General F1 news

[pab]

Great that they were prepared to run their GP at midnight so that we can watch it in mid afternoon!

[Big Kev]

Williams have confirmed American Logan Sargeant will remain with the team for a second season.

Sargeant, 22, scored one point during his debut campaign and will line up next year at Williams alongside London-born Thai Alex Albon.

Williams' announcement completes the 20-driver grid for 2024.

"I am thrilled to be continuing with Williams Racing for the 2024 season," said Sargeant.

[durbster]

I can't remember a season with no driver changes.

I was surprised Williams are sticking with Sargeant tbh. I didn't really see much improvement over the year.

[Big Kev]

He probably brings more cash than any of the alternatives

[norbs]

I can't remember a season with no driver changes.

First time it has happened apparently.

[Big Kev]

Not sure Austin works for a sprint.

[norbs]

Is anyone a fan of these fucking sprints?

[nutty]

Yeah kinda.. like I think its better weekend as theres stuff on Friday.. but I think they just dont have it right.

The format isn't quite right, It should be a unique race and not just a early preview of what is going to happen on Sunday, I dont like the whole SQ and Q qualifying, and they need to pick the right tracks.

I actually really like Carlos's idea, reverse championship grid race, I would make it a seperate championship, put a bunch of prize money on the line

My ideal sprint weekend

Only 5-6 weekends. Track must have natural overtaking promoted
FP1 on Friday morning
QF on Friday afternoon
No parc ferme
FP2 on Saturday morning
Parc ferme then
Reverse Championship sprint race, seperate points
Race on Sunday

[Big Kev]

They don't do a lot for me. I can understand the need for something to entertain the Friday ticket holders but I don't think it works as it is.

I agree with Nutty that the format isn't quite right and I'm not sure the right tracks are being chosen either. Austin really doesn't work as a GP track let alone a sprint one.

I would definitely make it a stand alone championship, however, as Martin Brundle said on Sky a couple of weeks back, the teams aren't really interested in that idea because it's not a championship they care about and the prize money wouldn't be worth fighting for. But I think if you did it like that and you had points all the way down so there was something for even Haas to fight for then it might be a bit more interesting. As it stands, if you're in 16th, what's the point in trying to make it to 15th and maybe losing a wing or costing the team money in repairs for..... no points at all. I'm not entirely sure reverse grids are the answer either. I'd quite like a random draw. Get some celebrity in to draw the car numbers out of a hat and you might have Sargant on pole with Max in 15th and Ham 10th etc etc. That would make for a nice scrap I think. With a reverse grid I can see a lot of pile ups with a couple of fast cars both trying to pass a slower one ahead at the same time. It could just be one long safety car show.

Friday Praccy 2x 1hr
Saturday morning do GP qually
Saturday afternoon grid draw 1hr before the start and then the race. The teams only need to know their grid slot 10 mins before they go out with all their kit.
Then do the sprint
Sunday just the GP.

[Big Kev]

Hate it when the block embedding. No reason to.
It's that F1 animation guy who uses radio clips and cartoons.

[Big Kev]

Technical director at Haas, Simone Resta has reportedly resigned.


EDIT
Guenther Steiner has left the Haas Formula 1 team he founded and has been replaced as team principal by erstwhile director of engineering Ayao Komatsu

[nutty]

Not sure how I feel here, in some ways its clear that Haas was going to be the perennial backmarkers. Gene uses this as a vessel for promoting his Hass Automation business, he clearly doesn't want to keep putting money into investing to really move the needle.

I just don't think its possible in modern f1 to overachieve anymore, so in that case having a leader that is well loved and has this popularity due to Netflix isn't the worse thing in the world. but I guess for Gene the idea is just keep going down this path, get a more of a yes man and hope for a year in which you really nail your concept and maybe get the odd podium, something that has Guenther proven he cant do.

[Big Kev]

They just need to sort out their tyre wear. They qually well but go backwards after that.

[Big Kev]

Madrid will replace Barcelona as host of the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026.

The race will run on a new 5.47km (3.399-mile) circuit around the Ifema exhibition centre between the Spanish capital and Barajas airport.

Doesn't look a great layout for passing!

[Dr. Pain]

It's going to be a championship of street races at this rate!

[Jamo]

Everything old is new again.

1950

Silverstone : Airfield Perimeter Road
Monaco : Street Circuit
Indianapolis : Purpose Built
Bremgarten : Street Circuit
Spa : Street Circuit
Reims : Street Circuit
Monza : Purpose Built

The very first World Championship only ran on two purpose built circuits and prior to that the vast majority of motor racing was 'Around the Houses'

[w00dsy]

I hate street circuits but this really doesn't seem like one, and it has some great corners.

[Jamo]

Why is that Rod? Makes no sense to me. I reckon if I were to sit down, have a think and collate my top ten circuits of all time, the Nordschleife would likely be the only purpose built circuit on it!

[Big Kev]

oh dear
AlphaTauri will be called Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team

[w00dsy]

I have a feeling Brundle won't be calling it that with much enthusiasm.

[Duke]

Anyone else read it as VCRAP?

Very Crap!!!

[Big Kev]

BREAKING: Lando Norris extends his deal with McLaren "until at least the end of 2026"!

[Big Kev]

Formula 1 has rejected the American Andretti team's bid to enter the sport in the next two years - but left the door open for admission in 2028.

Andretti's entry had been approved by governing body the FIA but commercial rights holders F1 felt the proposal for entry in 2025 or 2026 was lacking.

F1 conducted analysis involving key stakeholders and decided an 11th team "would not on its own add value".

F1 also does "not believe the applicant would be a competitive participant".

[Jamo]

What a crock of shit! Three quarters of the current grid are not 'a competitive participant'

[Duke]

Boo...