F1 2024 - 24 Rounds of Street Circuit Thrillers

[Waffdon]

lol at merc winning 3 races and McLaren only managing to win 2 up to now.

Season OVER

[Pepe]

Trust Ferrari to make the wrong call.

[Waffdon]

Based on that, Piastri would have won if he stayed out. He was miles clear of Russell when he pitted

[Adramelch]

I'm not sure Piastri has it in him to manage tyres in the same way just yet to be honest.

[Pepe]

Many would have won if they stayed out, but only he/Mercedes made the call. Legend.

[Waffdon]

I'm not sure Piastri has it in him to manage tyres in the same way just yet to be honest.

He did put the fastest lap of the race in just before pitting. He definitely had life in his tyres.

Can’t ever trust two things in life - McLaren to make the correct call and Norris to go forwards in a race start

[Pepe]

Not sure we can blame McLaren for choosing the wrong strategy for Piastri here. Obviously everyone thought 2-stops where the way to go.

[Adramelch]

Not the same thing as managing pace on 30-lap old tires though. We'll never know of course.

[SincereTheRebel]

Hamilton dont sound happy at all

[Pepe]

Hamilton dont sound happy at all

He is seething. He thought he had the win in the bag and his teammate stole it from him. Understandable.

[Waffdon]

He should have had the race in the bag to be fair. Couldn’t have panned out better for him

Can’t believe even Spa is now difficult to take over on.

[thommo]

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Oh dear. That will be gutting for George, was a great drive otherwise.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Oh shit.

[Giggles]

Hamilton's mood is about to get a lot better.

[Pepe]

That sucks.

[Waffdon]

1817589471652761752

Oh dear. That will be gutting for George, was a great drive otherwise.

Well, would make sense why he managed it. Mercedes back at it again cheating after Hamilton got DQd last year.

[Shindig]

Hammer time. :cool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Officially disqualified now, poor bastard.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Get in there Lewis.

[Shindig]

The riot if Verstappen doesn't win in Zandvoort. :drool:

[niko_cee]

Get in there Lewis.

:D

Just caught up on the race.

That is harsh on Russell.

[Gray Fox]

Was out taking the kids to a birthday party today so missed the race and managed to avoid spoilers all day. Not long got done and was midway through typing how good of a race that was for Mercedes in general. Then I went to Sky to check how England had done today(Mark Wood masterclass) and saw the news.

It'll be weird at Mercedes. No one will be overly happy. Lewis may point to the extra fuel he was carrying being about the difference keeping Russell ahead, but he'll have wanted that done on-track. Jo Bauer taking no prisoners. I'll have to watch Teds Notebook to see, but it sounded like Merc tried to leave some fuel in the car to get it to pass. Naughty of them if true.

It's all gone a bit Brawn 2009 for Red Bull this year. The car was that good, but now seemingly just isn't. Not even with Max. A look at it compared to Bahrain seems to see they've got an almost B-spec car in comparison. Maybe this is the lack of Newey effect coming into play? Norris and McLaren are probably kicking themselves they're not right in a title fight here, with some of their recent failings.
Norris especially should be fitted to a start simulator and kept on it all day but for sleep breaks.

The race itself was just okay. This one for Jims theory that the threat of the overtake is what people want. Just seemed to be that once you got into the dirty air of the car in front you could not pass. Those pesky engineers huh.

I suspect it's curtains for Perez now. To start 9 places ahead of your team mate, be on the same strategy, suffer no issues in-race and have him finish 3 places ahead of you is quite telling. That's not even taking into account all of his other shortcomings for well over a year now.

[Ben]

For me, Red Bull are the victim of their own success. They (Newey) developed a particular concept for these new regulations and they pretty much maximised it. Other teams have managed to find other gains in the regulations because of their extra development time and desperation to get somewhere near Red Bull. For Red Bull to kick on further, they'll have to delve into these other concepts that other teams already have but they can't, because as Constructor champions they've got the least wind tunnel time and, more importantly, Perez seemingly took up all their extra budget from crashing all the time.

