F1: 2019 thread

[David]

I've just started reading Adrian Newey's book 'How to Build a Car'

https://www.amazon.com/How-Build-Car-Autobiography-Greatest/dp/000819680X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=adrian+newey&qid=1552491956&s=books&sr=1-1

I don't read books much unless I'm on an airplane but I started reading last night and didn't stop til I feel asleep.

[yellowperil]

It's being reported Charlie Whiting has died, this is terrible news for F1 fans.

[herr_oberst]

Wow, that is a shocker. A good guy, smart and well liked.

RIP, Charlie.

[Noah930]

Died from a pulmonary embolism. Wow, maybe from all the air travel? Regardless, sad for the F1 world at his unexpected passing.

[Deschodt]

Originally Posted by Noah930

Died from a pulmonary embolism. Wow, maybe from all the air travel? Regardless, sad for the F1 world at his unexpected passing.

Likely... Long flight.. Both my folks (same age as him) got a pulmonary embolism from travel and were lucky it got caught on time before the return flight... Very sad, Charlie was a good guy.

[Deschodt]

Disappointing practices so far if you were hoping for parity... Mercedes was indeed sandbagging, apparently and are comfortably ahead.

Redbull looks good (I still hope the engine blows because I hate H Marko), the only good surprise so far is Alfa looks great !

[legion]

Originally Posted by Deschodt

Mercedes was indeed sandbagging, apparently and are comfortably ahead.

Certainly seems that way.

[rfuerst911sc]

I was happy with the team Haas qualifying results it bodes well for them coming out of the gate .

[Jims5543]

Congrats to Hamilton on his 2019 WDC and to Mercedes for their 2019 Constructors Championship.

I would like to thank them for giving us a reason to tune in today and not ruining the season during pre season practice.

Ferrari and Red bull will never find 0.8 seconds.

I am cautiously optimistic that Mercs race pace may not be as good, that is about the only hope one has for this season to be remotely interesting. Right now it looks like another season of Mercedes winning 20 of the races.



Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[cairns]

The boys over at Ferrarichat are losing their sheet.

[legion]

I'm not sure that Kubica belongs in an F1 car anymore. Yes, he was a great talent before his accident, but I kind of suspect that his injury does not allow to control the car like he once did. He was 1.5 seconds off his teammate. He hit the pit wall during practice. He seems to be struggling to keep the car on the track.

[CurtEgerer]

How far the once mighty have fallen. This sounds less than encouraging for Williams

"There is one fundamental which I don't want to discuss publicly," said Russell, who will start 19th for the F1 season opener.

"We understand what that is, but it doesn't mean we can wake up on Monday morning and rectify it.

"To change something so fundamental will take months of development, work in the simulator and designers working out how to do it, and that is what needs to be done at the moment.

"Unfortunately we are looking at a number of races before we are going to be able to fight, and that is just where we are at the moment."

Asked how big a leap forward that change could deliver, Russell said: "I think once we have solved that fundamental there will be a big leap.

"We will probably still be at the back of the grid, but with the chance to fight rather than like it is at the moment. The fact is we don't have any hope because we are too far behind."

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by legion

I'm not sure that Kubica belongs in an F1 car anymore. Yes, he was a great talent before his accident, but I kind of suspect that his injury does not allow to control the car like he once did. He was 1.5 seconds off his teammate. He hit the pit wall during practice. He seems to be struggling to keep the car on the track.

I agree with you , it doesn't help that the car is a hot pile of $hit with apparently a fairly major fundamental flaw per todays comments . But even in a great car he has been gone too long and is basically driving one handed . How anyone can think he'll be competitive is just not thinking . I would love to see him be competitive , he is a fan favorite and seems like a great guy . Would love to have a beer with him but his best days I'm afraid are in the rear view mirror .

[Tervuren]

Originally Posted by Deschodt

This is funny (and sad but probably true)

So, how'd it shake out?

[sammyg2]

Same sheet, different year.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

I agree with you , it doesn't help that the car is a hot pile of $hit with apparently a fairly major fundamental flaw per todays comments . But even in a great car he has been gone too long and is basically driving one handed . How anyone can think he'll be competitive is just not thinking . I would love to see him be competitive , he is a fan favorite and seems like a great guy . Would love to have a beer with him but his best days I'm afraid are in the rear view mirror .

Meanwhile fast drivers like Ocon sit at home without a ride.

[Deschodt]

Yup. Congrats to Mercedes on the 2019 title, indeed.

Good news? It wasn’t Hamilton this time but it will be soon enough... yawn.

The midfield is very tight though. Could be Haas, Alfa, Renault, or Toro Rosso any given day.

Surprises? Kubica is done. Stroll beat Perez! WTH?
Also Renault still blew one up and Honda didn’t, ugh... I really wanted to see Marko eat one... maybe next time :-)

[rfuerst911sc]

The Grosean pit stop was a debacle how do you not get the wheel/tire on properly ? Yes I know they are pressed for a fast pit stop but get the damn wheels on ! That mistake cost them valuable points . Good run by Kevin M. a solid performance the entire race . Ferrari are off the pace they will be scrambling big time . Team Alfa looked decent they have potential for a solid year . McLaren too early to tell . I thought overall the " racing " was not all that great .

[yellowperil]

Too bad DannyRic hadn't taken a look down towards 1st turn after quali, he might've seen that pot hole. Would've been a great pass.

[DaveE]

I recorded the race of course. Halfway through I fast forwarded to the last turn of the last lap. I admire Mercedes ability to dominate the series but probably won’t watch much F1 this year.