Formula One: 2017 Season News and Discussion Thread
#721
Easy to forget but Honda/BAR's 2004 F1 season saw them 2nd place in the constructors championship and 3rd place (Jenson Button) in the driver's championship. Also Jordan-Mugen/Honda placed 3rd in the constructors championship in 1998 and 3rd in the (HHF) in the drivers championships. Two rare bright season of Honda's post 1992 F1 involvement.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_F..._and_standings
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_F..._and_standings
#723
Nico Rosberg says he has no intention of returning to Formula 1 | Autoweek
Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg scoffs at reports that he might one day return to F1. The former Mercedes driver suddenly quit the series last December, mere days after winning the intense battle with teammate Lewis Hamilton for the 2016 title.
But Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said in Montreal: "I would not be surprised to one day see Nico racing at Ferrari or someone else. He's only 31, he's still young. Perhaps he will change his mind."
However, Rosberg said any talk about him coming back is wide off the mark.
"No, I really have finished my career," Rosberg told Germany's Sport Bild. "I am happy and proud of the results and the successes I have had. It fulfills me a lot. But it's now in the past, and I'm going to do new things."
Indeed, Rosberg even said he would turn down the offer of a one-off return just for fun, like his fellow F1 retiree Jenson Button in Monaco, when Button filled in for Fernando Alonso while Alonso took on the Indy 500.
"I've never thought about it, but I'd probably say no," said Rosberg.
And a foray in another series, like Formula E, is also off the Rosberg table for now.
"At the moment, no," he said. "I am currently looking for other challenges. But who knows. Maybe one day in the future."
But Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said in Montreal: "I would not be surprised to one day see Nico racing at Ferrari or someone else. He's only 31, he's still young. Perhaps he will change his mind."
However, Rosberg said any talk about him coming back is wide off the mark.
"No, I really have finished my career," Rosberg told Germany's Sport Bild. "I am happy and proud of the results and the successes I have had. It fulfills me a lot. But it's now in the past, and I'm going to do new things."
Indeed, Rosberg even said he would turn down the offer of a one-off return just for fun, like his fellow F1 retiree Jenson Button in Monaco, when Button filled in for Fernando Alonso while Alonso took on the Indy 500.
"I've never thought about it, but I'd probably say no," said Rosberg.
And a foray in another series, like Formula E, is also off the Rosberg table for now.
"At the moment, no," he said. "I am currently looking for other challenges. But who knows. Maybe one day in the future."
#724
Insight: Why have Honda struggled so much in F1? Maybe this is the reason
People are baffled about how the world’s largest engine maker, Honda, could have got its hybrid turbo engine programme so wrong, year after year. And perhaps the explanation lies in the fact that it has not been incestuous enough.
Let me explain.
Let me explain.
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Legend2TL (06-15-2017)
#726
Honda did hire in 2013 and fired at the beginning of the 2017 season, a former senior Ferrari senior engine designer, Gilles Simon who many inside Honda felt led them astray with PU engineering philosophy/approach.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/128383
Last edited by Legend2TL; 06-15-2017 at 03:59 PM.
#727
Massa targets another year in Formula 1 | PlanetF1 : PlanetF1
Felipe Massa is ready to extend his stay on the Formula 1 grid for another year after declaring himself "happy to continue".
After Valtteri Bottas left Williams for Mercedes, Massa ended his short-lived retirement and returned to his seat as the Williams hierarchy opted for an experienced driver to work alongside Canadian rookie Lance Stroll.
The Brazilian has finished inside the top 10 in four of the seven races in 2017 and feels that his competitive streak is still strong enough for him to come back and continue next year.
"As the middle of the season draws near, it is inevitable that talk has started shifting to 2018," Massa told Motorsport.com.
"I've already started facing questions from the media about my plans for the future – and especially next year.
"I feel good, I'm happy doing what I'm doing and I have a great relationship with the whole Williams organisation. Plus, above all that, I know I'm still competitive, which is what matters most.
"So on that basis, I would be happy to continue what I have always wanted to do – which is to race in F1."
After Valtteri Bottas left Williams for Mercedes, Massa ended his short-lived retirement and returned to his seat as the Williams hierarchy opted for an experienced driver to work alongside Canadian rookie Lance Stroll.
