F1 2019 season

First topic message reminder :

Felt like a new season deserves a new thread...

It's reported in Italy that Maurizio Arrivabene has been fired. His strained relationship with Ferrari's prized asset Sebastian Vettel and cost him his job. Arrivabene got one last dig at Vettel though by replacing Raikkonen with LeClerc.

Mattia Binotto will be confirmed as new team boss

Yeah, wake me up in 2020

Pierre Gasly had enough distance ahead of seventh place Ricciardo - to be brought in by Red Bull for an additional pit stop to put on fresh tyres near the end of the race - and that's how he got the fastest race lap. This was one of the predicted tactics that the additional point for fastest lap would lead to.

GSC wrote:Yeah, wake me up in 2020

No guarantee that ends Mercedes being dominant. Most likely, this lasts until, 2021. Unfortunately for the sport, Ferrari have disappointingly showcased themselves, to be an extremely incompetent team, that is highly incapable of performing at the level and professionalism of Mercedes.

Ferrari seem to have gone backwards. They clearly have an underlying issue with the reliability of the PU, which appears to cause them to run a detuned engine. They also seem to have gone in the wrong direction, in terms of front wing development. To add to that, LeClerc is now causing them strategical headaches, that Raikkonen was unable to create, happily playing a #2 role. Also, Sebastian Vettel is now on an eleven race winless streak. Chaos.

Well that was pretty anti-climactic for the 1,000th GP.

A bit of excitement at the start and some decent duelling between Verstappen & Vettel and that was pretty much it.

Shame that Bottas fluffed his start...although I'm sure Hamilton benefitted from all that extra rubber on his side of the track. Was very disappointed that Valtteri didn't put more pressure on Lewis. Seemed to have another one of those races where he just held position.

Quite disgusted with Ferrari. I know they have stated they want to protect their #1 driver, but Seb wasn't faster than Charles when they gave the order to switch places. He didn't pull away from Leclerc and the gap to the Mercs only increased.

So they screwed themselves over right there for starters. They then proceeded to screw themselves over again by leaving Leclerc out on old tyres, allowing Verstappen to undercut him.

So instead of a potential 3-4 finish they ended up with a 3-5...losing more ground to Merc in the constructor's championship.

Are they actually that desperate to keep Seb happy that they're willing sacrifice constructors' points?


I mean I could understand these tactics of Ferrari were actually in contention for the titles, but right now Mercedes are in a class of their own. All Ferrari are doing is deciding who gets the runner-up spots.


Aside from that, good to see Gasly scoring some points for RB and Ricciardo getting in the top 10.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:F1 is rapidly becoming like the Scottish Premier League - Mercedes being the Celtic, the rest being rubbish/awful. Lewis Hamilton is essentially the Leigh Griffiths of the racing world.

Also a shame to see my boy Lance's race ruined by Grosjean. I hope the man with the most potential on the grid can bounceback at the Heineken in a fortnight

As I said above, F1 is essentially now the SPL - one dominant side and a load of nothingness beneath them. Going to be a long, boring season ahead...

The worst era in F1's history. These rubbish hybrid engines that Mercedes forced to be implemented. Mercedes lacked balls to challenge under the V8 engines.

Someone elsewhere mentioned that a honda powered vehicle is currently third in the drivers championship ahead of ferrari powered vehicles and renault powered vehicles. So basically Honda now has a competitive engine and maybe its development trajectory is still on the rise.

Probably Red Bull made the best strategy decisions in the race, whilst Ferrari maybe the worst. Driver of the day was given to tenth placed finisher Alexander Albon of Toro Rosso.

Nathaniel Jacobs wrote:The worst era in F1's history. These rubbish hybrid engines that Mercedes forced to be implemented. Mercedes lacked balls to challenge under the V8 engines.

Maybe they did, but the decision to switch to hybrid V6s was made by all the teams (the ones with decision-making powers anyway). Renault entering their own team was also contingent upon this engine formula. So it wasn't just Merc's decision. Also there was no guarantee they would come out ahead of the rest, after the switch was made. It just happens to have turned out that way. It could just as easily have been Ferrari or Renault.

I agree its a crap engine formula though. Too expensive, too complicated, too unreliable and the noise is pathetic, compared to the old V10s and V12s.

