Search found 8101 matches

by mario
09 Jul 2023, 16:26
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 British GP ROTR
Replies: 20
Views: 4608

Re: 2023 British GP ROTR

1. Ferrari. Sainz passed be four cars was embarrassing. I think their heads have gone down. Stand by for some sackings. 2. Alpine. Poor. It was another case of strange strategy calls by Ferrari - Sainz was left exposed on his hard tyres, and there was the slightly unexpected decision to call Lecler...
by mario
08 Jul 2023, 20:00
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

I really thought Norris had the pole there, with Verstappen having a yellow middle sector behind him. Poor old Perez can't qualify for love nor money at the moment, can he? In qualifying trim at least, his performance has fallen off a cliff quite spectacularly - five consecutive races where he's fa...
by mario
07 Jul 2023, 16:13
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 British Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions!
Replies: 14
Views: 2289

Re: 2023 British Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions!

1. Verstappen
2. Perez
3. Leclerc
4. Sainz
5. Alonso
6. Norris
7. Stroll
8. Hamilton
9. Russell
10. Piastri

PP: Verstappen
FL: Verstappen
First Retirement: de Vries
ROTR: Williams (end up flattering to deceive after their practice results)
IIDOTR: Norris
DBTMOTR: de Vries
LP: Magnussen
MLP: Piastri
by mario
03 Jul 2023, 21:02
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Reject of the Race - Austria 2023
Replies: 27
Views: 5522

Re: Reject of the Race - Austria 2023

I find it quite interesting that Hamilton has got countless shouts for airing his frustrations over the team radio, but not a single shout for Sainz for his pathetic attempts to get a penalty for Perez. It wasn't great but at least Fred didn't have to tell Carlos off like Toto did, PLUS he could sa...
by mario
02 Jul 2023, 21:04
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Reject of the Race - Austria 2023
Replies: 27
Views: 5522

Re: Reject of the Race - Austria 2023

I will just go with one - Red Bull. Now, let me say that I do genuinely think Verstappen is a genuinely fantastic driver. But the team he drives for me gives me such "villain" energy from any number of competitive sports movies (Talladega Nights/Dodgeball/ CARS). Verstappen pitting for a ...
by mario
29 Jun 2023, 18:46
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Austrian Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions!
Replies: 16
Views: 2216

Re: 2023 Austrian Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions!

S1: Verstappen S2: Alonso S3: Hamilton S4: Perez S5: Russell S6: Leclerc S7: Sainz S8: Ocon 1. Verstappen 2. Alonso 3. Perez 4. Hamilton 5. Russell 6. Leclerc 7. Sainz 8. Ocon 9. Stroll 10. Gasly PP: Verstappen FL: Verstappen First Retirement: de Vries ROTR: de Vries (making mistakes during the week...
by mario
23 Jun 2023, 23:14
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

The Red Bull approach seems counter-productive. The Mercedes and Ferrari teams have a history of well-matched drivers who could both get great results from the car. Yes there is still a team hierarchy but Irvine, Rosberg and Bottas were still fabulous in their day. Red Bull manufacture a car for on...
by mario
22 Jun 2023, 20:33
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

Anyone know exactly what Lando Norris' penalty was for? Normally it will be specified-'driving too slowly','exceeding track limits','impeding another driver' but 'unsportsmanlike behaviour' covers a multitude of sins... I'm pretty certain it was for backing up traffic into the pits so he could doub...
by mario
21 Jun 2023, 17:44
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Bridgestone tendering for future tyre supply contract
Replies: 4
Views: 821

Re: Bridgestone tendering for future tyre supply contract

I'm torn on this. Competition, or even the mere threat of it, does improve the product. And Bridgestone probably are less likely to ram the tyre blanket ban down the drivers throats. But Bridgestone was SO bad in 2008/2009/2010. The two compounds rule was at least partly because teams were tempted ...
by mario
19 Jun 2023, 05:49
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

