F1 2020 Season

First topic message reminder :

That said id rather the default position be racing incidents unless someone does something dangerous. We do want people to try to overtake even if it goes wrong at times

Merc were slow in Q with poor setup and not working the softs, and now it seems they’ve got some Mgu-k issue to deal with, hence RB and Verstappen looking very comfortable in that first stint.

Sounds like Sainz will receive a penalty post race, but totally worth it as he kept track position on Stroll

Stroll needs to pull his finger out. RP/Stroll being exposed here, without Perez delivering the big points. Sainz might get a five second penalty but he’s got a gap to Gasly.

Boring, boring track. Looking like a comfortable win for Verstappen, with Mercedes’ issues.

Good god this race is a non event

McLaren have done RP in the constructors, even with a five second pen for Sainz.

Unfortunately, Bottas and Albon have probably done enough to keep their jobs.

You knew their was an issue this weekend for Merc/mgu-k, when Norris qualified within 0.2 tenths of them.

Only interesting thing that’s happened is Crofty saying that it’s likely Portugal replaces Vietnam on the calendar next year

This is perennially a terrible gp

Just John wrote:Stroll needs to pull his finger out. RP/Stroll being exposed here, without Perez delivering the big points.

Conveniently overlooking the mechanical issues Stroll had then. How is Stroll being exposed for not having the power he usually has?

Welp - quite the anticlimactic end to the season, after a couple of exciting races in Bahrain.

Max leads from start to finish with no issues.

Apparently Mercedes dialled back their engines to protect the MGU-Ks - which meant Verstappen was able to cruise after building a lead, which was around 12 seconds by the end of the race.

A few interesting duels involving Sainz, Gasly and Leclerc, but other than that, definitely one to forget.

Albon may have just saved his seat, with another decent performance. Shame he left it so late to catch Hamilton. A few laps earlier and he could have been fighting for a podium.

If Perez had been able to have another good performance and finish ahead of Alex, it might have helped sway RB's decision. Maybe he's already done enough...guess we'll see...

Another solid race for McLaren, bagging enough points to secure 3rd in the constructor's championship. Looking forward to see how they go next season with Mercedes powertrains.

Decent race for Renault with both cars in the top 10. Ricciardo is looking like he's got his mojo back. Hope he can perform as well for McLaren.

The end of another eventful season. A couple of team name changes and a round of driver musical chairs to follow and we'll be doing it all again in around 3 months...

This is by far one of the worse tracks in F1 history. Supposedly there are multiple variations they could use. Hopefully they explore this as in its current form this track has no business being on the calendar.

Since 2017 Verstappen has as many wins as Bottas - ultimately showing how pathetic Bottas is.

The variations basically split the track in half between the final corner and the first straight. It's just a terrible track for racing.

Gonna be too little too late for Albon, particularly when Max wins very comfortably.

McLaren getting ahead of RP might be regarded as karma, with RP running a dubiously legal car.

Thought for Sainz who thought he was leaving for a top 3 team and ends up leaving one

Horner said the decision on that second Red Bull seat will be made sooner rather than later

Kyvat revealed post race what everyone knew anyways, he’s lost the second AlphaTauri seat for next year

Duplicate

Also as I previously stated Perez was red bull bound, seems like that could be off. Verstappen ‘raging’ that Hulkenberg hasn’t already been confirmed.
Remains to be seen what Marko does as Red Bull needs Verstappen more than Verstappen needs Red Bull.

GSC wrote:Thought for Sainz who thought he was leaving for a top 3 team and ends up leaving one

Tbf, Ferrari are coming with a completely new engine next year, so no reason they can’t be a top 3 team next season.

Kyvat possibly heading to Ferrari for a reserve role in 21’ too.

Chassis needs a fair amount of work as well. Don't think you'll see much change next season on that front with a mixture of covid freezing budgets and a major regulation change coming in 2022

Well I don't think RB would be going very far wrong, picking either Perez or Hulk. Sergio is the more logical choice as he is up to speed on the cars and has been performing well.

