beesonthewhatnow
going deaf for a living
I just can't see Honda suddenly producing a magic engine that works. Red Bull must be pretty glum at the prospect.
F1 2017
- Thread starter spitfire
- Start date
1%er
Well-Known Member
With Renault kicking them to the curb and Mercedes/Ferrari saying no engine from us there back where they were at the end of 2016. Other than Honda; I can't see them getting a power-unit from anywhere else.
Dietrich Mateschitz has loads of money, but money can't magic-up a credible engine in 12 months. I can't see Danny Ric and Max staying with a Honda in the back.
This is going to be really interesting to watch
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Limejuice
Well-Known Member
In Honda's case, It's been three (?) long years. In that time they haven't come close to dishing out a competitive and reliable motor. That's probably a management capability, development process, method problem rather than lack of engineering skill. That's a pity, because you can always buy in skills, but management almost never recognises that it is the problem and replaces itself.
I don't see Honda suddenly clicking into place and producing a tip-top engine. Maybe a new engine formula would help level the playing field among all the engine-makers, but I bet the others make a better fist of it than Honda.
I bet Christian Horner is dusting down his contract and getting tips from Monsieur Boullier. And I bet Eric is clicking his heels in excitement.
1%er
Well-Known Member
Sainz "on loan" to Renault
According to quotes in the press from Cyril Abiteboul Managing Director of Renault Sport Racing, Sainz is only on loan to Renault and has at this time only a one year deal. This is interesting and make me think that Red Bull have known for some time that Renault wanted to terminate there engine contract and that could loose one or both drivers at the end of the 2018 season. A one year loan deal means that Sainz could be available for Red Bull in 2019, although if they have a Honda engine that isn't proforming he isn't likely to want to return.
There seems to be lots of rumors that Renault want Sainz to start this season ASAP, but there are problems around that as Jolyon Palmer is contracted to race for the team for the full season, apparently it isn't as easy as just paying off Palmer's contract, according to FIA contract rules there would also have to be some form of settlement and both sides would have to agree.
Sauber and Ferrari rumors
There seems to be a buzz around that there will be some announcement from Sauber that could include Ferrari (who supply there power-train). Some people are claiming it is just that they will make it official that Charles Leclerc will be driving for them in 2018.
I think it could be something more significant and that Sauber will change their name and be re-branded Alfa Romeo, I wouldn't put any money on it, but I think it fits with many rumors floating about. The new owners have no connection to Sauber so a name change wouldn't be such a big deal for them.
According to quotes in the press from Cyril Abiteboul Managing Director of Renault Sport Racing, Sainz is only on loan to Renault and has at this time only a one year deal. This is interesting and make me think that Red Bull have known for some time that Renault wanted to terminate there engine contract and that could loose one or both drivers at the end of the 2018 season. A one year loan deal means that Sainz could be available for Red Bull in 2019, although if they have a Honda engine that isn't proforming he isn't likely to want to return.
There seems to be lots of rumors that Renault want Sainz to start this season ASAP, but there are problems around that as Jolyon Palmer is contracted to race for the team for the full season, apparently it isn't as easy as just paying off Palmer's contract, according to FIA contract rules there would also have to be some form of settlement and both sides would have to agree.
Sauber and Ferrari rumors
There seems to be a buzz around that there will be some announcement from Sauber that could include Ferrari (who supply there power-train). Some people are claiming it is just that they will make it official that Charles Leclerc will be driving for them in 2018.
I think it could be something more significant and that Sauber will change their name and be re-branded Alfa Romeo, I wouldn't put any money on it, but I think it fits with many rumors floating about. The new owners have no connection to Sauber so a name change wouldn't be such a big deal for them.
1%er
Well-Known Member
Interesting comment by Christian Horner in the post FP1 interviews, Martin asked him "so when does your new Porsche deal kick-in then......" to which Christian replies "....they'll be another announcement fairly soon and it won't be with Porsche........we have a relationship with a motor manufacture already and you haven't got to be a rocket scientist to see who it is".