A shame it was once again an easy one for Verstappen out front. I'm not sure how much I believe Alonso could have challenged him without his issue, but at least as Alonso had promised it wasn't a 20-to-30 second margin. Great drive by Albon to get some good points for Williams. Verstappen's enginee...
by mario
18 Jun 2023, 07:09
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Bridgestone tendering for future tyre supply contract
Replies: 4
Views: 821

Re: Bridgestone tendering for future tyre supply contract

Back in March , the FIA initiated the tender process for a three year tyre supply contract, which would cover the seasons from 2025 to 2027 (with the option to extend that contract to 2028). Whilst Pirelli confirmed quite early on that they intended to apply for the contract, it has now emerged tha...
by mario
17 Jun 2023, 17:02
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Bridgestone tendering for future tyre supply contract
Replies: 4
Views: 821

Bridgestone tendering for future tyre supply contract

Back in March , the FIA initiated the tender process for a three year tyre supply contract, which would cover the seasons from 2025 to 2027 (with the option to extend that contract to 2028). Whilst Pirelli confirmed quite early on that they intended to apply for the contract, it has now emerged tha...
by mario
17 Jun 2023, 06:19
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Canadian Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions
Replies: 22
Views: 2905

Re: 2023 Canadian Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions

1. Verstappen
2. Perez
3. Alonso
4. Russell
5. Leclerc
6. Hamilton
7. Sainz
8. Stroll
9. Gasly
10. Bottas

PP: Verstappen
FL: Verstappen
First Retirement: de Vries
ROTR: de Vries
IIDOTR: None
DBTMOTR: Zhou
LP: Sargeant
MLP: Piastri
by mario
04 Jun 2023, 15:02
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Infinite Improbability Drive of the Race - Spain 2023
Replies: 15
Views: 2318

Re: Infinite Improbability Drive of the Race - Spain 2023

Tsunoda: Continues to get points out of a car that I'm fairly sure is terrible. Zhou: What Londoner said. Unfortunately, Tsunoda was given a time penalty that dropped him out of the points in the end - it was an effort that should have resulted in points, but it just didn't work out that way. Still...
by mario
04 Jun 2023, 14:55
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Reject of the Race - Spain 2023
Replies: 18
Views: 2556

Re: Reject of the Race - Spain 2023

Charles Leclerc had a real shocker this weekend - awful pace in qualifying, followed by similar lacklustre pace during the race itself. OK, even with a slightly odd strategy for Ferrari - not sure why they started him on the hard tyres, only to then pit for the softs so early on - he was still disap...
by mario
02 Jun 2023, 16:38
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Spanish Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions
Replies: 14
Views: 1813

Re: 2023 Spanish Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions

1) Verstappen
2) Perez
3) Alonso
4) Leclerc
5) Hamilton
6) Sainz
7) Ocon
8) Russell
9) Gasly
10) Norris

Pole: Verstappen
Fastest Lap: Verstappen
First Retirement: None
ROTR: Stroll
IIDOTR: Ocon
DBTMOTR: Stroll
MLP: Piastri
LP: Sargeant
by mario
01 Jun 2023, 18:05
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Aston Martin - Honda 2026 Engine Deal
Replies: 9
Views: 1375

Re: Aston Martin - Honda 2026 Engine Deal

Assuming that Alonso is going to drive until he's 93, he'll be thrilled about developing another Honda partnership. For what it is worth, the president of the Honda Racing Corporation, Koji Watanabe, has said that they would have no objections to Alonso driving for the team if they wanted him to. M...
by mario
01 Jun 2023, 18:00
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Reject of the Race - Monaco 2023
Replies: 30
Views: 13939

Re: Reject of the Race - Monaco 2023

Russell is a young playboy who is absolutely in the "in crowd". As was just said, he was hyped to heaven for his prowess, and sadly he himself has bought into that hype - a major mistake for anyone. He plays to the media because he knows he will always be "their man". So when he...
by mario
28 May 2023, 15:11
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Reject of the Race - Monaco 2023
Replies: 30
Views: 13939