Kvyat's departure means there's a seat at Alpha Tauri for Albon.

Still got my fingers crossed there will be a seat for Hulk in 2022, if not next season. If / when Russell gets promoted to Mercedes, there will be a seat at Williams (who he's got history with).


Silver lining for drivers going to struggling teams is that its going to be all change when the new regs kick in, so potentially only 1 more season of strife.

Think it will be Perez and Tsunoda announced next week. Albon reserve driver, covering both teams.

Red Bull’s acquisition of the Honda power unit department is pivotal on Tsunoda being in that second AlphaTauri car.

Just to also add Ferrari’s new engine is rubbish. Dyno tests show its only just better than the current one.

Just John wrote:Think it will be Perez and Tsunoda announced next week. Albon reserve driver, covering both teams.

Ted Kravitz said it could be announced tomorrow

AT confirm Tsunoda, so all eyes on RB

F1 staying at interlagos for the next 5 years

Jeff Navarro wrote:Red Bull’s acquisition of the Honda power unit department is pivotal on Tsunoda being in that second AlphaTauri car.

Thats usually not a great sign, when a team has to give a seat to a driver in return for technical or financial benefits. Tsunoda's only had 1 season in F2 and finished third. Still, there isn't major pressure in driving for AT, so I guess he'll have time to prove himself.


Also great to read the local authorities in Brazil refused to give planning permission for the proposed Deodoro circuit...and that Interlagos is back on the calendar for next season.

Last but not least, while we may be underwhelmed by the lack of technical changes next season, teams will still be allowed to spend any development tokens they have, on improving their engines, chassis or aero package. That last one will be important as next season's regs will involve removing part of the floor, in an effort to reduce downforce & thus slow the cars (to protect the unreliable / unpredictable Pirelli tyres).

I expect the teams are going to spend a fair few tokens trying to claw back the performance they will lose with the new floors.

Dutch media saying Perez to be announced tomorrow at RB

RB announce a major announcement for today.  De Telegraaf with close ties to Verstappen say Perez will be announced as the second driver.  It is what was expected.

So for 2021 there will be quite a few driver movements to other teams and some new drivers.  The only teams with an unchanged line up is going to be Mercedes, Williams and Alfa Romeo.   George Russell will be left to stagnate for another year in the Williams.  The 2020 season was the worst ever season for Williams in Formula One with no points, down from 1 point of last year.  

It will be interesting to see how Perez gets on in the Red Bull, how Tsunoda gets on in the Alpha Tauri, Alonso in the Renault, Ricciardo at McLaren and Sainz at Ferrari.    Expect Haas' Schumacher and Mazepin to be scrapping at the back of the field with the Williams and the Alfa Romeos.

There’s been a change in the Mercedes ownership. Mercedes has reduced their stake - now its an equal 33% stake for Mercedes, Wolff and Ineos.
Wolff stays as team boss for the next 3 years.

Jeff Navarro wrote:There’s been a change in the Mercedes ownership. Mercedes has reduced their stake - now its an equal 33% stake for Mercedes, Wolff and Ineos.
Wolff stays as team boss for the next 3 years.

Should stabilise the team, and give some reassurance to investors, partners and key staff, that it’s normal service resumed. I imagine further down the line, Ineos complete a full takeover.

As for Toto, he won’t be there for the three years. Likely to step aside for the new regs, and take up his new role, away from the track. I imagine Hamilton signs relatively quickly after this.

Perez signs for RB with Albon demoted to reserve driver

GSC wrote:Perez signs for RB with Albon demoted to reserve driver

From a racing decision, and from who was available, it was a no-brainer.

One-year contract for Perez. I’d imagine RB will look at Tsunoda for 2022, but if he fails against Gasly, then Perez could end up staying longer. Not the end of the road for Albon, he’s likely to be on the grid in that AT, with Gasly eyeing up a seat at Alpine for, 2022.

Jost Capito has been announced as the new Williams CEO, with Simon Roberts confirmed as team principal.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/55349977

Jost's most recent involvement in F1 was with McLaren, but he only spent 5 months there before being released after the trouble with Ron Dennis.

