*****Official Formula 1 Thread*******
 

Everyone else gets an official thread, so I want one too.

I've seen several people make mentions of F1 on here. So, I'm giving us a thread. No more Speed bs coverage. NBC looks like they are taking it serious and will have some good coverage.

With DVRs now, it's no longer a pain in the ass to watch the races. So watch them and discuss

And if you don't watch F1. You suck. Best racing on the planet.

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Schedule in the OP would be helpful. I don't normally watch this but I'd be willing to check it out if I had a clue when it was on.

You should've started this thing then.

I'm not THAT interested in it.

I don't even know how I got in this ****ing thread.

That generally happens when you click on the thread title on the front page. So ya gonna watch some F1 or not

Added. Didn't even think of that.

Shit, when you said NBC I thought you meant network NBC. I don't think I have NBC Sports Network.

NBC Sports Group has signed a four-year deal with Formula One for the exclusive U.S. media rights to the world's most popular global motorsports series.

The deal that begins next season will air four races on NBC. The remaining 16 races, and all practices and qualifying sessions will be on cable NBC Sports Network in what's expected to total more than 100 hours of annual programming.

All 20 races will be live streamed on NBC Sports Live Extra, the NBC Sports Group’s live-stream platform that is available online at NBCSports.com as well as on mobile and tablet apps.

“We are thrilled to add the top international open-wheel racing series to our already-strong motorsports portfolio,” said Jon Miller, President, Programming, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. “Formula 1 is a perfect fit for the NBC Sports Group as it provides content across three platforms — broadcast, cable and digital — for nine months a year with more than 100 hours of premier programming annually.”

The 2013 F1 Grand Prix schedule includes 20 races in 19 countries from March through November, including the Austin, Texas, race on Sunday, Nov. 17 on NBC. The 2013 season begins on Sunday, March 17 in Australia on NBC Sports Network and concludes on Sunday, Nov. 24 in Brazil on NBC. NBC’s first race will be the Grand Prix of Canada, which will be broadcast on Sunday, June 9. The famed Grand Prix of Monaco is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, on NBC Sports Network.

“NBC and its various media assets have a huge profile throughout the United States, and I am obviously delighted to have concluded this agreement. I feel that they will promote Formula One to a level not seen before in the United States,” said Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Group CEO. “I very much look forward to working with NBC. Together, we will endeavor to broaden the scope of Formula One coverage available to U.S. viewers incorporating additional digital content in particular that has not been available before.”

Cable network Speed had been the U.S. rights holder to F1 for the last 17 years, but told The Associated Press on Friday it had been outbid by another network.

F1
Friday, March 15 Practice #1 12:00 a.m. NBC Sports Network
Friday, March 15 Practice #2 1:30 a.m. NBC Sports Network

Sat., March 16 Qualifying 2 a.m. NBC Sports Network
Sat., March 16 Qualifying Re-Air 1:30 p.m. NBC Sports Network

Sunday, March 17 Australian Grand Prix 1:30 a.m. NBC Sports Network
Sunday, March 17 F1 Extra 4 a.m. NBC Sports Network
Sunday, March 17 Race Re-Air 1 p.m. NBC Sports Network

I started watching F1 last season. There were some real good races that went right down to the wire. You never knew who was going to win, what with tires and fuel management being major factors. Yeah, I'm looking forward to this season, especially if the Chiefs lay another egg. And, thanks for posting the schedule.

No problem. Last season was awesome. I think we're in for something similar due to the planned tire degradation making most of the races 2 stoppers at least.

If you have cable/sat and have ESPN and Foxsports you should have it.

Probably.

If any of you have the chance to attend the US race this year, do it. I went to the innuagral race last year and it was a blast. They had everything really well organized. Should only get better.

Dig it...I am a F1 fan. I will be watching this thread.

This is the best racing on the planet (and now on the Planet).

Wooooooooooooooo Getting closer.

Do naked women drive the cars?

Nope but damn near naked women stand by them before the race.

It is a nice change of pace because nascar is in the stoneage as far as technoligy is concerned.

Holy shit. Is that a serious demonpenz post?

Qualifying is on NOW.

Looking forward to it. DVR set...watching it in the morning.

I would like to see Vittel make a pass on Sutil - or did he give up that idea?


Live Streaming:

http://www.coolsport.tv/stream7.html

Wow. Kimi might have advantage unless his car fails.