The environmental justification is a load of BS too, as the vast majority of F1's carbon footprint comes from the development & production of the cars and transporting all the gear across the world. The fuel used & CO2 emissions over a race weekend is almost negligible, in comparison.

I think a 21 race series is too many - especially given the processional nature of most races - where all the action occurs in the first few laps and most of the subsequent overtaking occurs through pit stop strategies (undercutting).  And a three engine limit is too few and will definitely start to have an impact in later rounds.

No name Bertie wrote:I think a 21 race series is too many - especially given the processional nature of most races - where all the action occurs in the first few laps and most of the subsequent overtaking occurs through pit stop strategies (undercutting).  And a three engine limit is too few and will definitely start to have an impact in later rounds.

Giovinazzi is the first driver to take an engine penalty this season. Didn't take long...

All the Ferrari-engined teams, except Alfa, fitted new electronics after Leclerc's problem in Bahrain. Alfa are now following suit for Baku, with both drivers getting the upgraded control system. Gio the only one penalised though, since he suffered an identical issue to Leclerc in Shanghai and had the control system replaced with an identical one.

FP1 abandoned in Baku after a loose drain cover destroyed George Russell's Williams. Cash strapped Williams can't really afford misfortune like that

Nathaniel Jacobs wrote:FP1 abandoned in Baku after a loose drain cover destroyed George Russell's Williams. Cash strapped Williams can't really afford misfortune like that

I look forward to hearing how it's Lewis Hamilton's fault

Lewis says he sees himself in LeClerc

LeClerc disturbs the drain cover which caused the damage to the Williams 

See, easy

Leclerc fastest in FP2.  All the signs indicate that Leclerc (& his team) is genuinely competing at least on a par with or better than Vettel (& his team) - which is surprising given Leclerc's rookie status with Ferrari and him competing with someone who is into their fifth season at Ferrari.  Leclerc is certainly posing more of a challenge to Vettel in Ferrari than Kimi Räikkönen.  

In all three races so far Ferrari have intervened (or tried to) on race day to slow Leclerc down in favour of Vettel.   During the China grand prix they ordered Leclerc to slow down to allow Vettel to pass and then had Leclerc play wingman, keeping him out on old tires to try to slow down Bottas.  That failed and the time Leclerc lost meant he ended up losing an additional place (to Verstappen).

The two weekend so far when LeClerc has lead the timing charts has been at tracks he dominated at F2 - Bahrain and now Baku. He was more so less untouchable in F2 at these events

Pierre Gasly's woes have intensified with a weight bridge infringement in FP2, as he result the Frenchman will start from the pitlane. Struggling to see Gasly last the season

Charles Leclerc has hit the ground running and more - if we compare his perfomance at the beginning of his first season with Ferrari with that of Pierre Gasly and the beginning of his first season with Red Bull there has been a world of difference (and Red Bull are normally good at identifying talent).

But Leclerc is doing comparatively far better than most other rookies or first season drivers for major teams.  For example Bottas' first two seasons at Mercedes were relatively poor (especially the second season) failing to provide a decent challenge for Hamilton.

One would expect some bedding in period when moving up to a top level racing team but it hasn't happened for Leclerc - indicating that he is a very special talent.  Him and Verstappen are surely both future World Champions in the waiting.

Gasly needs to be looking over his shoulder, at Red Bull stable mate, Alex Albon. The boy has real talent and sooner or later Ticktum will be on the scene as well

Charles LeClerc continues his love affair in Azerbaijan with another dominant session in FP3.

It’s painful watching Kubica in F1. That Williams car looks a write-off

Renault's chassis is clearly rubbish as McLaren with the same engine are miles up the road.

Big accident for Kubica at the castle section

Stroll out in Q1 for the eighth race in a row. Excuse - foggy visor

LeClerc does a Kubica Out of Q

LeClerc more than quick enough to come through and still win.

Williams drivers reporting that their car is too slow and the track temperature too cold for them to get sufficient heat into their tyres to get them to properly work.

I never really liked the Baku track - that section going up the hill next to the castle wall - seemed like a death trap - so narrow, with shade and strong light. Seems a bit of a lottery. However some drivers seem to do well on it.

