The best thing for competition and sport would be Ferrari leaving. This would finally open up an opportunity for constructive and sensible talks without threats and toys out of the pram because of their sense of entitlement. People seem to think that F1 is big because of Ferrari. I think Ferrari, partly, is popular because of F1. If they leave, another brand somewhere will come along and seize th you opportunity to maximise their marketing by becoming a name synonymous with the fastest racing series in the world. Logical money distribution, and a focus driven by what the fans see as entertaining. Bring it on.
I think it's odd, because going forwards I think Ferrari needs F1 more than any of the current teams. Mercedes have made no secret of the fact it's the cutting edge engine tech that keeps them interested, I think they could find themselves very happy in Formula E in a few years time. Mclaren and Williams are already involved in supplying batteries to that series, and given their smaller budgets, could move over more quickly and be big fish in small ponds. Red Bull just want to sell energy drinks, if they feel F1 is being rigged to keep Ferrari happy, why would they stay? Ferrari aren't as interested in electric/hybrid technology, so that option is less available to them. If they walk away, they might attract a few well-known privateers to a V8, single seater format with lower costs than F1, but I don't see many of the bigger teams going with them. Especially not into an environment even more rigged in Ferrari's favour.
Race pace close between Merc and RBR- Ferrari a couple of tenths behind. McLaren 1.2s off the ultimate pace- not the worst starting point in the world and gives Alonso something to work with. However, Zach and Eric need to STFU about ‘best chassis on the grid’ claims, because Red Bull are a second up the road currently. I think in a dry Quali Merc would be at least half a second clear of the pack but rain tomorrow might bring the better chassis closer, so perhaps RBR, Ferrari, McLaren and Renault will have some fun.
Much better camera work by FOM this year. They haven’t yet sorted the sound though! EDIT: better camera work EXCEPT that cockpit view from behind the Halo who the heck thought that would work?!
imo we have not yet seen anyone at the ultimate pace. q3 might be the first time. p3 might be handbags. vettel and a haas on same time? hmm verstappen that close to hamilton.. hmmm we will see.
To be fair Ferrari found pace when it mattered last year so they may make that step again from practice to Quali/race. We know Merc have a tonne up their sleeve too. I think their radio indicated they were in Strat 1 today (essentially the leanest/slowest mode) so they might light the touch paper in Quali, barring rain.
yeah its hard to know who's really working on race and what fuel and all sorts. There has to be a big lump of time in mercedes just comparing times form last year Q1. 1:24:19 Q2 1:23.25 Q3: 122. 18 Hamiltom this morning 1:23:93 we know the cars are quicker by at least a second than this (not factoring weather conditions, rubbering in of track etc etc..) I would expect a 1:21, and probably low 1:21 for pole. I am really just waiting to see what kind of season we get cos frankly, Q3 and then race pace will determine it this weekend.
Ricciardo given a 3 place penalty for not slowing under red flag. Probably not going to be his weekend
Well the top teams are doing pretty well, all nice and close so far. I expect McLaren to get pole tomorrow if it rains, they have the best chassis after all, they're just being held back by the Renault PU, much like Red Bu... oh wait? Plus they will only improve, like Alonso says, they're the only team with a different PU this year.... which...isn't...true?
The midfield looks extremely tight, Haas look to have done a great job, whilst FI (is that still their name) look to have dropped back a few places.
Haas has definitely improved, swapped places with Force India sadly. What a year they had in 2017, looks like that won't repeat anytime soon. Wiliams an even more sorry story.
They are calling Haas the 2017 Ferrari They always start well and fair play to them, but they’ll be out developed I’d imagine come Europe. As McLaren have gone for highest downforce, to be fair Alonso could stick it on the front two rows if it’s proper wet in Quali tomorrow.
I wonder when the penny will drop. Just because you want a certain design philosophy it doesn't mean you'll get it. Wonder what'll go in the race, turbo or exhaust?
3 place grid penalty for Ricciardo . http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12...iel-ricciardo-handed-three-place-grid-penalty . If what Ted Kravitz says is correct , then it seems a little harsh , but where do you draw the line ?
