2017 F1 season discussion thread

[GSC]

How much performance were Mercedes and RB holding back over the winter. Can Ferrari stop infighting long enough to launch a title bid. Will McLaren be taking engine penalties by Spain

[dyrewolfe]

Unfortunately, I suspect (like most people probably) that Merc were sandbagging during testing.

Its well known that teams can run their engines in a "de-tuned" state, to help preserve them. Honda openly admitted doing this...though they had more reason than most.

I reckon Mercedes will still have a second in hand over anyone else. Think it could be a close fight between Ferrari, Red Bull and Williams for the podiums.

Barring mechanical issues and driver errors, I'm still expecting Merc to be fairly dominant - though maybe not as many front row lockouts and 1-2 finishes.

[Jermaine2015]

Most people understand that Formula 1s viewership is in decline, hence why Mercedes(Wolff and Hamilton) suggesting that Ferrari are 'actually fastest'. Trying to gather more interest back into the sport lost by first Red Bull racing's domination, which was promptly followed by mercedes' even more dominant ruling of the sport.

Now let's say Ferrari are actually fastest and say they win 2/3 of the flyaway races. Then maybe many casual fans will be interested again.

But if Mercedes after all the hype building of Ferrari rock up and win by lapping everyone it would be another nail in the coffin

[dyrewolfe]

Just some gossip to add from the BBC website:

The FIA have decided to prioritise development of a protective "shield", based on Red Bull's aeroscreen design. it appears the "halo" design has been ditched, despite meeting the relevant safety criteria. The shield should be introduced next season.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/39713765


Long Beach, California is being considered as an alternate location for the US GP. The last time a F1 race was staged there was 1983.

The F1 Strategy Group (which will now include all teams) may decide to waive any penalties for excessive component use on Honda, to help them develop a competitive engine. I'm sure Sauber will be very keen on this too...

Robert Kubica has apparently not ruled out a return to F1...though he might find it tough to get back in, given he has not raced since 2011.

In other news, Bernie Ecclestone is sulking about how the sport is being run (i.e. without him). McLaren CEO Zak Brown has said the forthcoming Indy 500 may not be the only time they compete.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/39690457

[GSC]

Don't like how the Halo looks iirc.

Would guess Long Beach as a 2nd US GP?

[dyrewolfe]

Don't like how the Halo looks iirc.

Would guess Long Beach as a 2nd US GP?

I can see why Liberty would want 2 US races, but I guess it would depend on what the rest of the calendar looks like. Would they only do it if another venue dropped out, or would they want to make it a permanent thing?

[GSC]

Doesn't make sense to ditch CotA this early, worth sticking with as a long term market. Wouldn't surprise or devastate me if Baku isn't a long term fixture

[Fernando]

COTA has wonga issues

[GSC]

Doesn't every track. That's Bernies legacy

[dyrewolfe]

COTA has wonga issues

If Americans are struggling to find the cash, you know something's gone badly wrong somewhere.

[Sponsored content]