The Brazilian has finished inside the top 10 in four of the seven races in 2017 and feels that his competitive streak is still strong enough for him to come back and continue next year.
"As the middle of the season draws near, it is inevitable that talk has started shifting to 2018," Massa told Motorsport.com.
"I've already started facing questions from the media about my plans for the future – and especially next year.
"I feel good, I'm happy doing what I'm doing and I have a great relationship with the whole Williams organisation. Plus, above all that, I know I'm still competitive, which is what matters most.
"So on that basis, I would be happy to continue what I have always wanted to do – which is to race in F1."
#728
I like Massa, my wife was rooting for him at Montreal this year but of course he was out by Turn 3 thanks to Sainz. I was gutted when he won the Brazilian GP but lost the WC because Hamilton passed a slow moving Toyota to claim 1 more point net than Massa for the championship. He was kind of a dick when I met him in Montreal with Kimi, I was expecting the Kimster to be the cold fish.
#729
Massa is gone. If Williams wants to improve from mid pack, they need to get a better lead driver, especially if they retain Stroll in the second car. They have to be faster then Force India, which is their measuring stick.
Sainz might be a good fit.
Sainz might be a good fit.
#731
But where can Sainz go? Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull seem locked for their drivers. Going to Williams might be a lateral move, but I think it's a step up from Toro Rosso, as I think Williams has higher potential.
Massa might be good as a development driver, but he is slow. If Stroll's contract is locked solid, then Williams need to react. A combination of Massa and Stroll will reap minimal race points.
Massa might be good as a development driver, but he is slow. If Stroll's contract is locked solid, then Williams need to react. A combination of Massa and Stroll will reap minimal race points.
#732
#734
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#735
Here's the 2018 F1 calendar | FOX Sports
The FIA World Motor Sport Council has issued a calendar for the 2018 F1 World Championship – the first in decades not personally put together by Bernie Ecclestone.
There are no major surprises on the 21-race schedule, with Malaysia going and Germany and France back, both via deals that were concluded by Ecclestone.
Inevitably the addition of two European dates has created some congestion in the summer. Despite moving Baku from June to the end of April F1’s new bosses have come up with the first triple-header, with France, Austria and Silverstone on consecutive weekends, and Germany/Hungary and Belgium/Italy also back to backs, the latter pair matching this year’s schedule
Russia has been moved from its April date to September, and now features in an unusual back-to-back with Japan.
In a statement from F1 Chase Carey commented: “We wanted to finalise next season’s calendar early, so that all our stakeholders would have more time to prepare and we have managed it, thanks in part through working closely with the FIA.
“We are proud to confirm that the German and French Grands Prix will take place in 2018. France was one of the seven races that made up the first ever World Championship in 1950 and it now returns after a decade. It will be held at the Paul Ricard circuit, which last hosted a round of the F1 Championship in 1990.
“The number of races has increased by one compared to the current season. We received numerous requests from those wishing to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix but we wanted the existing promoters to feel that we are putting all our efforts into ensuring that each race is a special event, so that the fans, our most important stakeholders, can enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience. If we can do that, then the entire Formula 1 family will reap the benefit.”
Meanwhile both China and Singapore remain "subject to commercial rights holder confirmation," meaning those venues have yet to finalise new contracts with F1.
There are no major surprises on the 21-race schedule, with Malaysia going and Germany and France back, both via deals that were concluded by Ecclestone.
Inevitably the addition of two European dates has created some congestion in the summer. Despite moving Baku from June to the end of April F1’s new bosses have come up with the first triple-header, with France, Austria and Silverstone on consecutive weekends, and Germany/Hungary and Belgium/Italy also back to backs, the latter pair matching this year’s schedule
Russia has been moved from its April date to September, and now features in an unusual back-to-back with Japan.
In a statement from F1 Chase Carey commented: “We wanted to finalise next season’s calendar early, so that all our stakeholders would have more time to prepare and we have managed it, thanks in part through working closely with the FIA.
