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

[KC native]

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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Following is this week’s coverage schedule for the Rolex Australian Grand Prix on NBC Sports Network:

Date Program Time Network
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
-

More practice times for the entire season can be found here.

2013 FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE (Subject to change, all times ET):

Date Grand Prix Time Re-Air (NBCSN) Network
Sun., March 17 Australia 1:30 a.m. 1 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Sun., March 24 Malaysia 3:30 a.m. 3 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Sun., April 14 China 2:30 a.m. 1 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Sun., April 21 Bahrain 7:30 a.m. Noon NBC Sports Network
Sun., May 12 Spain 7:30 a.m. 2 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Sun., May 26 Monaco 7:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. NBC
Sun., June 9 Canada 2 p.m. 7 p.m. NBC
Sun., June 30 United Kingdom 7:30 a.m. Noon CNBC
Sun., July 7 Germany 7:30 a.m. Noon CNBC
Sun., July 28 Hungary 7:30 a.m. 1 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Sun., Aug. 25 Belgium 7:30 a.m. Midnight NBC Sports Network
Sun., Sept. 8 Italy 7:30 a.m. 1 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Sun., Sept. 22 Singapore 7:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Sun., Oct. 6 Korea 1:30 a.m. 4 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Sun., Oct. 13 Japan 1:30 a.m. 1 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Sun., Oct. 27 India 5:00 a.m. 1 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Sun., Nov. 3 Abu Dhabi 7:30 a.m. 6 p.m. NBC Sports Network
Sun., Nov. 17 USA (Austin) 1 p.m. 6 p.m. NBC
Sun., Nov. 24 Brazil 11 a.m. 4:30 p.m. NBC

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by unlurking

Agree on all points. Leclerc was way too aggressive way too late. With Sainz out, they should have taken the points instead of trying to go for fastest lap or passing Checo.

I know a lot of people are looking to Gasly to get back to RBR and replace Checo. I don't see that happening. Depending on this year's outcome, I see Checo getting 2 more years and Tsunoda becoming #1 at AT for 2 years and then replacing Checo at RBR.

I just feel like RBR and Mercedes are a bit of a crutch and only really identify if someone is openly awful.

Albon looked competent at Red Bull and I'm just not sure that tells us anything. Whereas I think McLaren is a good team, but not a team that makes a driver look obviously better than he is.

Strictly from a curiosity standpoint, I'd like to see Tsunoda at McLaren because I think it would do a lot to demonstrate how good he truly is.

And frankly I just don't understand McLaren's patience w/ Ricciardo. Apart from the 1-2 races/yr where he looks good for some reason, he's just...there. I don't understand what they see in him. Especially when I think we've watched Norris get better and better there and develop right in front of them while Ricciardo just continues to be the cock-tease he's been his entire career.

[unlurking]

Originally Posted by EPodolak

I don't know the rationale for gravel that sinks a car like quicksand. Think it's a shame Sainz couldn't re-enter the race.

Safety / Punishment...
I actually like the grit used at a couple of tracks. **** up and go off track and you flatspot the shit outta your tires. Forced to pit, but at least doesn't result in a red car. I know a lot of people complained about it, but I like it better than gravel. Both are pretty unforgiving. Maybe just have a gravel trap the width of a car, then grit.

[unlurking]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I just feel like RBR and Mercedes are a bit of a crutch and only really identify if someone is openly awful.

Albon looked competent at Red Bull and I'm just not sure that tells us anything. Whereas I think McLaren is a good team, but not a team that makes a driver look obviously better than he is.

Strictly from a curiosity standpoint, I'd like to see Tsunoda at McLaren because I think it would do a lot to demonstrate how good he truly is.

And frankly I just don't understand McLaren's patience w/ Ricciardo. Apart from the 1-2 races/yr where he looks good for some reason, he's just...there. I don't understand what they see in him. Especially when I think we've watched Norris get better and better there and develop right in front of them while Ricciardo just continues to be the cock-tease he's been his entire career.

