Shocking start for Lewis. Suspect he'll get back up to 2nd though.
Just made Nico's day much easier.
Just made Nico's day much easier.
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2016 Formula 1 Season Thread
- Thread starter AustinIllini
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Lewis throws away his fourth win of the year with a bad start. Though could have been worse... *cough* Gutierrez *cough*
Good run by Vettel and Kimi. Never in contention for the win, but good strategy for a change to finish 3rd and 4th and pick up some much-needed points vis-a-vis Red Bull.
Good run by Vettel and Kimi. Never in contention for the win, but good strategy for a change to finish 3rd and 4th and pick up some much-needed points vis-a-vis Red Bull.
Maybe it's just me: But that was one dreadfully boring Grand Prix. Did I miss some moment that seemed exciting, where the outcome seemed in doubt?
It's painfully obvious that making a good start in a 2016-era F1 car is quite difficult. The lack of traction control systems, the insane amount of torque, and the complexities of the multi-clutch systems seem to make that all but impossible to master.
But it seems a dreadful statement on the level of competition that the race was pretty much over by the first corner. That Mercedes quantitative superiority was such that they could make the decision to run a 2-stop strategy, knowing that even on harder tires they could outrun their Ferrari and Red Bull competitors, and force them to run an extra stop. That having lost two or three positions due to a bad start, Lewis Hamilton had no reasonable shot at making up the 13 seconds to his rival. That running a dozen or so laps behind the Ferraris had put Hamilton's tires in such a state that he couldn't keep pushing to try and close the gap to Rosberg.
You wouldn't watch a golf tournament that was decided on the first tee shot. At some point, I hope the F1 rules makers and organizers come up with a formula that restores a little bit of excitement to the sport.
It's painfully obvious that making a good start in a 2016-era F1 car is quite difficult. The lack of traction control systems, the insane amount of torque, and the complexities of the multi-clutch systems seem to make that all but impossible to master.
But it seems a dreadful statement on the level of competition that the race was pretty much over by the first corner. That Mercedes quantitative superiority was such that they could make the decision to run a 2-stop strategy, knowing that even on harder tires they could outrun their Ferrari and Red Bull competitors, and force them to run an extra stop. That having lost two or three positions due to a bad start, Lewis Hamilton had no reasonable shot at making up the 13 seconds to his rival. That running a dozen or so laps behind the Ferraris had put Hamilton's tires in such a state that he couldn't keep pushing to try and close the gap to Rosberg.
You wouldn't watch a golf tournament that was decided on the first tee shot. At some point, I hope the F1 rules makers and organizers come up with a formula that restores a little bit of excitement to the sport.
The problem with F1 is the thing that makes it great is the thing that makes it hard to watch. So much of the race is decided off the track, be it via engineering or strategy.
Honestly, so long as certain teams can outspend other teams, there will not be much in terms of competition. Even if Ferrari and Mercedes were to switch, would that make the sport better? Not at all.
Honestly, so long as certain teams can outspend other teams, there will not be much in terms of competition. Even if Ferrari and Mercedes were to switch, would that make the sport better? Not at all.
It's true F1 needs a shake up. But with the possibility of new owners this week and with it a better division of funds, there is hope.
Having one team dominate is never a good spectacle, but then it's been that way since I started watching in the 80's.
A better driver in a close car sometimes can out perform, but not currently.
Unless there is an issue you pretty much know it's a Merc 1-2. You also know that because of tyres, the 2nd place Merc can rarely challenge the 1st place man.
It's the tyre compounds that need to change.
I don't want lift and coast. I want hammer time!
Having one team dominate is never a good spectacle, but then it's been that way since I started watching in the 80's.
A better driver in a close car sometimes can out perform, but not currently.
Unless there is an issue you pretty much know it's a Merc 1-2. You also know that because of tyres, the 2nd place Merc can rarely challenge the 1st place man.
It's the tyre compounds that need to change.
I don't want lift and coast. I want hammer time!
