Formula1 Talk

[MadManCK]

There will be some kind of shoot out between Kubica and DiResta. They both want the remaining Williams seat. Stroll is secure thanks to his dad and also his performance. Massa still thinks he has a chance and my own Bottas prediction is also in play. Williams obviously has the hot seat. Well played again. Last Year they played a key role in the drivers shuffle. They might surprise this Year as well.

It will be interesting to see how well Kubica will do against DiResta.

[MadManCK]

Bottas was a lot sharper this morning, probably feeling the heath of Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff, who told the press that he was not happy with Bottas' performance.

However, my little driver swap idea will probably not happen this year. Maybe next season, when a lot of contracts expire and the drivers market is open gain.

For now the most likely contenders for the Williams seat remain DiResta and Kubica. Massa might retire for good this time and others, like Palmer are only secondary options. Wehrlein might still be in the picture, as he can bring a discount on the Mercedes engines with him and his current spot at Sauber will be taken by a Ferrari prodigy. The age factor (25) as requested by sponsor Martini, can be circumvented by letting DiResta do the promotional work in countries where 25 Y is the minimum age to drink strong beverages.

It is also rumored that Alonso will sign this weekend in Japan for McLaren. But i'm still convinced that he has tried to get the Mercedes seat.

P1 was interrupted, when Sainz made a silly mistake, accelerating full over wet curbstones. Always stay away from anything painted in wet or damp conditions. He should know that by now. Massive damage on his car was the result of the impact in the barriers.
Thanks to that crash, most drivers were not able to improve their laptimes any further.

P2 was soaking wet, with rivers in the pitlane. Only a few drivers went out for a few laps when the track was dried up enough. Hamilton was fastest in the wet. Teams like Ferrari and Red Bull did not even bother to do a few runs, as weather predictions for Sundays race are dry.

I still think that there should be a rule that every team has to send out at least one car, once the track has been cleared to go.
People pay for tickets to watch F1 cars drive.

First free practice results - 2017 Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix

Pos. Driver Team Time Laps
1. S. Vettel Ferrari 01:29.166 23
2. L. Hamilton Mercedes 01:29.377 29
3. D. Ricciardo Red Bull 01:29.541 27
4. K. Räikkönen Ferrari 01:29.638 22
5. V. Bottas Mercedes 01:30.151 30
6. M. Verstappen Red Bull 01:30.762 26
7. E. Ocon Force India 01:30.899 22
8. N. Hulkenberg Renault 01:30.974 24
9. R. Grosjean Haas 01:31.032 22
10. S. Vandoorne McLaren 01:31.202 24
11. K. Magnussen Haas 01:31.216 15
12. F. Alonso McLaren 01:31.235 19
13. S. Pérez Force India 01:31.530 23
14. L. Stroll Williams 01:31.602 22
15. J. Palmer Renault 01:31.757 22
16. F. Massa Williams 01:31.912 20
17. C. Sainz Jr. Toro Rosso 01:32.252 14
18. P. Gasly Toro Rosso 01:32.501 18
19. P. Wehrlein Sauber 01:32.897 29
20. M. Ericsson Sauber 01:33.397 28

Second free practice results - 2017 Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix

Pos. Driver Team Time Laps
1. L. Hamilton Mercedes 01:48.719 4
2. E. Ocon Force India 01:49.518 3
3. S. Pérez Force India 01:51.345 3
4. F. Massa Williams 01:52.146 3
5. L. Stroll Williams 01:52.343 4
6. K. Räikkönen Ferrari no time 1
7. N. Hulkenberg Renault no time 1
8. J. Palmer Renault no time 1
9. M. Ericsson Sauber no time 3
10. S. Vettel Ferrari no time 1
11. F. Alonso McLaren no time 2
12. P. Wehrlein Sauber no time 2
13. C. Sainz Jr. Toro Rosso no time 1
14. S. Vandoorne McLaren no time 1

[MadManCK]

Bottas leading the pace in P3, but went wide in spoon and hit the barrier. Some damage and work for the Mercedes mechanics. Did Toto's motivational talk push him over the limits? He clearly wants to prove himself, but Valtteri is overdoing it now.

Code red now, as the track needs some repairs. The Astroturf came loose.

Another code red, as Kimi hits the barriers after a seldom mistake. Vettel went wide there earlier, almost making the same mistake, so Ferrari is struggling getting a good setup for Suzuka at this point. Also there is a nasty bump upsetting the cars there.

