F1 season underway

[tiger76]

So the Austrian GP providing plenty of drama, 6 drivers refusing to take the knee, which is entirely their right, i'm not taking a position either way. it should be down to personal choice, and Verstappen out early, Bottas and Hamilton vying for the win, but the big story is Albon, Perez, and Norris running so strongly, and Vettel well down the field again, after causing a collision, he's really dropped down the pecking order these days, and Leclerc is clearly the future for Ferrari.

[conyoviejo]

I wouldn't take the knee either,I might never get back up.

[icu81b4]

Cars are dropping like flies ... Anything can happen

[NewClaret]

Who didn’t take the knee?

[NewClaret]

2nd safety car, Mercs staying on the hards despite having gearbox issues, Albon on softsJust behind them!

[FCBurnley]

Who didn’t take the knee?

Why does it matter ?

[NewClaret]

Why does it matter ?

Just wondering?

[NewClaret]

Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

Carlos Sainz (McLaren)

Daniil Kvyat (Scuderia AlphaTauri)

Kimi Raikkonen (Alpha Romeo)

Antonio Giovinazzi (Alpha Romeo)

[NewClaret]

Lewis 5 second time penalty. Joke in my opinion.

[tiger76]

Win for Mercedes some things never change, except the driver on this occasion, a great 1st podium finish for Lando Norris, he and Leclerc are the future of F1 for the next decade, i didn't watch the race but how did Lewis get a penalty, and Vettel didn't for similar incidents?

Only 11 finishers that's lower than normal isn't it.

Austria again next week on the same track, tyre choice could be interesting. And Mercedes having lots of issues with their cars, plenty for them to ponder.

[NewClaret]

Win for Mercedes some things never change, except the driver on this occasion, a great 1st podium finish for Lando Norris, he and Leclerc are the future of F1 for the next decade, i didn't watch the race but how did Lewis get a penalty, and Vettel didn't for similar incidents?

Only 11 finishers that's lower than normal isn't it.

Austria again next week on the same track, tyre choice could be interesting. And Mercedes having lots of issues with their cars, plenty for them to ponder.

Couldn’t watch the interviews afterwards - Fortnite straight on!! Did Toto say what was wrong with them? Looked like gearbox issues and lots of strange calls over the radio re: curbs and settings. Didn’t sound precautionary.

Delighted for Lando and McLaren. 3rd and 5th today. Nice to see them back being competitive. Also a good drive from Leclerc - like him, despite being a Frog/Ferrari

[Vino blanco]

Leclerc is not French (frog), he is a Monogasc, born in Monte Carlo Monaco.

[NewClaret]

Leclerc is not French (frog), he is a Monogasc, born in Monte Carlo Monaco.

So his family were tax evaders?

[Bosscat]

So his family were tax evaders?

[Zlatan]

Lewis 5 second time penalty. Joke in my opinion.

Indeed, should’ve been 10... Albon was clear and past him, he should’ve conceded position.

[NewClaret]

Indeed, should’ve been 10... Albon was clear and past him, he should’ve conceded position.

Rubbish. On the racing line, Albon drove into him.

[BennyD]

Rubbish. On the racing line, Albon drove into him.

Albon ‘took the knee’ so it couldn’t have been a racist attack.

[Top Claret]

Personally don't believe in taking the knee, although I wouldn't be to miffed if someone took Lewis Hamilton by the throat

[Dyched]

Rubbish. On the racing line, Albon drove into him.

Albon was past him (not entirely, but in F1 terms the move was done). Hamilton may have been on the racing line, but once he was overtaken it should have left room for Albon.

[NewClaret]

Albon was past him (not entirely, but in F1 terms the move was done). Hamilton may have been on the racing line, but once he was overtaken it should have left room for Albon.

Call me old fashioned, but I’m of the opinion of someone tries to overtake you, and you’re on the racing line, they need to make sure there’s enough space to complete the move, not expect the driver you are over taking to concede and move out of the way for you.

He was ahead, but Lewis did not change his position at all to squeeze him - he just stayed on the racing line as he’s entitled to do. Albon misjudged where his rear wheel was, which I’d imagine is quite easy to do as an inexperienced driver, but in my opinion that was the cause of the crash. Racing incident.

[Zlatan]

Call me old fashioned, but I’m of the opinion of someone tries to overtake you, and you’re on the racing line, they need to make sure there’s enough space to complete the move, not expect the driver you are over taking to concede and move out of the way for you.

