F1 2017
- Thread starter spitfire
- Start date
1%er
Well-Known Member
New engine rule to be announced Oct 21st
Rumors in the press claim that Liberty Media will announce the new Engine rules on 21st October and one week later will release a framework for a proposed budget cap. The engine rules have been the focus of discussions for some time, lead by Ross Brawn the technical boss of Formula One. The direction in which the sport heads from 2021 could decide whether other manufacturers who have been attending these meeting will join the racing series. The complexity of the current power units has driven up costs and as a result other manufacturers are looking for less complex engines and reduced costs, while some teams, are seeking alternative suppliers to the current four.
The initial proposal in terms of the budget cap will also be interesting with Liberty Media seeking to level the playing field and thereby give the likes of Force India, Haas and the other smaller teams the opportunity to win races. However, the bigger teams have made no secret of the fact that they are not happy about such a move.
In the wake of recent criticism of the Strategy Group, there is talk of it being scrapped and more emphasis placed on the technical team that has been put together by Ross Brawn, but this raises questions that the drawing up of the rules and regulations for the sport are moving away from the FIA and towards the sport's owners, which surely at some stage will create a conflict of interest as Liberty Media are likely to want a formula that creates the best show commercially. This also goes against a previous ruling by the EU, that wants a clear separation between the rights holder and the sports governing body.
Who will race for Toro Rosso at the US GP
Dr Helmut Marko says Toro Rosso's media statement saying Gasly will race alongside Daniil Kvyat in Austin was "wrong". So who will be racing alongside Kvyat? It seems that Honda want Pierre Gasly to race in the final round of the Super Formula (he is just half a point behind the current leader and is expected to win the series at this race). Marko is reported as saying "Gasly cannot drive in Austin because our new engine partner Honda wants him to get the Super Formula title at the same time in Japan, we cannot deny their wish". My money is on Sebastien Buemi as he used to race for Toro Rosso and as the Formula E series is over he is likely to be available.
Limejuice I know how you love celebrities turning up in F1, so let me be the first to tell you that Michael Buffer, he of “Let’s get ready to rumble!” fame, will be introducing the drivers to the crowd before the start of the US GP. To make allowance for this bullshit the usual race start procedure has to begin 15 minutes earlier than usual
(I feel your pain 
)
Rumors in the press claim that Liberty Media will announce the new Engine rules on 21st October and one week later will release a framework for a proposed budget cap. The engine rules have been the focus of discussions for some time, lead by Ross Brawn the technical boss of Formula One. The direction in which the sport heads from 2021 could decide whether other manufacturers who have been attending these meeting will join the racing series. The complexity of the current power units has driven up costs and as a result other manufacturers are looking for less complex engines and reduced costs, while some teams, are seeking alternative suppliers to the current four.
The initial proposal in terms of the budget cap will also be interesting with Liberty Media seeking to level the playing field and thereby give the likes of Force India, Haas and the other smaller teams the opportunity to win races. However, the bigger teams have made no secret of the fact that they are not happy about such a move.
In the wake of recent criticism of the Strategy Group, there is talk of it being scrapped and more emphasis placed on the technical team that has been put together by Ross Brawn, but this raises questions that the drawing up of the rules and regulations for the sport are moving away from the FIA and towards the sport's owners, which surely at some stage will create a conflict of interest as Liberty Media are likely to want a formula that creates the best show commercially. This also goes against a previous ruling by the EU, that wants a clear separation between the rights holder and the sports governing body.
Who will race for Toro Rosso at the US GP
Dr Helmut Marko says Toro Rosso's media statement saying Gasly will race alongside Daniil Kvyat in Austin was "wrong". So who will be racing alongside Kvyat? It seems that Honda want Pierre Gasly to race in the final round of the Super Formula (he is just half a point behind the current leader and is expected to win the series at this race). Marko is reported as saying "Gasly cannot drive in Austin because our new engine partner Honda wants him to get the Super Formula title at the same time in Japan, we cannot deny their wish". My money is on Sebastien Buemi as he used to race for Toro Rosso and as the Formula E series is over he is likely to be available.