Mercedes has found a way to make the new aero package work. They were fastest and on yellow (soft) tires.
Ferrari is still struggling a bit with the setup, but Vettel did come close enough. On red tires.

The shootout between DiResta and Kubica has been confirmed by Paddy Lowe of Williams GP. They will use 4Y old cars though, due to regulations preventing them to use actual F1 cars.
Other drivers in the picture are Wehrlein and Massa
This test will provide Williams with the feedback they need to see if Kubica can make a come back to F1.

From a business point of view, Wehrlein is their best option. So maybe the shootout is just for publicity. As usual, Williams is playing their cards strongly.

Third free practice results - 2017 Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix

Pos. Driver Team Time Laps
1. V. Bottas Mercedes 01:29.055 9
2. L. Hamilton Mercedes 01:29.069 19
3. S. Vettel Ferrari 01:29.379 23
4. M. Verstappen Red Bull 01:29.910 15
5. D. Ricciardo Red Bull 01:30.018 13
6. E. Ocon Force India 01:30.109 12
7. N. Hulkenberg Renault 01:30.315 19
8. F. Alonso McLaren 01:30.424 13
9. S. Pérez Force India 01:30.563 12
10. J. Palmer Renault 01:30.764 22
11. F. Massa Williams 01:30.764 21
12. S. Vandoorne McLaren 01:30.770 18
13. C. Sainz Jr. Toro Rosso 01:30.799 23
14. K. Magnussen Haas 01:30.982 12
15. L. Stroll Williams 01:31.011 20
16. P. Gasly Toro Rosso 01:31.353 25
17. R. Grosjean Haas 01:31.459 13
18. M. Ericsson Sauber 01:32.579 22
19. P. Wehrlein Sauber 01:32.698 21
20. K. Räikkönen Ferrari 01:33.962 12

[MadManCK]

Lewis was from a different planet today, grabbing his first pole at Suzuka. Congratz on the 71th pole for him.
Bottas was not far behind, but has to start 5 places back due to a gear box change penalty. Vettel came close to Bottas, but Mercedes clearly has the pace this weekend. Both Red Bulls were 1 second off the pole pace.

Alonso did a remarkable job with his McLaren in the top 10.

You have to admire the Japanese fans. The creations they wear to support their team are incredible. There was even one McLaren Honda fan with a hat, equipped with a rear wing with working DRS



Suzuka is a magnificent circuit and there should be more real race tracks on the F1 calender. Maybe some city tracks are cool, but Libery has to choose for the racing as well as the publicity. With 155.000 spectators, Suzuka also clearly shows that a race should have full tribunes and no empty seats.

Qualifying results - 2017 Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix

Pos. Driver Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Laps
1. L. Hamilton Mercedes 01:29.047 01:27.819 01:27.319 18
2. V. Bottas Mercedes 01:29.332 01:28.543 01:27.651 17
3. S. Vettel Ferrari 01:29.352 01:28.225 01:27.791 18
4. D. Ricciardo Red Bull 01:29.475 01:28.935 01:28.306 13
5. M. Verstappen Red Bull 01:29.181 01:28.747 01:28.332 12
6. K. Räikkönen Ferrari 01:29.163 01:29.079 01:28.498 15
7. E. Ocon Force India 01:30.115 01:29.199 01:29.111 16
8. S. Pérez Force India 01:29.696 01:29.343 01:29.260 17
9. F. Massa Williams 01:30.352 01:29.687 01:29.480 16
10. F. Alonso McLaren 01:30.525 01:29.749 01:30.687 13

11. S. Vandoorne McLaren 01:30.654 01:29.778 11
12. N. Hulkenberg Renault 01:30.252 01:29.879 10
13. K. Magnussen Haas 01:30.774 01:29.972 11
14. J. Palmer Renault 01:30.516 01:30.022 10
15. C. Sainz Jr. Toro Rosso 01:30.565 01:30.413 11

16. R. Grosjean Haas 01:30.849 5
17. P. Gasly Toro Rosso 01:31.317 7
18. L. Stroll Williams 01:31.409 6
19. M. Ericsson Sauber 01:31.597 7
20. P. Wehrlein Sauber 01:31.885 7

[MadManCK]

Kvyatt will be back. The Russian Torpedo will drive for Toro Rosso again from the US GP.
Not to replace Gasly, but Sainz.

Sainz will make an early move to Renault, to drive the remaining races for the team and learn the car and the way they work.
Palmer will have to make place. Probably sent home with a bag full of French Gold. But he does not belong in F1. Blaming the rear wind for his spin in Malaysia was shameful. And afterwards he spun again into Magnussen and almost took out race leader Verstappen. I think that was the final mistake and the last nail on his coffin.

