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

I have a nice relaxed weekend at home for a change so I have been watching all the free practices. Ferrari look a bit off the pace this weekend as does Perez for some unknown reason 🤔

I'm guessing Verstappen will take pole with McLaren's behind him.

I'm really pissed off at Flavio Briatorie being back in F1 again with Alpine. He should have had a lifetime ban. Yet another time when money talks in F1 😐

I feel for the whole Schumacher family as it’s clear how close they all are.

I kind of forgot there was a race this weekend and just opened my phone to check FP3 results. WTAF?! They've all been running into each other, craziness.

Surprised that Stroll and Le Clerc only got a reprimand for their actions

Yay, go Lando and Mercs on 2nd row.

So pleased for Lando and Lewis! Piastri will be disappointed with himself for his errors, though.

Looks like we're in for an interesting race.
Would love to see Lando get a second win.
What is going on at redbull? Hae they peaked and have nothing else to give so the other teams will catch up?

I get the impression that all is not well behind the scenes at Red Bull. Perhaps all the off track drama has distracted from progress and the others have caught up.

Also it's a one driver team unfortunately, partly because it's all about Max and no one gets a look in. It might cost them the constructors if it carries on.

Makes racing interesting though. Looking forward to F1 and ironing later!

Agree all is not well.
I assume the teams will reach a point where they have the best performance from the car and can't do any more.
I suppose the other teams are just catching up.
Interesting to see what next year's team will look like.

If Perez continues to perform poorly then I think Red Bull may well lose the constructors. With the McLarens, Ferraris and now Mercedes now in a much better position, picking up solid podiums and points with both drivers most weeks, and with a closer fight at the front meaning Max isn't winning every race, I think they'll be in real trouble.

I'm really surprised they committed to re-signing Perez so early. I get that they want to keep Max happy and they don't want a driver who's going to upset the apple cart, but it feels very risky to me and I think it's likely to cost them. I think it's a shame they didn't go for Sainz.

I do wonder though what performance based clauses Perez has in his contract. If he doesn't start getting back into the top 5 placings consistently I'd be amazed if he stays in the seat for a full 2025 season.

We are nearly at the end of this thread. I have set up thread part 2 https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/sports/5103419-f1-2024-thread-2

Thank you @Brazilianadventure

Yes me too. I had him all over my wall, a cat called Ben(etton) I really was obsessed.

What gave me a lump in my throat was when Mick said that he really wished he could be able to discuss his racing career with his Dad. 😢