F1 2024 -Watchalong thread

[Brazilianadventure]

Happy New Year.

Thought I would start the 2024 thread given there is more political intrigue with the FIA.

2 resignations and one person choosing to not renew their contract. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/67906883

Plus allegedly another ex-Red Bull employee moving to the FIA. https://x.com/silverarrowsnet/status/1744375322131231089?s=46&t=lJm6-66fq4MtGcwwAsK6Kg

Fair play to her for turning that down if it's true.

Papers are reporting that this is a different person I think? Another allegation.

Yeah - Daily Mail reporting new allegations of sexual (and presumably unwanted) messages being sent.

CH is done, I think. He just may not know it yet.

Agree; otherwise an absolutely dreadful look for them.

No, I think it's the same person.

The Dutch newspaper has seen the messages, apparently.

Red Bull are looking dreadful, keeping him in the office office 8nnthe spotlight whilst this is being investigated. She's off work.

Ford are apparently starting to question their partnership, so I hope that more pressure gets put on him and he goes. And I hope that she keeps her job and receives lots of support.

It is interesting that its the Dutch papers that have seen the messages and have led on this story.

There is also a suggestion that CH and Adrian Newey are potentially linked contractually - I’m doubtful.

However, it may increase the chance of Adrian going to Ferrari. Working with Lewis or Alonso and Ferrari are on his list of who he would like to work with. So Lewis and Ferrari are a big lure.

It would make sense re: Dutch
Papers if Jos Is involved.

It’s a bit obvious though isn’t it? You think he’d be more careful. Unless he wants CH to know it’s him - mind games!

I wouldn’t say he’s exactly known for being careful and calculated, really. It’s all such a shitshow. I never liked CH but I do feel very disappointed nonetheless.

I get the impression that Max and Jos think they own the team so Jos will do what he likes.

Apparently dutch newspapers are reporting a new allegation about CH

RB are clearly doing a proper investigation, which takes time. If other’s make similar allegations it could take longer.

I do feel sorry for Geri and the women involved.

If it's true I feel feel for the women involved. I must admit I have less sympathy foe Geri given the circumstances in which they got together.

Well never know, will we? The cynic in me says they'll fudge it for a bit then protect the man in power, that they deem more useful to the organisation.

@TheSpottedZebra I hope not, if the allegations are true. Plus Fords statement adds a layer of complexity.

I know he's innocent until proven guilty or whatever but it's not looking good.

I think if it was something concrete and irrefutable then he'd already be gone. So, quite rightly innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone can accuse I guess, and context is everything.

It could be a witch hunt.

The timing of it also begs the question, why now???

I thought that at first. But the fact that they had the hearing on the Friday and then didn't publicly say anything before the car launch, suggests that there's a lot more to it. You'd have thought RB would have been desperate to have nothing overshadow the launch.

Grievance investigations can take time, I am always suspicious if an employer reacts quickly as that suggests a compromise agreement or unfair dismissal.

I imagine CH would be litigious so they're doing everything by the book.

Yes but it indicates no grounds for gross misconduct so not a clear cut case. Although I do agree CH would fight for it and not go easily.

@goingdownfighting why do you say indicates no grounds for gross misconduct?

When I have been involved in grievance and discipline cases it always takes a long time to take all the statements, write them up, gather the evidence and produce the report for the deciding officer.

Not always I have cases of summary dismissal. Or a conversation where an agreement is quickly agreed when the employee knows there's no getting out of it. Usually resigning for family reasons or whatever.
Or an offer put on the table by one side or the other.

@goingdownfighting Fair enough we all have different experiences.

I watched the Rob and Romesh F1 episode today. It was decent, usual Rob and Romeah shenanigans, but it gave a bit of behind the scenes stuff and a few laughs. Filled the F1 gap for a bit.