[Shindig]

It's more top to bottom than that, I reckon. Their previously daft pitstops are now being trumped by Mercedes and McLaren. The management squabbling hasn't gone away, either. If anything, a loss in the constructors would be an ideal reason to get rid of Horner.

[Waffdon]

Merc have never done a fast pitstop in their life (relative to others)

[SincereTheRebel]

Sainz to Williams. Done.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Perez staying, as I told you he would. These guys just don't take risks ever.

[SincereTheRebel]

They chopped out Kvyat, Albon and Gasly when required. Given how bad Perez form is, i thought they would have swapped him and Ricci

[Adramelch]

They just don't have good alternatives to be honest. Ricciardo and Tsunoda won't really improve the situation much and Lawson is still an unknown for the most part. I reckon if they had access to an Albon they might have gone for it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I reckon they'd go for Lawson if the constructors wasn't in the balance.

[Gray Fox]

They just don't have good alternatives to be honest. Ricciardo and Tsunoda won't really improve the situation much and Lawson is still an unknown for the most part. I reckon if they had access to an Albon they might have gone for it.

This is it. Lawson will take a little bit of time to get up to speed to a front running car. Perez can drag pace out of the car but his morale seems to have been utterly crushed by Max.

Danny Ric just isn't getting in that Red Bull seat and I expect the announcement of Lawson to VCARB to replace him in 2025 will be done shortly. The penny has yet to drop for Tsunoda that he isn't getting in there either.

That leaves the only real options outside the team. Sainz would have done well there, but Carlos Sr and Jos hate each other for a start and supposedly there is a little bit of needle between the two kids.
Albon is obviously now otherwise engaged and there isn't really another available driver on the grid who is good enough to warrant paying Perez out of his contract for.

Williams getting Vowles in to fix everything and then getting a lineup of Albon and Sainz is a big win for them. Red Bull are a little mudded if Lawson isn't it.

[Clunge]

If Williams take another step forward over the winter and can become regular Q3 contenders, Sainz and Albon will rinse everything that car has. Going to be an exciting season for them next year.

[Ben]

Clearly a decision entirely with the Constructors in mind. Even just back at Austria, Red Bull's lead was basically unassailable and now it's really looking like McLaren will gub them if current form continues. None of the available replacements (Tsunoda, Lawson, Ricciardo) are top level so asking them to jump in an unknown car to them and immediately start getting big chunks of points is a steep ask; hoping Perez pulls himself around in the summer break is still their best option.

If Verstappen was still winning every week in the dominant car then I've no doubt Perez would be out on his arse this morning.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'd probably take Tsunoda for a season and see how badly he did.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

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I'm here for it.

[Ben]

Wheatley leaving Red Bull for the new Audi team. Horner going nowhere after surviving the Verstappen coup. Maybe Max will actually leave in 2026 if the brain drain at Red Bull continues.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Full time sim racer so I don't have to see the cunt again please.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Red Bull, Max's brilliance notwithstanding, seem to be the third quickest car here, and probably in general. Surely Newey wasn't THAT influential?

[Gray Fox]

If you look at the car compared to the Bahrain version, it is almost a completely different package. He's effectively been gardening since a race or two in, so I'd say he probably is.

I'd love for him to turn up at an Aston to really see if he can drag them up there.

[Waffdon]

Merc about to go on a mid 2010s run of wins to end the season.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If he makes Aston into a race winning car then he's basically completed the sport. The longevity is ludicrous. He was chucking Mauricio Gugelmin up the grid fully 35 years ago.

[Giggles]

Merc about to go on a mid 2010s run of wins to end the season.

I could see this happening. They've really caught up.

[Luke Emia]

Red Bull, Max's brilliance notwithstanding, seem to be the third quickest car here, and probably in general. Surely Newey wasn't THAT influential?

Supposedly it’s all about this brake bias contraption they had on the car and they’ve been made to remove. Means it’s not as good on its tyres or in the corners and that’s why they are nowhere near where they were.

[Pepe]

Fernando Alonso 2025 world champion is as good as it could get, except for Lance Stroll 2025 world champion. Make it happen Newey.

[Gray Fox]

A title challenging Aston would be problematic, those who remember Lances only title win so far know why.

