Spain GP Pre-race

So this will be the weekend Sainz is supposed to announce who he has signed with. It is time for the soap opera to come to a conclusion? Who RB2 puts with Tsunuda is a "so what" story...Bottas...Ocon...Magnussen ...Sargeant...Stroll...or maybe a mid-season switch to Perez if things don't get better. But there is no reason to keep Ricardo on the payroll, and the other names will at least be worth some publicity. The Newey story has also run out of gas. A return of Briatore is much more exciting.

Bigger fish to fry are whether or not Mercedes build on their Canadian form, whether or not Ferrari gets their mojo back, whether or not RB can hope for another championship with only one competitive driver, whether or not McLaren becomes the real leader of the season, and whether or not Max can handle the pressure of not having the best car on the grid.

Should be a good weekend.

 

Vasseur is fast tracking the Silverstone updates to Catalunya.

[FormulaUno]

 

This is a MaxBull track.

The rest of the driver moves mean zero. The only notable driver move is LH to Ferrari. The rest are forgetful sideshows.


Can anyone really challenge Max in Spain. The only question. He showed strength after a couple of setback races. The rest offered excuses lol overall. Kerbs are not an issue here. I will ensure extra espresso is on for this race. Potential runaway bore procession.

 

I predict a snorefest unfortunately. Unless it rains, Max will probably nick this one.

 

I sort of agree. This drama about the seats is getting tired. Mid-level drivers swapping seats in mid-level teams.

 

I think that a decision on Ricciardo will be at mid-season. If his form improves and he shows some consistency he should keep his seat; if Yuki has twice as many points then Lawson will get his shot.

 

What happened to Leclerc's car at the CanadianGP? Ferrari is keeping tight lipped at the moment.

1) What was the issue to the engine where Leclerc dropped 80hp according to a source.

2) Will he take a new engine or component due to the mishap?

3) Can the engine or component be salvaged?

Hopefully we here something soon at Catalunya.

 

Probably a software issue, he was able to re-boot at his first pitstop to restore the settings.

 

I thought it was only a misfire caused by water getting in the electrics/electronics in one sidepod.
A thorough drying session would have cured it, but it would have involved some dismantling and taken too long.

 

Ah yes Spain. The F1 travel schedule makes perfect sense now. Miami, Monaco, Canada, Spain. Is Stevie Wonder mapping out the travel???

 

Keeping F1 green!

 

There probably was some sort of issue with the PU, but it couldn't have been serious or the team wouldn't have been able to reboot Leclerc into full power after the pitstop.

I'd say a false software code that couldn't be erased without losing several laps is most likely. The team would decide to retire the car in that situation.

 

Leclerc: Red Bull's F1 strength will be more visible in Barcelona
Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc believes Red Bull will be back at full strength in next week's Spanish Grand Prix after a relatively tougher run of races.

 

Bearman will pair off with K-Mag in FP1.

 

that will be interesting!!

 

I assume it's just getting him prepped for HAAS seat in 2025. He's gotta start somewhere. He's got more FP's coming up with HAAS.

 

I fear that Ferrari will be back in 4th this weekend. Mercedes and McLaren will be pushing RB, and it will be interesting to see who pushes the hardest. I get the feeling all Ferrari cares about this season is waiting for next season. If they can get another couple of podiums, fine, but the win at LeMans will buy them more time with the fans.

 

Meanwhile tomorrow in Monaco the Olympic flame is passing through on its traditional and much ballyhooed route from Greece to Paris.

A couple of athletes will carry it running through the principality before passing the torch, literally, to Prince Albert II and then Princess Charlene...but you'll neeeever guess which Monegasque, just before them, is is on pole position as the first flame bearer to run through the Principality....

 

I still have a running bet of a Ruth's Chris dinner he doesn't finish last in the drivers championship!

 

i just watched the highlights of last year -- Max was gone, but perez had lots of trouble.... so it's not just recent.

 

Perez? Who is that??

 

FYI, Sergio Perez finished 2nd in the WDC last season !!

 

4th only !
My bet is on 5th !
C’mon ..

 

Yet MaxBull needed no help from him for both titles. Let us be clear - the lack of any real opposition only flattered a useless year for him overall. He failed as a driver in a car MORE than capable of winning. He was not remotely close to his team mate= the true measure of his capability. Sorry he needed to go. He is an embarassment lol. A good #2 he is not. Utterly exposed and over rated.

 

In any case, Red Bull re-signed him for 2 years (1 + 1 in fact). I am happy with that.
Probably they couldn't find a suitable replacement.