Limejuice I know how you love celebrities turning up in F1, so let me be the first to tell you that Michael Buffer, he of “Let’s get ready to rumble!” fame, will be introducing the drivers to the crowd before the start of the US GP. To make allowance for this bullshit the usual race start procedure has to begin 15 minutes earlier than usual
(I feel your pain )
Limejuice
Well-Known Member
Michael who?Limejuice I know how you love celebrities turning up in F1, so let me be the first to tell you that Michael Buffer, he of “Let’s get ready to rumble!” fame, will be introducing the drivers to the crowd before the start of the US GP. To make allowance for this bullshit the usual race start procedure has to begin 15 minutes earlier than usual
#dontknowhimdontgiveafuckwhoheisjustgetonwiththevroomstuff
Limejuice
Well-Known Member
Huzzah!!Just been promised some free Ferrari hospitality tickets for Silverstone GP next year. Pit lane, food, drink, camping and the lot
Wait... Ferrari make you camp? Throw those tickets in their face unless they comp you the Ecclestone Suite at the Milton Keynes Premier Inn!
Huzzah!!
Wait... Ferrari make you camp? Throw those tickets in their face unless they comp you the Ecclestone Suite at the Milton Keynes Premier Inn!
I think the corporate hospitality is just on either quali or race day. Quite pleased to be camping tbh and I do get a seat in the stands for the weekend. The corporate thing can get a bit dull so one day is enough on that.
Same
1%er
Well-Known Member
Brendon Hartley to replace Pierre Gasly for Toro Rosso at USGP
As mentioned above Pierre Gasly will be racing in the Japanese Super Formula on the weekend of the US GP, as Honda want him to win that Formula this season. So it seems that Toro Rosso will be replacing him for just this race with Brendon Hartley the New Zealand who use to teat for them back in 2009. This season he has already won the Le Mans 24 Hours and in 2015 was world sportscar champion.
Last time he sat in an F1 car was when he tested for Mercedes back in 2012. Toro Rosso are now at their limit of drivers for the season, as the FIA rules only allow a team to run 4 different drivers in a season. They will also be the only team since 1994 to run an entirely new driver line-up in consecutive Grands Prix.
As mentioned above Pierre Gasly will be racing in the Japanese Super Formula on the weekend of the US GP, as Honda want him to win that Formula this season. So it seems that Toro Rosso will be replacing him for just this race with Brendon Hartley the New Zealand who use to teat for them back in 2009. This season he has already won the Le Mans 24 Hours and in 2015 was world sportscar champion.
Last time he sat in an F1 car was when he tested for Mercedes back in 2012. Toro Rosso are now at their limit of drivers for the season, as the FIA rules only allow a team to run 4 different drivers in a season. They will also be the only team since 1994 to run an entirely new driver line-up in consecutive Grands Prix.
Lewis Hamilton was 'weird' as a team-mate, says Jenson Button
Not as rosy at McLaren as the public face love-in suggested then.
Not as rosy at McLaren as the public face love-in suggested then.