I like Kimi - He is the epitome of awesome. The guy is simply a massive driving talent. He gets into any car, is instinctive and gets up to speed with everything quicker than anyone else. Kimi was on his way to NASCAR last year.

Where are the F1 lovers - sleeping? LOL

Wow. Alonso is FLYING. I hope he doesn't pass Kimi!

Kimi is leading

Edit: What a move by Hamilton. Passes Sutil (for 5th). I'm not sure if their tires will hold up.

This race was over when Kimi passed Hamilton in the first couple of laps.

3 to go... Let's go Kimi - Hold off Alonso

KIMI WON!

Brilliant performance by the 'Iceman.'

Great job Lotus.

Great race. Congrats to Lotus.

Kimi is a beast. I loved his radio communcation at the end of the race "SeeItoldyouguyswehadagreatcar"

Championship should be real interesting. Ferrari is starting fast. Red Bull is in their usual form. And Lotus has come out swinging. Raikonnen has a real shot at the driver's championship. Even Mercedes had a good pace. If they get their electrical and gearbox demons figured out quick, Lew Hamilton will be up there too.

Good race. Wheel to wheel start was better action than I have seen in awhile out of F1. Cars looked good..track looked good...good show.

Malaysia starts tonight at 2:30 AM.

is the race going to be live on TV somewhere? How does Ferrari not kick more dick haha

Yea, NBC Sports network. 2:30AM

nice; thanks for the scheudle. rep, ...****er.

Malaysia Grand Prix: Whom are you picking?

Alonso
Massa
Kimi

Kimi was given a three-place penalty for blocking Rosberg during qualifying. He starts 10th on the grid - which might be too far back to be on podium.

However, they have to get through the start and you never know what is going to happen with these lastest 2013 tires -

I wonder whom Vettel will defend at the start - Alonso or Massa.

Guess, I am going to set my alarm...

WOW ... Alonso is out! Webber clipped his wing -- HUGE mistake by Ferrari, not pitting Alonso..."Ferrari pit crew waiting"


I think Webber also clipped Vettel's wing.

J.C. what a cluster f. Woke me right up! Can't believe that happened.

Nico on the move - coming up on Hamilton...

You're sleeping?

RACE RESULTS

The Malaysian Grand Prix
Sepang, Malaysia;
56 laps; 310.408km
24 March 2013

Classified:

Pos Driver Team Time/Gap
1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1h38m56.681s
2. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault + 4.298s
3. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes + 12.181s
4. Nico Rosberg Mercedes + 12.640s
5. Felipe Massa Ferrari + 25.648s
6. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault + 35.564s
7. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus-Renault + 48.479s
8. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari + 53.044s
9. Sergio Perez McLaren-Mercedes + 1m12.357s
10. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari + 1m27.124s
11. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault + 1m28.610s
12. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari + 1 lap
13. Jules Bianchi Marussia-Cosworth + 1 lap
14. Charles Pic Caterham-Renault + 1 lap
15. Giedo van der Garde Caterham-Renault + 1 lap
16. Max Chilton Marussia-Cosworth + 2 laps
17. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes + 3 laps
18. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari + 5 laps
Fastest lap: Perez, 1m39.199s



World Championship standings, round 2:

Drivers:
1. Vettel 40
2. Raikkonen 31
3. Webber 26
4. Hamilton 25
5. Massa 22
6. Alonso 18
7. Rosberg 12
8. Grosjean 9
9. Sutil 6
10. Di Resta 4
11. Hulkenberg 4
12. Button 2
13. Perez 2
14. Vergne 1

Wow is right. I had read your post before I watched the replay, and I still was surprised when I saw it.

I know next to nothing about F-1, I swore I just a guy hit some switch the flung him around another car... what the hell was I seeing?

Did you hear Vettel defied team orders to win the race over his teammate Weber?

I get it - Formula 1 a team will give an order to their driver to maintain a gap or in nonprofessional terms, not to pass their teammate in managed situations – especially near the end of a race.

I get it - Teams do not want to see both of their drivers racing each other and end up in the fence and giving away points. I get it - if driver #1 is going for the world championship – the team does not want to see driver #2 winning a race and interfering with driver #1 points.

Nevertheless, as a fan I don’t like it – I just want to see the most skilled driver with the best car win. That is all.