“We are proud to confirm that the German and French Grands Prix will take place in 2018. France was one of the seven races that made up the first ever World Championship in 1950 and it now returns after a decade. It will be held at the Paul Ricard circuit, which last hosted a round of the F1 Championship in 1990.
“The number of races has increased by one compared to the current season. We received numerous requests from those wishing to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix but we wanted the existing promoters to feel that we are putting all our efforts into ensuring that each race is a special event, so that the fans, our most important stakeholders, can enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience. If we can do that, then the entire Formula 1 family will reap the benefit.”
Meanwhile both China and Singapore remain "subject to commercial rights holder confirmation," meaning those venues have yet to finalise new contracts with F1.
- Australia: 03/25/2018 - Melbourne
- China: 04/08/2018 - Shanghai
- Bahrain: 04/15/2018 - Bahrain
- Azerbaijan: 04/29/2018 - Baku
- Spain: 05/13/2018 - Barcelona
- Monaco: 05/27/2018 - Monaco
- Canada: 06/10/2018 - Montreal
- France: 06/24/2018 - Castellet
- Austria: 07/01/2018 - Spielberg
- Britain: 07/08/2018 - Silverstone
- Germany: 07/22/2018 - Hockenheim
- Hungary: 07/29/2018 - Budapest
- Belgium: 08/26/2018 - Spa-Francorchamps
- Italy: 09/02/2018 - Monza
- Singapore: 09/16/2018 - Singapore
- Russia: 09/30/2018 - Sochi
- Japan: 10/07/2018 - Suzuka
- United States: 10/21/2018 - Austin
- Mexico: 10/28/2018 - Mexico City
- Brazil: 11/11/2018 - Sao Paulo
- Abu Dhabi - 11/25/2018 - Yas Marina
#736
Porsche weighing up Formula 1 option - report | PlanetF1 : PlanetF1
Porsche are contemplating life after Le Mans and are reportedly going to explore the option of joining Formula 1.
According to Auto Bild in Germany, Porsche have accepted an invitation to join the next engine meeting as discussions continue about what rules and regulations should be in place beyond 2020.
Porsche's Le Mans chief Fritz Enzinger has also revealed that it is no guarantee that the team will keep returning to the world's most famous race.
"We now know the (Le Mans) regulations for 2020," said Enzinger.
"In the next weeks Peugeot should decide whether they come or not. But even if they do, we have to consider whether we want to go another two or three years in Le Mans.
"At the moment, I cannot assess that."
Auto Bild also claim that Ezinger and fellow chief Andreas Seidl will also head to the Austrian Grand Prix for talks.
In addition, McLaren's Zak Brown and Eric Boullier were both present at Le Mans, sparking further speculation that they are interested in a customer engine deal with Porsche.
Formula 1 is not the only option Porsche are considering, with Formula E acting as another alternative.
According to Auto Bild in Germany, Porsche have accepted an invitation to join the next engine meeting as discussions continue about what rules and regulations should be in place beyond 2020.
Porsche's Le Mans chief Fritz Enzinger has also revealed that it is no guarantee that the team will keep returning to the world's most famous race.
"We now know the (Le Mans) regulations for 2020," said Enzinger.
"In the next weeks Peugeot should decide whether they come or not. But even if they do, we have to consider whether we want to go another two or three years in Le Mans.
"At the moment, I cannot assess that."
Auto Bild also claim that Ezinger and fellow chief Andreas Seidl will also head to the Austrian Grand Prix for talks.
In addition, McLaren's Zak Brown and Eric Boullier were both present at Le Mans, sparking further speculation that they are interested in a customer engine deal with Porsche.
Formula 1 is not the only option Porsche are considering, with Formula E acting as another alternative.
#737
#740
The Porsche 3512 was an embarrassment of a motor, to save alot of development cost Hans Mezger took his extremely successful TaG/Porsche 1.5l V6 motor from the 80's (with McLaren's MP4/2 it won 22 GP, 3 WDC and 2 WCC in 48 races!) and literally spliced two of them together with a split crank and common cylinder block/head. Overweight, under-powered, and unreliable.