Another Ferrari junior Antonio Giovinazzi once again enjoying Baku. Previously done well in GP2 and the young Italian finally showing his teeth. Shame he screwed with his 10 place grid pen

Did Gasly not run in Q2 - he seems to have been placed last in Q2 - so not qualifying for Q3.

Mercedes front row lockout. Bottas Pole and Hamilton in 2nd. Vettel in third.

Good job Bottas when Ferrari are giving out gifts Mercedes good at getting lucky

It's impressive how consistent Ferrari have been this year, and in previous years, in squandering every opportunity available to them.

Gasly didnt stop for the weigh in during FP2 so he was starting from the pitlane

Gasly excluded from qualifying due to fuel flow infringement.

Might be the most meaningless penalty in history

GSC wrote:Might be the most meaningless penalty in history

I don't really understand it.  What is the point on penalising for weight in free practice - it gives no advantage as far as I can see.   Furthermore if there was to be a penalty a five place grid penalty would seem more appropriate than starting from the pit lane - in that it is still meaningful for him to  participate in qualifying.

Gasly's penalty for missing the weight bridge was harsh because Red Bull 'altered the condition of the car' e.g. changed the wheels so the FIA couldn't weight the car after that occurred. Had the wheels not been changed, Gasly probably would've probably got a similar fine that's Vettel received last season.

Kimi Raikkonen excluded from qualifying for illegal flexing of his front wing.

LeClerc up to eighth

No name Bertie wrote:Williams drivers reporting that their car is too slow and the track temperature too cold for them to get sufficient heat into their tyres to get them to properly work.

I never really liked the Baku track - that section going up the hill next to the castle wall - seemed like a death trap - so narrow, with shade and strong light.  Seems a bit of a lottery.  However some drivers seem to do well on it.

Yeah - I would like to see Turn 8 changed...maybe change the elevation of the road and do something with the kerbs, so that cars don't get launched so far. Don't think they can do anything about the width, as its right next to the castle. Or at least change the times qualifying and the race are held, so drivers aren't having to squint into strong sunlight.

On top of that, the awkward location means it can take over 20 minutes to clear a car / debris from the track if there's an accident.

Silly mistake from Charles, but I'm sure he'll learn from it. He's still in pretty good shape to score some decent points at least...maybe even challenge for a podium.

Great lap from Bottas to grab pole. Really hope he can convert it into a win today. Would really love to see a sustained challenge from him this season, instead of the occasional flourishes he's showed before. Even better if Leclerc can get into the mix.

Bottas gets redemption for last years woes and wins the Azerbaijani GP. Hamilton second and Vettel third.

Bottas
Hamilton
Vettel
Verstappen
LeClerc
Perez
Sainz
Norris
Stroll
Raikkonen

Carnage of the race was Riccardo reversing into Kvyat ending boths race.

Disappointing race, in terms of action. Mercedes 1-2 for the fourth race in a row. Hamilton asked the questions, but Bottas had the answers. Imagine it goes one of two ways. Hamilton finds that extra gear he has at some point, and he goes away from Bottas. Or, it’s one of those seasons for Hamilton, where he ends up not being motivated against what he perceives in Bottas, as opposition he should beat, he struggles, and Bottas pips him in Abu Dhabi.

As for Ferrari, another hugely disappointing weekend. Race pace was poor, Vettel looked slow, and LeClerc had another weekend full of promise, like Bahrain, just turn completely flat. I’d imagine Verstappen will most likely cause Ferrari more problems going forward.

Barcelona and Monaco up next. Usually borefests.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:F1 is rapidly becoming like the Scottish Premier League - Mercedes being the Celtic, the rest being rubbish/awful. Lewis Hamilton is essentially the Leigh Griffiths of the racing world.

Also a shame to see my boy Lance's race ruined by Grosjean. I hope the man with the most potential on the grid can bounceback at the Heineken in a fortnight

As I said above, F1 is essentially now the SPL - one dominant side and a load of nothingness beneath them. Going to be a long, boring season ahead...

Don’t see why these posts keep getting downvoted, it’s a pretty accurate comparison. We’re in for a heck of a boring season

But good again to see my boy Lance pickup points, driving what is essentially the Inverness Callie Thistle of cars, if only he was in the Celtic car like Hamilton and Bottas he’d storm the sport

Its funny how the presenters keep hyping up these races...only for them to be completely anti-climactic.

