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Original poster

F1 2021 and we have a Schumacher on the grid again

490 replies

en0la · 12/03/2021 17:45

In the absence of a F1 forum I'd like to chat about all things F1 Grand Prix.

How will the season go? How will the newest Schumacher fare ?

I can't wait for the first race.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
ChequerBoard · 13/12/2021 13:12

@BHX3000

I’ve lost count of how many times a team has threatened to leave the sport.

Mind you, it’s normally Helmut Marko making those claims.

They will be (I would expect) rightly compensated for the damages and loss of income had they won yesterday. But I don’t think anyone believes Mercedes won’t be there in March next year for the new season.

They haven't threatened to leave F1.

Just abandoned their appeal.

JudgeJ · 13/12/2021 14:08

@BHX3000

I hope they do take it to court to challenge not the championship but this new approach to F1, this season has been more about stewards' decisions than driving.

I completely agree with this.

Getting rid of Michael Masi would be the place to start. There have always been controversial decisions, during the Schumacher days the FIA was known as Ferrari In Action because he was allowed to get away with murder, but this season has been exceptional.
JudgeJ · 13/12/2021 14:13

@Sparklingbrook

need Charlie whiting back

He died in 2019, so that's pretty unlikely.

CW's head must be spinning from all the rolling round in his grave he's done this season. Such a terrible loss to the sport.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

General sports News
Swirlywoo · 13/12/2021 15:03

I hope it is because the FIA has agreed to make sure there is full clarity on the rules and Michael Masi is resigning.

Hopefully!

Sparklingbrook · 15/12/2021 18:27

Well he didn't win the race or the world championship on Sunday but his week got a lot better.

F1 2021 and we have a Schumacher on the grid again
GrouchyKiwi · 15/12/2021 18:49

It's a good photo.

GrouchyKiwi · 15/12/2021 21:05

FIA has "admitted" that Abu Dhabi was bad stuff.

BBC article

Swirlywoo · 15/12/2021 21:14

Good for Lewis.

It is an effective admission of mistakes in the running of the race that decided the world championship

Wow.

BHX3000 · 15/12/2021 21:20

I hope they carry out a thorough investigation. Some people in the F1 paddock have already mentioned that from next season they want to ban direct team principal-to-race director communications, and I think that’s a great idea.

I’m no Michael Masi sympathiser, but it can’t be easy doing that kind of job, on your own, whilst having Toto and Christian screaming random demands in your ear, every 5 seconds.

When did it get so out of hand? I remember right after the Silverstone crash, it was one representative from each them communicating with Masi. It all sounded much more calm, level-headed and professional. There was no panicking or shouting.

Until Toto asked Masi to check his emails, but at least that was funny Grin

GrouchyKiwi · 15/12/2021 21:21

The email moment was hilarious. Grin

Swirlywoo · 15/12/2021 23:33

I agree, when I read that Christian Horner said that poor Masi was on his own and needed more support, I did think not screaming at him down a radio might have been a start.

givethatbabyaname · 16/12/2021 01:17

I think that’s focusing on Masi too much. Or, not enough. For umpires at Wimbledon, ignoring player entreaties is part of the job. They know the rules, they apply them. Same for refs in the Premier League, and whatever the world cricketing league is. Being stalwart in the face of rabid, hyped athletes on the losing side is part of the job.

F1 is arguably way more technical than any of these sports. Way more rules. Way more danger/safety aspects to consider. So, maybe it should be a two-person job.

I don’t think Masi caved to Red Bull’s exhortation to “let them race”. I think he caved to being the one person who has to balance - live and in the moment - sponsorship, TV rights, F1’s owners, safety, drivers and teams. That is a lot. But, if you have your priorities right (safety first always, then the sport from which all the others will follow), I think it’s possible to do it all.

GrouchyKiwi · 16/12/2021 10:21

Mercedes won't appeal.

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59681314

GrouchyKiwi · 16/12/2021 10:30

That's good analysis givethatbabyaname.

I do think it's strange that Whiting had a deputy but Masi allegedly doesn't. That's something else for them to sort.

HalfWomanHalfMincePie · 16/12/2021 10:43

Banning team principle radio comms with the race director sounds sensible. As does a deputy to keep him honest - because the inconsistencies are killing the sport here.

In 2020, under questioning around why a safety car takes so long to come in he said: “There’s a requirement in the sporting regulations to wave all the lapped cars past”

In 2021, he then only let some past, contradicting his own advice from earlier.