Re: Reject of the Race - Monaco 2023

1. Sergio Perez . Well, it was nice to have the illusion of a title battle this season. 2. Lance Stroll . Frankly a bit amateurish round the streets. Honourable mention to Haas , it seems they gave up on the race the moment it started raining. Both pretty solid nominations - it all went to pieces f...
by mario
26 May 2023, 17:49
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Aston Martin - Honda 2026 Engine Deal
Replies: 9
Views: 1375

Re: Aston Martin - Honda 2026 Engine Deal

Mercedes also owns around 10% of Aston Martin (which I believe makes them the third largest shareholder in the company), and I believe their long term plan was to increase that to 20% of the business in the near future. Now THAT'S interesting. I wonder if they'll sell as they did with their stake i...
by mario
25 May 2023, 18:45
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Monaco Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions
Replies: 15
Views: 2080

Re: 2023 Monaco Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions

1. Verstappen 2. Perez 3. Alonso 4. Sainz 5. Hamilton 6. Leclerc 7. Russell 8. Stroll 9. Norris 10. Gasly PP: Verstappen FL: Perez First Retirement: Tsunoda ROTR: Leclerc's luck - given how so many of his races at Monaco have gone, it seems likely that something will somehow go awry again (although ...
by mario
25 May 2023, 18:41
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Aston Martin - Honda 2026 Engine Deal
Replies: 9
Views: 1375

Re: Aston Martin - Honda 2026 Engine Deal

Lot of upside for Honda if they can power the progeny of Jordan to a championship. That said, AM is investing a lot of money and effort, maybe they'll be coming good with the new tunnel etc. coming on line. It seems a little weird, but better they're in than out no? It seems that, as you suggest, H...
by mario
24 May 2023, 20:33
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Aston Martin - Honda 2026 Engine Deal
Replies: 9
Views: 1375

Aston Martin - Honda 2026 Engine Deal

After a few whispers going round about teams courting Honda as a possible engine partner, we've now had formal confirmation by Honda that they intend to return to Formula 1 with the Aston Martin team. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/65682563
by mario
19 May 2023, 07:24
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

It really is amazing how quickly everyone has forgotten Max and Bernie. They certainly weren't loved. And that's to say nothing of Jean-Marie Balestre. Heck, even poor Charlie Whiting caught quite a bit of flack prior to his passing. I do agree that they did get a fair bit of criticism in the past ...
by mario
18 May 2023, 09:01
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

That said, it does seem to be a measure of how low the FIA's reputation has now sunk is that quite a few fans also seemed surprised that the FIA had decided to act promptly, decisively and made a decision that was considered to be sensible. Wait a minute. When have the fans ever had a high opinion ...
by mario
17 May 2023, 17:20
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

While no one can argue today's cancelation (although that hasn't stopped people on Reddit, Twitter and Facebook from trying) it does once again enforce the universe's 'soft cap' of 22 races. Try as they might, Liberty simply cannot get a 23 race season off the ground. Maybe when they finally plan t...
by mario
16 May 2023, 18:41
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions
Replies: 5
Views: 751

Re: 2023 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions

Right now, the bigger question is going to be whether the race can even take place - they've been ordered to evacuate the circuit due to the possibility that the Santerno river could flood the circuit. 1. Verstappen 2. Perez 3. Alonso 4. Hamilton 5. Russell 6. Sainz 7. Leclerc 8. Stroll 9. Ocon 10. ...
by mario
09 May 2023, 19:57
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Miami GP ROTR
Replies: 33
Views: 9964

Re: 2023 Miami GP ROTR

I don't agree with Miami GP nomination tbqh. It doesn't feel like actual rejectfulness. The driver presentation/introduction is just what they do and won't be there for Imola or further races. It was just for a bit of fun and some people had fun, some didn't. Plus the race was dull but again it was...
by mario
07 May 2023, 22:21
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

On F1TV's FP coverage, they were basically saying how Max being ahead of Checo so far is normal service resuming now we are back on a "proper track". Except......we aren't. It is literally a parking lot, and used as a track one weekend a year. Placing my tin foil hat firmly on, I believe ...
by mario
07 May 2023, 22:19
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Miami GP ROTR
Replies: 33
Views: 9964

