*****OFFICIAL NON MERCEDES FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX THREAD***** (1 Viewer)

[PIK95]

This is where we can discuss all things F1, except anything Mercedes.  The first race weekend falls on my birthday this year!  Looking forward to seeing some new blood behind the wheel's this season more than anything.

When does the new season of Drive to Survive start on Netflix anyway?

 

[Eephus]

They've been the team from Brackley since the BAR days.

 

[Eephus]

The hottest non-Mercedes F1 rumor of this off-season involves the intentions of VW/Audi.  They've been widely reported to be considering a move into the series either as the engine supplier for Red Bull or via an acquisition of McLaren.  The former option seems easier since much of it  would just be re-branding of the former Honda PU.  I'd be sad if the McLaren name left F1, especially for a manufacturer that's historically been fickle about long-term commitments to a racing series.

 

[PIK95]

The hottest non-Mercedes F1 rumor of this off-season involves the intentions of VW/Audi.  They've been widely reported to be considering a move into the series either as the engine supplier for Red Bull or via an acquisition of McLaren.  The former option seems easier since much of it  would just be re-branding of the former Honda PU.  I'd be sad if the McLaren name left F1, especially for a manufacturer that's historically been fickle about long-term commitments to a racing series.

I also would be sad to see McLaren gone.  And thanks for playing along   

 

[PIK95]

What's the outlook for Ocon if he stays home?  I have never been impressed by him, but I guess he is decent in qualifying.  

 

[Eephus]

What's the outlook for Ocon if he stays home?  I have never been impressed by him, but I guess he is decent in qualifying.  

He's on a hot seat because Alpine has the hottest prospect sitting on their garage in the person of F2 and F3 champ Oscar Piastri.  Piastri will definitely be in a blue car in 2023 so the question is whether he'll be alongside Ocon or Alonso. 

Since 2023 is a long ways off, we might as well throw Gasly into the mix because he's French and won't drive for Red Bull's B team forever.

 

[PIK95]

One area I never quite understood was how drivers changed teams.  Is it 100% team control and choices, or something else.  What's to stop Oscar (or Gasly) from going to a different team if a seat isn't available with theirs.  Is it just academy related? 

 

[Eephus]

One area I never quite understood was how drivers changed teams.  Is it 100% team control and choices, or something else.  What's to stop Oscar (or Gasly) from going to a different team if a seat isn't available with theirs.  Is it just academy related? 

Most F1 contracts are relatively short, one or two years for less established drivers. Leclerc's Ferrari contract was a big deal because it was announced for five years expiring in 2024.

The teams hold most of the cards because they can pay someone not to drive or to relegate them to a lesser role like reserve or simulator driver.  Pay driver contracts are contingent on funding.  There were drivers in the recent past who've lost rides because the sponsor's check didn't clear.

Academy deals are comparable to MLB teams locking in years of team control in exchange for support and development in the lower formula.  I have no idea how binding they are but I'd assume a team poaching a young driver from another team's academy would have to pay a buyout.

 

[PIK95]

I was looking at Ferrari this morning.  If I am understanding things right, the hybrid systems are going to be locked in through 2024.  Ferrari seemed to be talking a lot about getting ahead on them last season.  What should we expect? 

   Are Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz both in the long term plans?  I personally haven't been super impressed with Mick Schumacher, who will apparently be a reserve driver at times along  with Antonio Giovinazz.  I liked what I saw out of Gio at times, while the pundits seemed to not take him very seriously.  Is he in a money situation or do they see him as talent?

 

[Eephus]

Ferrari closed the gap in power last year. It's anybody's guess how their new car will be under the new technical regulations but Ferrari definitely has the budget to be successful.

Leclerc is widely regarded as a huge talent. He's locked in through the 2024 season.  If Ferrari doesn't give him a championship quality car by then, Leclerc will be able to choose his next move. 

Sainz is in the final year of his deal but there has been talk of an extension.  Sainz outscored Leclerc in 2021 and had three podiums to Charles' one. Leclerc was faster in qualifying by 13-9 but that was closer than most people expected.

Young Mick's debut was hamstrung by Haas' dog of a car but thoroughly outclassing Mazepin was as good a result as he could hope for.  His pedigree should provide enough sponsorship to keep him in a F1 seat for a while. Hopefully the 2022 Haas will be improved enough for Schumacher to compete against the midfield and allow him to move up the grid at his next career stop.

Giovanazzi is doing Formula E this year with a backmarker team.  Even if he impresses there, there's no career path back to F1 unless he's adopted by a billionaire father.