2014 F1 thread.

[NFF]

Rosberg is "too important to be disciplined" right now. This is where the FIA needs to step in and Mercedes can use team order to prevent such incident in future races.

 

[eastwest101]

Rosberg is "too important to be disciplined" right now. This is where the FIA needs to step in and Mercedes can use team order to prevent such incident in future races.

Yes difficult to discipline Rosberg without being too obvious or endangering the points at stake in the constructors championship. Some have suggested various team orders but neither driver will necessarily obey them now so a bit futile. As Mercedes are so far in front in the constructors points, It wouldn't be completely implausible that an "accidental" cross threading of a wheel nut on pit stops, insufficient fuel, or some mysterious software "bug" in someones car could be the unofficial sanction open to Mercedes and Toto Wolff, but they all risk exposure and sanction by the FIA if proven. You would have to admit that any financial penalty is pretty much pointless, with the salaries and promotional endorsements they have access too.

It was interesting to read The Independant about the background from the Hungary race and Hamiltons version of the "Clear the Air" meeting that happened on the Thursday before the Spa race:

A clear-the-air meeting held at Spa last Thursday was the first time Hamilton and Rosberg had spoken since Hungary. Hamilton revealed afterwards: “It was interesting because we had that meeting and Nico literally expressed how angry he was. I was thinking, ‘It’s been three weeks and you’re still lingering on this?’ He sat there and said how angry he was at Toto and Paddy.”

I don't think Rosberg had a leg to stand on in the Hungary race, as he wasn't fast enough to catch up to Hamilton, and as the commentators explained at the time, despite the fact they may have been on different strategies at the time it was a given that they would end up pretty close to each other near the end of the race so why would they expect Hamilton to slow down and let Rosberg through?

The stupid thing is - is that both Hamilton and Rosberg have demonstrated that they can race hard (but fair) against each other and not take each other out until now. As its such a lopsided season with the Mercedes being so superior to all the other cars in the grid, the rivalry between Hamilton and Rosberg is one of the few interesting things about the season so far, except for seeing some of the younger good drivers coming through and duling it out with some of the more talented and experienced drivers.

 

[docjames]

They could "penalize" him relative to Hamilton once the constructors championship is sewn up - thereby "evening-up" the title race, and protecting the manufacturers title.

Problem with that is that may bring Ricciardo back into drivers contention so too risky unless BOTH drivers > remaining points ahead of 3rd.


Imagine if DR still had his 18pts form Melbourne......

 

[casanovawa]

Yes it was a racing incident, no hopefully Mercedes does nothing and just accepts it for what it was and allows the competition to remain...

As stated the dueling between Rosberg and Hamilton has been one of the things that has made this season interesting rather than two cars heading off into the distance and a formation finish from whoever is in the lead at the last pit stop etc... And for Ricciardo the dogfighting between those two has given him a lot better chance of finishing on podiums as well....

Nothing was more boring than seeing Schumacher stroll to championship after championsip with a compliant Barrichello dutifully protecting his backside with the winner of the race preordained before the start, much more interesting for neutrals and probably everyone to have a glimmer of the Prost vs Senna days...

 

[SeatBackForward]

It's an internal team issue. A racing incident. No need to get FIA or the stewards involved.

 

[Bali Belly]

Booked and confirmed
Abu Dhabi fi with full pit access and corporate hospitality for the duration
A true once in a lifetime experience and by the way things are panning out Ric could be in for a show

 

[eastwest101]

Interesting that after the Friday 29th meeting, Rosberg did take responsibility for what happened on Lap 2 at Spa. Wonder why he changed his tune? Because everything I read before that, seemed quite adamant that Rosberg was maintaining it was a racing incident. Is it possible that Mercedes told Rosberg to take the blame otherwise he would be looking for a different car next year? I think that would have been the only meaningful threat they could have had in their repertoire.

 

[kelvedon]

If Hamilton to peg back Rosberg's lead at Monza he'll be doing F1 a big favour as nobody wants the latter part of the season's races to be dead rubbers as in Schumachers's days. Unless of course Ricciardo can do a Bradbury.....

 

[JessicaTam]

If Hamilton to peg back Rosberg's lead at Monza he'll be doing F1 a big favour as nobody wants the latter part of the season's races to be dead rubbers as in Schumachers's days. Unless of course Ricciardo can do a Bradbury.....

With his recent pace, he may not need to!

 

[kelvedon]

Quali starts in 1 hour. Rugby, F1, dilemma.

 

[Bali Belly]

Quali starts in 1 hour. Rugby, F1, dilemma.

James Bond double has also got my interest

 

[moa999]

Rugby, AFL and NRL will be over before F1 Qual stats

 

[kelvedon]

Rugby, AFL and NRL will be over before F1 Qual stats

That'll save searching for the remote tucked between the sofa cushions!

 

[Buzzard]

James Bond double has also got my interest

You can watch JB anytime, go for F1 Quali

 

[kelvedon]

You can watch JB anytime, go for F1 Quali

At least in F1 Quali either Rosberg or Hamilton could get pole, but I bet 007 will win in the film.

 

[JessicaTam]

At least in F1 Quali either Rosberg or Hamilton could get pole, but I bet 007 will win in the film.

There is one film where I would suggest that 007 lost, big time.

 

[kelvedon]

There is one film where I would suggest that 007 lost, big time.

You have just exposed my limited Bond knowledge!

 

[JessicaTam]

You have just exposed my limited Bond knowledge!

Have a look at 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'. One of the better Bond films IMHO.

 

[Buzzard]

Have a look at 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'. One of the better Bond films IMHO.

Shouldn't that have been the first shown instead of Dr No?

 

[JessicaTam]

Shouldn't that have been the first shown instead of Dr No?

I would have to check the chronology, but you may be right.