The F1 2014 thread

[EauRouge]

Since the last one was about last season, here's a shiny new one! I haven't even seen quali yet, I've been so busy today Who's getting up in the middle of the night?

Another thought regarding the conditions - there are quite a few rookies at the moment. I'm not for a second blaming Bianchi's lack of experience (he's been racing for years, if not in F1, anyway), but the youngsters cannot have the foresight and experience that someone like Button has. This to me makes it even more important to rethink safety measures.

I watch btcc. Last race at Silverstone one of the drivers had a bad crash,the recovery trucks where on the track whilst the cars carried on under the safety car. However it wasn't raining. Today was a lot of exceptional circumstances.

yy, a lot of exceptional circumstances.

Just catching up with you all.

Some great racing in difficult conditions, Button and showed what they are made of.

But desperately sad about Bianchi, hoping he makes a speedy and full recovery.

Touching to hear on social media that all the drivers, without exception, were at the hospital with his family.

Just catching up.

I saw the race until Hamilton overtook Rosberg, so have only now seen the news of what happened later. I thought the conditions were poor, was actually quite surprised at the way the race was being managed. I agree that an earlier start would have given the FIA better options for suspending the race.

I really feel for Bianchi and his family :(

Just seen the crash on you tube. Bianchi is very very lucky not to have been decapitated or killed. Fingers still crossed for some good news.

I feel sick for Bianchi and his family and friends

Diffuse axonal brain injury - really not good news with the speeds and forces involved.

"About 90% of survivors with severe diffuse axonal injury remain unconscious. The 10% that regain consciousness are often severely impaired."
Too horrible for words

f1Doc is a blog written by former F1 doctor. He explains about Bianchi's injury really well and also answers questions in the comments. I only stumbled upon his blog today, but it certainly helps to understand some of the more clinical jargon.

Yep, he knows what he is talking about. And sounds rather upset .
"Somber" prognosis indeed.

My son asked me earlier if I had seen the news release from Bianchi's family, and I could feel the blood draining from my face. He hastily assured me it hadn't been an announcement of Bianchi's death, but I keep thinking it's going to be.

Did you see a documentary titled "The Crash Reel" about a snowboarder called Kevin Pearce?He suffered a traumatic brain incident which sounds like the same type of injury (sustained in a different manner but still caused by sudden deceleration of his head). His documentary was inspiring to watch as he did recover, but he is a very different person to who he was prior to his accident. I keep remembering the statistics and stories of other people told in that documentary and feeling so sad. And inadequate to express myself properly.

Apparently Richard Hammond's diagnosis and prognosis was similar.

That's true Massa, here's hoping for a safe but exciting race.

I won't be watching today. I boycotted the Winter Olympics so it would be hypocritical of me to watch the F1 when nothing has changed, and especially since Putin is going to be at the race. It's all very well Bernie saying F1 doesn't do politics, but I do and this doesn't sit right with me.

But I also hope for a safe race. I'm interested to read about this virtual safety car idea but unsure why it would be better than a real safety car that can react more quickly to changing conditions and potential hazards.

Lots of reports today that Schumi is starting to wake up. I hope that it's true but it seems to be based on second-hand reports. I'm going to wait for a proper report from his family before I start getting excited.

You missed very little, EauRouge - a very boring race. I had recorded it & fell asleep half way thtough it.

And I think the sight of Putin on the podium might have really raised yr blood pressure.

On the fecking podium?! I would have twatted him with the trophy.

Looks like you're not the only one that fell asleep. I wonder how long the race will be on the calendar? I heard Russia paid £50 mill for it, but if it's that dull then surely plenty of people will be calling for it to go.

I would have twatted him with the trophy.

I was SO hoping they would let the champagne off early & soak him.

Putin was also in the room where they assemble pre-podium.

Lewis could hardly bring himself to acknowledge Putin - good on Lewis. And I sat that as a non fan of Lewis.

Apparently the reason for its dullness was ALL down to Pirelli for bringing crap tyres (that worked) !!!!!!!!!!

Hmm, well I saw the track preview that Vettel did with Coulthard and it did look like a very boring track so not sure Pirelli can be blamed for that.

I'll have to see if I can find footage of Lewis and Putin meeting, it might warm me up to Lewis a bit.

Another one bites the dust. I can't say I'm too surprised; too many new entrants over the years seem to have underestimated how much it costs to compete in F1. It's drivers and team employees I feel for :(

Yes, it's awful for them. Pretty soon no one will even want to start up or take over an F1 team; it's just too much of a risk. They either need to sort a budget cap or let the bigger teams run 3 cars to build up the field a bit.

This made me laugh on FB today.

Ha! that's great may have to pinch it

I think the fairest thing would be a budget cap as that would make it easier for new teams, but I can't see Ferrari or McLaren being happy with that.

I think they need to spread the resources better. Ferrari (reportedly) gets hundreds of millions just for showing up. I get that they're a massive draw for fans but I also think things have moved on enough that there's plenty of support for all teams, especially when you look at the response from the Tifosi to Lewis.

Good race yesterday, plenty of action throughout the field. Great to see Ricciardo on the podium again.

(Thread keeps disappearing from TIO.)

Certainly a good race I thought, though it did seem a bit odd with so few starters. I think both Ricciardo and Bottas have been brilliant this season, definitely ones to watch!

I wouldn't like to see any changes that make it harder for new teams to enter the sport, quite the opposite in fact. Every team has to start somewhere. Fewer major technical changes each year might help.

Redistribution of income could be up for discussion according to EJ.

That article cements my dislike of Christian Horner and admiration for Toto Wolfe.