#741
Gossip/Rumor-mill
F1 gossip: McLaren, Imola, Vandoorne, Ecclestone - BBC Sport
McLaren are weighing up their engine options for next season, after it was widely reported they will ditch Honda. Mercedes look the likely partner for 2018, but other names in the frame include Alfa Romeo. (Autosport)
Race director Charlie Whiting has given his approval for Imola to return to the future F1 calendar. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Kevin Magnussen believes Stoffel Vandoorne is "not in his happy place" at McLaren. (motorsport.com)
Bernie Ecclestone will be honoured at this year's Goodwood Festival, in the form of a giant sculpture. (thejudge13.com)
The 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg says "I know what Toto really thinks about me, so I don't care what an English newspaper writes" after Mercedes chief Toto Wolff accused him of being 'the vicious one' during his battles with Lewis Hamilton. (DPA news agency via F1i.com)
Hamilton believes Mercedes can be more consistent for the rest of the 2017 season after developing more of an understanding of the Pirelli tyres. (ESPN)
Honda chief Yusuke Hasegawa still hopes to make the engine supply relationship with McLaren work, despite the team's continued poor performances this season. (Planet F1)
Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn believes Formula 1 has become too technical and difficult to understand. (Autosport)
Race director Charlie Whiting has given his approval for Imola to return to the future F1 calendar. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Kevin Magnussen believes Stoffel Vandoorne is "not in his happy place" at McLaren. (motorsport.com)
Bernie Ecclestone will be honoured at this year's Goodwood Festival, in the form of a giant sculpture. (thejudge13.com)
The 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg says "I know what Toto really thinks about me, so I don't care what an English newspaper writes" after Mercedes chief Toto Wolff accused him of being 'the vicious one' during his battles with Lewis Hamilton. (DPA news agency via F1i.com)
Hamilton believes Mercedes can be more consistent for the rest of the 2017 season after developing more of an understanding of the Pirelli tyres. (ESPN)
Honda chief Yusuke Hasegawa still hopes to make the engine supply relationship with McLaren work, despite the team's continued poor performances this season. (Planet F1)
Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn believes Formula 1 has become too technical and difficult to understand. (Autosport)
#742
#745
Intrigue around new Chinese F1 team revs up
Intrigue about the possibility of an 11th team entering Formula 1 ramped up on Wednesday when a new name was registered in Britain and the FIA confirmed it had been sounded out about a slot on the grid.
There have been rumours for several weeks that new contenders were pondering getting involved in grand prix racing, but no firm plans had been revealed.
However, an update of Britain's Companies House register has revealed the renaming of a business as China F1 Racing Team Limited.
The company, which had previously been called Bronze Fortune Limited, is run by a French lawyer called Michael Orts, who has competed in sports car racing in Europe and America.
Little is known about the plans and Orts was not immediately available for comment on Wednesday about whether this was a serious bid to get on the grid.
However, speaking at the FIA Sport Conference in Geneva on Wednesday, president Jean Todt confirmed that the governing body had been approached by some individuals regarding a future entry.
"There are always rumours, but we have had some interest from some teams," said Todt.
When asked to give more detail on the number, Todt said simply: "Not many."
It is up to the FIA when it chooses to open up the tender process to new teams, and Todt said it would only do so if there were serious candidates.
"When we feel it is time we will be able to make a tender," he said.
"At the moment we have ten teams and the idea is to have up to 12 teams. So we have an opportunity, if we have one or two strong newcomers it could be possible."
He added: "First we need to check ourselves the request. It's going through a kind of audit to see who are the potential buyers.
"If it's a big manufacturer, it's easy, if it's a privateer, you need to be more careful. And then, once you are sure that there is a real interest, and once you're sure that people are able, like it was the case with Haas, for example, then we make tender."
Todt was adamant, however, that it was unrealistic to expect a new team to be put together as soon as 2018.
"No, it would be foolish to think that a new team would be ready in eight months, even less."
There have been rumours for several weeks that new contenders were pondering getting involved in grand prix racing, but no firm plans had been revealed.
However, an update of Britain's Companies House register has revealed the renaming of a business as China F1 Racing Team Limited.
The company, which had previously been called Bronze Fortune Limited, is run by a French lawyer called Michael Orts, who has competed in sports car racing in Europe and America.
Little is known about the plans and Orts was not immediately available for comment on Wednesday about whether this was a serious bid to get on the grid.
