Search found 8110 matches

by mario
07 Mar 2024, 18:21
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions
Replies: 18
Views: 2669

Re: 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions

The race that demonstrates the power of sportswashing 1. Verstappen 2. Perez 3. Leclerc 4. Sainz 5. Russell 6. Hamilton 7. Norris 8. Alonso 9. Piastri 10. Stroll Pole: Verstappen Fastest Lap: Verstappen First Retirement: None ROTR: Alpine IIDOTR: None DBTMOTR: Sargeant LP: Sargeant FTP: Hulkenberg Y...
by mario
05 Mar 2024, 22:43
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

And now it seems he is facing a second investigation (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/68478049) which has accused him of instructing FIA personnel to fake problems with the circuit, with the objective being to deny the circuit a licence on artificial grounds. I mean, that one might actually ma...
by mario
05 Mar 2024, 14:06
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

In latest news, bin Suleyman is in trouble for altering the result of a race by ordering Alonso's penalty at Saudi 2023 be removed I had to look that up... you made it sound like he was trying to fiddle the result retrospectively a year later, something that only the Ministry Of Truth could do. And...
by mario
04 Mar 2024, 19:53
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Infinite Improbability Drive of the Race - Bahrain 2024
Replies: 18
Views: 1184

Re: Infinite Improbability Drive of the Race - Bahrain 2024

I'm gonna say Haas as a shout out. They actually seemed to get on top of their tire woes. Magnussen stopped the RBs from overtaking him and managed his tires well. Bodes well for the team. But it has to be Stroll. Solid race to get into the points. I guess that those two are probably the best nomin...
by mario
04 Mar 2024, 19:10
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

Prompted by a post from this weekend's GP - is Charles le Clerc any good? If this is in relation to his performance in Bahrain, there do seem to have been some problems with his front brakes that would be a mitigating factor. There were radio transmissions during the race from Leclerc's engineer re...
by mario
29 Feb 2024, 17:53
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions!
Replies: 18
Views: 1157

Re: 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions!

The GP where the faint hopes of a somewhat competitive championship battle are snuffed out by the end of qualifying. 1. Verstappen 2. Perez 3. Leclerc 4. Alonso 5. Hamilton 6. Russell 7. Sainz Jr 8. Norris 9. Piastri 10. Ricciardo Pole: Verstappen Fastest Lap: Verstappen First Retirement: Gasly ROTR...
by mario
29 Feb 2024, 17:46
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

Whilst the main focus has been on the investigation into Horner, a smaller piece of news dropped in February that has been raising a few questions about possible conflicts of interest for the FIA. Back on the 19th Feb, Sulayem announced that the FIA had signed their first official clothing partner, ...
by mario
23 Feb 2024, 22:01
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

That pre-season testing gap... repeat of last year? It seems that most are expecting Red Bull to still maintain a noticeable gap, and the main debate is simply how much of an advantage they will have. That said, what does seem to have caught the eye of some was the consistency of Ferrari's lap time...
by mario
15 Feb 2024, 20:22
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

What do you think about the 2024 liveries and which one is your favorite? My favorite one is Ferrari's SF24. As much as it kills me to say this, right now its probably Merc's. From the front/side anyway. Ferrari in a close second. The Mercs look pretty classy, but I'd still like it better if they d...
by mario
08 Feb 2024, 21:04
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

Its naked carbon. Ah, ok. Then yes, I'm starting to find it a little tiresome at this point. That said, for most of the teams it's probably more important to look "cool" than distinctive. I don't know if it is about "looking cool", or more about teams wanting to eke out addition...
by mario
07 Feb 2024, 20:27
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

Rumour with practically no source suggests Adrian Newey has an exit clause which can be triggered by Horner leaving... taking into an ocean full of salt... Newey/Hamilton together at Ferrari?! The rumour seems to have been started by Joe Saward, who posted a tweet that made that particular claim. A...
by mario
06 Feb 2024, 22:07
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

Rumor is old Christian was sending photos of a... sensitive area? to a female colleague, which while I like Christian and usually defend his antics, it is something that 100% seems in character. Should be easy to prove/disprove nowadays, and should have a swift resolution if true. The reports about...
by mario
05 Feb 2024, 19:52
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Andretti bid for 2025 rejected
Replies: 21
Views: 1694

Re: Andretti bid for 2025 rejected

It looks like that Andretti is going to sue F1 which would be an interesting story to look into. I haven't seen any credible organisation report that the Andretti's are looking at taking legal action. From what I have seen, the journalists Jean-Michel Desnoues, who works for the French publication ...
by mario
05 Feb 2024, 19:42
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

If it is what we all think it is, rather than he’s been bullying a colleague or something, then I’m actually surprised this is the first case like this to make headlines. Let’s hope it’s a one off ( :!: ) but if it isn’t I hope others come forward to get a bit of justice. I don’t care who you are, ...
by mario
05 Feb 2024, 14:25
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

On another note, there are now allegations starting in the Dutch press that Horner is under investigation by Red Bull after a colleague made a formal complaint about 'inappropriate behaviour' by Horner towards them, with an independent legal firm carrying out the investigation. We have no further de...
by mario
05 Feb 2024, 14:16
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025?
Replies: 27
Views: 2117

Re: Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025?