But the FIA sending out a statement that basically says: you are all confused is a load of gaslighting bullshit, imo.

HalfWomanHalfMincePie · 16/12/2021 10:49

[quote GrouchyKiwi]Mercedes won't appeal.

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/59681314[/quote]
I don't blame them. It's a lose/lose scenario for them.

Lose the appeal = they lose
Win the appeal and be seen to be winning in a unsporting manner (i.e. in a courtroom) = they lose

Similarly, the whole situation is lose/lose for Max because even this way, this championship win will forever be tainted by this rubbish. He may well go on to win more championships in a less controversial manner but if he doesn't (even the best drivers don't always have luck on their side) then his one win is always going to have this as a footnote.

The decision to only let some cars unlap is an absolute disaster, I think. And has put a very sour ending to what should be a legendary season of hard racing.

Alpinechalet · 16/12/2021 12:46

The two communications (FIA and Mercedes) and Susie Wolf’s post make it clear a deal has been done behind the scenes. The FIA wanted this matter closed before tonights prize giving ceremony.

I fully expect new/clarified rules that make it clear the race director made a mistake to quietly filter out in the new year. They may also contain new/clarified rules regarding overtaking and pushing people wide.

The FIA’s “misunderstanding” comment was patronising and gaslighting to long standing fans who know how unfair and even cruel the sport can be, but who also know when a mistake has been made. In any other race this would have been a safety car finish and, Lewis should have been made to give the place back. I would have liked the FIA to admit the mistake and to declare joint world champions like the two gold medals for high jump at the Tokyo olympics. Controversial but actually fair.

I hope the FIA also look at the disgraceful way fans were treated at Spa, the rule of 2 laps for 1/2 points should be changed to 2 racing laps for 1/2 points I.e. not behind the SC or under a VSC.

Whilst I agree Christian and Toto’s behaviour was unacceptable, and even unsporting, the teams do need to be able to contact the racing director e.g. Baku informing Masi there was no indication Max’s tyre was going to fail, or reporting debris on track etc. A Deputy Race Director could field the calls allowing the Race Director to focus on the race.

givethatbabyaname · 16/12/2021 16:29

Yes, the teams need to be in touch with the RDs for safety reasons. Not just of their teams, but everyone on and around the track.

But those channels shouldn't be used for lobbying or anything else. Just, safety.

What did Susie Wolff post?

Really hope Lewis does return to F1. Toto Wolff's lack of reassurance, after LH has already signed for another 2 years, is devastating. If he doesn't return I'm sure he will go on to do other, productive things. But what a way to end your racing career. So sad.

Sparklingbrook · 16/12/2021 18:02

I saw the rumours were swirling about LH maybe not returning. I think it would be very sad but also I would also respect his decision of that's how he feels.

Sparklingbrook · 16/12/2021 18:02

*if

givethatbabyaname · 17/02/2022 19:16

Michael Masi has been sacked!

Still employed within the FIA. Wonder if he’ll stay. Quite the vote of no confidence.

And Hamilton all but confirmed for 2022-23.

No more live lobbying of the referee by teams - has to be the right call.

Bring it on!

johndglynn · 18/02/2022 08:23

@givethatbabyaname

Michael Masi has been sacked!

Still employed within the FIA. Wonder if he’ll stay. Quite the vote of no confidence.

And Hamilton all but confirmed for 2022-23.

No more live lobbying of the referee by teams - has to be the right call.

Bring it on!

Masi had to go. I still can’t think about Abu Dhabi without getting 🤬🤬🤬

Super excited for 2022, should be a terrific year 🙏🏻

Angelcupcake · 20/02/2022 18:58

Oh really! Well, I am glad about that...

I thought everything was just going to get swept under the carpet.

Well new season, new start 🙂

Anyone know when drive to survive starts?

Sparklingbrook · 20/02/2022 19:55

Only a month to go. I notice Geri and Christian are on a skiing holiday currently. Grin

InPatagonia · 20/02/2022 20:22

Am glad Masi got sacked, it was the only outcome, but can’t bring myself to watch this season tbh. Feel sick at how the climax of the championship was rigged and can’t stomach it anymore. If Lewis can put this behind him and keep going, and keep winning, then he’s a better person than me. I want nothing to do with it anymore. Shame as I loved F1 for years, and always hoped to go to Silverstone one day.