F1 Chat

[Danp]

A Gui's and Maldonado type crash was something i thought was going to happen given how low the front noses, Would hate to see the out come of a rear end shunt.

 

I am still not convinced it was the front of the nose that flipped him, GUI's rear wheel went over the top of MAL's front wheel.

[penfold_99]

I am still not convinced it was the front of the nose that flipped him, GUI's rear wheel went over the top of MAL's front wheel.

 

From the replays it looks like mal's front wing went under guis car and started to lift it and when the wheels touched it cause him to flip.

 

BBC Sport - Bahrain Grand Prix: Gutierrez flips car in terrifying crash

[synaesthesia]

It was the wheels touching that caused it, that was confirmed.

[Millgate_Jon]

I don`t think the nose had anything to do with it, the replays showed the launch was instigated by the tyre contact.

I think far more worrying is what might have been going through PM`s head when he decided to a) Throw one up the inside b) Not brake at the normal point when really he should have been braking well before it. The boy is quick, and we all know the team need his £$£ but is he really F1 grade?

Jon.

[mthomas08]

but is he really F1 grade?

Jon.

 

This has been the question even before he joined in F1, his history shows that he has a habit of doing what he wants regardless. Worst thing is he never takes responsibility and plays the victim.

[Millgate_Jon]

I don`t think anyone can question his speed, he won GP2 (granted in a weaker year) and always outperforms himself at Monaco (a good indicator of natural talent) but it`s not enough to be quick these days. I like how Romain turned it round last year and hope PM can manage the same but if not then I think they would do well letting someone like Sam Bird have the seat, or one of the World Series drivers maybe?

Jon.

[sonofsanta]

Can't think of a single redeeming feature for Pastor Maldonado. It is the one shining light for me in how poorly Lotus are doing, seeing that smug little smirk wiped off his face after he got into the hottest seat in the midfield purely because he's bankrolled. Even better that Williams are doing so well

 

That was an incredible race though, I can't remember ever seeing a duel like that. And it was happening all up and down the field! The Williams, the Force Indias, the Red Bulls, they were all fighting each other at one point. Simply awesome.

 

The graphic that shows up for the fuel target (they showed it a couple of times comparing Lewis & Nico) - anyone know what the third stat is? First is fuel target for the lap, second is for the race, then third is energy used - but is the green bar how much they've used or how much is left?

[featured_spectre]

Also at one point right the way down it was a 2 by 2...which I thought was great!

[teejay]

Loved it, Luca de Montezemolo, Adrian Newey and Bernie Ecclestone really do look stupid after their comments;)

 

I love the current cars, yes the noses are ugly, but I think the engine noise is great, the massive amount of torque with less downforce really makes them show who has the biggest cahoonas:cool:

[Millgate_Jon]

For me the level of excitement in a motor race is about the power:grip ratio and this year they seem to have got it right, helped out by the massive torque of course. I remember when the cars had too much power for the grip (80`s) and too much grip for the power (2000`s) and the level of wheel to wheel was adjusted accordingly.

Lots of power and lower grip levels make for exciting racing, always has, always will - Just watch some high powered Caterhams (not the F1`s!) and see what I mean :-)

Any of you folk been to Le Mans before? I`m making my first trip this year with some mates, after a few do`s and don`ts if anyone can help?

 

Thanks

 

Jon.

[sonofsanta]

This week, in the continuing adventures of Pastor Maldonado, Pastor drives off the circuit because he's too busy playing with his steering wheel. Whoopsy daisy!

BBC Sport - Chinese GP: Pastor Maldonado distracted by his steering wheel

[synaesthesia]

He didn't help himself later on though did he:

 

 

 

Stunning pace from Hamilton again though.

[XiJ]

MALdanado is a fool

 

I loved the mechanics reaction to his crash into the pit entry barrier.

 

Good Quali overall today.

[Zoom7000]

I don't think any team really wants Maldonado racing for them! The only trouble is that he comes with about £30m in Venezuelan fuel cash! The FIA really need to do something about his on going recklessness though!

[laserblazer]

Watched the qualifying on a German channel. Interesting how the commentators' tone when mentioning Hamilton is different to what I'm used to

[laserblazer]

Vettel doesn't seem to like being second best at the moment

 

Christian Horner seems to have lost that smug expression as well.