This is an incredibly negative and unambitious move by Ferrari who should be moving hell or water to tempt Max. It's also a glorified pension plan for Hamilton. Why would Max want to move? There is not the slightest incentive for him to leave a team that is structured to serve him and has Newey at ...
by mario
04 Feb 2024, 09:35
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Andretti bid for 2025 rejected
Replies: 21
Views: 1694

Re: Andretti bid for 2025 rejected

So, following on from FOM's statement, we've seen a response from the Andretti's. With regards to not meeting FOM's management, they have put out a statement claiming "We were not aware that the offer of a meeting had been extended and would not decline a meeting with Formula One Management.&qu...
by mario
04 Feb 2024, 09:14
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025?
Replies: 27
Views: 2117

Re: Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025?

Apparently Peter Windsor thinks Red Bull have offered Alex Albon a drive for 2025... Make of that what you will, but unexpected Perez to Merc? Albon to Red Bull is plausible, given Perez's contract expires at the end of this year - I doubt Red Bull will keep him on based on his performances last ye...
by mario
01 Feb 2024, 22:05
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025?
Replies: 27
Views: 2117

Re: Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025?

The only big name driver out of contract in 2025 is Alonso - however, whilst Alonso has remained competitive so far, he would be 44 years old in 2025. Time is not on Alonso's side, and if Mercedes want another driver to replace Hamilton, I expect they'd want a driver for the long term. Sainz might ...
by mario
01 Feb 2024, 21:46
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Andretti bid for 2025 rejected
Replies: 21
Views: 1694

Re: Andretti bid for 2025 rejected

That does seem unnecessarily complicated. And if the line about skipping a meeting is true, then yeah, like what the hell Michael? But FOM's other reasons seem weak at best. That said, if they truly believe you need genuinely competitive teams with factory engine deals, is this a conspiracy to put ...
by mario
01 Feb 2024, 19:19
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025?
Replies: 27
Views: 2117

Re: Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025?

To steal a line from Cody Rhodes: "So, uh, what do you guys wanna talk about?" With it now (allegedly) confirmed, it really puts that photo of Lewis that Merc put on Instagram last week in perspective. He looked absolutely miserable. Must have done his seat fit and a session in the sim an...
by mario
01 Feb 2024, 18:54
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Andretti bid for 2025 rejected
Replies: 21
Views: 1694

Re: Andretti bid for 2025 rejected

Does this all boil down to the F1 teams, manufacturers etc not wanting to give up any of their profits to another team? Yes. They claim that a customer engine deal is a hindrance to any new team.....despite all the customer deals currently. This is their "official" reasoning for inviting ...
by mario
31 Jan 2024, 19:04
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Andretti bid for 2025 rejected
Replies: 21
Views: 1694

Andretti bid for 2025 rejected

So, it has been confirmed that FOM have rejected the application from the Andretti's to enter F1 in either 2025 or 2026, although they have indicated that they might be open to considering an application for 2028. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/68158107 Whilst not unexpected, there is one inte...
by mario
28 Jan 2024, 22:03
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Spanish GP moving to Madrid street circuit
Replies: 8
Views: 1103

Re: Spanish GP moving to Madrid street circuit

If it's a half street/half permo affair like Melbourne or Montreal I probably wouldn't mind that much. And going by the sim Williams put out it doesn't look too bad (apart from the disgraceful kink in the middle of the lap where if someone goes off they're going to hit a barrier head on at 90 degre...
by mario
26 Jan 2024, 19:24
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

Unfortunately this is the future of F1 now, I think. It’s Visa Cash App RB now and soon it’ll be the ‘YouBetchaBest NFTs Ever Grand Prix of UAE’ There is a danger of forgetting that teams could be rather unsubtle about advertising in the past either - after all, you had Yeoman Credit/Bowmaker from ...
by mario
24 Jan 2024, 21:17
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

Unfortunately this is the future of F1 now, I think. It’s Visa Cash App RB now and soon it’ll be the ‘YouBetchaBest NFTs Ever Grand Prix of UAE’ There is a danger of forgetting that teams could be rather unsubtle about advertising in the past either - after all, you had Yeoman Credit/Bowmaker from ...
by mario
23 Jan 2024, 21:20
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Spanish GP moving to Madrid street circuit
Replies: 8
Views: 1103

Spanish GP moving to Madrid street circuit

There had been a few rumours floating around that Liberty Media were looking at moving the Spanish GP to a new venue, and now it has been confirmed that a new street circuit in Madrid will be joining the calendar in 2026, with a ten year deal signed with the Ifema Madrid group (the consortium which ...
by mario
21 Jan 2024, 09:19
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

