2024 Formula 1 Season thread

[Glideslope]

Zandvoort has decided not to sign a new contract and the final Dutch Grand Prix will be held in 2026.

Zandvoort to host final Dutch Grand Prix in 2026

The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will host its final Formula 1 event in 2026 following a one-year contract extension.

f1i.com

Perhaps they are concerned Max might just retire at the end of 2026 if the new car/engine is not competitive and without him, attendance would crater.

You're assuming Max is in the RB22 not the AMR26.

 

[sunapple]

This "beef" is to be taken very seriously guys 🥩

 

[cyb3rdud3]

Zandvoort has decided not to sign a new contract and the final Dutch Grand Prix will be held in 2026.

Zandvoort to host final Dutch Grand Prix in 2026

The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will host its final Formula 1 event in 2026 following a one-year contract extension.

f1i.com

Perhaps they are concerned Max might just retire at the end of 2026 if the new car/engine is not competitive and without him, attendance would crater.

It’s getting too expensive. Not as crazy levels at Vegas, but still. The kind of money the Formula 1 wants means it has to be sold out for three days just to break even. There isn’t enough of a show to warrant the F1 cost. Friday is boring for an onsite spectator, Saturday has a qualifying highlight, but that’s it. Sunday is basically a couple of hours. The other races aren’t interesting enough.

Shame it’s a good party, best party on the calendar. I got six tickets for 2025.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

I never understood why Zandvoort was on the schedule, Max is not Dutch, he is from Belguim, Max does not pay income tax in The Netherlands, he never repaid what the state invested in him.. So really Zandvoort is about as home as Spa or Monza/Silverstone... Max is for all intents and purpose a Monaco resident, so Monaco is his home race..

What I suspect happened is that the schedule goons wanted a shift in date, and this was not possible, the FIA could produce video and PDF's of every discussion, no one is going to believe a word the FIA says.. If you believe the FIA after the ludicrous garbage explanation for wing-mirror-gate, then well.. No words..

After Wing-mirror-gate, nothing the race director or the FIA publishes as far as I am concerned has any value, none, it is all tainted and garbage.. Any reason for any decision, can never be believed..

My children have Dutch passports but grown up abroad. Does that mean they are not Dutch either? Heck I’ve only lived seven years of my life in the Netherlands. I’m still Dutch. This year was 187 days so far 😇😎

 

[headlessmike]

My children have Dutch passports but grown up abroad. Does that mean they are not Dutch either? Heck I’ve only lived seven years of my life in the Netherlands. I’m still Dutch. This year was 187 days so far 😇😎

He’s obviously both a Dutch and Belgian national and races with a Dutch license. But this go me wondering, has Max ever lived in the Netherlands? His parents live in Belgium and he grew up there.

I (unfortunately) know a lot of people that would argue that your kids aren’t Dutch… I can relate as someone that grew up on both sides of the Atlantic. I often sound confused when people ask where I’m from. 😅

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Things between Max and George have deteriorated further. With Christian and Toto also getting involved.
Could be interesting this weekend.

I’ll be rooting for McLaren to clinch the constructors.

Yeah 4 moaners all having a pop at each other and not seeing the irony or the hypocrisy of what they are saying, hilarious. Adds a bit of drama to things I suppose.

McLaren winning the championship would be great and a boost I hope will continue into next season.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

He’s obviously both a Dutch and Belgian national and races with a Dutch license. But this go me wondering, has Max ever lived in the Netherlands? His parents live in Belgium and he grew up there.

I (unfortunately) know a lot of people that would argue that your kids aren’t Dutch… I can relate as someone that grew up on both sides of the Atlantic. I often sound confused when people ask where I’m from. 😅

He sounds more Belgian than Dutch when he speaks in English but that is to be expected considering where he grew up. Nico Rosberg raced under a German license but grew up in Monaco and his father Keke was Finnish, so it seems to be a grey area for some drivers. Almost as ambiguous as teams who locate and operate in countries but have licenses in countries associated with their brand etc. I think the Dutch are happy to adopt Max with his father’s link. I’m sure Trinidad and Tobago would be happy if Lewis had ever decided to race under a license from there via his grandfather lol. I would be able to qualify as Irish as most of my family are from there lol.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

He sounds more Belgian than Dutch when he speaks in English but that is to be expected considering where he grew up. Nico Rosberg raced under a German license but grew up in Monaco and his father Keke was Finnish, so it seems to be a grey area for some drivers. Almost as ambiguous as teams who locate and operate in countries but have licenses in countries associated with their brand etc. I think the Dutch are happy to adopt Max with his father’s link. I’m sure Trinidad and Tobago would be happy if Lewis had ever decided to race under a license from there via his grandfather lol. I would be able to qualify as Irish as most of my family are from there lol.

