F1 2022 Discussion Thread

[GrandSlamFinale]

After many weeks and months of waiting, we finally have an F1 discussion thread on MN!

Anyone who wants to join is welcome - regardless of how long you've been watching the sport or who you support. My only request is that we keep it respectful even when criticising our favourite driver's rivals.

We're in Barcelona this weekend for round 6 of what has been a thriller of a championship so far. I'm really excited to see how the race unfolds today, if overtaking will prove as difficult as it historically has here, if the Mercs have done a step forward in race pace, how RB and Ferrari will play around with strategy and tyres.

I’m please Seb and Danny got points and Le Clerc got second. I also think there is real hope for 2023 that the mercs will be closer from the start.

I’m just feeling so sad for Danny Ric, he was definitely close to tears on the radio when he was parking up. It’s clear everyone at McLaren loved him and he was a good fit but he just could not get the best out of a poor car. I’ve said it before I think it was the right decision for them to part ways but it just doesn’t feel right he won’t be on the 2023 grid.

If Magnussen, Hulk and Albion can come back fingers crossed he can get a drive for 2024.

Well that makes more sense although still a ridiculous amount of money.

The commentators on Sky said there was no alcohol so not sure why they though that

The bill doing the rounds is not from the other night. Its a random bill from Salt Bae's AD restaurant

A letter from Danny Ric

www.mclaren.com/racing/team/daniel-ricciardo/letter-to-fans/?fbclid=IwAR1BXeFadcTeaBldQ4ynjuSwnLUGXWTSdZP-0v_J6bRaPXBeMMYZrohSFE4

So the receipt that is on Alex Gomez's twitter isn't the one from the meal that the F1 drivers had?
Ah, fair enough.

No, he updated that for legal reasons he had to say that wasn't the real bill

Look what Mr Boooot got me for my birthday 🥰

Oh you lucky ducky!!!

I was recently in the new Lego store in Dublin and saw that...I was tempted but I got a different set for myself first. My DD got herself the Discovery space shuttle. It's very impressive.

Wow Mr Boooot did well! Love that😍

@Boooooot that's brilliant. Got it for my husband when it first came out. It's currently hung on dds bedroom wall. Dh has treat himself to the technic Ferrari. He already has the Bugatti and Lamborghini. He'd like the Porsche but as it's discontinued it's £600 now! Silly money.
Just been perusing the Mclaren 20% sale. Some nice hoodies on there at a slightly more affordable price than usual.

@Boooooot cool pressie, I’ve been listing after the Bugatti for several years.

Bloody auto correct “lusting after”

Mattia Binotto has resigned as Ferrari team principal and will leave in December

mobile.twitter.com/skysportsf1/status/1597514435836678144?s=42&t=U4srJ0hXNlnpFnGN6PcJvQ

Resigned before he he was pushed. I don't think he had much say in the matter

Not unexpected. It’s interesting that Fred Vasseur is being talked about as a replacement.

What is also interesting is that Shaila-Ann Rao the FIA’s Interim Secretary General for Motor Sport is leaving. www.fia.com/news/media-statement-shaila-ann-rao

I think Shaila was accused of leaking the info about the cost cap to Toto and others, if that’s true I’m not surprised she is leaving as who ever did leak was very unprofessional.

Just seen the latest change to the sporting code banning drivers from political statements without approval www.autosport.com/f1/news/fia-bans-drivers-from-political-statements-without-approval/10413112/

Is it me or have a number of small regulation changes been aimed at curbing Lewis? Seb has left so this really just leaves Lewis. I do get the impression Mohammed Ben Sulayem is a Red Bull fan, having had them as sponsors for at least part of his racing career.

Oh that's interesting. I was a Red Bull fan but after Abu Dhabi, Max's increasing arrogance and his treatment of Checo I've gone right off them (but still a huge Checo fan). Hopefully Lewis can find form again next season.

I think Lewis just needs a better car, most people missed the fact the reason he started 2022 so poorly was because he was trying so many options to find solutions to the problems.

I like Checo too and think he has tried to take opportunities whilst still being a team player. He is far more mature than most previous RB drivers and so can cope better with Max and the clear No2 role. Danny Ric MkI in RB saw he would be consigned to No 2 as Max gained experience and got out, DR MK II would accept being No 2 for a good car with opportunities to win/fight at the front. Cynically I think Marko and Christian wanted DR to keep Checo in line.

I'm really not a fan of the drivers and/or the teams having to ask permission from the FIA if they want to make any 'political' statements. Who is to determine whether something is 'political' or not??

This is following on from them deciding out of the blue to implement a rule regarding earrings and facial jewellery (which it has subsequently come to light has no different bearing to the drivers wearing a wedding ring - based on the metal compound). That was squarely about Lewis and his earrings and nose ring/stud.

I really think this is the FIA out to get Lewis and the only way they know how is to do this. I hope Lewis tells them where to shove their rules. He's wealthy enough to just leave. I'd love to see him at some stage in later life taking over the running of the FIA. I wonder if the former drivers could form a conglomerate to do that? Imagine Kimi, Seb and Lewis running the FIA!

I feel like the FIA was waiting for Seb to leave before implementing this rule change. It will leave Lewis isolated again unless one of the young drivers steps up.

I hope Lewis gives no shits and just continues with pushing human rights. FIA can bill him the fines.

I do hope some of the other drivers support him though.

It's becoming very, very clear that the FIA really really really don't like how successful Lewis has become and how he can be famous without being associated with the FIA. Other drivers don't have the same presence outside of the paddock (personal opinion) with a few exceptions. Most of the more vocal drivers have retired over the past few years and with Seb gone, I really hope that Lewis doesn't give two shits about the FIA and just shows up, drives and wins!

@LookItsMeAgain completely agree.

Why is it that the only Black driver in F1 history, equal on Championships with Michael is not celebrated.

Max deserved this years title, even if the car had more money spent on it. He drove far better and fought more cleanly right up until he was racing Lewis again then his driving became unsporting.

Merry Christmas F1 fans!
The F1 secret Santa video is on their YouTube channel is anyone has missed it.

And also this song from Lollipop Man

@Sulusu very funny song. shame not all the drivers were on Secret Santa