The F1 2018 thread - #Blessed

[Robbo-92]

Yeah it was the right call, just don't make a potentially made up excuse of Hamilton having a blister on his tyre just to make them swap, just tell them clearly to switch on lap X at corner Y and cut the excuses.

It's also amazing to see how (once again) Mercedes just seem to find another year towards the end of the gear regarding car development. Meanwhile Ferrari bring upgrades and they don't do much comparatively.

I called it was Hamilton's WDC when he was 30 points ahead (I think I did anyway!), may as well call it a day on that front now he's 50 points ahead.

[Pancake]

He looks likely to win the WDC now but it could still go tits up, you never know! One retirement makes it much tighter.

[Robbo-92]

Realistically it'll need to be 2 retirements now! Looking at the car even if Hamilton did DNF two races I'd say Bottas has a good chance of getting one if not both of the hypothetical wins. The Mercedes seems to have edged ahead of the Ferrari now in my eyes at least, not much but enough to make the difference.

[Vermilion]

Bottas was robbed

[floydfreak]

Formula 1 could get new qualifying format for 2019

The FIA is considering switching the Formula 1 qualifying format to four sessions for 2019 in an effort to generate more excitement

A revised format discussed at the recent Strategy Group meeting would involve four cars being eliminated in Q1, Q2 and Q3, leaving just eight for a final shootout in a new Q4 session.

The idea is that it would add create more uncertainty because the top runners would have to get everything right three times just to get into the final session, increasing the chances of unexpected results.
It could also make it potentially harder for even the faster drivers to gamble on getting into the final session on a harder tyre, because only eight rather than 10 slots would be available.
Another potential benefit is that the ninth and 10th qualifiers would have a free choice of tyres, meaning that fewer midfield drivers would face the problem of being committed to the 'wrong' tyre for the start.
The plan, first floated by the F1 organisation, will now be discussed further.
"It's more something that's come from F1," said F1 race director Charlie Whiting.
"They've been doing a lot of research among fans, and they feel this is one of the things that the fans would like.
"Slightly shorter [sessions], slightly shorter time between them, four go out in Q1, four, four, leaving eight.
"I personally think it's quite a nice idea, but that's not my decision."
Whiting said details such as the impact on tyre allocation still have to be discussed.

"Our next action is to see exactly what would be required tyre wise," he said.
"I can't honestly remember what Q4 was [proposed to be] in length - I think it was 10 minutes - and thus whether or not you could do two runs with two sets of tyres in Q4.
"That's something that needs to be looked at carefully."

The current qualifying format came under fresh criticism during last weekend's Russian Grand Prix when the combination of teams already condemned to component-change grid penalties sitting the session out and others being unwilling to compromise their race-day tyre tactics meant only 10 cars participated in Q2 and all automatically went through.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/13907 ... t-for-2019

Not needed imo will be another pointless not needed change

[captain red dog]

Crazier things have happened and it's not unfeasible that Hamilton could have two disastrous races. I guess that's why the team orders were deployed.

Another pretty crap race and it seems all the new modern circuits are the ones failing to bring any excitement. They don't truly seem to push all aspects of a driver/car in the same way a track like Monza would.

Ferrari have definitely dropped the ball in development again. Merc have come from behind and seem to have a large advantage. Vettel hits the stage next season where Schumacher was lifting his first title for Ferrari. I remember back then it felt like Ferrari were just desperate for success, there doesn't feel like anywhere near that urge to win from them during this current era.

[Return_of_the_STAR]

Formula 1 could get new qualifying format for 2019

The FIA is considering switching the Formula 1 qualifying format to four sessions for 2019 in an effort to generate more excitement

A revised format discussed at the recent Strategy Group meeting would involve four cars being eliminated in Q1, Q2 and Q3, leaving just eight for a final shootout in a new Q4 session.

The idea is that it would add create more uncertainty because the top runners would have to get everything right three times just to get into the final session, increasing the chances of unexpected results.
It could also make it potentially harder for even the faster drivers to gamble on getting into the final session on a harder tyre, because only eight rather than 10 slots would be available.
Another potential benefit is that the ninth and 10th qualifiers would have a free choice of tyres, meaning that fewer midfield drivers would face the problem of being committed to the 'wrong' tyre for the start.
The plan, first floated by the F1 organisation, will now be discussed further.
"It's more something that's come from F1," said F1 race director Charlie Whiting.
"They've been doing a lot of research among fans, and they feel this is one of the things that the fans would like.
"Slightly shorter [sessions], slightly shorter time between them, four go out in Q1, four, four, leaving eight.
"I personally think it's quite a nice idea, but that's not my decision."
Whiting said details such as the impact on tyre allocation still have to be discussed.