1%er
Well-Known Member
Jenson's autobiography "Life at the Limit" comes out in a few days (19th Oct) so expect more stories like this over the next couple of days
Some interesting statistics (not check by me) about there time together in F1
Jenson Button vs. Lewis Hamilton
Seasons together: 3
Scored most points in a season: JB 1 – LH 2
Average WDC pos. over 3 seasons: JB 4 – LH 4.33
Cumulative points over 3 seasons: JB 672 – LH 657
Average pts per season over 3 seasons: JB 224 – LH 219
Proportion of points delivered to team: JB 50.6% – LH 49.4%
Highest WDC pos. in the 3 seasons: JB, 2nd 2011
Race Data
Grand Prix starts together: 58
Wins: JB 8 – LH 10
Podiums: JB 25 – LH 22
Top 5’s: JB 37 – LH 36
Top 10’s: JB 47 – LH 45
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1%er
Well-Known Member
Bernie says he's not wanted at races and is moving to Switzerland
He also says he was fired just 2 days after Liberty Media took over the company. Talking to the Mail on Sunday he said the following;
He said he is moving to Switzerland and went on "We are just setting things up, I have had Swiss residency for nearly thirty years. The intention ages ago was that I would build a house there and move the F1 company abroad, but I couldn't get all the people I needed to leave England. That's the reason I stayed, But now I don't care about that. I can just go over there and live. I will take a few members of staff, but not many. I will still come back to London from time to time, to see friends, I will also spend more time in Brazil, where we have a coffee farm. But Switzerland will be my main home."
Ecclestone took the opportunity to confirm that despite being given the infamous title Chairman Emeritus, he was effectively fired by F1's new owners just 48 hours after they took control.
"I didn't choose to leave, I was fired," he reveals. "Chase called me on the Sunday, and said, 'Can I see you tomorrow?' He said he'd come to the office. I said, 'Yeah, I'll be there' "He said, 'You know we completed the deal on Friday?' 'I said, “Yes, congratulations.” ‘He said, “I need you to stand down as chief executive. That's the job I want". "I said he had bought the car and might as well drive it. I resigned. They had all the documents on them for me to do that. It was a surprise because I was told they wanted me to stay on a three-year contract. I could have made a bit of a fuss, but I didn't. If the boot had been on the other foot, I would not have done it the way they did it. They would have been better off working with me for six months and seeing how it went. Anyway, they elevated me to such a high position in the company that I can't see what's going on."
While he will attend the Brazilian Grand Prix next month, Ecclestone admits to being persona non grata as far as the sport's new management is concerned. "Chase sent a message to one of the girls in the office to tell me that they haven't got so many offices at the circuits, only what the race promoter gives them," said Ecclestone. "There are three of them so the three offices are being used. So basically they don't want me to come to races. It would have been just as easy to have said that to me. Anyway, I have obliged them."
While the media 'love-in' with Liberty continues, Ecclestone shares the same opinion as Force India's Bob Fernley, and Pitpass. "They haven't done anything yet as far as I can see. They said they wouldn't talk, they would act. They said I talked before doing anything. I didn't. I got things done quietly. All they do is talk. If I say I am going to whack someone next time I see them, I'd better bloody well do it. Chase had preconceived ideas of what needed to be done. But now he's on board, it isn't quite as easy as he thought. So I feel sorry for him."
Finally, asked about the championship outcome, the veteran is in no doubt. "Lewis will win it in Austin next race,' he says. "He has driven superbly this season, while Ferrari awoke and then fell asleep."
[Love him or hate him, he is always good for a laugh]
He also says he was fired just 2 days after Liberty Media took over the company. Talking to the Mail on Sunday he said the following;
He said he is moving to Switzerland and went on "We are just setting things up, I have had Swiss residency for nearly thirty years. The intention ages ago was that I would build a house there and move the F1 company abroad, but I couldn't get all the people I needed to leave England. That's the reason I stayed, But now I don't care about that. I can just go over there and live. I will take a few members of staff, but not many. I will still come back to London from time to time, to see friends, I will also spend more time in Brazil, where we have a coffee farm. But Switzerland will be my main home."
Ecclestone took the opportunity to confirm that despite being given the infamous title Chairman Emeritus, he was effectively fired by F1's new owners just 48 hours after they took control.
