[Great68]

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

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/16E7B/production/_93591839_bottas2_mercedes.jpg

Valtteri Bottas to partner Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2017 season - BBC Sport (http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/38489054)

Also Massa de-retired back to Williams

[twitchyzero]

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.

[slicrick]

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/800/cpsprodpb/10E1C/production/_89384196_f1graphic.jpg

[mb_]

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.

[roastpuff]

Bernie Ecclestone is out as head of Formula 1 (http://www.autoblog.com/2017/01/23/bernie-ecclestone-out-formula1-news/)

Several outlets are reporting that Bernie Ecclestone, the 86-year-old dynamo who has been both a controversial and effective leader of Formula 1 for years, is officially out. The move comes as part of a leadership shuffle orchestrated by the new owners of F1, Liberty Media, reports Motorsport.

Replacing Ecclestone is Chase Carey, who was appointed Formula 1 chairman after the Liberty Media deal. Carey had previously served as the executive vice-chairman of 21st Century Fox, Yahoo Sports reports, and is 62 years old. He has previous experience running DirecTV, and ran the Fox Sports properties for Rupert Murdoch according to The Hollywood Reporter, so he has a wealth of general experience in the field.

Along with Carey's promotion, F1 stalwart Ross Brawn and ex-ESPN marketing executive Sean Bratches (who spent 27 years at the company) will have as-of-yet unspecified roles in the F1 executive structure, reports Motorsports. Ecclestone also revealed that he would be taking on some sort of honorary role in F1 moving forward, but it's not clear to what extent (if any) he'll be involved.

This is a breaking story and will be updated as we get more details.

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

[Vancouver240sx]

More news about the leading figures in F1 today:

Ross Brawn lands key role in new-look F1 structure (http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ross-brawn-lands-key-role-in-new-look-f1-structure-868065/)

Ex-Formula 1 world champion team owner Ross Brawn will return to the sport in a newly-created role of Managing Director, Motor Sports, as part of Liberty Media’s takeover of the sport.

The appointment was confirmed today by F1’s new CEO Chase Carey – who takes over the helm of the sport from Bernie Ecclestone.

Carey also confirmed that Sean Bratches will take on a similar role on the commercial side.

Brawn has been an advisor to Liberty during its takeover phase, and has now been appointed to a key fulltime role upon the completion of its deal.

“It’s fantastic to be returning to the world of Formula 1,” said Brawn. “I’ve enjoyed consulting with Liberty Media these last few months and I’m looking forward to working with Chase, Sean and the rest of the Formula 1 team to help the evolution of the sport.

Rich

[Not really racist!]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbkcsQSvVWE

[StylinRed]

Bernie Ecclestone is out as head of Formula 1 (http://www.autoblog.com/2017/01/23/bernie-ecclestone-out-formula1-news/)



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

Bernie wasnt stifling progress the teams and fia were

[Sunfighter]

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.

[twitchyzero]

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

[marky_21]

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

Tia

[!Kodamu]

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

[T2000]

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

Tia


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.

[twitchyzero]

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)

[Great68]

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)

[Ferra]

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:

[StylinRed]

https://youtu.be/mFagk2lpseQ

First reveal

[HonestTea]

ALL ONBOARD THE FERRARI HYPE TRAIN!

[Timpo]

I like how McLaren Honda is back again this year.

http://e0.365dm.com/17/03/16-9/20/skysports-mclaren-fernando-alonso-mcl32-testing-f1_3905316.jpg

[Great68]

I like how McLaren Honda is back again this year.


Oh Timpo...

McLaren Honda has been back since 2015.

[radioman]

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?

[JayEch]

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

[Vancouver240sx]

Any recommendations for grandstands or general admission?

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

[snowball]

Oh Timpo...

McLaren Honda has been back since 2015.

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

[vexor]

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?

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).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io00mlLdRTM&t=0s

[slicrick]

Force India unveil startling new pink livery for 2017 (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/headlines/2017/3/force-india-unveil-startling-new-pink-livery-for-2017.html)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/formula-1/2017/03/14/force-india-f1-2017-pink-car-xlarge_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqFBKoQUXZnmY4ivxKKHl83Z3-BR4dNVZLfSJb-Eo1kvg.jpg

I think it actually looks pretty good :notbad:

[Great68]

No powerplant changes or rule changes (that I'm aware of).