[Giggles]

Fernando Alonso 2025 world champion is as good as it could get, except for Lance Stroll 2025 world champion. Make it happen Newey.

A Stroll world championship would be the mother load. All the strulovich cunts here would have the pearls ground to dust.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

A fine thing that there's a 0.0000000000000000001% chance of it happening then.

The window licking twat's only hope is if Daddy breaks out his cheque book to bribe the right people.

[Waffdon]

I could see this happening. They've really caught up.

Yeah, been looking good. Especially in the races at times they look rapid. Interesting to see how this weekend plays out

[Gray Fox]

Some consideration for getting Logi Bear out of that car before he racks up even more costs should be made here.

[niko_cee]

Love the obsession with trying to cover the wreck as it's returned to the garage.

[Gray Fox]

James Vowles not exactly convincing that they have enough parts to give him a car for Qualy either.

[SincereTheRebel]

Trying to take a short cut over grass in the rain..

[Gray Fox]

All falling nicely in to place for McLaren here. Ferrari nowhere, Hamilton mudded himself and the Red Bull doesn't look too close.

[Waffdon]

McLaren should comfortably get a front row start here. 1 run both times and easily through each time.

Certainly didn’t expect Hamilton to shit the bed here.

[Waffdon]

All falling nicely in to place for McLaren here. Ferrari nowhere, Hamilton mudded himself and the Red Bull doesn't look too close.

All set up for the disasterclass tomorrow. Hopefully Norris has been practising his starts on his holidays in a simulator

[Adramelch]

McLaren were an absolute disaster a bit more than a year ago and they've gone to seemingly comfortably having the best car on the grid. What a turnaround.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Lando flying :cool:

Can't wait to see his wank start tomorrow.

[Gray Fox]

Max and then Lando dragging mega laps out at the end.

[Waffdon]

0.3 is a big gap in a 70 second lap

If he doesn’t balls up the start, Norris should really be winning tomorrow? Verstappen has barely even won a race recently. (For his standards)

[Waffdon]

Probably one of the easier tracks to win from pole. Maybe only Monaco ahead of it. Short run to T1 and he’s on the racing line. Today is the day he doesn’t lose a position from the start.

LN4 to the moon

[SincereTheRebel]

This cute brown thing needs to relax with all this F1 talk.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I'd give my left bollock to see Max crash in front of his home fans.

[SincereTheRebel]

Lando p3 at end of lap1

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Jesus fuck Lando.

[Adramelch]

Even by his standards, that's a horrendous fucking start for Norris.

[Luke Emia]

Norris. lol.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Every fucking time.

[Waffdon]

This is pathetic at this point. Gotta be all mental

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Even for his standards, that's a horrendous fucking start for Norris.

Commentators instantly suggesting it was an even start between him and Max, lol.

[Adramelch]

In fairness from that replay it looks like he didn't do much wrong for once and it was the car not behaving correctly.

[Waffdon]

McLaren and Norris have a loser mentality at times. Who are we racing? What? You have the fastest car blud

[Giggles]

Norris has him here.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That last lap from Norris was rapid.

[Gray Fox]

All overtakes mandated to be in the tiny box?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Here we fucking go.

[Adramelch]

The difference in pace there was quite something.

[Waffdon]

Rocket ship that thing.

Plenty safety cars round here so still not v confident

[Giggles]

Verstappen could find himself 5th very shortly. Seriously struggling.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

His tyres must be absolutely fucked.

[Adramelch]

The rest look equally slow.

[Giggles]

The rest look equally slow.

Yeah I'd have thought Russell should have been all over him but barely closing either.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

5 cars wide :drool:

[Waffdon]

Norris doing fastest lap on the last lap on old hards :drool:

[Shindig]

70 point gap with 10 races remaining? Interesting.

[Gray Fox]

I think that run of races were Max was finishing 4th and 5th, but still extending his title lead, is a killer for Norris.

He needs Max not in second place whenever he wins.

[SincereTheRebel]

Its likes watching brawn and button in that one season

[Jimmy Floyd]

Couple of Verstappen DNFs might make it interesting.

