Formula One ( F1 )

I read earlier that the F1 engine programme costs Honda €400M per year. No idea how much they then charge the teams.

I've seen mixed figures from the manufacturers tbh. You just don't know what they do and don't include in those costs. Mercedes will be supplying 3 customer teams next year so what does that mean, big direct income and their 'cost' looks low?

Horner mentioned on Sunday that engine manufactures are charging 200M per year to supply teams. No idea what currency but that's cutting it fine.

He said sterling, but I think that was the cost to the engine manufacturers of running an engine programme, not the costs to the teams.

RB are apparently looking to take over the Honda program

Fingers crossed it goes smoothly. Can't see any of the other options being a success and it'd be a shame to lose them from the sport

Especially as we have to be some bad luck for Lewis away from a Honda powered Verstappen victory.

Finally got round to watching the race. Thought it was decent.

Channel 4 cutting to adverts on lap 56 and returning on 59 was a complete ballache tho.

It's not quite F1 but Valentino Rossi tested positive for Covid

"The Doctor" will be okay, I reckon.

Really hope this doesn't go ahead. If an old fashioned animation studio can build a 500 acre theme park without cutting down a single tree you'd think those overseeing the pinnacle of motorsport could do a bit better, cunts.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/15/rio-f1-racetrack-plans-add-fuel-to-brazil-deforestation-row

I don’t think you can blame F1 for that. That’s corrupt/DGAF government at work. Only have to look at their hardwood, steel and mineral industries for more examples.

Brazilian Grand Prix was always on review anyway. Mercedes team bus got done over just a few years ago and they all had their valuables stolen at gunpoint. The teams hate Brazil.

Yeah i'm sure i need to understand the logistics of this better but surely F1 can see how this affects their already out of time image.

Probably wishful thinking but being a Honda fan i'd like to think that there decision was in part due to the fact that they don't want to be associated with this kind of BS.

Actually, reading more about it, I might retract my comment. Looks like it's going ahead whatever and looks like it is in fact Liberty Media that DGAF as much as the shitty Brazilian government. Poor show.

Not read much about the new Brazilian track but keeping a GP in Brazil and moving away from Interlagos seems ridiculous.

On the flipside, current silly season rumours sound largely good:

Gasly to take Ocon's seat at Renault
Hulk to replace Albon
Perez to take Russel's seat at Williams

Sucks for Russel who's looks to have been doing a great job, but fully on board with the other two.

Williams are keeping Latifi? Why?

Money over talent, they want to have 2 pay drivers to improve the finance situation.

Surely the sale was at least partly designed for the new owner to inject cash.

Not debating the strategy, was just answering why i think they've gone with Latifi over Russell. AFAIK they've been up front about saying they think money will benefit them more than Russell's talent which is probably right.

With Perez they get the best of both worlds.

Talking of money, Haas maybe going down the same road as Racing Point with there driver/owner line up.

Two new drivers for Haas for 2021. I assume one will be Schumacher unless they move Giovinazzi there.

Haas will need at least one experienced driver I imagine (can't see them putting both Ilott & Schumacher there), but no idea who that'd be. I imagine Russell will be trying to get his foot in the door at Merc, Ocon to Haas maybe? There's not really any experienced drivers without a confirmed seat except Perez who already looks to be Williams bound.

I can't help but think that Giovanazzi is only around in order to have an Italian in the Alfa, and sticking a Schumacher in that seat is probably just as good for the Italian marketing.

Speaking of Antonio...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlD9lbWF5WQ

I can't help but think that Giovanazzi is only around in order to have an Italian in the Alfa, and sticking a Schumacher in that seat is probably just as good for the Italian marketing.

Ferrari driver programme alumni gotta go somewhere...

This track limits stuff is getting ridiculous now. For some corners this weekend the limits are defined by the kerbs, but for some it's the white lines.

F1 finds a new way to do farce.

I dunno, looks like a good idea to impose track limits!