Max definitely has a softer version of Dutch, like the sound people speaking Flemish does, but also what is generally spoken in Brabant, and Limburg; or as we say “south of the rivers”. However, his word choice, use of words, and manners are very Dutch indeed.

My grandparents lived in Belgium as well. It is quite normal, especially for people from the Border region — heck I go to Belgium to fill up my ICE car as it needs E5 fuel, and it is about 80 cents per liter cheaper in Belgium. Takes me about 10 minutes to get there. But especially so with numerous people from the Netherlands to avoid the Dutch wealth taxes. And way before the EU open borders, there were the open borders of the BeNeLux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) so cross border travel was normal.

Tax is good in the Netherlands if you've been away from the Netherlands for 25 years for Dutch nationals They want to attract talent back to the country, I have that special arrangement and status now. Hence, I have to count my days to be more in a year in the Netherlands as otherwise I can lose it.

Anyway, yes, he is Dutch and Belgian. Just any child with mixed parents take the nationality of both. And just like Lando is both British and Belgian.

Max only sounds Belgian to those who aren't Dutch, or are Dutch from above the rivers (Randstad mainly) and don't understand Dutch accents.

 

[laptech]

I have no doubt there will be more F1 race tracks pulling out over the next few years saying they can no longer afford to run due to increasing costs.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Yeah 4 moaners all having a pop at each other and not seeing the irony or the hypocrisy of what they are saying, hilarious. Adds a bit of drama to things I suppose.

McLaren winning the championship would be great and a boost I hope will continue into next season.

Next season could be great. Couldn’t call it if I tried.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I have no doubt there will be more F1 race tracks pulling out over the next few years saying they can no longer afford to run due to increasing costs.

The ones that usually play with the idea of dropping out are Montreal and Spa over costs. I think Montreal had a deal struck with a discount a few years back, but I can't imagine that happening again. Spa is a firm drivers and fan favourite but think F1 needs it more than the circuit needs F1 as it has a busy schedule throughout the year. It attracts some very strange fans too which makes it a really cool place to watch a race. I think Miami and Las Vegas will be short term circuits as they are clearly there for marketing reasons.

One location where it is shocking that we no longer have a Grand Prix is Germany. Three WDC's in the last 25 years and a very successfull British/German team winning a lot recently, yet neither Hockenheimring or Nurburgring can afford to host a race in the current climate. Then again Germany is effectively in a hell of an economical slump at the moment, so it is probably the last thing they need.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

I was all year rooting a little bit for McLaren. But in all the excitement, it would be astonishing if Ferrari can snatch it at the last moment. I sincerely hope Lewis has a great time there, it saddens me to see a chap like him appear so beaten down.

 

[Akrapovic]

Zandvoort being dropped is also due to infrastructure. They have the least amount of pit garages of the current circuits and it isn't enough to comfortably hold another team. They have had pressure to increase the number of garages available.

 

[headlessmike]

The ones that usually play with the idea of dropping out are Montreal and Spa over costs. I think Montreal had a deal struck with a discount a few years back, but I can't imagine that happening again. Spa is a firm drivers and fan favourite but think F1 needs it more than the circuit needs F1 as it has a busy schedule throughout the year. It attracts some very strange fans too which makes it a really cool place to watch a race. I think Miami and Las Vegas will be short term circuits as they are clearly there for marketing reasons.

One location where it is shocking that we no longer have a Grand Prix is Germany. Three WDC's in the last 25 years and a very successfull British/German team winning a lot recently, yet neither Hockenheimring or Nurburgring can afford to host a race in the current climate. Then again Germany is effectively in a hell of an economical slump at the moment, so it is probably the last thing they need.

Silverstone always feels like they're struggling financially as well.

Zandvoort is being smart. They are probably not making much of a profit from organizing an F1 race and realize that it is better to leave with the extra publicity the've received in the last few years. I don't know exactly how many circuits receive public funding to help support them, but Zandvoort has been clear about them being fully self-sustained and that is probably not enough with how things are progressing in the sport.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Silverstone always feels like they're struggling financially as well.

Zandvoort is being smart. They are probably not making much of a profit from organizing an F1 race and realize that it is better to leave with the extra publicity the've received in the last few years. I don't know exactly how many circuits receive public funding to help support them, but Zandvoort has been clear about them being fully self-sustained and that is probably not enough with how things are progressing in the sport.

That's true but I think they've had significant investment in the last 10 years and were able to update facilities. Its one of the three blue ribbon tracks (Silverstone, Monza, Monaco) and F1 as a brand is keen to keep it. Silverstone doesn't receive public funding and I think the public here would be very unhappy if it did, I certainly would. I know they tried to get a grant from Gordon Brown many years ago and it was declined. I know Zandvoort barely scraped together the funds to host and by comparison 175k more spectators attend Silverstone over a race weekend, so it attracts a lot less revenue, before fees.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

Zandvoort being dropped is also due to infrastructure. They have the least amount of pit garages of the current circuits and it isn't enough to comfortably hold another team. They have had pressure to increase the number of garages available.