"I didn't choose to leave, I was fired," he reveals. "Chase called me on the Sunday, and said, 'Can I see you tomorrow?' He said he'd come to the office. I said, 'Yeah, I'll be there' "He said, 'You know we completed the deal on Friday?' 'I said, “Yes, congratulations.” ‘He said, “I need you to stand down as chief executive. That's the job I want". "I said he had bought the car and might as well drive it. I resigned. They had all the documents on them for me to do that. It was a surprise because I was told they wanted me to stay on a three-year contract. I could have made a bit of a fuss, but I didn't. If the boot had been on the other foot, I would not have done it the way they did it. They would have been better off working with me for six months and seeing how it went. Anyway, they elevated me to such a high position in the company that I can't see what's going on."
While he will attend the Brazilian Grand Prix next month, Ecclestone admits to being persona non grata as far as the sport's new management is concerned. "Chase sent a message to one of the girls in the office to tell me that they haven't got so many offices at the circuits, only what the race promoter gives them," said Ecclestone. "There are three of them so the three offices are being used. So basically they don't want me to come to races. It would have been just as easy to have said that to me. Anyway, I have obliged them."
While the media 'love-in' with Liberty continues, Ecclestone shares the same opinion as Force India's Bob Fernley, and Pitpass. "They haven't done anything yet as far as I can see. They said they wouldn't talk, they would act. They said I talked before doing anything. I didn't. I got things done quietly. All they do is talk. If I say I am going to whack someone next time I see them, I'd better bloody well do it. Chase had preconceived ideas of what needed to be done. But now he's on board, it isn't quite as easy as he thought. So I feel sorry for him."
Finally, asked about the championship outcome, the veteran is in no doubt. "Lewis will win it in Austin next race,' he says. "He has driven superbly this season, while Ferrari awoke and then fell asleep."
[Love him or hate him, he is always good for a laugh]
1%er
Well-Known Member
Is this Daniil Kvyat's last race for Toro Rosso
Daniil Kvyat's F1 return this weekend could be fleeting. The Russian was recently replaced by Toro Rosso team owner Red Bull, making way for the debut of Frenchman Pierre Gasly. But as Gasly heads to Japan this weekend to fight for the Super Formula title, Kvyat is returning to action. He will be teamed up in Austin with Le Mans winner Brendon Hartley, who is replacing the Renault bound Carlos Sainz. But there are rumors that after Austin, when Gasly returns from Japan, New Zealander Hartley could stay at Toro Rosso for the rest of 2017.
I guess we will have to wait and see how Hartley preforms over the weekend, but I expect this question will be addressed by the Sky F1 team at some point during the US GP.
Aston Martin have ex-Ferrari engine boss on the books
Aston Martin has confirmed that Luca Marmorini is now involved in its F1 engine evaluation, although that is as a consultant rather than a full-time appointment. The British manufacturer, which will become Red Bull's title sponsor from next season, is interested in F1's next engine rules cycle, but it is keen for costs to be reduced significantly. President and CEO Andy Palmer is reported to have said "the company has recruited the brainpower to be able to develop a Formula 1 engine in case the new rules prove to be a fit for the British brand. Luca Marmorini is helping us on a consultancy basis as we continue to evaluate options for the 2021 power unit. We have not hired anyone to work full time on this and the power unit remains an area of study for the company, consistent with previous comments and our attendance at the Formula 1 Power Unit Working Group meetings".
Oh dear, is this a peek into the future
As mentioned above the FIA have granted special dispensation for the usual race start procedure to be altered so cars can leave the pit lane 15 minutes early to make their way to the grid so that Michael Buffer's [he of "lets get ready to rumble" fame] introductions can be accommodated. As well as this time change, Liberty Media have also delayed Saturday's Qualifying session by two hours in an attempt to encourage more fans to remain at the circuit for a Justin Timberlake concert in the evening. Having initially been scheduled to get underway at 8pm BST (2pm local), the qualifying hour has been pushed back to 10pm BST (4pm local).
One more little "surprise" is that Usain Bolt the world's fastest man will give the signal for the world's fastest drivers to start their formation lap in Austin. This doesn't come without risk, as it could be the case that Usain Bolt decides to go for a jog and ends up beating the McLaren-Honda back to the start line I'm sure Limejuice will take these delays into account when he posts is helpful F1 coverage times.