I'd like to see a lot, if not all, of the technology taken out.*
I'd like them to be able to work the draft.
I'd like one type of tire.
I'd like driver safety to remain as is. *
don't know if that would fix it or not. a lot of jobs, and probably partners/providers, would go away. there are always going to be great teams, bad teams, and mediocre teams. but the divide shouldn't be so great. but even before our time there were "the haves" and "have nots". and every now and then david slew goliath...
* that alone would greatly bring the cost down.
** i realize some of the technology is for safety. so keep what is reasonable.
I'd like them to be able to work the draft.
I'd like one type of tire.
I'd like driver safety to remain as is. *
don't know if that would fix it or not. a lot of jobs, and probably partners/providers, would go away. there are always going to be great teams, bad teams, and mediocre teams. but the divide shouldn't be so great. but even before our time there were "the haves" and "have nots". and every now and then david slew goliath...
* that alone would greatly bring the cost down.
** i realize some of the technology is for safety. so keep what is reasonable.
Roseberg looks on fire in Singapore. His pole lap was miles better than the rest.
Lewis who doesn't start as well typically, is third behind Daniel Ricardo. And because he seems down hearted, which generally he doesn't bounce back from it looks like a sure gone conclusion tomorrow.
Vettel had a mechanical failure so didn't even get out of q1.
Lewis who doesn't start as well typically, is third behind Daniel Ricardo. And because he seems down hearted, which generally he doesn't bounce back from it looks like a sure gone conclusion tomorrow.
Vettel had a mechanical failure so didn't even get out of q1.
F1 must have some strange subliminal addictive quality. Even though it would often be more interesting watching paint dry (expect this tomorrow) I keep coming back for more. I think I need help 
You couldn't have been more wrong on today's race. Plenty of over taking and racing.F1 must have some strange subliminal addictive quality. Even though it would often be more interesting watching paint dry (expect this tomorrow) I keep coming back for more. I think I need help
In the end a good win for Roseberg, especially as Hamilton only (just) picked up third.
Mind you another couple of laps and Daniel Ricardeo would have had him.
I'll admit it was one of the better races this year, but even then it was hardly riveting stuff.
There was little on-track racing between the top teams, and without Ricardeo's potential challenge it would have been the usual drab affair. When the top 4 on the grid finish in the same positions, that says something!
There was little on-track racing between the top teams, and without Ricardeo's potential challenge it would have been the usual drab affair. When the top 4 on the grid finish in the same positions, that says something!
I wish I could find something good to say about the 2016 Singapore Grand Prix. But I can't.
I got an important phone call around lap 35. When I came back almost an hour later, the situation was exactly the same. I felt zero impulse to roll back my DVR to catch the "excitement" of Lewis Hamilton's pit stop strategy. The announcers apparently felt the need to peddle the notion that Rosberg's deteriorating brakes were going to guarantee a fight to the finish, but I remain unconvinced. The "fight" never actually materialized, and I'm absolutely convinced that it was just Rosberg and Mercedes tech people managing their lap and sector times down to the microsecond. If Ricciardo had actually gotten close to Rosberg, I'm pretty sure they would have miraculously found a way to keep him out of effective DRS range.
A German talking on his car phone to Mercedes tech support isn't my idea of high drama, let alone sporting legend.
There is so much that's good about modern F1 racing. The tech is incredible. The cars themselves look great. The telemetry; radio chatter; and in-car cameras get you into the action. The absolute professionalism of the pit crews and race marshals. The very existence of the "fly-away" races is itself a microcosm of the economic, political, and social history of the last thirty years.
I'm going to keep watching F1. But then I remind myself that a few races from now, Mercedes is going to introduce its latest power train system (I don't think we can really call them "engines" anymore, can we?) one that all-but-guarantees that the Silver Arrows will maintain their significant qualitative advantage for the next season, while the boffins at Ferrari and Red Bull scramble for whatever is left on the podium.