[Gray Fox]

Could be like that season Hamilton romped back after the summer break, but Rosberg kept sticking it in 2nd so by the end we got the Abu Dhabi train with Lewis going remarkably slow.

[Waffdon]

Is there normally a huge gap from September to October? It’s basically the same length as the so called ‘summer break’

[Gray Fox]

We havent had a cancellation have we?

Maybe they've put it in as a break due to the stupid number of races there now are.

[Shindig]

Probably to give them all a rest after lugging the gear from Baku to Singapore. CoTAs, Mexico City and Interlagos are all back to back.

[SincereTheRebel]

Grid should come together and start writing Max off for a few races.

[Ben]

The winning margin would have been obscene if Norris could control wheel spin off the line. That McLaren is so much faster than the Red Bull now and Monza should suit them perfectly.

If Norris can go on a run and Piastri plugs the Verstappen gap then one DNF might be enough. Not sure it's happening though, I'd back Verstappen to win once or twice more somehow.

Lol at Red Bull retaining Perez as their best bet to win the Constructors though.

[Shindig]

If all else fails, Max can take them both out. He only needs to do that once.

[Adramelch]

Now imagine if Lando ends up second, 7 points or fewer behind Max.

[Ben]

Schumacher for Sargeant until the end of the season looking likely.

Lawson was their preference but Red Bull blocked it.

[Gray Fox]

From what I've seen it appeared Red Bull were happy to give Lawson but on the condition they could recall him at any point. Williams obviously not too keen to oblige that, so a call to old mucker Toto got the job done.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Schumacher for Sargeant until the end of the season looking likely.

Lawson was their preference but Red Bull blocked it.

Or not.

1828462538796704214

First Argie since 2001.

[Shindig]

Hopefully he does better than Esteban Tuero.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Mazzacane must have been the last one, and let me tell you, he was shite.

[Shindig]

I had him in mind but thought he was Spanish.

[Waffdon]

lol at Norris only being 5/2 to win the Drivers Championship when he’s still over evens to just win the GP this weekend.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Does that imply you can get about 1/4 on Verstappen? Because I might change my investment portfolio if so.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

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Get another safety car out.

[SincereTheRebel]

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Get another safety car out.

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[Waffdon]

Does that imply you can get about 1/4 on Verstappen? Because I might change my investment portfolio if so.

2/7 for Verstappen to win and 2/7 for McLaren to win constructions

[Waffdon]

1829155940362531135

Logan Sergeant already failing in his new job

[Jimmy Floyd]

Just laid eyes upon Antonelli for the first time and shat myself a bit, he looks like Senna. Think it's the eyes, not sure.

[Gray Fox]

On todays session he doesn't drive much like him.

[Waffdon]

Qualifying should be good. Verstappen, Merc, Ferrari and McLaren all look competitive here

You’re getting 7 drivers under 10/1. I don’t think that will have happened for years

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Max slower than Checo :drool:

McLarens were rapid.

[Waffdon]

McLaren 1-2 here would be fucking lovely. Especially if a couple of Ferrari and Mercedes can stay in front of Verstappen

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Leave it as it is.

[Waffdon]

Correct.

If it stays like this I really hope Piastri plays a blocking role to help Norris. He’s got his race win now, may as well see if Norris can have a shot at the championship

[Waffdon]

Oh that’s absolutely fucking perfect

[Giggles]

Pole here is basically the win sown up.

[Gray Fox]

There's a lot of unfriendly cars between Max and Lando there.

From the race pace running in P2, the Mercs and McLarens should drive off a little.

[Waffdon]

Let’s hope there’s no wheel spin this week :sick:

[Shindig]

Yeah, if he gets bogged down, that's a lot of straight to worry about.

[Waffdon]

Does that imply you can get about 1/4 on Verstappen? Because I might change my investment portfolio if so.

You’re getting 4/9 for Max now. I’d imagine that will go up further if Lando wins and there’s at least 2 if not 3 cars between them. Could be a decent wee bet

[John Arne]

F3 championship was won with a final corner overtake. Pretty exciting stuff.

