouting about someone else. They're all at it.

It’s a bit rich I think for Max to be complaining about George considering his own reputation for radio meltdowns and trying to get other drivers penalised. In fact his engineer told him to ‘shut up and drive’ last season when he was mid tantrum trying to get the stewards involved on Charles LeClerc. More recently in Hungary he caused a collision with Lewis and then desperately tried to get him penalised when once again, his engineer told him to ‘stop being childish’ and race. His ego is so inflated he seems to think his own standards are different to the rest of the grid and he’s by far the worst for this sort of stuff.

George plays the game like they all do, but most take it on the chin and realise it’s all part of the game. Max isn’t a select status where only he is allowed to complain but it seems he thinks he is and so do his fans and this is evident all over the internet right now.

 

[Glideslope]

Nothing can excuse his actions regarding wing-mirror-gate... He has no excuse, I read reports that vary from it was unfair to throw a VSC, as cars were too far apart, to a SC was too extreme.. The dude is paid above minimum wage to make the decisions, that is his job..

OK it is hard, but he knew going in, when he signed the contract.. It is what it is, it was not a hard decision, a 2 lap safety car through the pits, we have seen this before, it is not uncommon...

I really hope teams sue him personally, in his personal capacity, and sue the FIA/F1/Liberty/Venue for what happened..

What is his whinging about? 13 sessions? He cancelled one, had time off to vape..have a snooze.. Visit the loo.. He should buy the guy that crashed a cola beverage.. The repair took so long, it looked like F2 would be cancelled..More time off..

Nothing can excuse the lack of a decision in regards the wing mirror, toddlers know what to do, but as we age, we loose the ability to make good decisions maybe?? How old is the Race Director? Maybe Seb Vettal could do it.. What about Crofty/Hill, they are unemployed come the 1st of Jan 2025... They are job seekers..

Martin is gone as well in January. Long overdue housecleaning.