2017 Formula 1 Thread
 

Starting off 2017, it's official: Bottas signs with Mercedes

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps...2_mercedes.jpg

Valtteri Bottas to partner Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2017 season - BBC Sport

Also Massa de-retired back to Williams

de-retired haha
how does one retire from sucha adrenaline-kicking career...everything must fee so dull and numb after something like Formula racing or being a fighter pilot.

Interested to see how Vandoorne does for McHonda, for what it's worth he scored the teams first point last season in his only race of the year.

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps..._f1graphic.jpg

I think you mean un-retired :p

Not even surprised they went with Bottas, guy is pretty quick. Can't wait to see how he does with a top team.

Bernie Ecclestone is out as head of Formula 1

Yes. Maybe we can get some progress in F1 now...

More news about the leading figures in F1 today:

Ross Brawn lands key role in new-look F1 structure

Rich

Bernie wasnt stifling progress the teams and fia were

I'm quite excited for this season - definitely the most excited I have been for a season since 2014. I know some are critical of the current complex, technological aspects of F1 but I personally love it (engines, aero, regulations, etc.).

That said, the sport (under Bernie) has consistently shown a horrifying inability to connect with a younger demographic. In fact, Bernie has demonstrated flagrant disrespect and disregard for the same young people that the sport needs to be cultivating as the future of the sport. For that reason I cheer his departure and praise the arrival of Liberty and the return of Brawn to a leadership position.

I strongly believe the new leadership will find ways to better interface the sport with today's youth to achieve sustainable growth (more accessible digital coverage, better promotion of the sport's personalities, and a gradual erosion of the perception that the sport is for the world's elite). The other thing that fills me with joy is Liberty's acknowledgement that Western Europe is the bastion and core of the sport's fanbase and alienating these fans by lifting events (Germany, France, etc.) from this region and depositing them in far-flung cities doesn't help serve the best long-term interests of the sport. I don't care what your hosting fees are in Baku if it decimates your TV numbers.

I chatted with Lewis Hamilton, Rosberg and a few other drivers in November and the general consensus about 2017 is excitement and anxiousness. Drivers are excited for the changes in mechanical grip, the more aggressive-looking cars, etc., but are suspect of the belief that the changes will lead to a wholesale increase in overtaking and increased parity in competition.

I also asked specifically what tracks each were most fond of. Curiously, most indicated non-F1 tracks. Likely due to some romanticism about a track that is special but not necessarily sufficiently safe to host a modern F1 GP.

where did you get to meet them?
I had a great time in montreal in 2014...planning monte carlo this year and hopefully Spa one day

Going to see the Canadian Grand Prix this June any tips on where to find the best tix and seats?any suggestions?

Tia

for Montreal. I would try to get seats for Turn 2 grandstand #11. you would be able to see the start and turn 2 and entry to 3

ive been a couple times. and both times im pretty sure i bought tix right from F1 website... but i could be wrong

get the most expensive seats you can afford.

last time me and my brother snuck into the seats right across from the pits. just before the first braking zone/corners and ill never sit anywhere else now.

I liked the hairpin before the straightaway..pick a stand that can view the jumbotron
the view at the paddock club in montreal actually weren't great (it wasn't my pass...only had access for an hour or two)

When I went to Montreal back in 2012 my tickets were in Grandstand 12, but we ended up sitting on the grass hill in front of Grandstand 11 for Quali and the Race.

Great view and a spot with lots of action, and it's nice to be able to lay out on the grass on a blanket with the backpack, food and drinks (You can bring your own food/booze in btw, we made a picnic out of it)

I often wonder what would happen to F1 cars and how much faster they could be if they remove all the restriction (unlimited FI engine output, no downforce, tires, etc restriction) :pokerface:

First reveal

ALL ONBOARD THE FERRARI HYPE TRAIN!

I like how McLaren Honda is back again this year.

http://e0.365dm.com/17/03/16-9/20/sk...f1_3905316.jpg

Oh Timpo...

McLaren Honda has been back since 2015.

So cars are faster this year it seems. Pulling more G's in corners. Bigger tires.

Anything else I'm missing here? Any major rule changes?

Heading to Montreal for the GP this year. Any recommendations for grandstands or general admission?

Are the grandstand reserve seating? If so when should I book them?

Only been to SPA and general admission was amazing there.
Thanks

In my opinion the best place to watch the race is in Grandstands 11 or 12 outside of the Senna esses. If you get the 3 day granstand, you're allowed to do a pit walk on thursday, which could be worth it.

Google is your friend for tickets really. Have fun!

Rich

They are really "back" because it looks like they'll be backmarking this year BibleThump

Difference between last year's Pole position lap and this year's fastest test drive lap at Barcelona. More than 3 seconds apart.

Bigger tires all round, bigger wings, bigger floors, tail fins are back (along with "mini spoilers?!?"), and bigger diffusers. No powerplant changes or rule changes (that I'm aware of).