Is he telling us that Red Bull will be using an Aston Martin power-unit soon
The quotes I'm talking about start about 8:25 of the video below
Is he telling us that Red Bull will be using an Aston Martin power-unit soon
The quotes I'm talking about start about 8:25 of the video below
1%er
Well-Known Member
Force India name change
It seems that Force India who said they would change their name to remove the word India first choice has been rejected by FOM (Liberty Media), they wanted to call themselves Force One, but FOM have told them this is not possible as when shortened it would be abbreviated to F1. So it seem likely that they will be called Force Racing from 2018.
While we are on the subject of Force India, their sporting boss Otmar Szafnauer is in the news claiming that the team believe engine changes at this late stage are not permitted under the sporting regulations of F1, if this is true or any action will be taken is unlikely, as the Honda/Renault deal appears to have the support of all major parties.
Alonso wants loads of money
If reports in the press are to be believed Fernando Alonso wants at least $40 million a year to stay at McLaren, it is also reported that the deal is almost done, but this will give McLaren more financial problems as Honda paid 50% of Alonso's wages for the last couple of years. So it seems before they do anything at all for 2018 they will have to find another $120 million just to cover money lost from Honda
Ferrari want to put both their young drivers at Sauber
Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne is reported to be trying to place both their young drivers into seats at Sauber for the 2018 season. Ferrari will be supplying the team with 2018 spec power-units for next season and for a large reduction in price he wants to place both Leclerc and Giovinazzi in seats for next season. He wanted Giovinazzi to be in a Haas in 2018 but Haas has said Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen will remain with them next season.
This puts the seats of both Pascal Wehrlein and Marcus Ericsson in doubt, while is seems clear that Wehrlein was likely to move, Ericsson sponsors have a large shareholding in Sauber, so it would be a surprise to see him loose his seat.
It seems that Force India who said they would change their name to remove the word India first choice has been rejected by FOM (Liberty Media), they wanted to call themselves Force One, but FOM have told them this is not possible as when shortened it would be abbreviated to F1. So it seem likely that they will be called Force Racing from 2018.
While we are on the subject of Force India, their sporting boss Otmar Szafnauer is in the news claiming that the team believe engine changes at this late stage are not permitted under the sporting regulations of F1, if this is true or any action will be taken is unlikely, as the Honda/Renault deal appears to have the support of all major parties.
Alonso wants loads of money
If reports in the press are to be believed Fernando Alonso wants at least $40 million a year to stay at McLaren, it is also reported that the deal is almost done, but this will give McLaren more financial problems as Honda paid 50% of Alonso's wages for the last couple of years. So it seems before they do anything at all for 2018 they will have to find another $120 million just to cover money lost from Honda
Ferrari want to put both their young drivers at Sauber
Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne is reported to be trying to place both their young drivers into seats at Sauber for the 2018 season. Ferrari will be supplying the team with 2018 spec power-units for next season and for a large reduction in price he wants to place both Leclerc and Giovinazzi in seats for next season. He wanted Giovinazzi to be in a Haas in 2018 but Haas has said Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen will remain with them next season.
This puts the seats of both Pascal Wehrlein and Marcus Ericsson in doubt, while is seems clear that Wehrlein was likely to move, Ericsson sponsors have a large shareholding in Sauber, so it would be a surprise to see him loose his seat.
Probably following your package from China threadWhy does Simon Lazenby keep saying that it's the "tenth anniversary" of the race when the first race was nine years ago?
Limejuice
Well-Known Member
Ah, I couldn't say.Why does Simon Lazenby keep saying that it's the "tenth anniversary" of the race when the first race was nine years ago?
I'm afraid that when S. Lazenby Esq opens his gob, I shove fingers in my ears and sing lalalala.
Can't stand the chap.
He always looks shifty, and like he has a bad smell under his nose -->
Limejuice
Well-Known Member
1%er
Well-Known Member
Its Charlie's fault he was talking to Ted in his qualifying note book about it not raining at any race before today in Singapore