I got an important phone call around lap 35. When I came back almost an hour later, the situation was exactly the same. I felt zero impulse to roll back my DVR to catch the "excitement" of Lewis Hamilton's pit stop strategy. The announcers apparently felt the need to peddle the notion that Rosberg's deteriorating brakes were going to guarantee a fight to the finish, but I remain unconvinced. The "fight" never actually materialized, and I'm absolutely convinced that it was just Rosberg and Mercedes tech people managing their lap and sector times down to the microsecond. If Ricciardo had actually gotten close to Rosberg, I'm pretty sure they would have miraculously found a way to keep him out of effective DRS range.
A German talking on his car phone to Mercedes tech support isn't my idea of high drama, let alone sporting legend.
There is so much that's good about modern F1 racing. The tech is incredible. The cars themselves look great. The telemetry; radio chatter; and in-car cameras get you into the action. The absolute professionalism of the pit crews and race marshals. The very existence of the "fly-away" races is itself a microcosm of the economic, political, and social history of the last thirty years.
I'm going to keep watching F1. But then I remind myself that a few races from now, Mercedes is going to introduce its latest power train system (I don't think we can really call them "engines" anymore, can we?) one that all-but-guarantees that the Silver Arrows will maintain their significant qualitative advantage for the next season, while the boffins at Ferrari and Red Bull scramble for whatever is left on the podium.
i think the cars could look better.
be nice if someone else would win the few races and make the Merc boys fight for scraps.
READ THIS AT DIFFERENT BOARD: "Here's what is wrong with Formula 1. Mercedes is running active suspension, but is skirting the regulations by mounting it outside of the tub. They are hiding it under the vanity panel. Now, as I have said many times in the past, F1 encourages cheating, so this is only to be expected from Mercedes. The problem, however, is that the FIA needs Mercedes permission to ban Mercedes cheating."
Not sure if it is true/accurate. Wouldn't surprise me if it was though...
Interesting read. https://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/21/apple-mclaren-acquisition-talks/
Two of my passions collide? Not likely IMO.
Two of my passions collide? Not likely IMO.
I hope Ron Dennis and the board tell Apple to shove it! I like both brands but I'm very proud of McLaren and its heritage. I would rather see a company linked within motorsport provide funding if needed.
Apparently they have denied it, so maybe he did! I'd love them to get back to the top, but they are still playing catch up with the rest.
Great qualifying from Hamilton. Unfortunately Rosberg who was 5th after the first Q3 runs sorted it out and ended up 2nd.
Max in 3rd will keep them honest at the start.
Either way Mercedes will tie up the constructors championship tomorrow with 5 races to go. But at least the drivers championship is going to go down to the wire.
RBR v Ferrari and Force India v Williams are very much undecided as well.
Nice to see Button do well on his 300th Grand Prix Qualifying. P9 is probably as good as that car can do currently. Good to see McClaren improving.
Max in 3rd will keep them honest at the start.
Either way Mercedes will tie up the constructors championship tomorrow with 5 races to go. But at least the drivers championship is going to go down to the wire.
RBR v Ferrari and Force India v Williams are very much undecided as well.
Nice to see Button do well on his 300th Grand Prix Qualifying. P9 is probably as good as that car can do currently. Good to see McClaren improving.
Cracking race.
So much going on. Glad Daniel got the win as he is one of the nicest guys in F1. Always has a smile win or lose.
Felt sorry for Hamilton. Not his fault that engine blew. Ultimately I believe that will cost him the title.
To be fair though Roseburg didn't deserve to be last after Vettal took him out at the start.
Good to see both McClarens in the points. Progress definitely being made. Hope next years rule changes bring them further up the front.
So 5 races left and despite not putting a tyre wrong all weekend, Hamilton is again playing catch up.
Bring on Japan.
So much going on. Glad Daniel got the win as he is one of the nicest guys in F1. Always has a smile win or lose.
Felt sorry for Hamilton. Not his fault that engine blew. Ultimately I believe that will cost him the title.
To be fair though Roseburg didn't deserve to be last after Vettal took him out at the start.