The development token system is out. Engine development is essentially unrestricted this season (Hopefully Honda can catch up now)

[StylinRed]

Last Minute trip, im headed to Aus for the F1 weekend
bought a champions ticket pass where you get to sit at a different grandstand each day (fangio, brabham, jones) so fangio is on the start straight, brab n jones are at turns 1/2

pretty excited, was hoping for better seats, but so last minute i guess thats not bad that i even scored that

[Speed2K]

Last Minute trip, im headed to Aus for the F1 weekend
bought a champions ticket pass where you get to sit at a different grandstand each day (fangio, brabham, jones) so fangio is on the start straight, brab n jones are at turns 1/2

pretty excited, was hoping for better seats, but so last minute i guess thats not bad that i even scored that

Awesome, have fun! I was at the SGP last fall and I had a blast! It was frickin hot though! :D

[HonestTea]

Last Minute trip, im headed to Aus for the F1 weekend
bought a champions ticket pass where you get to sit at a different grandstand each day (fangio, brabham, jones) so fangio is on the start straight, brab n jones are at turns 1/2

pretty excited, was hoping for better seats, but so last minute i guess thats not bad that i even scored that

I'm jealous! Have fun!

[StylinRed]

$30 for WiFi on this flight and I can barely browse a min without it disconnecting or hanging -_-

Was going to buy a telephoto lens when I land, but even without Vat it's more expensive in Aus than Canada wth -_-

8 more hours blllleeh

Awesome, have fun! I was at the SGP last fall and I had a blast! It was frickin hot though! :D

Hehe I was there the yr before u went IIRC and yeah I lost like 10lbs the first night lmao

[Speed2K]

$30 for WiFi on this flight and I can barely browse a min without it disconnecting or hanging -_-

Was going to buy a telephoto lens when I land, but even without Vat it's more expensive in Aus than Canada wth -_-

8 more hours blllleeh



Hehe I was there the yr before u went IIRC and yeah I lost like 10lbs the first night lmao

Mental note to self, airplane wifi is still pretty shitty. SwiftRage

Lots of pics please! I can't wait for the first race to start!!!

Although, not to much to cheer about for Mclaren fans though. McLaren unsure if it can finish first race - GPUpdate.net (http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/350605/mclaren-unsure-if-it-can-finish-first-race/) :QQ:

[roastpuff]

Just wanted to post this, 2016 tires compared to 2017:
http://i.imgur.com/rkjyhGS.jpg

Also how wide the rims are without tires
https://i.redd.it/7c45r4ihazmy.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ScWvO4s.jpg

[Hondaracer]

First season in a while i might actually get back into it

maybe adopt Bottas as my man!

[anti-vip]

anybody knows the weight on those rims?

[StylinRed]

Quick Lil look for what it's like at the fangio grandstand.. U blink u miss the car :/

https://youtu.be/5Lo4muSNsKY

[Great68]

So Honda's already developing a brand new Power Unit because the one the one they have now can't rev without massive vibration causing itself to blow apart...

https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/14115

Who'd have thought that Honda, a brand known for building small rev-happy motors can't build an F1 motor that can rev...

[vexor]

Who'd have thought that Honda, a brand known for building small rev-happy motors can't build an F1 motor that can rev...

That's because a Honda VTEC engine for the street shares absolutely nothing in common with a modern F1 engine. They had to start from scratch.

[Great68]

That's because a Honda VTEC engine for the street shares absolutely nothing in common with a modern F1 engine. They had to start from scratch.

They have a block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, cylinder heads... You'd think after 70+ years of building engines, they could figure how to build one that's balanced, even starting from "scratch". The fundamental physics are the same. They were able to build 20000rpm v10's back in the 2000's

[godwin]

Didn't Honda made packaging error to start? Remember the electric portion of the drivetrain is the main weight penalty, something Honda hasn't have much experience with... Having existing data helps immensely which Honda probably didn't have access to either. Honda should had done the same trick as Renault/ Infiniti / RedBull.. but of course they are way too proud to do that.

However what is done is done.. they are stuck for a long freaking while.

They have a block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, cylinder heads... You'd think after 70+ years of building engines, they could figure how to build one that's balanced, even starting from "scratch". The fundamental physics are the same. They were able to build 20000rpm v10's back in the 2000's

[Great68]

Didn't Honda made packaging error to start? Remember the electric portion of the drivetrain is the main weight penalty, something Honda hasn't have much experience with... Having existing data helps immensely which Honda probably didn't have access to either. Honda should had done the same trick as Renault/ Infiniti / RedBull.. but of course they are way too proud to do that.

However what is done is done.. they are stuck for a long freaking while.