Here is a good review of Malaysian Grand Prix review:

Vettel defies team orders to seize victory
Alonso out early
Webber takes lead
“Mark is too slow”
War breaks out at Red Bull
No smiles on the podium

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2013/03/2...d-prix-review/

You can be hooked fast on Formula 1. The technology behind an F1 car is so interesting and complex. In this sport, the technical director is more important than the driver is. They employ the best research and development scientists, who make the car.

The only downside, you will have to watch Formula 1 races live - in the middle of the night. Otherwise, you would miss NASCAR races when FOXsports replays F1 in the US.

It sounds like you are talking about the DRS button that reduces the race car's aerodynamic drag in order to overtake another race car in F1.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_reduction_system

I fell asleep Sat night and watched it last night.

Vettel's move on Webber was bullshit. Webber turned down his engine on team orders and expected Vettel to do the same and not take it to him. If the order to turn down his engine and hold position hadn't been given then Webber would have been pushing and kept the lead. Sneaky German was sneaky.

DVR and self discipline is key. If I haven't watched the race yet, I stay off of twitter and instagram.

There were a ton of pit stop errors by a lot of teams this race. I have never seen anything like yesterday's race and I have been watching F1 religiously for 10-12 years.

Alonso was full of fail. Weird deal by Vettle. I am not totally sure he just wanted to win at all costs. I think he is confused as what has happened. Sucked for Mark Weber. F1 team orders sucks. F1 is for itself though not for the fans.

Alonso staying out wasn't his call. His team told him to stay out.

Vettel definitely wanted to win at all costs. Immediately after the race in interviews he admitted he ****ed up. Red Bull won't do anything about it though. He should be suspended for at least a race.

I don't know. He just sounded confused. I wish he would either just say YOU GOD DAMN RIGHT I WANTED TO WIN instead of sounding like a dumbass. Although sometimes the drivers can sound like dumbasses simply because English is not their first language.

Random bump time. Just saw this and was inspired, no, compelled to post it.

http://i.imgur.com/GAIu7Xs.gif

I don't see that crazy six wheel Tyrrell anywhere though.

I ****ing love this gif. Yea, it's not in there. They did have like 4-5 of them when they did the Historic Grand Prix at the F1 race in Austin last November. Shit was cash.

1:30 AM Tonight.

With the soft tires falling off so quickly, it will be interesting from a tire strategy perspective.

Race is on!

Hamilton, Alonso and Kimi so far have been fun to watch.

Hamilton is dropping back.

Wow...Ferrari is hard to beat in the DRS zones

Edit: Webber had a collision Vergne as they were fighting for position.

Webber has a broken front wing.

Edit: No... Kimi gets into the back of Perez (I think it was Perez) - and now has a hole in the nose of his Lotus - damn

Edit: Webber's loses his right rear as it rolls across the road...

KC Native:

The Chinese Grand Prix:

They are leaving Kimi out - (damage is not serious) Kimi is right on Hamilton's tail - Looks like Ferrari needs fresh tires if they want to keep up with Hamilton and Kimi.

These cars are moving...Button and Grosjean had a DRS incident - not sure what happened.

Alonso up to second - Alonso passes Hulkenberg on the turn -

Alonso leads again, Vettel running second -

Hard to keep up - there are battles all over the place...they are flying.

Edit: Vettel came in for tires - think they are using a two-stop strategy

Edit: Vettel is fast - He just blew past Massi on the overlap - He's up to sixth (?)

It's now Alonso, Hamilton, Kimi and Button

hahahaha... Button is complaining about the traffic - as Vettel runs him down. Vettel's tires are fresher than Button's tires.

They are running over 200 mph. Hamilton is 4 sec. behind Kimi

Alonso leads by 19 sec. over Vettel and Button - all three still need a final stop. Hamilton is closing in on Kimi - 1.5 sec. behind

Alonso pulled an incredible DRS move in turn 1 (?). This is Alonso's race to lose. He just set the fastest lap. He is running a flawless race. Boy is flying.

Kim has now caught Button (running third), who is now struggling to keep up on old tires.

Edit: Vettel, running second, is trying to stay ahead of Button.

Great battle going on between Kimi and Hamilton - Kimi is running 1.5 sec. ahead of Hamilton and holding his own.

