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?

Thanks for that link EauRouge.

Pleased for and very sad for poor old Lewis.

Thank you, Eaurouge.

Interesting how little he really said.................

(And thanks for the translation - could not manage the German!)

Thanks for translation, I was struggling with the German version . He didn't really say anything except that his version disagreed with that of Lewis, but didn't say how! I find it hard to see how the team can continue in the long term with the two principal drivers so at odds.

It's silly season! Jenson to leave McLaren? And be replaced by Alonso?! That would fit in with all the Bianchi-to-Ferrari rumours, although will all be forgiven and forgotten between Alonso and McLaren after 2007?

I can see that a lot of the midfield teams would be interested in Jenson since he's a great team player and would be a good teammate for a younger, less experienced driver... I guess it all depends how much money he wants.

I agree, I think a lot of teams would be interested in Jenson. Not sure about how wise it would be for McLaren to take Alonso back, from what I remember he left them under a bit of a cloud.

Meanwhile, I see that Mercedes have punished Rosberg, though they're not saying exactly how. I would imagine that they hope they will be able to draw a line under it all, but I'm not sure. Some interesting comments by the usually level-headed Mark Webber.

This thread keeps dropping off my 'threads I'm on'.

There are lots of rumours that he was given a 6-figure fine. I know he's not short of a few bob, but bloody hell. I read that second article you posted, lots of good points and Wibbah knows a thing or two about not getting along with your teammate. Good point as well about the constructors' championship- doesn't give Nico and Lewis much motivation for being sensible and getting both cars home.

Tbh I think Mercedes have handled the drivers a bit badly with team orders too early in the season and letting them snipe at each other in the press. I'm not surprised it's come to this. Anyone want to start betting who will stay and who will go?

Silly season has properly started now! Alonso is saying he wants to stay at Ferrari (is he bluffing?) and McLaren are apparently after either Alonso or Vettel, who may also have the option of going to Mercedes if you believe the rumours. Who'll be left without a seat when the music stops?

I can't really see Alonso going back to McLaren, not least because of the focus he gets at Ferrari. It's surely on the cards that there car next year will be more competitive?

And now Toto Wolff has apparently said that they may drop one of the drivers if they can't settle their differences. I can't they would have much choice if their relationship doesn't improve, but which one? I kind of agree with Lewis that the FIA's decision not to investigate the collision further is a bit odd, given the information that emerged after the race.

Still, some extra drama going into this weekend at Monza . And it's live on the beeb!

"If we are not able to manage the two of them following the Mercedes-Benz spirit then we need to admit that," added Wolff.

Time to admit it then, Toto I think they are really missing Ross Brawn, he'd have this sorted in 5 minutes.

DH and I were debating who they would keep at Merc and he reckons Rosberg because he's German. I don't know where that would leave Lewis- I know there was talk in the past of him going to Red Bull.

I don't know, I'm not as convinced as a lot of people that Mercedes are quite so obsessed with having a German driver leading races for them. I think they were doing a fair bit a couple of weeks ago to Mollify Lewis as much as possible, and there's probably some recognition that he's possibly a better all out racer.

Agree about them missing Ross Brawn, in fact I don't think it would have even taken him five minutes! I doubt he would have let it get this far in the first place.

Should be an interesting quali today I hope the reliability of lewis's car improves after his problems in practice.

Yes, they do seem to be leaning towards Lewis rather than Nico.

I love Monza, can't wait for the quali and race- it's going to be a scorcher I bet. I wonder why Lewis seems to suffer more from reliability issues?

That's a good question, apart from differing set up both cars are about the same. It may just be down to differences in working practices between the two teams of engineers.

It certainly adds fuel to the conspiracy theories!

Reports that Nico was seen sneaking out of Lewis' garage with a spanner in the dead of night are completely false

That's right, it was first thing in the morning

Ok I can't believe that no-one has asked...is SP pregnant? Or just wearing a tight dress after a big lunch?

DH asked that, I think it's just her body shape. she seemed nervous today.

Usual enthusiasm from Kimi I wonder if he will still be at Ferrari next season or whether they will bin him for someone cheaper.

Kimi really wears his heart on his sleeve . Great result for Lewis today, he's really due some good luck. Also good to see Williams up there too.

Excellent race, missed the middle as had to do parental taxi duties, but saw a good chunk. Won't say any more to avoid spoiling it for others who haven't caught up yet.

There were some proper good bits! spoilers warning Is it me or did Toto Wolff look really pleased when Rosberg cocked up and Hamilton got past? I think it's pretty clear who Merc favour.

How good is it to see Massa back on the podium? Williams are getting better and better.

I thought so re Toto, EauRouge. Also thought their body language was interesting after the race.

Happy with the result.

Ricciardo continues to impress as well.

Very happy with the result, I thought Lewis made a great recovery from a difficult start. And really great to see Williams doing so well again.

I've had the impression for a little while that Toto hasn't been too impressed with some of Nico's behaviour of late. That's why I think if they change the line up Mercedes may be more keen to keep Lewis.

DH and I had a good laugh at Lewis' podium interview: "we're teammates and we always will be". For the rest of the season for sure, but after that who knows?

How have I missed this thread before?

I caught most of it today. Ricciardo is very quick isn't he?

Couldn't establish whether LH's ERS was the problem at the start or not? Anyone know?

There was some speculation by the commentators but I don't think Mercedes have said anything. Whatever the problem, it clearly went away!

I think Ricciardo has consistently impressed this season. So has Valteri Bottas.

Great race - so much action & overtaking. Botas & are such *'s.

Someone ^^ wondered if Sp was pregnant - she certainly looked as if she had a wee bump today. And I've never seen her wearing glasses before - am I right in thinking that pregnancy can upset the levels of fluid in your eyes & force you ditch contact lenses???