[Gray Fox]

I saw he overtook a Mansell to win it and got my hopes up. Sadly, no relation.

As if to age us all some more though, you have Juan Pablos' lad in there as well as the much more memorable Alex Wurzs' kid.

[SincereTheRebel]

F3 championship was won with a final corner overtake. Pretty exciting stuff.

With no wins

[Gray Fox]

Lad just pulled off the last to first challenge in the F2 Feature Race.

[SincereTheRebel]

The F2 cars sound brilliant

[Jimmy Floyd]

No matter how well McLaren do, I still can't take Zak Brown seriously.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Just one good start, lad.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Zhou was taking the piss on the formation lap.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Piastri completely outraced him there. Brilliant driving.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Piastri helped Lando massively in the first corner and then fucked him dry in the second.

[SincereTheRebel]

Lando as always, not leading into lap1. Pastry with tha aggression.

[Waffdon]

Norris finding new ways to not be in first after the starting lap.

Not sure he expected Piastri to challenge like that

[Waffdon]

Think that start confirms McLaren arsed about the driver’s championship anyway

[Gray Fox]

Ferrari going much better than expected here. A big thorn in Landos' side.

I wonder if the Hungary swap job will come back up later in this race.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

They really should be putting all their eggs in Lando's basket.

He has a good chance at the championship.

[Shindig]

I wouldn't think about that until they've got the Ferrari in check.

[Adramelch]

Lando might be looking at a penalty there.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I wouldn't think about that until they've got the Ferrari in check.

It would have been in check had they told Piastri not to race him.

Leclerc wouldn't have overtaken Lando.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Leclerc's been suckered into that. Wonder if Sainz will end up in the ascendancy.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Telling Lando not to attack Piastri? Hmmmm.

[Waffdon]

If McLaren are stopping Norris challenging for the lead that’s an utter joke.

Maybe Piastri is the golden boy of the team

[Jimmy Floyd]

'Papaya rules' must be the campest thing ever in F1. I hope they're written out in comic sans.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Even Red Bull pit stops are shit now.

[Gray Fox]

A moment of silence for that rear right mechanic. Jos will have him by the end of the day.

[Adramelch]

Max losing it is quite fun to watch.

[Shindig]

Lando doesn't appear to have the pace to win this.

[Giggles]

They'll get him back past, either with orders or by working the pit stops. They'd be idiots not to.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm not sure they're bothered. Constructors is more important.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That's the only way he's winning it now.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I'm not sure they're bothered. Constructors is more important.

Constructors is pretty much guaranteed the way things are going.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

A lot of slow stops today.

Also: "Sticky nuts" :D

[Jimmy Floyd]

Perez should get a race ban for that. Obscenely dangerous.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That could have ended very badly for both.

[Adramelch]

Regardless of the end result, McLaren have fucked up the strategy big time here it feels like.

[Waffdon]

Not a surprise. If they lose from a team doing a 1 stop again on them it would be slightly embarrassing. I can’t see how Piastri catches but we’ll see

[Gray Fox]

Ferrari masterclass or McLaren bottling it?

[Giggles]

Ferrari masterclass or McLaren bottling it?

The only Ferrari masterclass we've become accustomed to is if they get very close and make a balls of it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Surely they'll have so little grip that they'll go off at parabolica late.

[Adramelch]

It's McLaren bottling it for sure. Them boxing Piastri that early made the 1-stop strategy a clear winner for Ferrari.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Not sure the Ferraris have got this in them. Admire them for trying though.

[Adramelch]

I don't think they have it either, but they should have never been given the opportunity to begin with. And let's not speak about how McLaren put Norris behind Verstappen in the first place.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I don't think they have it either, but they should have never been given the opportunity to begin with. And let's not speak about how McLaren put Norris behind Verstappen in the first place.

I'm surprised that Max didn't swipe him out to secure the championship.

[Waffdon]

Leclerc gonna win with ease

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Yeah he's got this unless he goes off the track.

Piastri attacking Lando on turn 2 fucked this for McLaren.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Oscar's not had enough pace, needs Charles's tyres to die.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Yeah he's got this unless he goes off the track.