"Our next action is to see exactly what would be required tyre wise," he said.
"I can't honestly remember what Q4 was [proposed to be] in length - I think it was 10 minutes - and thus whether or not you could do two runs with two sets of tyres in Q4.
"That's something that needs to be looked at carefully."

The current qualifying format came under fresh criticism during last weekend's Russian Grand Prix when the combination of teams already condemned to component-change grid penalties sitting the session out and others being unwilling to compromise their race-day tyre tactics meant only 10 cars participated in Q2 and all automatically went through.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/13907 ... t-for-2019

Not needed imo will be another pointless not needed change

There’s nothing wrong with the current qualifying format. It’s exciting enough if you ask me. Far better than many races.

[Death's Head]

Formula 1 could get new qualifying format for 2019

The FIA is considering switching the Formula 1 qualifying format to four sessions for 2019 in an effort to generate more excitement

A revised format discussed at the recent Strategy Group meeting would involve four cars being eliminated in Q1, Q2 and Q3, leaving just eight for a final shootout in a new Q4 session.

The idea is that it would add create more uncertainty because the top runners would have to get everything right three times just to get into the final session, increasing the chances of unexpected results.
It could also make it potentially harder for even the faster drivers to gamble on getting into the final session on a harder tyre, because only eight rather than 10 slots would be available.
Another potential benefit is that the ninth and 10th qualifiers would have a free choice of tyres, meaning that fewer midfield drivers would face the problem of being committed to the 'wrong' tyre for the start.
The plan, first floated by the F1 organisation, will now be discussed further.
"It's more something that's come from F1," said F1 race director Charlie Whiting.
"They've been doing a lot of research among fans, and they feel this is one of the things that the fans would like.
"Slightly shorter [sessions], slightly shorter time between them, four go out in Q1, four, four, leaving eight.
"I personally think it's quite a nice idea, but that's not my decision."
Whiting said details such as the impact on tyre allocation still have to be discussed.

"Our next action is to see exactly what would be required tyre wise," he said.
"I can't honestly remember what Q4 was [proposed to be] in length - I think it was 10 minutes - and thus whether or not you could do two runs with two sets of tyres in Q4.
"That's something that needs to be looked at carefully."

The current qualifying format came under fresh criticism during last weekend's Russian Grand Prix when the combination of teams already condemned to component-change grid penalties sitting the session out and others being unwilling to compromise their race-day tyre tactics meant only 10 cars participated in Q2 and all automatically went through.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/13907 ... t-for-2019

Not needed imo will be another pointless not needed change

Agreed, we are going to end up with pretty much the same result.

[Snowcannon]

Formula 1 could get new qualifying format for 2019

The FIA is considering switching the Formula 1 qualifying format to four sessions for 2019 in an effort to generate more excitement

A revised format discussed at the recent Strategy Group meeting would involve four cars being eliminated in Q1, Q2 and Q3, leaving just eight for a final shootout in a new Q4 session.

The idea is that it would add create more uncertainty because the top runners would have to get everything right three times just to get into the final session, increasing the chances of unexpected results.
It could also make it potentially harder for even the faster drivers to gamble on getting into the final session on a harder tyre, because only eight rather than 10 slots would be available.
Another potential benefit is that the ninth and 10th qualifiers would have a free choice of tyres, meaning that fewer midfield drivers would face the problem of being committed to the 'wrong' tyre for the start.
The plan, first floated by the F1 organisation, will now be discussed further.
"It's more something that's come from F1," said F1 race director Charlie Whiting.
"They've been doing a lot of research among fans, and they feel this is one of the things that the fans would like.
"Slightly shorter [sessions], slightly shorter time between them, four go out in Q1, four, four, leaving eight.
"I personally think it's quite a nice idea, but that's not my decision."
Whiting said details such as the impact on tyre allocation still have to be discussed.

"Our next action is to see exactly what would be required tyre wise," he said.
"I can't honestly remember what Q4 was [proposed to be] in length - I think it was 10 minutes - and thus whether or not you could do two runs with two sets of tyres in Q4.
"That's something that needs to be looked at carefully."

The current qualifying format came under fresh criticism during last weekend's Russian Grand Prix when the combination of teams already condemned to component-change grid penalties sitting the session out and others being unwilling to compromise their race-day tyre tactics meant only 10 cars participated in Q2 and all automatically went through.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/13907 ... t-for-2019

Not needed imo will be another pointless not needed change

There’s nothing wrong with the current qualifying format. It’s exciting enough if you ask me. Far better than many races.