According to Bernie Ecclestone, Max would win even in a McLaren, Ferrari, or Mercedes. Do you agree with him? If he means the odd race, maybe 1-3 races, sure, could be. If he means the championship, he’s delusional. (Caveat, this is talking about the 2023 season) It seems that he left it deliberate...
by mario
18 Jan 2024, 21:34
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

You've covered it Mario. I acknowledge my desires are purely what makes sense to me as a fan. I'd like a more competitive team in Haas' entry and they seem to be treading water at this point. Nobody believes they are maxing out their budget. As irrational as it might be, I'd love for FOM or the FIA...
by mario
13 Jan 2024, 22:01
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

RE Haas, Mark Hughes thinks it's likely a sale will happen. I'm hoping he's right. Give Andretti a chance I say. What do you think Andretti will be able to do with it, if they buy the Haas outfit? For now, Gene Haas is insisting that he has no interest in selling - whether that is simply a negotiat...
by mario
12 Jan 2024, 10:13
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

RE Haas, Mark Hughes thinks it's likely a sale will happen. I'm hoping he's right. Give Andretti a chance I say. What do you think Andretti will be able to do with it, if they buy the Haas outfit? For now, Gene Haas is insisting that he has no interest in selling - whether that is simply a negotiat...
by mario
10 Jan 2024, 17:47
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

And also is there some limit to the number of races you will watch? I cannot believe that me, the board's resident grumpy old man is the one saying this, but the question now is: "Is there some limit to the races you will watch live "? I watch all of F1 practice, qualis, sprints, and race...
by mario
10 Jan 2024, 10:10
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

The whole "Kick Sauber Stake Romero" thing is mildly amusing to me. I don't watch any type of gaming streams, but my friends who do tell me that Kick is quite literally Twitch with blackjack and hookers (sports betting and nudity), so that's funny if nothing else. Not sure how many others...
by mario
02 Jan 2024, 20:28
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2024 discussion thread
Replies: 187
Views: 13492

Re: 2024 discussion thread

Great to see a thread on the 2024 season. I wonder why didn't you use their exact name "Stake" 🤔 I just couldn't remember it correctly. I could go back and edit it, but because I don't have a stake in the team, I don't find the name that memorable. It's even more complex than that - the t...
by mario
29 Dec 2023, 09:13
Forum: The Eric van de Poele Memorial Forum
Topic: The Alessandro Zanardi IndyCar Thread
Replies: 1898
Views: 2013359

Re: The Alessandro Zanardi IndyCar Thread

Expecting a close fight between Chip Ganassi Racing and Team Penske in the 2024 season. Both teams have very good drivers in their disposal so everything is likely to be very close between them in the upcoming season. The ongoing court case between Palou and McLaren is unlikely to help Palou's perf...
by mario
23 Dec 2023, 19:49
Forum: The Eric van de Poele Memorial Forum
Topic: Rumoured F1/motorsport driver/team moves
Replies: 32
Views: 12184

Re: Rumoured F1/motorsport driver/team moves

There has been some news about Carlos Sainz's contract extension with Ferrari beyond 2024. I think that we are likely to see Carlos with Ferrari in 2025 and a few years more as well. I have the feeling that perhaps this is a somewhat erroneous place to put this post, given the thread is more about ...
by mario
21 Dec 2023, 20:28
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Reject of the Year
Replies: 30
Views: 16143

Re: 2023 Reject of the Year

Gotta be Nyck. Dude had so much hype in the F1 previews and such whether he would be the next RB driver since their stocks were low and people were low on Yuki. Nyck was supposed to smash Yuki apparently but dude got sacked and never made it into his home GP. I'm curious what press you're referring...
by mario
10 Dec 2023, 22:08
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 2236876

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

The way Max dominated the whole season. I don't think we're going to see such domination from any driver in the next few years at least. I hope you're right, i really do. And yet I suspect that until there is a major rules change, there will continue to be dominance by one team and driver. It will ...
by mario
07 Dec 2023, 22:40
Forum: The Eric van de Poele Memorial Forum
Topic: Failures of Motorsports - Car Designs, Team Mistakes and More
Replies: 10
Views: 1942

Re: Failures of Motorsports - Car Designs, Team Mistakes and More

Well, moving to something a bit older and perhaps more obscure, I would suggest the March 721X would be a good starter. The 721X was an experimental design by Robin Herd - his reasoning, after hearing Ronnie Peterson praise the handling of a long wheelbase March 711, was to try and produce a car wit...
by mario
07 Dec 2023, 20:41
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 2236876

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mercedes-f1-rivals-all-deny-filing-fia-complaint-over-wolff-allegations/10555773/ https://twitter.com/FortiCorseF1/status/1732493862071828976 https://twitter.com/SimtekF1/status/1732482768515285296 This whole affair is such a bizarre sequence of events that you rea...