Could be, McLaren definitely hasn't made Ric look any better! We might well be saying the same about Ferrari being a crutch in a few years though. They really seem to have nailed their car, and with the engine freeze inbound I expect the top 3 teams at the end of 22 to likely carry through for a few years.

I'm really interested to see how Tsunoda progresses this year. He's an intriguing driver. Unfortunately I expected a lot more from AT this year.

Yeah, I think this is kind of a now or never year for Ric. I wouldn't be surprised if his replacement is announced at the break. If he continues to under perform that it.

[unlurking]

Originally Posted by EPodolak

This is how I view it. Temptation is to refer to Mercedes as the "Patriots". I don't feel anything personal against Hamilton, but just don't regret anything about his treatment by F1.

BTW recently watched a replay of last year's Monza race, he really is lucky to be alive after that collision with Verstappen.

Yeah, any doubts about the halo should be put to rest after that!

[unlurking]

Wish Ted's Notebook session weren't region restricted.

[WhawhaWhat]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

And frankly I just don't understand McLaren's patience w/ Ricciardo.

In that video where F1 announced the race in Las Vegas, Ricciardo said he was thinking about retiring after this year but the Vegas race may have changed his mind. His contract with McLaren runs out after next season. He definitely seems to have lost his edge so far this year.

[WhawhaWhat]

I've been watching the first practice in Miami and the track looks pretty tight, turns 13-16 look like they might be a nightmare during qualifying and it's hot. 120 degrees on the track right now.

[EPodolak]

Originally Posted by WhawhaWhat

I've been watching the first practice in Miami and the track looks pretty tight, turns 13-16 look like they might be a nightmare during qualifying and it's hot. 120 degrees on the track right now.

Some really wide stretches, definite passing lanes on that circuit.

Slick surface too...be a shame if a Ferrari takes out a mermaid or ends up in the pretend marina.

[Stanley Nickels]

Heading to Miami in the morning. Will be in Turn 1 North Grandstand. This is a weird track but I’m pumped.

[WhawhaWhat]

Originally Posted by Stanley Nickels

Heading to Miami in the morning. Will be in Turn 1 North Grandstand. This is a weird track but I’m pumped.

I looked into getting a ticket but it was $600 to get in the door last time I checked Stubhub.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by WhawhaWhat

Indycar had a good race yesterday in Long Beach. I know it's not F1 but the racing this season has been pretty good.

They should move the F1 in Miami to St. Pete. N o need to have artificial water pumped in temporarily. The city has been doing the Indy race for years. Have a good track along the water with the big buildings, yachts, sailboats and open water that looks goof on TV.

[unlurking]

Originally Posted by WhawhaWhat

I looked into getting a ticket but it was $600 to get in the door last time I checked Stubhub.

People in the reddit sub have been posting prices for merchandise. Absolutely insane. I'm pretty sure Vegas is going to be like this next year, which sucks because I will be going regardless.

[C3HIEF3S]

Oh hell yeah, didn’t know we had an F1 thread here!

Today is a huge day for F1 in the US. As superficial, pretentious, and influencer-y as the Miami GP looks to be, this is finishing the job that has been started over the last couple years in increasing popularity for the sport in the states. It was evident at the US GP in Austin last year. Now we’ve got a race on ABC!

[Donger]

Drivers moaning about the track surface:

https://www.planetf1.com/news/proces...track-surface/

This weekend marks Formula 1’s first visit to Miami and while the race has been hyped up, it may turn out to be more of a damp squib than a thriller.

Although the 57-lap grand prix will start with championship leader Charles Leclerc lining up ahead of Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen, unless those behind make a move off the line, that may be it.

The reason being any driver going off the racing line will pay a heavy price due to the “not F1 standards” track surface that has absolutely no grip and a lot of rubble to go with it.

[EPodolak]

Hehe. Who's not surprised Tom Brady and Lewis Hamilton are paired up for the cameras during pre-race.