Motorsport Off Topic Thread

MissChief · 2024-11-12T13:23:17+0000

Ryan-3 said:
Disappointing that it was won by a driver who led none of the minor or major categories for this seasons stats. But that's the playoff format. Turn up when it matters rather than have a strong season.

Which makes much of the season hardly worth watching.

GravyMonster · 2024-11-12T13:29:43+0000

Mr Jack said:
And then Audi alone on Audi engines. That's a significant benefit for Merc in terms of testing mileage on their engines; whilst Audi going it alone is looking "brave".

Another reason Audi seem destined for abject failure. Being within 107% will be an achievement for them with how badly they've wasted the last 2 years.

adam cool dude · 2024-11-12T14:04:18+0000

GravyMonster said:
Another reason Audi seem destined for abject failure. Being within 107% will be an achievement for them with how badly they've wasted the last 2 years.

VAG is going down the pan as we speak so will be lucky if they even make the grid!

Sparky · 2024-11-12T14:27:57+0000

Dan Fallows stepping down from his role at Aston Martin...

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-technical-director-fallows-leaves-f1-team-with-immediate-effect/10672396/

Mr Jack · 2024-11-12T14:34:48+0000

Sparky said:
Dan Fallows stepping down from his role at Aston Martin...

Not hugely surprised, I presume he went to Aston so that he could have more control over the car only to discover that they're hiring Adrian to rule over him.

Sparky · 2024-11-12T14:38:57+0000

Or Enrico Cardile

UTmaniac · 2024-11-12T15:01:42+0000

Wittich stepping down immediately as F1 race director.

Niels Wittich steps down as Formula 1 race director

Niels Wittich leaves his role as Formula 1's race director with immediate effect.

www.bbc.co.uk

GravyMonster · 2024-11-12T15:03:07+0000

The FIA staff turnover has been insane since Charlie Whiting passed

Mr Jack · 2024-11-12T15:17:50+0000

GravyMonster said:
The FIA staff turnover has been insane since Charlie Whiting passed

Since Charlie Whiting passed, or since Ben Sulayem became FIA President?

Ryan-3 · 2024-11-12T15:48:38+0000

Mr Jack said:
Am I understand this correctly, in NASCAR rather than just competing over a season they reset the points of the leading drivers to increasingly high points but everyone else carries on taking parts in the races? But only a handful of them can actually win already? Is it just me this isn't making sense to?

The "regular" season ends at something like 22/23 races, then the 16 top drivers (so it's those up there on points, however, drivers with a win are guaranteed entry even if you're 34th overall) go into the Playoffs. It could be that the only 10 drivers who have wins are placed 27-36th, that means 10 slots are filled. Then it's 1st to 6th on points joining them. I think there was a cutoff mentioned but it's bloody low. And you must be a full time driver to score points.

Then every three races, 4 gets eliminated (16 become 12, 8...) until you reach the final "Championship 4" for the final race. It's **** but it's the format they're taking a hardline over and sticking with regardless of what the fans say. They're getting it wrong on so many levels right now.

Feek · 2024-11-12T15:59:52+0000

Slater saying he's been told unofficially that Niels Wittich was sacked.

Blackvault · 2024-11-12T16:24:23+0000

Feek said:
Slater saying he's been told unofficially that Niels Wittich was sacked.

Jennie Gow is reporting that Rui Maques will replace him.

In other news, it looks like F1 will have a unified launch at the O2 in London for the 2025 season. Finally!

F1 confirm plans for first ever season launch event

Formula 1 has announced a groundbreaking season launch event at London’s The O2 – featuring all the teams, their drivers and team bosses, plus top entertainment – ahead of the 2025 campaign.

www.formula1.com

Feek · 2024-11-12T16:25:33+0000

Blackvault said:
Jennie Gow is reporting that Rui Maques will replace him.

That's already confirmed, it's mentioned in the video I posted.

GravyMonster · 2024-11-12T16:27:47+0000

Mr Jack said:
Since Charlie Whiting passed, or since Ben Sulayem became FIA President?

Both really. My initial thought was regarding the race director role, but there's also been a LOT of staff churn in the senior FIA management. No doubt the latter is due to Ben Sulayem.

Tigget · 2024-11-12T16:30:35+0000

Starting to see publications talking about RBR's BIB being ruled legal after an FIA inspection.

"As part of this assessment process, FIA technical representatives visited the Red Bull Racing headquarters to investigate in-depth recent allegations about their front floor design and its use. This investigation concluded that no breach has taken place, and therefore confirmed the position adopted by the FIA during the US Grand Prix in Austin."

Mr Jack · 2024-11-12T17:19:02+0000

I know we have a lot of Stroll fans here, so I thought people might enjoy this retrospective:

Quite the career he's had.

Blackvault · 2024-11-12T17:34:56+0000

Feek said:
That's already confirmed, it's mentioned in the video I posted.

I didn't watch it. Whoops lol

chrismscotland · 2024-11-12T17:39:12+0000

adam cool dude said:
VAG is going down the pan as we speak so will be lucky if they even make the grid!

A few outlets are reporting that they're going to be taking outside investment and selling a stake in the team with Qatar rumoured to be the main contender; also possible they buy the engine plant as well.
I guess quite similar to what Mercedes did with their team selling a stake to INEOS a few years back.

Mr Jack · 2024-11-12T18:56:40+0000

chrismscotland said:
I guess quite similar to what Mercedes did with their team selling a stake to INEOS a few years back.

Toto owns a large portion of Merc too. IIRC, Merc only owns about a quarter.

Stu999 · 2024-11-12T19:04:01+0000

chrismscotland said:
As expected; Alpine confirm a customer engine deal with Mercedes Benz from 2026 to at least 2030.....

A shame to lose an engine manufacturer although I suppose Audi/Porsche might come in.