Re: 2023 Miami GP ROTR

Actually I'll elaborate - I feel 2002 WAS worse. Ferrari were able to play games then like trying to stage a dead heat, switching at the last minute in Austria, and other games like slowing down then catching up again such as Hungary, or will they/won't they at Nurburgring. At least on this occasio...
by mario
05 May 2023, 15:38
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

Apparently Liberty, having seen and heard how fans aren't huge fans of sprint races and having seen and heard how the drivers aren't huge fans of sprint races, have decided to push for 10 sprint races for 2024. The phrase "saturation point" just simply doesn't exist in their lexicon clear...
by mario
05 May 2023, 15:36
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Miami Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions!
Replies: 17
Views: 2157

Re: 2023 Miami Grand Prix - Predicament Predictions!

1. Verstappen
2. Perez
3. Alonso
4. Leclerc
5. Hamilton
6. Sainz
7. Russell
8. Stroll
9. Norris
10. Gasly

PP: Verstappen
FL: Perez
First Retirement: de Vries
ROTR: de Vries
IIDOTR: no award
DBTMOTR: de Vries
LP: Bottas
MLP: Piastri
by mario
04 May 2023, 20:48
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

Then again, it could also be related to the talk of Hitech submitting an application to join Formula 1. Hitech used to be partially owned by the Mazepin's, and whilst they ostensibly stepped back following the imposition of sanctions, there have been allegations that they are still indirectly invol...
by mario
04 May 2023, 07:29
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/65472770 Bathplug off, Mazepin. I don't want that awful driver anywhere near a Formula One car again. That's as daft as the Massa one. Even if the sanctions were lifted he's hardly a driver that any team is crying out for. This isn't like football where rich owner...
by mario
02 May 2023, 18:13
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

[Edit] On another note, following Perez's victory in Baku, we have Horner making some comments that seem designed to undermine Perez's confidence, not increase it: “Winning the sprint race yesterday, obviously he got a little bit lucky with the timing of the Safety Car [in the grand prix],” said Ho...
by mario
01 May 2023, 16:15
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Reject of the Race - Baku 2023
Replies: 23
Views: 3263

Re: Reject of the Race - Baku 2023

There were a few people wryly noting that Red Bull's mechanics were ignoring the instructions not to do that - however, with the focus very much on the Ocon incident, it seems that the FIA may be quietly ignoring Red Bull's actions. I thought that might kind of happen. Horner is probably happy to p...
by mario
01 May 2023, 08:48
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

Pretty weird to see Verstappen insert himself as the authority on good driving standards, considering his many on-track antics between 2015 and 2021. Effectively, it's now the case that Verstappen is the one with much more to loose by not yielding, whilst other drivers around him now have less to l...
by mario
01 May 2023, 08:44
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Reject of the Race - Baku 2023
Replies: 23
Views: 3263

Re: Reject of the Race - Baku 2023

That near miss with Ocon and those people in the pit lane : How did they not realize there was one lap left of the race? :facepalm: Could have ended really badly, thankfully they all had fast reflexes. It's not just that there was one lap left, but the FIA's own officials should have known that Oco...
by mario
28 Apr 2023, 21:44
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: 2023 Discussion Thread
Replies: 396
Views: 1621976

Re: 2023 Discussion Thread

Not to get too pessimistic as I'm in a good mood today, but I do think, on this subject, that the FIA will at some point "make sprint races count, even in retrospect", as part of a driver's results record. It seems inevitable that in a few years "well of course they're part of the fu...
by mario
28 Apr 2023, 21:34
Forum: The Paul Stoddart Memorial Forum
Topic: Unusual F1 Stats
Replies: 1420
Views: 1283635

Re: Unusual F1 Stats

It would depend where exactly the new team finished, but I'd say that around 6-7 years is about the point where your increased income would outweigh the initial upfront payment under the new prize fund structure. Imagine being on the other end of the table to the potential investors :P "You sh...