Good to see both McClarens in the points. Progress definitely being made. Hope next years rule changes bring them further up the front.
So 5 races left and despite not putting a tyre wrong all weekend, Hamilton is again playing catch up.
Bring on Japan.
Got up at 0230 to watch pre race. Watched the beginning with Vettel tagging Nico. Don't care how Vettel justifies it, he was just plain wrong. Kind of lost interest after that with Hamilton just running away. Stayed till about lap 26 then decided I'd be better off going back to bed. Dang! I missed Hamilton's engine blow. The race is on replay tonight so I'll probably tune in to see the end. Glad that Nico was able to come back. Good to see Alonso and Button do better and WOW poor Haas/Grosjean. Pretty scary. Agree about Ricardo, the guy always has a smile and he's a heck of driver. Good job!
F1 is just boring. The tracks don't have enough passing areas and the disparity between teams is just too much. If you qualify on pole it's almost a given that you win. Make that first corner while the guys behind you are fighting or taking each other out and then run away, at least enough so that no one can use the DRS on you. If you don't have a bobble in the pits you win. I think they should bring back refueling. If NASCAR can do it safely then so should F1. That would reintroduce strategy on starting with full tank or less. Maybe there should be someway to handicap the previous winner by adding weight or maybe limiting boost. Maybe with the new ownership of F1 things might change. It can't be soon enough. Cheers
F1 is just boring. The tracks don't have enough passing areas and the disparity between teams is just too much. If you qualify on pole it's almost a given that you win. Make that first corner while the guys behind you are fighting or taking each other out and then run away, at least enough so that no one can use the DRS on you. If you don't have a bobble in the pits you win. I think they should bring back refueling. If NASCAR can do it safely then so should F1. That would reintroduce strategy on starting with full tank or less. Maybe there should be someway to handicap the previous winner by adding weight or maybe limiting boost. Maybe with the new ownership of F1 things might change. It can't be soon enough. Cheers
Maybe if they didn't disable DRS for the first 2 or 3 laps it would be harder for the leader to run away from the pack.
mostly agreed.
1 type of tyre would be nice.
get rid of a lot of the technology.
and better pre and post race inspection. someone is cheating i just know it! ;P
Looks like Nico is the most likely to get the win on Sunday in Japan. Not just because he is in pole, but Hamilton just doesn't seem on form this weekend.
Still upset about his engine from last weekend and walking out of a press conference.
If that gap gets wider, I think his head will go down and that will be that for the rest of the season.
Of course I want to see Lewis win the championship, but even the neutrals should want Hamilton to close the gap to keep it close and hopefully going down to the wire.
Still upset about his engine from last weekend and walking out of a press conference.
If that gap gets wider, I think his head will go down and that will be that for the rest of the season.
Of course I want to see Lewis win the championship, but even the neutrals should want Hamilton to close the gap to keep it close and hopefully going down to the wire.
Of course Mercedes deserved the third championship in a row.
It is now up to Austin for the US grand prix to see whether Lewis Hamilton can make a comeback for a third drivers championship in a row, which would be his 4th championship.
Japan was his 100th Podium, which is roughly 1 Podium per 1.8 races he's been in.
However, Nico Rosberg has to be looking to become a champion just like his dad Keke.
4 races to go, 3 in the Americas & the final in Abu Dhabi.
Rosberg can win from 2nd place in the last 4 even if Lewis wins all 4, so Lewis may have to encourage Max Verstappen to keep performing as well as today.
It is now up to Austin for the US grand prix to see whether Lewis Hamilton can make a comeback for a third drivers championship in a row, which would be his 4th championship.
Japan was his 100th Podium, which is roughly 1 Podium per 1.8 races he's been in.
However, Nico Rosberg has to be looking to become a champion just like his dad Keke.
4 races to go, 3 in the Americas & the final in Abu Dhabi.
Rosberg can win from 2nd place in the last 4 even if Lewis wins all 4, so Lewis may have to encourage Max Verstappen to keep performing as well as today.
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