Carlos Sainz will do well at Renault. He will give Hulkenberg a run for his money and by doing that push the whole team forward. Renault is not the worst place to be next year. With all FIA secrets going to that team. In disgust of all team owners, who can not do anything legal about it. It is the biggest Spy-gate to date in F1. Renault will surely benefit from that knowledge.

It is also logical to keep Kvyatt for now. But i think Toro Rosso will give Honda driver Matsushita a more prominent role in the near future. But they might not risk putting two rookies in their car. On the other hand, why not?
Kvyatt has not shown the best judgement and maturity during his recent F1 years. To put it mildly.

But Kvyatt is the come back kid of the F1 grid. He gets more chances than he deserves probably. Maybe because of his Russian connection. If it is just for the last 4 races or more next year remains to be seen.
Anyway, never a dull moment with Kvyatt.

And more news about the shoot out between Kubica and DiResta at Williams GP. They will be accompanied by Wehrlein as well. As predicted
Mercedes wants their young drivers in good teams to prepare for the big task ahead. Kubica is convinced that DiResta will be no issue for him. He is confident he can be faster. Kubica was one of the big talents in F1 before his unfortunate rallye incident side tracked him for 6 years. Kubica is great publicity for Williams, but they might pick Wehrlein, as he is younger and eager to prove his qualities as an F1 driver. He has 2 years of experience now and the backing of Mercedes. Most likely with a nice discount on their engines. And driving at the back of the pack with an outdated Ferrari engine in an undeveloped Sauber is not where he wants to be.

And next year there might be no place for him there anyway.
Ferrari is rumored to rename Sauber into Alfa Romeo and use it in a similar fashion as Red Bull does with Toro Rosso.

To be continued.

[MadManCK]

Suzuka is one of the best racing tracks in the World, has some of the best racing fans in the World and is the host of some of the best races of the F1 calender.

Today was no different. With lots of action, drama and ballsy overtakes.

Lewis could barely hold on to his position, but managed to extend his lead in the Championship. Poor Vettel had another technical faillure, causing him to retire and this basically means the end of his World title aspirations.
Red Bull had a double podium with Max (2nd) and Daniel (3rd). Ricciardo could barely fence off a hard charging Bottas, who ruined his own race by helping Hamilton extend his lead over Verstappen.

Verstappen was voted driver of the day.

Magnussen showed Massa how to overtake in a spot he did not expect and gave Massa some of his own clashing medicine. Great move there.
Kimi Raikkonen did run wide, after contact with Hulkenberg, causing him to drop to 14th. He did come back with some epic overtaking actions, but could not find enough pace to follow Bottas. 5th is still a good result, considering the bad luck that follows Ferrari in Asia.
Hulkenberg had to retire with a malfunctioning DRS.

Carlos Sainz ended his last race at Toro Rosso in the gravel. Not the most elegant way to leave that team. He will be back in Yellow next race.

Palmer drove his last race unnoticed and just outside the points. He is a good driver, was GP2 champion, but does not have the extra talent you need to compete with the best in F1. We wish him good luck for the rest of his career.

It will be interesting to see how well Sainz will do, next to Hulkenberg.

Both Force Indias and both HAAS drivers were in the top 10. Vijay Mallya has forbidden Ocon and Perez to race each other. Too bad as that could have been another good battle. But considering what happened between them in the past, a wise decision.

I have to give kudos to the live TV covering team. They managed to catch almost every fight and made this race special to watch.

Race results - 2017 Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix

Pos. Driver Team Time
1. L. Hamilton Mercedes 1:27:31.193
2. M. Verstappen Red Bull +1.211
3. D. Ricciardo Red Bull +9.679 +8.468
4. V. Bottas Mercedes +10.580 +0.901
5. K. Räikkönen Ferrari +32.622 +22.042
6. E. Ocon Force India +1:07.788 +35.166
7. S. Pérez Force India +1:11.424 +3.636
8. K. Magnussen Haas +1:28.953 +17.529
9. R. Grosjean Haas +1:29.883 +0.930
10. F. Massa Williams +1 Lap
11. F. Alonso McLaren +1 Lap
12. J. Palmer Renault +1 Lap
13. P. Gasly Toro Rosso +1 Lap
14. S. Vandoorne McLaren +1 Lap
15. P. Wehrlein Sauber +2 Laps

Did not finish
16. L. Stroll Williams +8 Laps
17. N. Hulkenberg Renault +13 Laps
18. M. Ericsson Sauber +46 Laps
19. S. Vettel Ferrari +49 Laps
20. C. Sainz Jr. Toro Rosso +53 Laps

[MadManCK]

Vettel's bad luck did not ran out on the track alone. He was given a reprimand for not showing up on time for the national anthem. And as he also did not show up to the press, he will get another one for that.