Piastri attacking Lando on turn 2 fucked this for McLaren.

That's on Lando though, he was caught asleep and Piastri's been quicker all afternoon.

[John Arne]

If he doesn't catch, which I don't think he does, surely McLaren swap him and Norris...

[Giggles]

Yeah he's got this unless he goes off the track.

Piastri attacking Lando on turn 2 fucked this for McLaren.

Turn 2 is fair game.

[Waffdon]

If McLaren’s pit wall was as good as their upgrades they’d piss every race.

Piastri should give Norris 2nd here

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Turn 2 is fair game.

It allowed Leclerc in though, that was the problem, it would have been an easy 1-2 for McLaren otherwise.

[Giggles]

It allowed Leclerc in though, that was the problem, it would have been an easy 1-2 for McLaren otherwise.

Then Norris should have been awake. He was probably so delighted about not bogging it on the line that he lost the head.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Stunned McLaren didn't swap them round at the end.

[Waffdon]

Utter bollocks that they don’t swap positions there. A second or third makes no difference to Piastri’s season.

[Gray Fox]

Hell of a drive from Charlie Boy.

[Waffdon]

Stunned McLaren didn't swap them round at the end.

They’ve shown multiple times they couldn’t give a fuck about drivers championship. Very odd

[Jimmy Floyd]

Papaya rules innit.

Leclerc extraordinarily impressive given that he got mugged off in the first stops. Piastri also very strong on the day. Norris poor.

[Waffdon]

‘You’ll need Oscar later’

Fucking Aussies.

[Gray Fox]

Now if Leclerc could rid himself of his characteristic mistakes, he'd be one hell of a driver.

[Giggles]

You could fry an egg on Norris.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

In the interviews you could tell he was SEETHING.

[Waffdon]

Now if Leclerc could rid himself of his characteristic mistakes, he'd be one hell of a driver.

He’d have 4+ wins in that McLaren. He’s quality

Red bull will only get worse I think. I’m not sure they’ll win again this season. Very brawn esque

[Jimmy Floyd]

Should be seething at himself for getting outdriven.

[Gray Fox]

That is an image of Lando realising that maybe it just isn't for him this year. You've got to bring your best to go up against Max for a full season and he has left way too many points on the table.

[Waffdon]

Today was the worst he’s looked all year. Even with his poor starts he’s normally always one of if not the quickest at the end of a race. Just didn’t have much.

Still think he wins the race and it’s a McLaren 1-2 if Piastri doesn’t attack him at the start as both cars would have free air. The start itself was perfect as Piastri covered off Russell for Norris and I can’t help but feel Norris just wasn’t expecting Piastri to come back at him

[Jimmy Floyd]

An F1 driver not expecting another F1 driver to try and overtake him, maybe he should start a new career in the McLaren post room if he doesn't want surprises.

[Gray Fox]

How dare my teammate want to win a race.

[Shindig]

He did take 8 points out of Verstappen's lead. That's like bare minimum to claw it back by the end of the season.

[Gray Fox]

I've said before but I think the damage is already done before today.

Lando should at least have won Austria and Silverstone. Instead Max actually extended his lead over those weekends.

[Ben]

Verstappen out to 8/15 to win the title. I might take Jim's suggestion and pile in on that. Norris is making far too many mistakes to be a World Champion.

[niko_cee]

Verstappen will also 100% take Norris out at some point should it be required. Probably won't get to that point though.

[Waffdon]

Verstappen out to 8/15 to win the title. I might take Jim's suggestion and pile in on that. Norris is making far too many mistakes to be a World Champion.

I thought he’d go to that if Norris won. Christ, that’s short as fuck.

11/8 for Norris is beyond mental. I suppose today was the equivalent of Norris winning and Verstappen finishing 2nd with the fastest lap but still. So fkn short. Bookies must really think that red bull have zero chance of getting close in any of the future races

[Jimmy Floyd]

He's over 60 points behind ffs. All he needs is a favourable safety car somewhere or Lando to trip over someone and it's unassailable.

[Waffdon]

Yep. It doesn’t really make much sense. Only logic I can see is that for him to beat Verstappen by 1 point he needs to average 7.8 points each week or something and he’s finished 8 points clear both times since last week.