Well...not totally...but it certainly wasn't nearly as good as some of the previous ones.

Pretty interesting start...I did wonder for a few seconds if the two Mercs would hit each other. Good clean racing by both Valtteri & Lewis, showing the rest how it should be done.

Mildly interesting end too when it looked like Lewis would catch his team mate...but Valtteri stayed calm under pressure & finished the job well. Much as I'm a Hamilton fan, I am desperate to see a genuinely interesting title race.

Ferrari distinctly 2nd best once again and it seems I'm just getting more and more annoyed with them as each race goes past. Leclerc ordered to give up his position yet again, for no good reason. Didn't look like he was holding Vettel up to me.

Then to add insult to injury they kept him out for well over 30 laps, making sure his tyres were shot by the time he finally pitted, letting both RBs past. Honestly, they couldn't have done any more to screw Leclerc over if they'd tried.

At the moment, all they're doing is ensuring Seb finishes 3rd while throwing away constructors' points by messing up Charles' races.

Okay they had the presence of mind to pit him a 2nd time, right near the end, so he got the fastest lap, but that doesn't anywhere near make up for the places (and points) he lost.

Other than that, good to see both McLarens in the points again.

I forgot there was a race to be honest. Doesn't look like I missed much.

Fair play to Mercedes, they keep raising the bar. But F1 has never been in a worse state from a fans perspective than the last 5 years

According to reports I heard the Ferraris switched to the slower mediums rather than stick with the fast tyres for Q2, apparently the only team to do so. The change in performance of those tyres - is what caught Leclerc out in Q2 - they couldn't get enough heat into them to "properly work".

My impression is that of the first four races only Leclerc seems to be the one to challenge the Mercedes - but Ferrari's strategy of favouring Vettel has held Leclerc back. Still it is early days and there are another SEVENTEEN races to go so things may change.

GSC wrote:I forgot there was a race to be honest. Doesn't look like I missed much.

Fair play to Mercedes, they keep raising the bar. But F1 has never been in a worse state from a fans perspective than the last 5 years

Yeah 2021 can't come soon enough for me.

Baku produces great races in Gp2, where the difference in car performance is minimal and where the slipstream on the main straight is an overwhelming advantage. In F1, much less so at least at the front of the race, where the difference between the cars is so great. Plenty of overtaking in the midfield, but relatively little was on camera.

Never thought Lewis was going to seriously challenge Bottas towards the end - he ran a couple of quick laps to show that he could close the gap, but then eased off. Definitely the normal team order of hold station in the last 10 laps, don't risk putting both cars in the wall...

The oddity with the race was how poor the soft tyres were towards the end of the race. Was expecting Leclerc to really close back up on Max and Seb, but it never happened (disregarding that his stop came 3 or 4 laps too late), and similarly Norris went backwards after his last stop under the VSC, rather than closing up on Sainz and Perez (iirc) as expected.

The Dutch GP has agreed terms to return for 2020, contract not yet signed but all will be completed imminently. Netherlands will replace the out of contract Spanish GP, and honestly Barcelona is a boring race. Monza has also agreed a new 5 year deal, contract again not yet signed but mere minor details to iron out.

Fernando Alonso and #8 Toyota won the 6hrs of Spa in extraordinary conditions with snow falling at the legendary circuit.

Alonso and co have a 31pt advantage heading to Le Mans with a max 39pts available

Nathaniel Jacobs wrote:Fernando Alonso and #8 Toyota won the 6hrs of Spa in extraordinary conditions with snow falling at the legendary circuit.

Alonso and co have a 31pt advantage heading to Le Mans with a max 39pts available

Apparently this is going to be his last season in WEC. Going to finish this season with Toyota, then re-focus on IndyCar, with the intention of winning the Indy 500 to complete his Triple Crown.

Still saying he has no plans to return to F1, but also not definitively ruling it out...

Alonso’s WEC career was always going to be a quick snatch and grab. His name alone guaranteed him the best seat in the formula. Winning an uncontested LeMans 24 hrs was a gift, and he’s already close to securing the 2019 WEC championship, with Buemi and Nakajima this season.