Reading all the reports, the ICE is their main problem. The article I posted says they're going back to the drawing board with the engine (they have the opportunity to because there's no development restrictions this year), but it's going to take a few months for the new design to get here.
At least they're saying that they will spend the money to redesign rather than admitting defeat and leaving.

Apparently Mclaren is in bad shape though, rumours are that they're really close to going under if they don't start improving soon. Hopefully Honda doesn't fuck this up.

[snowball]

^
Honda won't let McLaren go under, they give them free engines and pay for most of Alonso. They're in so far deep that failure is not an option.

[Speed2K]

So Honda's already developing a brand new Power Unit because the one the one they have now can't rev without massive vibration causing itself to blow apart...

https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/14115

Who'd have thought that Honda, a brand known for building small rev-happy motors can't build an F1 motor that can rev...

I hope they get it right this time!

[slicrick]

The McHonda engine situation isn't the exact same as this video, but it's reason to be at least a little optimistic, removal of the engine token system is their saving grace they would be screwed if it was still in place. It can't get much worse than it is right now? Either way I hope they can get it figured out, I had high hopes for them this year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HfA_p38HQ4

[StylinRed]

Go Vettel! The Italians were going nuts and congratulating one another lol, and booing Hamilton lol

[HonestTea]

Oh YES!!! The Ferrari hype is real!

Vettel vs Hamilton will be a good scrap for WDC. But did anyone notice how boring the race was?

[k3lv]

There were multiple drivers saying "overtaking is impossible with the new cars".

Hamilton reportedly didn't even try to push after he got stuck behind Verstappen. Will wait for the next few races to judge... I think Australia is a hard place for overtaking anyway.

[dark0821]

it hurts being an Alonso Fan.... fuck...

[Great68]

It's exciting in that it looks like Ferrari have brought some game to the table this year. I'd love to see a Vettel/Hamilton rivalry akin to Haakinen/Schumacher.

Unfortunately, yesterday's race overall was a snoozer.

[StylinRed]

still on vacation, didnt realize i couldve gone to the shanghai gp though, thought that was still a week away -_-

Wherlein is missing this one too, i think Giovinazzi is just going to take over his seat lol

[StylinRed]

wow mercedes finally unseated in qualifying, and ferrari did it! what was that like 2 years??

[HonestTea]

Last time was Singapore 2015

[Speed2K]

This should make things interesting tomorrow morning!

[Not really racist!]

Ferrari hype is so real

Hope they can finish 1,2 tomorrow too

[StylinRed]

Last time was Singapore 2015

oh wow i was there for that lol was only 2015 eh damn feels like forever, gotta go back this year, the concert lineup is looking awesome again

Ferrari hype is so real

Hope they can finish 1,2 tomorrow too

definitely! people were going nuts in melbourne when vettel won, people had ferrari flags hanging out their hotel balconies and homes etc, was unreal

[Indyjones]

Ferrari still need to work on their race strategy, otherwise they could be winning a lot of the races.

[StylinRed]

Kimi on pole for Monaco!

and Alonso starts from 5th for Indy500

[CorneringArtist]

Alonso currently in the lead in Indy. Inb4 Sato passes Alonso again like he did at Montreal.

[mb_]

Wow you can't make this up, Alonso with a Honda engine failure in Indy 500

[twitchyzero]

i watched Stroll fly into the barriers of Casino Square during P2

https://scontent-mad1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/18766621_10158791479480437_3656972186296611892_o.j pg?oh=e306f361f91f61307d1dcf3cd4a89e83&oe=59EA5520

he's under fire for saying how he always messes up that corner in Gran Turismo :troll:

[CorneringArtist]

Wow you can't make this up, Alonso with a Honda engine failure in Indy 500

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsjWzn7Ettg

Two other Honda failures, and Sato's managed to survive. Conspiracy? PogChamp

[Sunfighter]

You gotta think that time is running out on Stroll, as per that National Post article from a few days ago.

He isn't even close to the F1 pace at this point aside from one strong qualifying session.

I know he has had some bad luck but it's clear that another year in a single-seater development series would have been hugely beneficial to him.

I want him to be successful, trust me.

[HonestTea]

Alonso currently in the lead in Indy. Inb4 Sato passes Alonso again like he did at Montreal.

Wow lol

[HonestTea]

Sir Patrick Stewart! What a fucking legend!

[Speed2K]

Sir Patrick Stewart! What a fucking legend!

Yes, he was hilarious, it was great to see him get a drink from Shoey!

[Speed2K]

Hopefully Mclaren can get both cars in the points tomorrow!

Here's a couple of good vids on aerodynanics:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM-QjlAQeb8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un7C5i9WsNs