In defence of Honda, they were constrained by the token system which meant they could never catch up. It took the removal of the tokens for Honda to be given a fair chance. I had a late night watching the documentary on ITV4 (I think) about Senna. That clearly called out favouritism towards Prost by the FIA, that was run by a Frenchman. What I think was good though was the filming of drivers meetings with the FIA were Senna was quite vocal. I also liked the filming of Ron Dennis presenting evidence of the use of the escape lane with chicanes that caused Senna's disqualification but other drivers were not. It was good to see the basis for decisions and disputes and driver passion. We need more of that openness. Prost performed moves that you could credit Vettel with, deliberately driving into Senna. Senna drove with passion, argued for drivers to be allowed to go for it otherwise it is not racing. The sport has become clinical since, but 2 deaths in that fateful weekend, it is not surprising. There is no doubt Senna was special, but it also was a different era, we lost something along the way though. I think steward meetings should be filmed, as should all major decisions. This should be brought back. Was it Bernie who closed the door on these meetings?
Looks possible it will be Russell to Mercedes in 2021 and Bottas in talks with Renault...didn't see that one coming, some sense in it though, if true.. https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/5987...g-next-to-hamilton-for-mercedes-in-2021-.html
Must be difficult to decide if younger drivers ready to move up as they would normally have a few more races under their belt by this time of year. Bottas has been good at his job in Merc (collecting points so rivals can't take them!) but I guess he is maybe looking to be less of a support driver. Renault seems a goodish bet apart from what happens if Renault pull the plug? He probably hasn't much option if he wants to lead a team. Russel would be interesting at Merc, they do need to get some youngsters in to see their future potential, if Merc intend staying that is.
I think the jury is out on Ocon still after his spell at Force India. Too many silly incidents and outscored by Perez both seasons, so he will need to show at Renault (if he gets the chance in 2020) that he has learnt from these. Merc chose Bottas over him for 2019 and 2020 when they had the option to replace VB, but there may be other reasons for that.
True, but they should have started off with something better than it was as they had an additional year of testing and development before it raced. It was just a trash engine in every aspect, power, reliability , fuel consumption etc. My point was more that Alonso could have been wooed out of McLaren whilst they were struggling if one of the top teams came for him, but they didn't.
It's being reported that as well as the budget cap being $145mill there will be limitations based on constructors position in the championship at the end of the season on how much wind tunnel time permitted. So for 2021 the winning constructor will only be allowed 90% of the baseline time figure, then an additional 2.5% for each position below. So 2nd =92.5%, 3rd = 95% all the way down to 10th = 112.5% of the baseline time. For the 2022 season 1st = 70% 2nd =75%, 3rd=80% down to 10th at 115%. So for teams owning/controlling 'B' teams they might get get very creative 'sharing' wind tunnel time and budgets! I really hope the FIA have a way of isolating each constructor for both budget and wind tunnel time. If they can then I think it's a good start at a handicap system. ADDED 24-05-20 Seems like it's not just wind tunnel limits but also CFD time limits (hope it's not time as they will just get faster computers - Oh hold on that costs budgets!!
After all the reports of UK having 14 days quarantine and Silverstone saying they would be happy with August races it now appears Boris has had his say. He has, reportedly, told ministers to 'Get Silverstone Done' well maybe not in quite so few words but you get the idea So fingers crossed we will see 2 races from Silverstone soon.
BBC reporting that McLaren are laying off 1200 people out of 4000!!! Due to low demand for McLaren cars!!!! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52808927 I feel sorry for the staff as there probably wont be many skilled jobs available at the moment.
70 from the F1 team , they say that will go up with the cost cap . Also talk of poor reliability / Quality of the road cars ?
It's being reported here: https://f1-insider.com/f1/formel-1-news-mercedes-zukunft-wolff-tritt-als-teamchef-zuruck/ That Toto will step down at the end of his 2020 contract!!! He may take a similar roll to Niki. Also seems like the rumors that have been swirling for a while re Merc just supplying PUs might well be correct!! Lewis had sort of indicated that he will stay beyond 2020 IF Toto is still at Merc!!! The article also suggests Stroll and Toto owning what is the Merc F1 team. So that would give Stroll & Wolf an A and B team!!!!! All very speculative at moment but they say meeting happening today!!!!!!
I certainly would not like to predict the consequences if that happens. Lewis has nowhere else to go so if he stays in F1 it will have to be where he is now. I could see him signing a 1 year contract before making any commitment beyond. Would his partner be Stroll? Might boost McLarens future prospects, and Danny's.
The Williams Formula 1 team has announced the beginning of a formal sale process after its financial results worsened again in 2019. Well I suppose it was only a matter of time, reported on various sites. Shall we all chip in, Not606F1. We could sign Alonso and find out once and for all what he's like to try and manage.
Williams up for sale. This does not sound good. https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/...-the-team-part-ways-with-title-sponsor-rokit/ *edit* Sorry for the duplicate post. Remove if you wish mods.
There does seem lots of 'F1 news' today. Williams for sale, Renault saying they ARE staying, Toto and Merc - who knows, Silverstone moved to August?...... Seb still staying quiet
It didn't take long for Paddy to destroy a racing legend. That said, the blame can't be laid entirely at his door. There have been a series of poor management decisions. Needs a new manager to survive and recover. The brand is still there though,