Aside from that he has considerable experience in motorsport, both on a personal level as a biker and rally driver. He has also headed motorsport programmes for Porsche, BMW and Volkswagen.

Lets hope this is the start of a reversal in fortunes for the team.

Some Ferrari news - Alfa Romeo’s partnership with Sauber is looking very shaky. Sauber side of the team very angry at Ferrari’s engine woes and subsequent decision to move Schumacher to Haas.
Sauber will ditch Alfa Romeo/Ferrari if they suffer more engine issues. Ferrari maybe forced to pay extra to keep partnership going from 2022-26.

I am glad to see that Perez has got the Red Bull drive he deserves. A little disappointed if, as someone earlier suggested, that Max Verstappen was unhappy with that appointment. If I had the choice of Perez or Hulkenberg I'd take Perez every day. On top of that he comes with financial backing too so it really is a no brainer.

Craig I don’t think Perez’s sponsorships are all that essential, Dr Mateschitz will not allow rival sponsors on his cars.
Hulkenberg supposedly was removed as a possibility because he’s too big and Newey thought it would affect the cars development.

Jeff Navarro wrote:Craig I don’t think Perez’s sponsorships are all that essential, Dr Mateschitz will not allow rival sponsors on his cars.
Hulkenberg supposedly was removed as a possibility because he’s too big and Newey thought it would affect the cars development.

Even sponsorship benefits removed I see Perez as the better option than Hulkenberg. Point taken though about Nico's size being a problem.

Jeff Navarro wrote:Craig I don’t think Perez’s sponsorships are all that essential, Dr Mateschitz will not allow rival sponsors on his cars.
Hulkenberg supposedly was removed as a possibility because he’s too big and Newey thought it would affect the cars development.

Doesn't make a lot of sense to me, since Perez isn't sponsored by what you could call "rival" brands. Telmex, Telcel and Claro aren't in the energy drinks business. Plus they sponsor several other teams - you tend to see their logos in more discreet areas like the wings and nose, rather than plastered down the sidepods or engine covers.

Perez makes sense over Hulkenberg as he has more recent experience (obviously) and has been performing well.

But ruling Hulk out because of his size also seems weird. George Russell is over 6 feet tall, but I wouldn't hesitate to design a car around him. Hopefully Williams will at least give him a test with a view to driving for them when Russell goes to Mercedes.

The likelihood of Hulkenberg being in the sport, after two years out, is remote. F1 moves on very quickly

Apparently, several of Haas's sponsors have told Haas they do not want to be associated with Mazepin, after that leaked video. Replacements being considered.

dyrewolfe wrote:

Jeff Navarro wrote:Craig I don’t think Perez’s sponsorships are all that essential, Dr Mateschitz will not allow rival sponsors on his cars.
Hulkenberg supposedly was removed as a possibility because he’s too big and Newey thought it would affect the cars development.

Doesn't make a lot of sense to me, since Perez isn't sponsored by what you could call "rival" brands. Telmex, Telcel and Claro aren't in the energy drinks business. Plus they sponsor several other teams - you tend to see their logos in more discreet areas like the wings and nose, rather than plastered down the sidepods or engine covers.

Perez makes sense over Hulkenberg as he has more recent experience (obviously) and has been performing well.

But ruling Hulk out because of his size also seems weird. George Russell is over 6 feet tall, but I wouldn't hesitate to design a car around him. Hopefully Williams will at least give him a test with a view to driving for them when Russell goes to Mercedes.

Hulkenberg is 6in taller than Verstappen so both cars would be totally screwed when they want to gather data - Hulkenberg had a potential move to Ferrari collapse over the same issue.
Russell being very tall for Williams isn’t really an issue as the car is woeful so it’s not all that important.