He was ahead, but Lewis did not change his position at all to squeeze him - he just stayed on the racing line as he’s entitled to do. Albon misjudged where his rear wheel was, which I’d imagine is quite easy to do as an inexperienced driver, but in my opinion that was the cause of the crash. Racing incident.

Written like someone who’s never done motorsport.

The whole racing line argument falls apart when you have drivers willingly driving into others because they “were on the racing line”.

Albon was past Hamilton and had left enough space for Hamilton to stay in. Hamilton has 2 choices; allow Albon to complete the move by easing off slightly (the right thing to do); or twitch left slightly and cause an impact (which is what he actually did - dangerous thing to do).

I’ve never liked Hamilton, he’s like a child with his attitude sometimes. In my eyes he won’t ever be a great driver, he’s had such little competition these past few seasons, it’s no wonder that given the best car he can win.

[claretonthecoast1882]

Taking into account that the incident happened due to Albon being inexperienced, why did the experienced stewards decide Hamilton was in the wrong?

Did Hamilton appeal the penalty ?

[snapcrackleandpop]

Personally don't believe in taking the knee, although I wouldn't be to miffed if someone took Lewis Hamilton by the throat

A like for both of these.

[Chester Perry]

The more interesting one for me is why Mercedes didn't issue orders to let Hamilton pass Bottas - they could have kept the 1-2 or certainly a podium finish for both of them (Constructors Championship is what gives them the money) - Bottas could still have won the race with the time penalty

[Zlatan]

The more interesting one for me is why Mercedes didn't issue orders to let Hamilton pass Bottas - they could have kept the 1-2 or certainly a podium finish for both of them (Constructors Championship is what gives them the money) - Bottas could still have won the race with the time penalty

They couldn’t have guaranteed that Hamilton would have stayed only 4 seconds ahead

[NewClaret]

Written like someone who’s never done motorsport.

The whole racing line argument falls apart when you have drivers willingly driving into others because they “were on the racing line”.

Albon was past Hamilton and had left enough space for Hamilton to stay in. Hamilton has 2 choices; allow Albon to complete the move by easing off slightly (the right thing to do); or twitch left slightly and cause an impact (which is what he actually did - dangerous thing to do).

I’ve never liked Hamilton, he’s like a child with his attitude sometimes. In my eyes he won’t ever be a great driver, he’s had such little competition these past few seasons, it’s no wonder that given the best car he can win.

Well, I’m not a F1 driver if that’s what you mean Zlatan

Attached is the on board image from when Albon and Hamilton collide. What you can see is:

1. Albon has plenty of space to go around the outside, he is squeezing Hamilton, who is on the racing line.
2. Hamilton is nearly full lock in to the corner. There is no move left.

IMG_2236.jpg (295.76 KiB) Viewed 1931 times

Overall, I think the onus on an overtaking driver is to get the move done cleanly. If you can’t, you shouldn’t commit to the move. You shouldn’t expect a driver to give you room to complete your move.

Not sure if there was an appeal or why not if there wasn’t. I would have done. That said, it may just be that it was first race, Albon by contrast came off much worse and/or Hamilton/Merc taking it on the chin knowing full well they’re the best team.

I don’t really like him either, as it happens, mainly because of his outspoken behaviour comes across as a bit preachy & playboy lifestyle. I also dislike tax evaders. But he has dominated the sport for a decade, is great in the wet, and often finds small gains in the unquestionably better car that keeps him on top. I think that qualifies him as a great. Schumacher was the same, and I didn’t like him either.

[NewClaret]

Better photo (now I've worked out how to do it) at the point of impact. Albon had all the track + the curb and green run-off to position his car better. Lewis is in the middle of the track, still clearly turning and taking the corner, imo.

IMG_2238.jpg (286.47 KiB) Viewed 1928 times

[conyoviejo]

Thank god it's back,my stiff neck is now cured.

[Zlatan]

Better photo (now I've worked out how to do it) at the point of impact. Albon had all the track + the curb and green run-off to position his car better. Lewis is in the middle of the track, still clearly turning and taking the corner, imo.

IMG_2238.jpg

Glad you did the screenshots, they show that Albon was in fact on the racing line Hamilton had plenty of room inside the corner but that would have meant easing off and using his speed to control the turn not his wheel, but of course he didn’t which IMO caused the contact.