Daniil Kvyat's F1 return this weekend could be fleeting. The Russian was recently replaced by Toro Rosso team owner Red Bull, making way for the debut of Frenchman Pierre Gasly. But as Gasly heads to Japan this weekend to fight for the Super Formula title, Kvyat is returning to action. He will be teamed up in Austin with Le Mans winner Brendon Hartley, who is replacing the Renault bound Carlos Sainz. But there are rumors that after Austin, when Gasly returns from Japan, New Zealander Hartley could stay at Toro Rosso for the rest of 2017.
I guess we will have to wait and see how Hartley preforms over the weekend, but I expect this question will be addressed by the Sky F1 team at some point during the US GP.
Aston Martin have ex-Ferrari engine boss on the books
Aston Martin has confirmed that Luca Marmorini is now involved in its F1 engine evaluation, although that is as a consultant rather than a full-time appointment. The British manufacturer, which will become Red Bull's title sponsor from next season, is interested in F1's next engine rules cycle, but it is keen for costs to be reduced significantly. President and CEO Andy Palmer is reported to have said "the company has recruited the brainpower to be able to develop a Formula 1 engine in case the new rules prove to be a fit for the British brand. Luca Marmorini is helping us on a consultancy basis as we continue to evaluate options for the 2021 power unit. We have not hired anyone to work full time on this and the power unit remains an area of study for the company, consistent with previous comments and our attendance at the Formula 1 Power Unit Working Group meetings".
Oh dear, is this a peek into the future
As mentioned above the FIA have granted special dispensation for the usual race start procedure to be altered so cars can leave the pit lane 15 minutes early to make their way to the grid so that Michael Buffer's [he of "lets get ready to rumble" fame] introductions can be accommodated. As well as this time change, Liberty Media have also delayed Saturday's Qualifying session by two hours in an attempt to encourage more fans to remain at the circuit for a Justin Timberlake concert in the evening. Having initially been scheduled to get underway at 8pm BST (2pm local), the qualifying hour has been pushed back to 10pm BST (4pm local).
One more little "surprise" is that Usain Bolt the world's fastest man will give the signal for the world's fastest drivers to start their formation lap in Austin. This doesn't come without risk, as it could be the case that Usain Bolt decides to go for a jog and ends up beating the McLaren-Honda back to the start line
I'm sure Limejuice will take these delays into account when he posts is helpful F1 coverage times.
Limejuice
Well-Known Member
Well, when in Rome, etc.
If the USA GP needs a hideously over-dramatic introduction to rouse American audiences from their bovine torpor, who am I to complain? Do I not possess a *mute* button hard-wired to a 12V car battery?
Anyway, I have just checked the times as I may be otherwise engaged for most of Friday and possibly Saturday.
I think these are right - UK times (still BST this weekend):
Fri 20 Oct
FP1 - 16.00
FP2 - 20.00
Sat 21 Oct
FP3 - 17.00
Qual - 22.00
Sun 22 Oct
Race - 20.00
If the USA GP needs a hideously over-dramatic introduction to rouse American audiences from their bovine torpor, who am I to complain? Do I not possess a *mute* button hard-wired to a 12V car battery?
Anyway, I have just checked the times as I may be otherwise engaged for most of Friday and possibly Saturday.
I think these are right - UK times (still BST this weekend):
Fri 20 Oct
FP1 - 16.00
FP2 - 20.00
Sat 21 Oct
FP3 - 17.00
Qual - 22.00
Sun 22 Oct
Race - 20.00
1%er
Well-Known Member
Will he won't he
The speculation is rife as to if Lewis will kneel or not during the US national anthem on Sunday. His decision could have huge and also perhaps unexpected repercussions. Were Bernie still in charge I'm sure he would be working hard behind the scenes to ensure that no political statement would be made by any driver and the threat of a heavy fine would be backing up his view. I'm not so sure about Liberty Media, I'm think that now it has been covered by hundreds of column inches in the media, they will be talking to both Lewis and Mercedes.