Not sure how many sprint races there are left but that’s hardly been a strong point and suits red bull if anything

[Shindig]

3 sprint races left: CotAs, Interlagos and Losail.

[Ben]

I've just noticed Haas are still using last season's Ferrari engine, whilst Sauber have this year's (same spec as factory team).

Anyone know why? I can't seem to find an explanation. I actually thought it was against the rules (because factories must supply an equal engine to their customers). So unless Haas have specifically requested to use an old engine, but why would you do that?

Also, in other Haas news, Magnussen got more penalty points yesterday so he's banned for Azerbaijan.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I was thinking during the race I was sure he was one transgression away from a ban, Crofty should be across that sort of thing really.

Presumably Ollie B gets a chance, as does his vomit-inducing public school accent.

[Gray Fox]

Other than when Mercedes stole Russell for a weekend in Bahrain, when is the last time someone raced for two different teams in the same year?

Not counting little Red Bull to big Red Bull, is it Fisi?

[Shindig]

Yeah, I think it's Fisichella. Vettel had two drives in 2007 but this is the first time I can think of someone deputising twice.

[thommo]

Sainz in 2017, he moved to Renault from Toro Rosso near the end of the season.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Sounds like Newey to Aston Martin is done.

Announcement expected before Baku.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Monza to Baku is a hell of a slide. One of the best venues to the absolute fucking worst shithole imaginable, other than Jeddah.

[SincereTheRebel]

Also mclaren do way too much bullshit on the radio to their drivers. Talking rubbish on the airways.

[phonics]

Newey to Aston

[Waffdon]

Verstappen and Stroll from 2026 then

[SincereTheRebel]

Compared to other nations, why are Italian F1 drivers so terrible?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Mentally all over the place mummy's boys. Despite being one of the main centres of the motor racing industry they haven't had a world class driver for almost 70 years. See if this new lad can break the spell.

[Serj]

Could it also be that most of the Spanish/Italian interest plus youth infrastructure in racing is in two-wheelers, eg MotoGP and consorts? I'm completely uninformed about other racing car classes, but the motorbike standings are completely dominated by Spain and Italy.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Spanish side yes (and it's much cheaper to run a bike than a car) but the Italians have no excuse given the car racing infrastructure. Nor do the French, actually.

[Ben]

Dorna have (apparently) mandated that MotoGP teams are not allowed to sign Spanish or Italian riders going forward, unless one leaves the series first. Scared they'll end up with a 22 man grid consisting of 14 Spaniards and 8 Italians in a few years otherwise.

[SincereTheRebel]

My reason for asking was because as mentioned, the history regards to italy and motor racing. The drivers getting thrown into MotoGP makes sense

[Jimmy Floyd]

They have had loads of drivers, but only seven who have made 100+ starts, and of those seven, two (de Cesaris and Martini) were not that talented at all, three (Fisichella, Trulli and Patrese) were front of the midfield men at best, which leaves you with the possibly underrated Michele Alboreto (5 wins, a string of shit cars) and Elio de Angelis who was killed in testing but probably the best of the bunch.

[SincereTheRebel]

Confirmed

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13211467/adrian-newey-aston-martin-confirm-signing-of-legendary-f1-designer-as-managing-technical-partner-after-red-bull-exit

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What are the Stroll lovers going to say when he's still wank?

[Pepe]

Stroll lovers?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Sounds like something from the local paper. 'Stroll lovers furious as council blocks off much-loved footpath'

[niko_cee]

Wonder if £30m-a-year buys you the advice that your son is a bit shit, or not?

[Jimmy Floyd]

He's very aware that his son is a bit shit, which is why he needs to spend that much on Adrian Newey.

[Gray Fox]

You should all look into his junior series title win to see how he approaches his son being shit.

[SincereTheRebel]

Mclaren have confirmed that pastry has been asked to back lando in his title fight against Max. He would be 10 points better off if they did this a few races ago.

[Clunge]

Very likely too late, but if they can pull it off and overhaul Max, I will lol my pants off. The seethe will be absolutely incredible. He'll probs end up in the Aston in 2026...

