Motorsport Off Topic Thread

[Gaijin]

Have you listened to James Vowels reasoning for not having an 11th team? Seemed like sound reasoning to me.

I remember listening to that interview at the time and it's pretty compelling and James speaks incredibly well, but there is always going to be an element of confirmation bias at play when it comes to speaking to the team. Other parts jumped out to me such as Vowles admits to getting the figures from Ted at one point - surely he shouldn't need to have someone externally bringing him that. Also, mentions a limited number of sponsors, without considering that a new US team could actually increase the quantity and quality of available sponsorship.

I've actually just watched it again and it's a great interview on a number of fronts with great questions asked.

 

[MissChief]

Have you listened to James Vowels reasoning for not having an 11th team? Seemed like sound reasoning to me.

I did. And while I agree that Williams have problems due to chronic lack of investment over a decade or more this shouldn't stop any other teams joining. Liberty could easily have increased the size of the team fund, their income has shot up massively with all the deals they've signed recently.

 

[cuke2u]

I did. And while I agree that Williams have problems due to chronic lack of investment over a decade or more this shouldn't stop any other teams joining. Liberty could easily have increased the size of the team fund, their income has shot up massively with all the deals they've signed recently.

They could, but they aren't going to, thus the hands of the other teams are tied..

 

[MissChief]

They could, but they aren't going to, thus the hands of the other teams are tied..

True, but the $200m entry fee is supposed to offset the dilution of the prize fund. That's the whole reason it was introduced.

 

[Scam]

Quote from this BBC article is a bit much IMO

"While the Andretti name carries some recognition for F1 fans, our research indicates that F1 would bring value to the Andretti brand rather than the other way around,"

I mean I’ve lived and worked in the US and never heard of Andretti until this all flared up. I guess it’s kinda sad they’re not joining, another two seats for drivers would be great, and I’m sure it wouldn’t hinder the racing. Besides that I don’t really have much of an opinion

 

[MissChief]

So far I haven't seen a single post or comment in favour of FOM's decision. I don't believe FOM thought the backlash would be quite this bad.

 

[Jimbeam3678]

True, but the $200m entry fee is supposed to offset the dilution of the prize fund. That's the whole reason it was introduced.

James covers this in his interview as well, if I recall correctly. Its not just Williams most of teams were struggling up until a few years ago. Bailiffs arriving at F1 teams was not uncommon in the past.

 

[Greboth]

Feels like an absolute bait-and-switch to invite applications and then reject one of such clear strength. Hard to imagine any team managing a more convincing case. I wonder whether this will go to court - and I can't imagine the obvious shower of bull that FOM have come up with standing up if it does.

The amount FOM has dicked around Andretti, I hope they do. I’d love to see Andretti win then tell FOM where to stick it or use the settlement money to pay their entry fee in 2028.

Sadly though I don’t see them doing it because if they don’t win, they wouldn’t get another opportunity.

It’s a shame though, I’d rather see Andretti on the grid over Gene ‘I don’t care as I’m doing it on a shoe string budget only for advertising’ Haas

 

[Slam62]

I mean I’ve lived and worked in the US and never heard of Andretti until this all flared up. I guess it’s kinda sad they’re not joining, another two seats for drivers would be great, and I’m sure it wouldn’t hinder the racing. Besides that I don’t really have much of an opinion

I suspect everyone with an interest at all in motor racing in the US knows about Andretti. They’re a bit of a dynasty.

 

[Slam62]

To me it begs the question, is this massively successful and lucrative’sport’ surviving by its fingertips.

 

[cuke2u]

True, but the $200m entry fee is supposed to offset the dilution of the prize fund. That's the whole reason it was introduced.

Does this sum then get distributed around all the teams, how is it distributed and shared and will it only compensate for the one year though?

 

[chrismscotland]

Some crazy Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari for 2025 rumours kicking off this morning.

Will Buxton teasing that F1 is braced for a "big announcement" before the week is over and hinting at "silly season" - and there seems to be a truckload of other reports this morning.

 

[Mr Jack]

Some crazy Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari for 2025 rumours kicking off this morning.

That'd be quite the capstone to his career. Him vs. Leclerc would also be a fine watch.

Will Buxton teasing that F1 is braced for a "big announcement" before the week is over and hinting at "silly season" - and there seems to be a truckload of other reports this morning.

Honestly, at this point I have Buxton down as more of a pot-stirrer than anything else (and I wouldn't use the word pot there on any other forum).

 

[Jono8]

Wouldn't surprise me at all if Lewis moves to Ferrari to end/wind down his career. I mean it's seems almost like an F1 bucket list thing for top drivers/champions to have a stint at Ferrari.

He's been with Merc an awful long time now so who could blame him for wanting a change.

Ferrari would have a strong lineup with Leclerc and Hamilton.

Would be really interesting to see who Merc sign and where Sainz goes. Sainz to RB to replace Perez perhaps? Would probably make a solid team mate to Max.

 

[AlphariusOmegan]

lewis has always said that Ferrari is the dream team to race for due to the history of the team in F1, i could see him considering a move if Merc were not competitive again this season and Ferrari made more gains against RBR.
Sainz i could see going to Audi when they take over

 

[Feek]

If Lewis goes to Ferrari does that mean he's mentally given up and that he knows he'll never get a ninth championship?

 

[chrismscotland]

Also possible at this point that Lewis has "driven" the 2024 Merc in the sim and realised its not any better and looking for something else for '25 now - it would be a fitting end to see him in red for a season or two.

Also wouldn't be surprised to see Sainz at Red Bull; he's decently fast, reliable but not quick enough to frighten Max!

 

[chrismscotland]

If Lewis goes to Ferrari does that mean he's mentally given up and that he knows he'll never get a ninth championship?

To be fair if Plan A is Lewis Hamilton then Ferrari will probably end up on Plan K which will be something dire like sign Ralf Schumacher

 

[Jono8]

Ferrari are probably licking their lips at the commercial aspect too. Imagine the money they will make selling Ferrari branded Lewis merchandise...

 

[el_dazza]

There's a hell of a lot of reliable sources reporting Lewis to Ferrari is on, so I'm inclined to believe it.