The F1 Thread

[FrankMunro-371]

2015 drivers line up so for.

Mercedes.
N.Rosberg (confirmed)
L.Hamilton (confirmed)

Red Bull.
D.Ricciardo (confirmed)
D.Kvyat (confirmed

Williams.
V.Bottas (confirmed)
F.Massa (confirmed)

Ferrari.
K.Raikkonen (confirmed)
S.Vettel (confirmed)

Mclaren.
TBC. Expected two from, F.Alonso, J.Button, K.Magnussen.

Force India.
N.Hulkenberg TBC
S.Perez TBC

Toro Rosso.
M.Verstappen (confirmed)
Expected one from C.Sainz jr, A.Lynn

Lotus.
R.Grosjean TBC
P.Maldonado (confirmed)

Marussia.
TBC

Sauber.
TBC

Caterham.
M.Ericsson TBC
TBC.

Plenty of places still up for grab further down the field, though the top teams are all sorted.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

What choice do they have though if they're reliant on that money? Willingly be far less competitive by losing him and the money he brings, potentially even fold completely if they're that dependant on it.

Yeah, I'm more surprised that even Venezuela cannot find any better drivers than him. He is horrific.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Oh, and I seriously doubt Caterham will be around next year.

 

[Kenny]

Caterham out of the next 2 GP's due to part of the team being in administration
Marussia are also going to miss the US GP in what appears to be a cash issue.

 

[Kenny]

On the Caterham issue. Tony The Chairman still holds the shares for the team as they have never been passed to the new owners. So this is probably going to get messy.

 

[Nando]

Bernie's selection process for the three new teams has worked well!

 

[Wombat del combate]

Marussia in administration.

 

[The Bear]

I say bin them and Caterham off and allow any of the teams to run 3 cars if they wish.

 

[Kenny]

Marussia are still being allowed to function and staff being paid. Investor is waiting in the wings plus they are due are nice payout at the end of the season thanks to the 2 points they have. They will be ok I think. Caterham on the other hand are in a right mess

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I say bin them and Caterham off and allow any of the teams to run 3 cars if they wish.

That would be an issue unless you ruled that only the points of the first two cars in each team counted for constructors' championship purposes. Mercedes have already been awarded that title but if three cars were running they aren't technically far enough clear.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

I don't see any teams having the inclination to voluntarily absorb the costs of running an extra car. There's nothing in it for them. Haas are coming in soon anyway so there's one slot taken back up, and Audi are also mooting a team for 2016.

 

[Nando]

The top teams are contractually obliged to run three cars if numbers drop below a certain figure according to Max Mosley.

 

[Kenny]

Rosberg on pole after a great quali performance. Lewis struggling on a couple of corners which are knackering his tyres, could be crucial tomorrow. Still in 2nd place as the Mercs are a million miles quicker than anyone else.

Vettel starting from the pit lane after buying a new Red Bull for the race.

 

[FrankMunro-371]

Barring any problems it should be a Mercedes 1 - 2, and I fancy that Hamilton might just edge it.

 

[Kenny]

Barring any problems it should be a Mercedes 1 - 2, and I fancy that Hamilton might just edge it.

He needs to sort out his issue in 2 corners where his front left locks up. He is losing time to Rosberg in those corners.

 

[FrankMunro-371]

He needs to sort out his issue in 2 corners where his front left locks up. He is losing time to Rosberg in those corners.

Agreed, but if he gets close to Rosberg, I would expect he would take him. Rosberg has not fared well when under pressure.

 

[Kenny]

Agreed, but if he gets close to Rosberg, I would expect he would take him. Rosberg has not fared well when under pressure.

Be interesting into the mad first corner at the top of the hill. All Lewis can do is ensure he keeps within a second of him and put that pressure on, try and get him to make mistakes. Nico had break issues in P3. Nothing stupid from Lewis today, losing 7 points from his lead won't be the end of the world.

 

[FrankMunro-371]

Be interesting into the mad first corner at the top of the hill. All Lewis can do is ensure he keeps within a second of him and put that pressure on, try and get him to make mistakes. Nico had break issues in P3. Nothing stupid from Lewis today, losing 7 points from his lead won't be the end of the world.

Agreed, although it is not in Hamilton's nature to settle for second. I would imagine he will do everything he can to get in front of Roseberg.

 

[FrankMunro-371]

Rosberg on pole after a great quali performance. Lewis struggling on a couple of corners which are knackering his tyres, could be crucial tomorrow. Still in 2nd place as the Mercs are a million miles quicker than anyone else.

Vettel starting from the pit lane after buying a new Red Bull for the race.

It appears that you are correct. Hamilton clearly struggling with his tyres.

 

[FrankMunro-371]

Hamilton's tyre change has seen him back up to speed.

A great battle between Button and Alonso.