5 laps to go - Alonso is 11 sec. ahead of Kimi and Hamilton - Ferrari has the best car - and Alonso - well, is AWESOME...

Edit: Kimi is 2 sec. behind Alonso! WOW Vettel is closing in on Hamilton - fast.

OMG... What a finish... Alonso wins! Kimi second. Hamilton comes in third. Team Kimi beat him at the final pit stop!

That was very close for Hamilton and Vettel - If Vettel pitted earlier I think he would beat out Hamilton - so close.

Spanish national anthem plays in honor of the winner, Fernando Alonso.

Thrilling finish. Thrilling race!

Enjoy it, Sunday.

Yes, it was fantastic. I watched it live but held off for anybody who planned on watching it on their DVRs.

Great race from Fernando (he's my favorite driver, Kimi is #2, Perez #3). Ferrari looks strong. They had incredible pace and they should be the favorites to take Bahrain. Felipe's fall off kind of surprised me. He was real racy for the first half and then just disappeared.

Kimi is Kimi. That guy is one hell of a driver. If you give him a competent car, he will be a factor.

I think Vettel is a little rattled. It will be interesting to see how he performs in Bahrain. Vettel over his whole stretch at Red Bull has had the superior car over the entire field. This year he doesn't have that advantage at the start of the season. He is still a fantastic driver. His run from 10 to 4 was brilliant and if he wouldn't have pushed too hard on that first lap on the soft tires, he might have been able to catch Hamilton.

Bahrain will be fun to watch too.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/...98_634x405.jpg

Business as usual in that part of the world - No?



http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/...93J07V20130420



Anonymous set to shutdown Formula One cars electric systems

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsD...storyid=351745


https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images...1__normal.jpeg Anonymous @YourAnonNews
Anonymous Op Bahrain | We've Begun The Countdown To Wreckage: Action Begins Friday - April 19, 2013 6:00 AM Manama Standard Time | #ExpectUs

LOL @ anonymous taking credit for F1's telemetry problems this year. They switched something related to it (vendor or system) and have had multiple problems with telemetry in every race this year.

And of course Bahrain goes on. Ecclestone is a greedy little troll that would never pass by a $30M+ race fee.

Wow. I had no idea a country pays that much money to host a race.

NASCAR's race fees must be $100 per car on Sunday and $50 special on Saturdays.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/...f71_story.html


Rating Formula One Races by How Fans Might Fare:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/16/sp...anted=all&_r=0

Yes, Ecclestone's greed is a big threat to F1's sustainability. The sanctioning fees are excessive. The way the money is distributed is ****ed off and heavily favors the top teams. He lines his pockets with the TV revenue. Less needs to be going in his and CVC's pockets and more needs to be going to ALL constructors. We lost HRT this year because they're broke. Marussia and Caterham are teetering of the brink. Sauber lucked out with giving Perez a shot and having Slim give the team a **** load of money (which is why Gutierrez is there now).

Thank you.

KC native, any reason why or any thoughts on the new Pirelli's this season? I've noticed some teams have had nothing good to say about the tires so far.

And then, finally your thoughts on Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton writes an exclusive column for BBC Sport. This week he was asked 'to name one driver currently racing in F1 that inspires him in some way'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/22209168

Hamilton had some very interesting things to say about why 'racing has become more strategic' this season, and on Perez and the way he was driving in the Chinese Grand Prix.

Thanks!

Seems like a 100 years ago that I went to Adelaide to see the 1st Australian GP (well, 1st of the modern era at least). That track was the best street circuit ever, and that race had Gods like Mansell, Piquet, Prost, Senna, Rosberg and Berger. I was young and we drank a lot so I don't remember much except I met Prost, he was cool, must have been about 5 feet tall.

also, Vettel is gay.

Two of my best friends are Lewis Hamilton fans. I've never been too keen on him. He's a great driver. He's just never really been likeable to me however he has matured and become much more tolerable over the last couple of years.

He is right about Alonso. He is the best driver out there IMO. Vettel is a phenom but Adrian Newey has given him the best car by far for the last 3 years. Ferrari gave Alonso chicken shit to start the year last year and he still managed to challenge for a championship. If ol' Crashy McCrasherson, Romain Grosjean, hadn't put him out on the first lap of one of Alonso's DNFs then Alonso may have won the championship last year.

