Formula One 2023

[WhiteNoise]

Have to see a massive overall improvement from Schu junior for him to earn a seat at Mercedes on merit. To date he’s done nothing to suggest he has the ability to compete at the top level.

Agreed. I think he's able to compete but I don't think he's potential title winner. Mercedes have two of them for the foreseeable future.

He's gone to Mercedes as a reserve/test driver. No shame in that, The Schumacher family and Mercedes organisation are obviously very close, and I expect this is as much a commercial decision as it is a racing one. The other question is, if not Mick, then who? It's not like there's a huge depth of talent coming through that absolutely deserve that third seat.

 

[kaymac]

Reported a few days ago he has also signed as reserve driver for Maclaren

 

[cerbera45]

He's gone to Mercedes as a reserve/test driver. No shame in that, The Schumacher family and Mercedes organisation are obviously very close, and I expect this is as much a commercial decision as it is a racing one. The other question is, if not Mick, then who? It's not like there's a huge depth of talent coming through that absolutely deserve that third seat.

How the heck has Antonio Giovinazzi got the third seat at Ferrari

 

[Ricey]

Live Red Bull car launch today plus a major announcement.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1621523314060709888

 

[Holy Joe]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1621523314060709888

They're providing engines? Or just a sticker to put on side of the car?

 

[Target man]

My cousin drove me around the Melbourne track before I returned home. Takes about 6 weeks to set it up apparently. You're only allowed to do 40mph (she wanted to do 100+ lol) whilst it's open but what a great experience!

 

[WhiteNoise]

How the heck has Antonio Giovinazzi got the third seat at Ferrari

There is significant value in having a driver experienced with the hybrid PU and ground effect regulations. If there isn’t a young superstar available then better off getting someone with experience who can give you some really decent feedback during testing

 

[WhiteNoise]

They're providing engines? Or just a sticker to put on side of the car?

Something inbetween. They’re providing technical support. So a mixture of marketing and some technical knowhow but RB are developing the power unit.

 

[cerbera45]

RBR, Ferrari and Aston (Martin) looking strong in testing Mercedes-Benz AMG appear to be (again) struggling

 

[Ricey]

RBR, Ferrari and Aston (Martin) looking strong in testing Mercedes-Benz AMG appear to be (again) struggling

The most surprising thing is Lance is fit to drive.

I saw him on Tuesday and he didn’t look in a good place. Looked in a lot of pain, apparently the specialists he’s visited have done wonders.

That Aston Martin is going to be up there, it’ll be the dark horse. Not championship winning but I expect it will get plenty of podiums.

McLaren look disappointing which is a shame for Lando.

It’s hard to judge much from pre season testing. The proof will be in the pudding on Saturday and Sunday. Glad it’s back!

 

[Ricey]

Fernando Alonso is an incredible driver!

 

[kaymac]

Great race for Aston Martin, good to see both Williams cars finishing and the team gaining a point.

 

[Ricey]

Hats off to Lance, he had casts on both arms Tuesday. I never imagined he would be able to race let alone finish in 6th!

This is going to be a great season!

 

[Its Only A Game]

With the exception of Alonso doing a few moves I thought it was a pretty boring race unless something good happened from about laps 30 to 56 when I fell asleep.

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

Fernando Alonso is an incredible driver!

Totally. His manoeuvres to get ahead of Russell and Hamilton were superb. Sadly it seems Ferrari and Mercedes have the same old issues and can’t see anyone stopping Verstappen/RBR but we can only hope.

 

[Realist]

I think it’s an all round Red Bull cleaning house situation this year l. Going to see Stappy and Perez switching 1/2 a lot over the season. Stroll and Alonso looking steady but can’t see past red bull and don’t think Hamilton will be challenging that strong. Who knows though ? Anything can happen, each race has so many variables.

 

[kaymac]

Ticket prices for the Las Vegas GP - ludicrous!!

 

[Ricey]

Ticket prices for the Las Vegas GP - ludicrous!!

No shock though. Reckon it’ll be a dreadful race.

 

[kaymac]

Yep, think you’ll be right, I’m certainly not expecting much.
The F1 hierarchy imo have lost the plot, creating a contrived and glitzy stage show rather than concentrating on the actual racing - which is what the sport is all about.
Also about time they stopped all these so-called celebrities poncing about on the grid and in the paddock areas pre-race, no need for these nonentities to be there.

 

[Ricey]

Yep, think you’ll be right, I’m certainly not expecting much.
The F1 hierarchy imo have lost the plot, creating a contrived and glitzy stage show rather than concentrating on the actual racing - which is what the sport is all about.
Also about time they stopped all these so-called celebrities poncing about on the grid and in the paddock areas pre-race, no need for these nonentities to be there.

Watching Martin Brundle get pied by them all is embarrassing for him and awkward viewing.

I couldn’t care less what Lady Gaga thinks of the race. I want to hear from driver, engineers, team principals and maybe racing legends on a grid walk not celebs.