If Lewis chooses to kneel during the US national anthem on Sunday and he has said he is considering, it will put him at the heart of one of the most divisive conflicts between politics and sport in America. He has always said that being true to himself is one of the most important things for him and has been vocal in his support for the protests, he has also spoken out about the racial injustice and police brutality in the USA. He has posted a series of images on Instagram referencing the protests, using the hashtag #takeaknee and also made it clear he is considering protesting himself in Austin.
He is reported as saying to the press “It’s not my national anthem but the issue that is in the States ... well, it’s not just in the States, it is a global thing. It’s more focused and probably at its worst perhaps in America. I think we all do need to stand together. I will have to start to think about it, what would be right for me to do or do I even need to get involved?”.
To do nothing would not be a news story but to do something would make headlines around the world, I don't envy Lewis, I think he has a very difficult decision to make and needs to weigh the consequences carefully, he might be playing into the hands of the American right if Trump and his supports seize on it, claiming it shows racial injustice and police brutality is a worldwide issue not just one the US needs to face up to (while clearly, racial injustice and police brutality is a worldwide issue this current kneeling protests is directed at the USA politicians and maybe should not be diluted).
French anti-corruption agency looking into F1
It now seems that alongside the Britain's Serious Fraud Office investigation into F1 the French Parquet National Financier (national financial prosecutor's office) are also "taking a look" into a potential conflict of interest associated with the FIA's decision to agree the sale of F1 to Liberty Media. French authorities are seeking information on the deal pertaining to the governing body's role as an arbitrator of the sale of F1 to Liberty while it was also a shareholder of F1. When CVC brought F1 back in 2013 it offered the FIA the option to buy 1% of the shares in F1, an option the FIA took up.
FIA lawyers will be busy as there are now three investigation into their links to Formula one, one in the UK, one in France and also one being conducted by the EU. Bernie's well out of it
The speculation is rife as to if Lewis will kneel or not during the US national anthem on Sunday. His decision could have huge and also perhaps unexpected repercussions. Were Bernie still in charge I'm sure he would be working hard behind the scenes to ensure that no political statement would be made by any driver and the threat of a heavy fine would be backing up his view. I'm not so sure about Liberty Media, I'm think that now it has been covered by hundreds of column inches in the media, they will be talking to both Lewis and Mercedes.
If Lewis chooses to kneel during the US national anthem on Sunday and he has said he is considering, it will put him at the heart of one of the most divisive conflicts between politics and sport in America. He has always said that being true to himself is one of the most important things for him and has been vocal in his support for the protests, he has also spoken out about the racial injustice and police brutality in the USA. He has posted a series of images on Instagram referencing the protests, using the hashtag #takeaknee and also made it clear he is considering protesting himself in Austin.
He is reported as saying to the press “It’s not my national anthem but the issue that is in the States ... well, it’s not just in the States, it is a global thing. It’s more focused and probably at its worst perhaps in America. I think we all do need to stand together. I will have to start to think about it, what would be right for me to do or do I even need to get involved?”.
To do nothing would not be a news story but to do something would make headlines around the world, I don't envy Lewis, I think he has a very difficult decision to make and needs to weigh the consequences carefully, he might be playing into the hands of the American right if Trump and his supports seize on it, claiming it shows racial injustice and police brutality is a worldwide issue not just one the US needs to face up to (while clearly, racial injustice and police brutality is a worldwide issue this current kneeling protests is directed at the USA politicians and maybe should not be diluted).
French anti-corruption agency looking into F1
It now seems that alongside the Britain's Serious Fraud Office investigation into F1 the French Parquet National Financier (national financial prosecutor's office) are also "taking a look" into a potential conflict of interest associated with the FIA's decision to agree the sale of F1 to Liberty Media. French authorities are seeking information on the deal pertaining to the governing body's role as an arbitrator of the sale of F1 to Liberty while it was also a shareholder of F1. When CVC brought F1 back in 2013 it offered the FIA the option to buy 1% of the shares in F1, an option the FIA took up.
