Motorsport Off Topic Thread

chrismscotland · 13 Dec 2022 at 12:08

Seidl confirmed as the new CEO of Alfa Romeo but not "Team Principal" they're still looking for one of those.
Andrea Stella confirmed as new McLaren Team Principal

Mr Jack · 13 Dec 2022 at 22:28

Didn't see the Seidl thing coming

cuke2u · 14 Dec 2022 at 13:36

Apparently done and dusted during this season but brought forwards from the end of Seidl's contract in 2025...

chrismscotland · 14 Dec 2022 at 17:30

A few sites reporting possible interest from Ford in partnering with Red Bull from 2026, would be interesting to see them back in the sport, especially partnered with what was their former team!

chrismscotland · 15 Dec 2022 at 11:35

Mick Schumacher signs on as Mercedes reserve driver for 2023

Mercedes announce arrival of Mick Schumacher in reserve role for 2023

Mick Schumacher has been offered an F1 lifeline, as he's joined Mercedes as a reserve driver for the 2023 season.

www.planetf1.com

Delighted to see he'll still be around

JRS · 15 Dec 2022 at 11:40

chrismscotland said:
Mick Schumacher signs on as Mercedes reserve driver for 2023

Cool. Now we just need Sir Lewis of Hamilton to retire so that Mick can have a race drive

Irish_Tom · 15 Dec 2022 at 13:08

chrismscotland said:
Mick Schumacher signs on as Mercedes reserve driver for 2023

Mercedes announce arrival of Mick Schumacher in reserve role for 2023

Mick Schumacher has been offered an F1 lifeline, as he's joined Mercedes as a reserve driver for the 2023 season.

www.planetf1.com

Delighted to see he'll still be around

Just seen this — great news.

Stumble Bum · 16 Dec 2022 at 07:40

The 2022 F1 Season Animated!

F1 Animated is racing like you’ve never seen before. We've got Sebastian Vettel rocking out, Valtteri Bottas sun bathing and Max Verstappen handing out prese...

www.youtube.com

Scam · 16 Dec 2022 at 10:35

The Ocon/Alonso one lol

cuke2u · 17 Dec 2022 at 12:04

Now to be known as Fernando Alonso Diaz, apparently https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/166979/alonso-changes-start-list-name.html

cuke2u · 20 Dec 2022 at 15:03

Drivers are now banned from displaying any political or religious statements without prior approval https://www.skysports.com/f1/live-b...ws-from-around-the-sport-ahead-of-2023-season
"Drivers will now be in breach of the rules if they make or display "political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA"

Mr Jack · 20 Dec 2022 at 15:10

Embarrassing.

Armageus · 20 Dec 2022 at 15:11

Yep - got to remove yet another aspect that shows Driver's personality and humanity, in order to keep the various paying countries happy

Yaayuh! · 20 Dec 2022 at 15:13

That's pretty horrid.

Though I fully expect drivers to just take a fine and do it anyway.

MikeTheNative · 20 Dec 2022 at 15:42

As long as they remember;
saying how much you love these despot regimes - not political
Saying people should all be treated equally - political
They should be fine.

MissChief · 20 Dec 2022 at 18:23

Every driver should now make a political statement at every race from now on and watch the FIA try to justify fining every driver.

Scam · 20 Dec 2022 at 21:49

No surprise really. The FIA President believes human rights, LGBTQ rights and mental health issues are “beliefs” that individuals can hold.

On the flip side, what other sports do? Footballers get fined for taking off their shirts in celebration for this very reason right? (To not show slogans etc underneath). Money talks and top-level sport is governed by it, and always will be.

Edit: I see Saudi are now hosting the opening race in 2024? Lol, embarrassing is the word for sure :rolleyes:

Flibster · 21 Dec 2022 at 00:26

Funny they've done that just after Vettel has retired.

Could make the interviews even more awkward.

"So, what's it like being here in Saudi Arabia?"
"Sorry, the FIA rules have mandated that I can't say anything about that without facing sanctions."

How long until the teams get targeted for their rainbow logo's?

Emlyn_Dewar · 22 Dec 2022 at 00:34

I'm not sure I want F1 drivers preaching about right and wrong. Happier to just hear them talking about the sport.

MissChief · 22 Dec 2022 at 00:41

Emlyn_Dewar said:
I'm not sure I want F1 drivers preaching about right and wrong. Happier to just hear them talking about the sport.

And that's why Middle East countries are spending billions every year 'Sportwashing' their appearance and public perception. Would you, or were you, happy with the World Cup coverage and thought they should have just not mentioned Qatar's stance on LGBTQ+, the thousands of poorly paid, almost slave labour workers who have passports confiscated, dozens of whom died building stadiums and infrastructure for the recent World Cup? Attitudes like yours show that Sport can, and is used by less than desirable regimes to clean their images.