2024 F1 Thread

[kelvedon]

VER’s yellow flag infringement was for overtaking on the cool down lap. He overtook NOR and gave him the congratulatory thumbs up. Called to the stewards, he was reprimanded

 

[cjd600]

VER’s yellow flag infringement was for overtaking on the cool down lap. He overtook NOR and gave him the congratulatory thumbs up. Called to the stewards, he was reprimanded

NOR "mentioned" the "overtake" on his radio to highlight the fact lol

 

[Flashback]

First ever Singapore GP without a safety car? I think that's 8 or 9 GP's in a row now as well, that have been without a safety car.

McLaren starting to look safer and safer in the constructors championship........

 

[DejaBrew]

First ever Singapore GP without a safety car? I think that's 8 or 9 GP's in a row now as well, that have been without a safety car.

Not even a yellow flag last night (which was pretty incredible!!). Think it’s going to be a long time before we see a faster Singapore GP than that! I can’t recall a season where we’ve had such an extended period of races without a safety car intervention?

McLaren starting to look safer and safer in the constructors championship........

Signed, sealed and just pending delivery. It’s now the Drivers’ title that’s getting spicier.

 

[Flashback]

Not even a yellow flag last night (which was pretty incredible!!). Think it’s going to be a long time before we see a faster Singapore GP than that! I can’t recall a season where we’ve had such an extended period of races without a safety car intervention?

Signed, sealed and just pending delivery. It’s now the Drivers’ title that’s getting spicier.

It is Max's to lose now, really.

 

[DejaBrew]

It is Max's to lose now, really.

Agreed, however it seems that NOR and PIA have little trouble stealing points off him, and with PER is doing little to assist VER. With McLaren now officially favouring NOR, it’s definitely game on.

 

[MARTINE]

Agreed, however it seems that NOR and PIA have little trouble stealing points off him, and with PER is doing little to assist VER. With McLaren now officially favouring NOR, it’s definitely game on.

Even getting RIC to steal the point that might make the difference…

 

[DejaBrew]

RIC…

 

[cjd600]

I was expecting a few more elbows out from the front of the grid in the first half lap. Once Lando was gone, he was gone, he did get a cracking start for once and didn't worry about blocking, just drove.
Agree with Ted for once, RBR should be a bit more respectful and transparent with RIC. Assume their own current internal politics has muddied the waters for a while

 

[kelvedon]

Even getting RIC to steal the point that might make the difference…

True, but maybe not as consequential as asking NOR to let PIA repass to win in Hungary. That was a 7 point loss.

 

[cjd600]

True, but maybe not as consequential as asking NOR to let PIA repass to win in Hungary. That was a 7 point loss.

I'll be surprised (and amused) if that ends up the difference. I think Max is still too far in the distance

 

[luckypierre]

Even getting RIC to steal the point that might make the difference…

A slightly emotional, reflective RIC. during a post race interview. Certainly felt like he knew the axe was about to fall. Even the viewers were on board, sentimentally voting him the driver of the day. And his parting gesture, fitting a new set of soft tyres and setting the fastest lap time of the day.

 

[JessicaTam]

It will be sad to see RIC go. He has been such a big personality and part of Formula 1.

“The last of the late brakers!”

 

[DejaBrew]

It will be sad to see RIC go. He has been such a big personality and part of Formula 1.

“The last of the late brakers!”

Maybe I’m being overly optimistic, but I still wonder whether this is all part of a cunning plan from RBR?

I still believe PER is at risk at RBR, despite him having a “2 year” contract. Red Bull have made clear that they’re not prepared to promote TSU to RBR, but they haven't ruled RIC out of that equation (to date, at least). As such, I do still wonder whether that second RBR seat is still a 3-way fight between PER, RIC and LAW?

It’s clear Red Bull needs to stick LAW in a car due to contract clauses (lest he become a free agent) and it makes the most sense right now for that car to be RIC’s. This gives LAW the remainder of the season to show what he can do and provide a reference point vs RIC/TSU and enables them to better decide whether to leave him at VCARB, or trust him to perform at RBR from the get go. Again, unless it's announced otherwise, RIC would remain part of the Red Bull driver pool and I suspect he would be moved to the reserve/sim driver role for RBR and/or VCARB. This would also allow RBR to better benchmark him against LAW and PER in terms of this year's RBR. If RBR decide to release PER, then I can't see them dropping him to VCARB. So that leaves 2 seats and a question mark over who goes to RBR, and who goes to VCARB? The only other driver who could possibly be in the mix is Isack Hadjar (unless Red Bull decide to make a play for Colapinto).

Bottom line is that until there's a media release confirming it, I'm not totally convinced that RIC is 100% done in F1. That being said, there is a sad sense of inevitability to it in the immediate aftermath of last night's race.