However, speaking at the FIA Sport Conference in Geneva on Wednesday, president Jean Todt confirmed that the governing body had been approached by some individuals regarding a future entry.
"There are always rumours, but we have had some interest from some teams," said Todt.
When asked to give more detail on the number, Todt said simply: "Not many."
It is up to the FIA when it chooses to open up the tender process to new teams, and Todt said it would only do so if there were serious candidates.
"When we feel it is time we will be able to make a tender," he said.
"At the moment we have ten teams and the idea is to have up to 12 teams. So we have an opportunity, if we have one or two strong newcomers it could be possible."
He added: "First we need to check ourselves the request. It's going through a kind of audit to see who are the potential buyers.
"If it's a big manufacturer, it's easy, if it's a privateer, you need to be more careful. And then, once you are sure that there is a real interest, and once you're sure that people are able, like it was the case with Haas, for example, then we make tender."
Todt was adamant, however, that it was unrealistic to expect a new team to be put together as soon as 2018.
"No, it would be foolish to think that a new team would be ready in eight months, even less."
#747
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Personally I would like to see another team or two added to the grid. I know though they most likely will not have the success Haas has had unless they take a similar approach.
#748
Lauda owns 10% and Wolff own 30% of Mercedes Benz F1 with MB owning the rest.
Formula One: Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda acquire shares in Mercedes GP - SportsPro Media
Last edited by Legend2TL; 06-22-2017 at 08:34 AM.
#749
#751
Thursday Baku Conference Funnies
From Stoffel VanDoorne
Q: Stoffel, if we could come on to you now. This is your first time in Baku. Can you give us some insight into how you prepare for a track you've never races at? Is it more time on the simulator? Has Fernando given you any tips?
Stoffel VANDOORNE: Definitely spend some time in the simulator, like I do before every grand prix. A lot of laps in there. At least our simulator is reliable, so I managed to do a fair amount of laps there! "
Q: Stoffel, if we could come on to you now. This is your first time in Baku. Can you give us some insight into how you prepare for a track you've never races at? Is it more time on the simulator? Has Fernando given you any tips?
Stoffel VANDOORNE: Definitely spend some time in the simulator, like I do before every grand prix. A lot of laps in there. At least our simulator is reliable, so I managed to do a fair amount of laps there! "
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ttribe (06-26-2017)
#752
#753
Alain Prost remembers his first car
Formula 1: Alain Prost remebers his 'perfect' first car - CNN.com
Alain Prost - first car (video and article)
Alain Prost - first car (video and article)
#754
Want to see what happens in the Williams Martini Racing kitchen?
Last edited by Legend2TL; 06-23-2017 at 12:16 PM.
#755
Wow, that was a different and exciting race. Hamilton's was at fault for the brake check, but Vettel was no better with his side swipe.
Force India debrief must have been interesting, and good for Stroll. Almost 2nd place but not quite.
Force India debrief must have been interesting, and good for Stroll. Almost 2nd place but not quite.
#756
FIA data shows Hamilton didn't brake-test Vettel in Baku clash - F1 - Autosport
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Chief F1 Fan (06-26-2017)
#757
FIA said Lewis didn't brake check Seb.
FIA data shows Hamilton didn't brake-test Vettel in Baku clash - F1 - Autosport
FIA data shows Hamilton didn't brake-test Vettel in Baku clash - F1 - Autosport
#758
At any rate, Seb shouldn't have lost it like that. Disappointing. Even worse is his repeated denial of having done anything wrong. Acknowledge. Admit mistake and move on.
#759
FIA said Lewis didn't brake check Seb.
FIA data shows Hamilton didn't brake-test Vettel in Baku clash - F1 - Autosport
FIA data shows Hamilton didn't brake-test Vettel in Baku clash - F1 - Autosport
Hamilton's race engineer was also reminding him repeatedly about his gap to the safety car was supoose to be 10 car lengths. Lewis had a somewhat arrogent reply to his engineer that he knew that and knew what his gap was.
+1, I agree Vettel shouldn't have done it and his anger in races is getting the best of him and creating more problems.
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fsttyms1 (06-26-2017)