Glad you don’t like him either, and he’s no rainmaster compared to the great Senna - again IMO

[Zlatan]

Better photo (now I've worked out how to do it) at the point of impact. Albon had all the track + the curb and green run-off to position his car better. Lewis is in the middle of the track, still clearly turning and taking the corner, imo.

IMG_2238.jpg

Good footage here mate...

https://twitter.com/f1/status/1280604249748094983?s=21

[NewClaret]

Glad you did the screenshots, they show that Albon was in fact on the racing line Hamilton had plenty of room inside the corner but that would have meant easing off and using his speed to control the turn not his wheel, but of course he didn’t which IMO caused the contact.

Glad you don’t like him either, and he’s no rainmaster compared to the great Senna - again IMO

Ah, and here’s me thinking the dark bit of track in front of Hamilton was the racing line, the bit covered in rubber from all the cars that have taken that line through the corner. But what would I know, not having done motorsport before

Looked to me like Albon got his rear all tangled up in Hamilton’s front because he cut across him. I think he thought the move was done, he was past. Hamilton could’ve slowed, granted, but still think Albon had plenty of room that side if he’d wanted to use it and in any event the day drivers have to slow down/move out of the way when being overtaken is the day I’ll stop watching F1. They’ve already made too many changes that take away the edge and excitement away.

No arguments from me that Senna was the greatest - wet and dry. Wouldn’t have caught him slowing down or moving over to let someone overtake

[NewClaret]

Good footage here mate...

https://twitter.com/f1/status/1280604249748094983?s=21

That camera angle is amazing. Is that new? Not seen it before. Also very handy for proving Hamilton just held position and Albon cut him up.

Great pace from the Red Bulls though. Would love to see them, or preferably McLaren, up there challenging the Mercs this year with the pace to pull those moves off.

[Zlatan]

That camera angle is amazing. Is that new? Not seen it before. Also very handy for proving Hamilton just held position and Albon cut him up.

Great pace from the Red Bulls though. Would love to see them, or preferably McLaren, up there challenging the Mercs this year with the pace to pull those moves off.

Cracking camera shot isn’t it. I believe all the cars have the 360 camera now, more experimental and for stewards, though happy to be corrected. I’m sure it won’t be long until Sky make something of it and give it as an option.

I’d like to see the smaller teams make inroads during this shortened season, be good for the sport.

[Chester Perry]

On a seperate note I am a little stunned that Renault have agreed to take the disruptive Alonso into their team next season as a replacement for the McClaren bound Ricciardo - and yes I know he is a great driver, but he has also proven himself divisive wherever he has been since his early triumphs - this is not the way to rebuild your F1 capability in my view

[claretburns]

That camera angle is amazing. Is that new? Not seen it before. Also very handy for proving Hamilton just held position and Albon cut him up.

Great pace from the Red Bulls though. Would love to see them, or preferably McLaren, up there challenging the Mercs this year with the pace to pull those moves off.

No chance for McLaren this season challenging Mercedes, need to wait for 2022 for anyone to challenge Mercedes when the budget cap comes in, as the cars used this season have to be used next season also.

[claretburns]

On a seperate note I am a little stunned that Renault have agreed to take the disruptive Alonso into their team next season as a replacement for the McClaren bound Ricciardo - and yes I know he is a great driver, but he has also proven himself divisive wherever he has been since his early triumphs - this is not the way to rebuild your F1 capability in my view

I feel Alonso has been brought in as a stop gap between some youngsters getting experience before stepping up to F1 and also as an advisor placement to help the team transition into the new era in 2022, can't see any other reason why Renault would bring him back and also why Alonso would like to spend 2/3 years in the midfield and not challenging for podiums.

[superdimitri]

Alonso back in the F1 is the best thing to happen to the sport for some time. Love it. If only they were more competitive.

[NewClaret]

No chance for McLaren this season challenging Mercedes, need to wait for 2022 for anyone to challenge Mercedes when the budget cap comes in, as the cars used this season have to be used next season also.

Realise that nobody will challenge Mercedes. This year or next. My point was more that Albon had the power to overtake Hamilton, or at least 3/4’s. Which seemed to be an improvement on 2019?