Didn’t they extend by six more garages? 🤷‍♂️

 

[Glideslope]

Zandvoort being dropped is also due to infrastructure. They have the least amount of pit garages of the current circuits and it isn't enough to comfortably hold another team. They have had pressure to increase the number of garages available.

Agreed. I had this thought when the move to 11 Teams was announced. The days of privately owned circuits is over.

I was all year rooting a little bit for McLaren. But in all the excitement, it would be astonishing if Ferrari can snatch it at the last moment. I sincerely hope Lewis has a great time there, it saddens me to see a chap like him appear so beaten down.

He also has some internal struggles going on. It's not simply Mercedes beating him down, although it's a large part. He must have some inner reflection going on seeing what George can do with the W15. When he comments on his qualifying it sounds more like inner reflection. We find out next season.

McLaren easily takes the WCC this weekend. Ferrari is still Ferrari. Quick car or not.

Didn’t they extend by six more garages? 🤷‍♂️

There was an agreement in January to extend the garages. I don't think it was initiated. Most likely null at this point.

 

[Glideslope]

Max and Kelly announced this morning they are expecting their first child.

Will Max change during fatherhood, or will it be Jos v 2.0 and Karts at 3 yrs old?

Does Fernando have a new competitor in 2045?

 

[sunapple]

Max and Kelly announced this morning they are expecting their first child.

Will Max change during fatherhood, or will it be Jos v 2.0 and Karts at 3 yrs old?

Does Fernando have a new competitor in 2045?

I guess Zandvoort will make a return in the future then!

 

[cyb3rdud3]

LOL I was there twice this year and honestly can’t remember. On may bank holiday I had a track day. When the current Grand Prix is on there are so many additional buildings, also to the right of the pit lane, not just for hospitality but also pit boxes. I honestly can’t remember how many there were the year before. There is 28 now.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

Well that is it. McLaren must be loving this.

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/...abi-gp-amid-tight.70UnJby2M4OTKrz3dcfZth.html

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

He also has some internal struggles going on. It's not simply Mercedes beating him down, although it's a large part. He must have some inner reflection going on seeing what George can do with the W15. When he comments on his qualifying it sounds more like inner reflection. We find out next season.

Lewis has been quite open and self critical in recent interviews and it sounds like this season has been very difficult behind the scenes. When he left McLaren he had little time with an awkward atmosphere but this season its been an entire season with a team that are hurt that he is leaving. Obviously he's only been allowed to certain briefings, not received priority parts as these naturally go to the driver who is staying and you can tell he's reflective on what he is leaving behind.

I also think fans get very competitve in the 'who is the best' debates and in reality, these guys are human and go through the same struggles we all do at times. Lewis has put in some brilliant performances this year and won races. His drive in Vegas was a firm reminder how good he can be. I think he'll be refreshed and motivated stepping into a new team as he knows he has to make an impact. He also shut down an Italian reporter yesterday and said in no uncertain terms that he is not trying to replicate Michael Schumacher at Ferrari. He's about to turn 40 years old and is directly compared to 23 to 27 year olds and maybe he just needs to put less pressure on himself. I can't wait to see how he adapts to a non-British F1 team for the first time in his career.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

George Russell has a pretty cool helmet design for Abu Dhabi, love the top. Showing him as a child waiting for Lewis’ autograph and as an adults sharing a podium with him 👍🏻

 

[cyb3rdud3]

George Russell has a pretty cool helmet design for Abu Dhabi, love the top. Showing him as a child waiting for Lewis’ autograph and as an adults sharing a podium with him 👍🏻View attachment 2459400

Yeah rub it in. I wouldn’t have done that.

 

[Glideslope]

Lewis has been quite open and self critical in recent interviews and it sounds like this season has been very difficult behind the scenes. When he left McLaren he had little time with an awkward atmosphere but this season its been an entire season with a team that are hurt that he is leaving. Obviously he's only been allowed to certain briefings, not received priority parts as these naturally go to the driver who is staying and you can tell he's reflective on what he is leaving behind.

I also think fans get very competitve in the 'who is the best' debates and in reality, these guys are human and go through the same struggles we all do at times. Lewis has put in some brilliant performances this year and won races. His drive in Vegas was a firm reminder how good he can be. I think he'll be refreshed and motivated stepping into a new team as he knows he has to make an impact. He also shut down an Italian reporter yesterday and said in no uncertain terms that he is not trying to replicate Michael Schumacher at Ferrari. He's about to turn 40 years old and is directly compared to 23 to 27 year olds and maybe he just needs to put less pressure on himself. I can't wait to see how he adapts to a non-British F1 team for the first time in his career.

I agree. I believe Lewis is being very human in interviews.