[synaesthesia]

Good Not as enjoyable a race, but Hamilton's coming into his own. What was telling at Red Bull was that Adrian Newey spent the entire weekend at Silverstone with the WEC racing. (and Mark Webber!)

 

I'd be surprised and disappointed if Lewis didn't take the championship this year, it'll be well deserved if he continues with this form and quick justification (not like he really needed any) for his move from McLaren. Wonder if Big Ron will try and poach him back.

[mthomas08]

I think Ron made it clear when he took back control that he wouldn't mind Lewis back one day. They would have to make a better performance package though or if Merc end up going backwards which could always happen. Still I am glad Lewis is putting his foot down against Nico who is a talented young driver. I look forward to more fights between these two and wonder when they will collide.

 

As for Seb I do have sympathy for him but that tends to be thrown at the window with his attitude. When he does well he is so thankful to the team yet when he doesn't he isn't so quick to give Ric an easier life which at the end of the day benefits the team. If Ric continues to consistently score better it's going to be his results that make the difference between 2nd and 3rd. Sebs performance though goes to show that perhaps it was the blown diffuser that he managed to work so well. It was something that was discussed last year that Webber just simply couldn't get it to work so well for him.

 

Sad thing is though it as mentioned on PF1.COM it really is adding fuel to the fire of Sebs overrated theory. Now he is on equal footing with another driver on a fresh rule layout he does seem to be struggling. Course I do believe that Seb is special (even Lewis has had an OFF Season) only question is will he return to his winning ways.

[featured_spectre]

As for Seb I do have sympathy for him but that tends to be thrown at the window with his attitude.

What? He was arrogant, at the start of the season he said on German TV he would win despite the changes and there was nothing to worry about. This weekend he basically said RedBull has way too much to do to catch up and they will focus on getting the car right for next season.

Sad thing is though it as mentioned on PF1.COM it really is adding fuel to the fire of Sebs overrated theory. Now he is on equal footing with another driver on a fresh rule layout he does seem to be struggling. Course I do believe that Seb is special (even Lewis has had an OFF Season) only question is will he return to his winning ways.

No way is Seb special. Now the cars are somewhat leveled on the playing field, people who were smashed by him previously are now showing that its the driving that should be making the wins, not the car. Red Bull had the advantage of having the best designer in the field, and he made it work for them (no doubting this), but now with the current restrictions (if you will), they can't do anything as they didn't prepare properly whereas every other team focused on getting it right for this season. It shows when a Force India finishes higher, or even toro rosso finishes higher.

 

Seb made his bed, now he has to lie in it and work with what he has. He had ample opportunity in pre-season, and to some extent last season when they test the new designs for input, and he didn't do much, where as other teams focused solely on this season with a view to being better this season, and it shows. Seb = cocky, nowhere near the leagues of hamilton or rosberg on driving ability alone, and it shows.

[Millgate_Jon]

I would expect Lewis to have this years Championship aswell, the bookies seem to think so too, have you seen the odds? They must think he`s already won it.

 

Curiosity got the better of me last night and I had to look this up to get the answer, so no cheating but you might like to ponder this one:

 

 

If Lewis wins the title this year it will be 6 years between his first and second world titles, how far back to have to go before a driver had that gap between titles one and two?

 

 

Cheers

 

Jon.

[featured_spectre]

Going to go out on a limb here and Say one from the 60s, Australian bloke, Brabham I think? Drove for Cooper then formed his own team if I remember rightly? (its way before my time however).

 

*edit* there was another driver in the 60s that had this as well, was maybe 5 years though. Graham Hill his name was.

Edited April 22, 2014 by featured_spectre

[featured_spectre]

@Jon-Millgate what do I win?! lol

[Millgate_Jon]

Good work fella - No prizes this time though! I was just surprised how far back you have to go thats all, sort of makes me think that drivers like Kimi, regardless of the car, they are past their peak and another title is sadly, no longer a possibility.

[featured_spectre]

thats disgraceful, I deserve at least a chocolate pizza!!!

[Millgate_Jon]

Chocolate pizzas take more effort than a quick nose around Wikipedia! :-)

Besides, Formula One is non work related so couldn`t make a competition out of barstool trivia.

I think there`ll be some comps in May though so keep eyes peeled.