Well except for Q2 in Russia where none of the cars in the elimination zone went out

[Return_of_the_STAR]

Formula 1 could get new qualifying format for 2019

The FIA is considering switching the Formula 1 qualifying format to four sessions for 2019 in an effort to generate more excitement

A revised format discussed at the recent Strategy Group meeting would involve four cars being eliminated in Q1, Q2 and Q3, leaving just eight for a final shootout in a new Q4 session.

The idea is that it would add create more uncertainty because the top runners would have to get everything right three times just to get into the final session, increasing the chances of unexpected results.
It could also make it potentially harder for even the faster drivers to gamble on getting into the final session on a harder tyre, because only eight rather than 10 slots would be available.
Another potential benefit is that the ninth and 10th qualifiers would have a free choice of tyres, meaning that fewer midfield drivers would face the problem of being committed to the 'wrong' tyre for the start.
The plan, first floated by the F1 organisation, will now be discussed further.
"It's more something that's come from F1," said F1 race director Charlie Whiting.
"They've been doing a lot of research among fans, and they feel this is one of the things that the fans would like.
"Slightly shorter [sessions], slightly shorter time between them, four go out in Q1, four, four, leaving eight.
"I personally think it's quite a nice idea, but that's not my decision."
Whiting said details such as the impact on tyre allocation still have to be discussed.

"Our next action is to see exactly what would be required tyre wise," he said.
"I can't honestly remember what Q4 was [proposed to be] in length - I think it was 10 minutes - and thus whether or not you could do two runs with two sets of tyres in Q4.
"That's something that needs to be looked at carefully."

The current qualifying format came under fresh criticism during last weekend's Russian Grand Prix when the combination of teams already condemned to component-change grid penalties sitting the session out and others being unwilling to compromise their race-day tyre tactics meant only 10 cars participated in Q2 and all automatically went through.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/13907 ... t-for-2019

Not needed imo will be another pointless not needed change

There’s nothing wrong with the current qualifying format. It’s exciting enough if you ask me. Far better than many races.

Well except for Q2 in Russia where none of the cars in the elimination zone went out

I actually missed qualifying this week as I was working so wasn't aware but that doesn't happen often does it?

[BOR]

I propose a new qualifying format whoever goes the fastest can start at the back in the order.

[Death's Head]

I propose a new qualifying format whoever goes the fastest can start at the back in the order.

Better to have one qualifying session for the first race and then from the 2nd race onwards the starting grid is the reverse of how the previous race finished.

[Roonmastor]

New Quali sounds good. I usually record and skip to last two mins of each round because its the key bit. They could just drop the Q2 tyre choice rule though to fix the Russia issue.

[Victor Mildew]

Just give us a tyre war, but with 3 manufacturers instead of 2. Plummeting lap times and a spread throughout the field of different tyres. It'd be great.

[Vermilion]

Although it wasn't the most exciting format, the 1 hot lap system we had in the mid 2000's used to provide some really mixed up and interesting grids.

Also, yes, F1 needs a tyre war (again, that's what made the same mid 00's era so interesting as it had the Bridgestone/Michelin battle which often affected overall performance).

[Robbo-92]

Suzuka this weekend

I get a weird kick out of setting my alarm for the early hours to get up and watch F1. Not at work this weekend either so I'll probably go for FP3 and Qualy on Saturday. At work tomorrow so FP2 will have to do

[Vermilion]

I never watch Suzuka live, too damn early, for me it has to be the afternoon repeat showing.

[Victor Mildew]

I get up at 6 on weekends anyway so for me it's a watch at breakfast thing.

[Death's Head]

I get up at 6 on weekends anyway so for me it's a watch at breakfast thing.

Have a lay in, practise and 50 point lead suggests the season is over.

Still, in a few months everyone will be excited about the new season and claim it is set to be the best one yet.

[Robbo-92]

Yeah I'm not averse to getting up before 6, I'll be getting up at 4 to watch FP3 tomorrow as well.

I get up at 6 on weekends anyway so for me it's a watch at breakfast thing.

Have a lay in, practise and 50 point lead suggests the season is over.

Still, in a few months everyone will be excited about the new season and claim it is set to be the best one yet.

Yeah it is looking pretty good for Hamilton from FP1/2. Hopefully it can close up over FP3 and qualy but I'd still fully expect a Mercedes front row lock out come Sunday. I know it's always said as a joke but the way Mercedes have pulled away from Ferrari it really is like they've taken a couple of sandbags out their car. However the way Mercedes have pulled away in the last few races does coincide with a new sensor Ferrari have had to fit to monitor battery output (or something along that line anyway), dare say that's got nothing to do with it though