I think he will be glad once they land in the US for next race at Austin, Texas.

Alonso was rewarded penalty points for not getting out of the way fast enough for race leader Lewis and Max. I really do not see the point there. Last race maybe, when he held up Vettel a bit too long. In this case he did not wait too long IMO. Massa was just as annoying, causing Max to drop a few seconds behind to Lewis, but he was not penalized. Another example of the race stewards not being consistent.
Drivers have to move over at the first opportunity, even if they are in their own fight for position.

There is another Austin GP thing about Pierre Gasly. Toro Rosso was quick to announce Gasly driving at the US GP. But they seem to have underestimated Gasly's desire to finish the Japanese Super Formula Championship. He is currently second with only 0.5 points separating him from 1st.
In addition to that, Honda wants him to finish that championship, as he is their chance to win and that is great PR for the plagued Honda company.
As Honda gets some influence within Toro Rosso next year, they might play a strong hand here.

In the end Helmut Marko of Red Bull makes the final decision.

Question remains, who will drive the second Toro Rosso if Gasly drives in Japan?

Sainz has gone to Renault, Kvyatt already drives in Austin and there are no direct Red Bull reserves left.

Names have been circulating the paddock quickly. Maybe some of the Indycar drivers can make a guest appearance at Toro Rosso.
Takuma Sato and Alexander Rossi, as well as IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden are mentioned. But maybe some other reserve drivers can get a chance. This includes the now free Jolyon Palmer and Williams reserve driver Paul DiResta.

And Toro Rosso still drives with (TAG Badged) Renault engines this year. So Palmer might have a chance there.

I think Marko will keep Gasly in F1. But in case they let him finalize his Super Formula championship, there is another driver that has not been mentioned yet; Sebastian Buemi.

Marko himself has stated that Buemi is one of his few regrets. They did let him go too soon®.
Buemi has the F1 experience and the Red Bull connections. It will also be good PR for him.

It will be interesting how this story unfolds in the upcoming weeks.
Gasly can not drive both races. Hard choices have to be made.

[Beardroid91]

Good race, just watched the shorter highlight version on SkyF1.

Imo. both Alonso, mostly Massa have no place in Formula 1 anymore, he is just a door stopper as it is now, and Massa keeps ruining race outcomes by blocking and disregarding the blue flags, so why Massa didn't get 2 points as well as Alonso is beyond me, as Massa blocked Verstappen too.

Verstappen might have court up with the Mercedes at the end if the brain dead dual of Massa and Alonso knew what blue flags was, so a shame there.

Also Ferrari should have just changed the plugs when they thought something was wrong, it is just stupid to even role up to the grid in a broken car, really not what i think when i think of a massive team as Ferrari... embarrassment to the team.

[MadManCK]

Helmut Marko thinks Massa should retire. No mysteries in that statement.

http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/3595 ... ays-marko/

I have watched all Sky interviews as well. Lots of interesting stuff there.
But when it comes to penalize drivers for not going aside quick enough when a blue flag has been shown, the stewards should be more consistent. Alonso got 2 penalty points on his license, which is ridiculous IMO. I think Kvyatt got 3 points after turning the start into a bowling alley in Austria. In addition to that Massa got away with no penalty, not even a warning. And he clearly held up Max on purpose.
So maybe they should hire Stewards without sunglasses.

Or just Rod Stewart



The good old rocker would be more fair than these disgruntled stewards of the race, who do not seem to get any fair decision out of their dungeons this season. Shameful really, as you should be able to rely on the rules and those responsible to execute them.


The Gasly soap gets a new turn with Honda stating they will not force him to compete in the Japanese Super Formula. Sources around Honda earlier stated that they do want him to race in Japan. So contradicting rumors all around. But the last statement was official.
This might be part of Red Bull keeping Gasly in F1. That is where his future is and every mile of experience counts.
The Austin Toro Rosso tombola is most likely over with this statement. Kvyatt and Gasly will drive the US GP for Toro Rosso.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hond ... ontent=www

[MadManCK]

The Highlights of the Suzuka GP