[claretburns]

Realise that nobody will challenge Mercedes. This year or next. My point was more that Albon had the power to overtake Hamilton, or at least 3/4’s. Which seemed to be an improvement on 2019?

I agree, I think the Red Bulls have improved this year and it was a shame Verstappen had to retire, as with how the race went with the Mercedes gear box problems and needing to avoid the curbs then I think Verstappen would have won the race.

We're back in Austria this weekend, let's hope for the same incident packed race, but with Verstappen staying out for the full race.

[NewClaret]

I agree, I think the Red Bulls have improved this year and it was a shame Verstappen had to retire, as with how the race went with the Mercedes gear box problems and needing to avoid the curbs then I think Verstappen would have won the race.

We're back in Austria this weekend, let's hope for the same incident packed race, but with Verstappen staying out for the full race.

Yeah, hoping for another humdinger, although you'd imagine whatever teething problems all cars had last weekend will have been ironed out so may be an anti-climax. Could certainly have seen Verstappen winning last weekend, but maybe not if the Mercs had been at full throttle, so will be interesting to see if they can get his car in a good Quali trim to take pole then try to keep ahead on Sunday.

Expect Ferrari and Leclerc in particular will be more competitive this weekend.

[NewClaret]

Cracking camera shot isn’t it. I believe all the cars have the 360 camera now, more experimental and for stewards, though happy to be corrected. I’m sure it won’t be long until Sky make something of it and give it as an option.

I’d like to see the smaller teams make inroads during this shortened season, be good for the sport.

Yeah, it's outstanding mate. Hope to see more of that in the race as don't recall seeing it last weekend. I'd had a few beers during the Burnley match though, so perhaps just didn't realise

I grew up as a Williams fan - Mansell and Hill posters everywhere in my room - so I'd love to see them make a resurgence. Can't see that though sadly McLaren making a comeback with Norris would be a nice consolation though. One of my big bug bears is how the engines have become so complex. Not sure what the answer is but would like to see it easier for all cars to use a competitive engine, the end of "B" teams, etc.

[claretburns]

Heavy rain expected in Austria tomorrow, could throw up a few surprises in qualifying.

[tiger76]

Heavy rain expected in Austria tomorrow, could throw up a few surprises in qualifying.

Good makes a change from the usual Mercedes procession, we might get a surprise result like last week, with a few new names on the podium.

[claretburns]

Hungarian Grand Prix begins in a couple of minutes, Hamilton on pole, raining and expected to rain throughout the race, Verstappen already crashed on his way to the home straight and Red Bull mechanics working tirelessly to get his car ready, an exciting race ahead, just hope it is not a standing start behind the safety car, we want to see entertaining racing and the rain is a massive leveller across the field.

[Woodleyclaret]

Just finishing watch paint dry.
I never get the obsession with car racing

[Rileybobs]

I’ve never liked Hamilton, he’s like a child with his attitude sometimes. In my eyes he won’t ever be a great driver, he’s had such little competition these past few seasons, it’s no wonder that given the best car he can win.

Hamilton won’t ever be a great driver? Wow.

[AlargeClaret]

Almost a dry race and Hamilton masterclass . While he’s undoubtedly had the best car for yrs he’s still up their for pure speed with the likes of Senna and Schumacher imo.
Wether he’d survive without ultra tech “ pit to car” race management is another thing entirely . At times Lewis comes over almost as “in car idiotic” as a Mansell or a even Hunt,Button ( never as brutally quick ) outpoujted Hamilton at McLaren . I think LH is the epitome of the modern driver and he’s almost “ Heaton-esque” in his lack of errors .

[tiger76]

Formula 1: US, Mexican & Brazilian races will not go ahead in 2020https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/53527355

[Chester Perry]

Formula 1: US, Mexican & Brazilian races will not go ahead in 2020https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/53527355

that has been expected for some time - given that they need to put on around 16 races to avoid rebates on tv contracts it is not beyond the realms of possibility that some tracks will do 3 races or more this year - I imagine a late autumn race at Silverstone or the Red Bull ring would be quite dramatic from a weather perspective

[claretburns]

11 races currently on the calendar, I believe Singapore, Bahrain and China are all willing to host races at the end of the season and all 3 say they'd be happy to host 2 races if needed, as well as the possibility of more races in Europe if needed we should easily reach 16 races this season, possibly 18 if they can be squeezed in somewhere or the season is possibly extended into December.