With regards to Mazepin, I hearing his father was paying around $25m for the ‘multi year deal’ - supposedly 2 years guaranteed, 3rd year Haas could cut him lose if his performances where rubbish.
There’s literally no one if their list of options that brings money like that to the table.
Hulkenberg - no sponsors
Kvyat - Russian backed but they won’t commit $25m
Illot - Ferrari discount
Schwartzman - Ferrari discount
Fittipaldi - deepest pockets but his career has never really recovered from his brutal indycar accident.

Hulkenburg had plenty of opportunity and didn't take it when he was in the sport - he's obviously a fine driver, but ultimately that 2019 German GP was the nail in his coffin...just couldn't do it when needed.

Jeff Navarro wrote:

dyrewolfe wrote:

Jeff Navarro wrote:Craig I don’t think Perez’s sponsorships are all that essential, Dr Mateschitz will not allow rival sponsors on his cars.
Hulkenberg supposedly was removed as a possibility because he’s too big and Newey thought it would affect the cars development.

Doesn't make a lot of sense to me, since Perez isn't sponsored by what you could call "rival" brands. Telmex, Telcel and Claro aren't in the energy drinks business. Plus they sponsor several other teams - you tend to see their logos in more discreet areas like the wings and nose, rather than plastered down the sidepods or engine covers.

Perez makes sense over Hulkenberg as he has more recent experience (obviously) and has been performing well.

But ruling Hulk out because of his size also seems weird. George Russell is over 6 feet tall, but I wouldn't hesitate to design a car around him. Hopefully Williams will at least give him a test with a view to driving for them when Russell goes to Mercedes.

Hulkenberg is 6in taller than Verstappen so both cars would be totally screwed when they want to gather data - Hulkenberg had a potential move to Ferrari collapse over the same issue.
Russell being very tall for Williams isn’t really an issue as the car is woeful so it’s not all that important.

But Hamilton is only 5' 7" so by your logic, if he was still with the team when Russell moved, then Mercedes' car would be totally screwed.

I'm pretty sure its possible to design a car to fit two sizes of driver. Most of the problems are around the cockpit design, making sure there is enough leg room, back & neck support and that they have adequate visibility. Seat design is a big part of this - hence why they have custom seats made. There might be some impact on the front aerodynamics...but then they are supposed to have some of the best designers in the business, so it should be possible.

Heck, it wasn't a problem for Racing Point to accommodate him as an emergency stand-in...and that was without any previous preparation or time with the car.

Just John wrote:The likelihood of Hulkenberg being in the sport, after two years out, is remote. F1 moves on very quickly

Apparently, several of Haas's sponsors have told Haas they do not want to be associated with Mazepin, after that leaked video. Replacements being considered.

Lol. The usual corporate hypersensitivity. Got to love how the suits panic at anything with even the slightest hint of something that might tarnish their brands.

According to an article in the Daily Fail, the young lady in question has been friends with Marzipan for some time and the groping was something she took as a joke. It was even her idea to post the video...

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-9075287/Has-Nikita-Mazepin-replaced-Haas-Controversial-driver-removes-F1-team-social-media.html

Ms D'Ival appeared to push Mazepin away from her in the footage as he grabbed her chest, raising her middle finger at the camera. He captioned the video: 'She's the best.'

However, writing on her Instagram Stories, she said: 'Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know that Nikita and I have been friends for a long time and nothing in the video was meant seriously.

'We trust each other and it's just been fun between the two of us. I posted the video as a joke in his story. I'm really sorry.'

But of course, the rest of the world goes, "REEEEEEE...MISOGYNIST...PERVERT!"

If I were his team boss, I think I might have been more annoyed at the lack of Covid precautions.

I suspect if Mazepin was a prodigy rather than a pay driver the outcry would be somewhat less

Season now opens in Bahrain, Australia has moved to the 3rd last race, presumably covid related.

Imola(!) is now the 2nd race

There's also a gap clear in the 3rd race to be filled

GSC wrote:There's also a gap clear in the 3rd race to be filled

The rumour is this will be Portimao again, with Spain the race after

This thread has been locked as requested.

2021 thread!

https://www.606v2.com/t69914-f1-2021-season