FIA lawyers will be busy as there are now three investigation into their links to Formula one, one in the UK, one in France and also one being conducted by the EU. Bernie's well out of it
1%er
Well-Known Member
Just a couple of headlines
Alonso has signed a multi-year deal with McLaren but few details have been made public, as yet
Lewis has said, while he agrees with the American Football players protest, he will not be kneeling before the start of Sundays race.
Brendon Hartley looks likely to start from the back if the grid in his first GP because of penalties.
Vandoorne has a 5 place grid penalty.
Alonso has signed a multi-year deal with McLaren but few details have been made public, as yet
Lewis has said, while he agrees with the American Football players protest, he will not be kneeling before the start of Sundays race.
Brendon Hartley looks likely to start from the back if the grid in his first GP because of penalties.
Vandoorne has a 5 place grid penalty.
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1%er
Well-Known Member
Max Verstappen signs contract extension with Red Bull
Who'd have thought it, Max Verstappen has signed a new contract with Red Bull Racing, meaning he will remain a red Bull driver until at least the end of 2020. There were a number of stories in the press last week talking about Red Bull building a team around Max and it looks like that is what they are going to do. According to Dr Helmut Marko it was Verstappen whp approached the team and asked for the contract extension.
Max is reported as saying "Red Bull has always shown their faith and belief in me with actions; inviting me in to the young driver programme as a 16-year-old, then giving me my start in Formula One when I was just 17, and then the opportunity to race with Red Bull Racing where I had such a dream start. They have always backed me and my ambition and I know we share that ambition.
Their support, from the guys and girls in the factory through to the crew in the garage, no matter what plays out on the race track, has always been 100 per cent. We've also had some fun times! I’m very happy to commit further to Red Bull Racing and I'm looking forward to working together to enjoy more success in the years to come".
FP2 report
As in Free Practice 1, Lewis Hamilton was once again quickest in Free Practice 2 for the United States Grand Prix. And once again his championship rival Sebastian Vettel was half a second slower. But whereas Vettel was second in FP1, he ended up third in FP2 as Max Verstappen sneaked in between the pair.
Who'd have thought it, Max Verstappen has signed a new contract with Red Bull Racing, meaning he will remain a red Bull driver until at least the end of 2020. There were a number of stories in the press last week talking about Red Bull building a team around Max and it looks like that is what they are going to do. According to Dr Helmut Marko it was Verstappen whp approached the team and asked for the contract extension.
Max is reported as saying "Red Bull has always shown their faith and belief in me with actions; inviting me in to the young driver programme as a 16-year-old, then giving me my start in Formula One when I was just 17, and then the opportunity to race with Red Bull Racing where I had such a dream start. They have always backed me and my ambition and I know we share that ambition.
Their support, from the guys and girls in the factory through to the crew in the garage, no matter what plays out on the race track, has always been 100 per cent. We've also had some fun times! I’m very happy to commit further to Red Bull Racing and I'm looking forward to working together to enjoy more success in the years to come".
FP2 report
As in Free Practice 1, Lewis Hamilton was once again quickest in Free Practice 2 for the United States Grand Prix. And once again his championship rival Sebastian Vettel was half a second slower. But whereas Vettel was second in FP1, he ended up third in FP2 as Max Verstappen sneaked in between the pair.
1%er
Well-Known Member
Is Maurizio Arrivabene on his way out
After their disastrous performance in Asia, Ferrari's top man Sergio Marchionne vowed to effect change and it seems that Arrivabene could be the person who gets it in the neck. So who is likely to takeover from the cigarette salesman, it will surely be Mattia Binotto who took over James Allison job as technical director. Prior to becoming technical director Binotto headed Ferrari's engine department.