On Perez, I understand them being ticked but I understand why he was driving that way. Whitmarsh told Perez prior to the race to be a lot more aggressive but McClaren hasn't given Perez the car to be more aggressive with. McClaren's lack of pace has been the real surprise of this year so far to me. Neither Button nor Perez have been able to put together a good race yet.

I love the new tires. It has made the teams react and respond. They can't just hit autopilot. The only teams complaining about the tires right now are the ones that can't get them to work properly. It has lessened the impact of Adrian Newey's aerodynamic dominance which I think is good for the sport.

That is ****ing awesome. lucky bastard.

KC native: I really appreciate your willingness to respond to my questions. Thanks!

It might be a stupid question but how do NASCAR and Formula 1 compare? How much do the top drivers earn and could top drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton compete in NASCAR?

F1 drivers are paid way more, Alonso gets 30m euro, drivers on crap teams get a lot less, around 500,000. Mark Webber gets 10m euro which is about average. They'd make it easily in NASCAR, but that would be like Peyton going to the CFL.

Good win for Sato in the Indy car series.

Yea, and that's before sponsorships. F1 top drivers make a **** ton of money. Michael Schumacher used to pull down more than Michael Jordan when he was at his peak.

Fantastic race again today.

Alonso showed some grit. 3 pit stops in the first 30 laps because his wing was broken, but still managed to pull out 8th spot.

Perez went out there and gutted it out too. Tough defensive drive and nice finish. Out drove Button by a lot.

Vettel is Vettel. I wish Fernando wouldn't have had the technical problems. Should have been a great fight between them at the front.

Paul Di Resta ran a fantastic finish for himself and Force India. Can't believe he pulled off P4. He was almost on the podium but Crashy McCrasherson pulled out a great race.

Race is at 6:30 AM CST for the early birds. I will be DVRing this per my usual.

Should be a great race.

Sunday, May 12 at 8 a.m. ET - That is better than 6 a.m. :D

Who is going to win the Spanish Grand Prix?

Red Bull have always been strong in Spain. I think Vettel will be hard to beat.

Kimi is strong in Spain. He has won this race twice. Kimi is 10 points behind Vettel after four races. Would like to see him win the race.

Alonso has not won here since 2006-not a good track record. Then again, he finished second last year.

Mercedes - Have they improved their race pace? Not sure.

Pirelli will bring medium and hard compound tires to Spain. Supposedly, they tweaked the hard compound tires so they hold up longer. But will they be durable?

I find the tire strategy confusing...I am not sure how long the driver can push the new tires.

My picks

1st place: Vettel / Kimi - Each driver will receive half a trophy..
2nd Alonso
3rd: Webber

Finally got around to finishing the race.

Phenomenal drive from Alonso and Massa. Ferrrari decided they would just drive it hard the whole race and make 4 stops. Game changing strategy and it will be interesting to see if they keep it up. The mantra this year has been protect your tires as much as possible and Ferrari said **** that and went for it. This will make the strategies later in the season much more interesting.

Kimi was Kimi. The mad Fin was excellent as usual. He has a great chance to win the driver's championship. There are mounting rumors that he could be headed to Red Bull to replace Webber next year. I don't know if I see Kimi at Red Bull. He really hated all the extra shit he had to do at Ferrari and Red Bull would have the same requirements for him.

Mercedes is ****ed. They can pound out a fast lap to qualify high but they have problems with tire wear and they don't look like they are getting any better. They locked out the front row during qualifying and both Hamilton and Rosberg finished outside the top 5.

McClaren is also in a similar situation. Perez was faster than Button again and they made him stay behind him at the end of the race. Their lack of performance has been the biggest head scratcher of this season.

The Pirelli tires are just ridiculous. Four stops, really? I read that the guys are so worried about degradation that they are seriously backing off. Something like three seconds a lap SLOWER than GP2 on the same track. That isn't F1.

Damn...busy weekend and i totally forgot this was on.

That's okay. It really wasn't a race.

Pirelli gave the FIA what it wanted for F1. After the delaminations this week I think there will be changes to the tires. Most of the races will still probably be 3 stoppers though.

Yeah, just reading that Hembery pretty much acknowledged that yesterday was stupid and will make the tires harder. It really is a shame. I watched the race by DVR yesterday and I pretty much played it back at 5X speed.

I like the increased degradation but yesterday's race was ridiculous. Monaco with these tires will be interesting.