Horner can get fucked. I've not longed for someone's downfall more for an eternity.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I don't think Max will seethe, he's a good racer and knows the score. Helmut and co will absolutely seethe.

Macca winning the constructors would be good though, how long has it been. 2007?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Just had a look at the tables for a first time in a while. Only 25 retirements all season, 4 of them to Sargent. Someone introduce some jeopardy ffs.

It hadn't quite sunk in how useless Kick Sauber Stake Fuck Shit are. Zero points, and Valtteri Bottas is 22nd in the drivers' championship on a 20-car grid. Good effort son.

[Gray Fox]

Bearman still now being above 6 of the drivers in the table, despite there having been 14 races since he did his only one, is comical. Also perhaps proof of the size of the gap between top and bottom.

Incredible given that, that McLaren went from genuine last place contender in Spring '23 to where they are now.

[Gray Fox]

I don't think Max will seethe, he's a good racer and knows the score. Helmut and co will absolutely seethe.

Macca winning the constructors would be good though, how long has it been. 2007?

You need to go back to the Hakkinen days. 1998 I think.

[Ben]

2007 was the spying shit wasn't it so they got nul points.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I forgot about spygate. Bernie and Max windmilling everyone to death, literally in Nigel Stepney's case. Photocopier shops in Woking high street. Ron Dennis issuing laughably wordy statements. Great days. Just a year before Crashgate, too.

All the scandals now are 14 year old playground stuff by comparison.

[Waffdon]

Another tight quali incoming. Think one of the big dogs may get fucked over with a red flag. Been loads throughout practice

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

McLaren had a very wonky practice too.

Although the third session seems to have been better.

[Waffdon]

Red Bull look back to being competitive without any kerbs. Perez loves this place after all. Same with Leclerc, wouldn’t be shocked if either of them two finish P1

[Waffdon]

Leclerc looking rapid here. He’s not that far behind Norris and Ferrari really aren’t that far behind Red Bull in constructions

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What the fuck Williams?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Lando :face:

[Gray Fox]

Everyone wanting Piastri to be Bottas when Lando just isn't Lewis.

[Waffdon]

Did they tell Norris to pit because of the yellow flag in sector 3? I have no idea why else they’d apologise

[Waffdon]

Well, I sort of called it. It was a yellow flag rather than a red flag fucking someone over. Norris was up on Piastri so it never made sense why he would box other than being costed by a flag.

Season over

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

War should be declared on the French.

Fucking Ocon.

[niko_cee]

Can McLaren now take a million engine parts grid penalties to salvage something from this weekend?

[Waffdon]

They may as well at this point. Nothing to lose really.

We are all Charles Leclerc.

[SincereTheRebel]

Bearman and the Argie. :cool:

[Waffdon]

Colapinto :cool:

[Gray Fox]

Logi Bear going to be sat at home furious.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

White flag!?!?

McLaren screwed Lando?

[Waffdon]

Just shows how fucking shite people like him are. Zhou, Sergeant and Latifi are beyond pathetic

[Waffdon]

White flag!?!?

McLaren screwed Lando?

Makes sense why they were apologising.

He needs a new engineer

[SincereTheRebel]

Just shows how fucking shite people like him are. Zhou, Sergeant and Latifi are beyond pathetic

Couldnt have said it better myself

[Adramelch]

I don't know if I'd put Zhou in the same bracket as Sargeant and Latifi. He's not quite F1 quality but he's also not a complete joke like the other two.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Williams have royally fucked Albon there.

[Waffdon]

He absolutely is. Look how far behind he is to Bottas every single race.

Who put Baku and Singapore back to back? Two absolute snooze fests you can’t overtake on

[Gray Fox]

Zhou has had a car that's only got worse since he came in. Hasn't really had fair chance. 8 people could DNF and it'd still struggle to get points.

[Adramelch]

He has finished ahead of Bottas on about a third of the GPs this season and is ahead of him on the standings. They are driving a fucking tractor. You can't compare that with Latifi and Sargeant, for whom finishing a race would be considered a massive success.