For Sebastian Vettel to go from leading the championship just a few weeks ago to now being 59 points behind, something has to give at the Scuderia and I think Marchionne will start at the top.
This is a very new rumor but I'm sure it will be discussed over the weekend, it is unlikely that Ferrari will comment as they seem very unwilling to speak to the press at all nowadays, I thought Arrivabene would have been sacked at the end of last season as I posted in the 2016 thread, but this time I think he will go.
Could F1 be on Netflix as soon as 2018
While I think it unlikely to be as early as 2018, Sean Bratches the commercial boss of Liberty media is reported in the press as saying "Liberty Media has been trying to expand the presence of Formula 1 in multimedia channels. We are talking to Netflix about a collaboration from 2018 onwards. The internet is of great importance to us. We are in the development phase". The reason I think it unlikely is the deals Bernie did with a number of broadcasters around the would, many of them are "exclusive" contracts and to allow internet access to F1 races in those countries, via the internet, would I believe be against the spirit of those contracts.
The spirit of the law, is a legal term that has force in many countries and if someone is granted "exclusive rights", they have exclusive rights. If new technology comes along (such as the internet) that hasn't been covered with-in a contract, then "The spirit of the law" can be used to stop someone selling the same product again in what has been agreed as the exclusive area.
I think what Liberty Media will do is show "some" F1 content and maybe even highlights or replays, but I don't think live races will be shown in many areas for a good few years, shame, but I think that's what will happen.
After their disastrous performance in Asia, Ferrari's top man Sergio Marchionne vowed to effect change and it seems that Arrivabene could be the person who gets it in the neck. So who is likely to takeover from the cigarette salesman, it will surely be Mattia Binotto who took over James Allison job as technical director. Prior to becoming technical director Binotto headed Ferrari's engine department.
For Sebastian Vettel to go from leading the championship just a few weeks ago to now being 59 points behind, something has to give at the Scuderia and I think Marchionne will start at the top.
This is a very new rumor but I'm sure it will be discussed over the weekend, it is unlikely that Ferrari will comment as they seem very unwilling to speak to the press at all nowadays, I thought Arrivabene would have been sacked at the end of last season as I posted in the 2016 thread, but this time I think he will go.
Could F1 be on Netflix as soon as 2018
While I think it unlikely to be as early as 2018, Sean Bratches the commercial boss of Liberty media is reported in the press as saying "Liberty Media has been trying to expand the presence of Formula 1 in multimedia channels. We are talking to Netflix about a collaboration from 2018 onwards. The internet is of great importance to us. We are in the development phase". The reason I think it unlikely is the deals Bernie did with a number of broadcasters around the would, many of them are "exclusive" contracts and to allow internet access to F1 races in those countries, via the internet, would I believe be against the spirit of those contracts.
The spirit of the law, is a legal term that has force in many countries and if someone is granted "exclusive rights", they have exclusive rights. If new technology comes along (such as the internet) that hasn't been covered with-in a contract, then "The spirit of the law" can be used to stop someone selling the same product again in what has been agreed as the exclusive area.
I think what Liberty Media will do is show "some" F1 content and maybe even highlights or replays, but I don't think live races will be shown in many areas for a good few years, shame, but I think that's what will happen.
Pickman's model
Starry Wisdom
that shows a nice spirit
Books should be read and sharedthat shows a nice spirit
Pickman's model
Starry Wisdom
preferably through the medium of a library with paid staffBooks should be read and shared
Bookcrossing?preferably through the medium of a library with paid staff
Pickman's model
Starry Wisdom
safeguarding my job, sweetcheeks
preferably through the medium of a library with paid staff
The library is the go to place. I have done some bookcrossing before but ran out of steam.safeguarding my job, sweetcheeks
Mine are almost all second hand. I tend to keep very few books and rarely (if ever) reread biographies. Most go to charity shops once read or passed to a friend.
Anyway this is the F1 thread so calling an end of the debate.
