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 don't speak football but much as I never thought it would actually happen, I think it's a brilliant move for Lewis. If he wins he'll be the hero who brought Ferrari back to greatness (and I know enough about football to know Ferrari aren't Everton!), and retire with world titles with three of the greatest names in motorsport. If he doesn't manage it, he still has 7 titles and the most wins, and the failure to win will just be another line in the long spreadsheet of Ferrari shooting themselves in the foot.

I don't think Lewis would like the strategies at Ferrari. I often think they're on a bung to deliberately do badly.

I'm still hoping they hire Ruth Buscombe. All gone a bit quiet there, just did a quick Google and she doesn't seem to have announced a new position yet. Could well see Vasseur bringing her in.

They mostly all say the thing about their current team being their family!

Also in terms of strategy, I think Lewis will bring plenty of that to the scuderia - they need a strong driver who can make and change decisions from the car. Someone like Alonso.

Hamilton to Ferrari is a total shock. Especially with Charles signing a multi year contract and Toto re-signing at Merc.
Sounds real Mercedes management meeting at 14:00
Would be an amazing swansong to take the Prancing Horse back to the top

For so long Charles has been #1 at Ferrari and Carlos has happily (at least he's given that impression) to be #2
Hamilton moving to the team moves Charles to the #2 driver role very firmly. Would Charles be happy with that??

I'm still interested in learning where Carlos is going if Lewis takes his seat. Also who gets Lewis' seat in Mercedes.

The merry-go-round is merrily going around and it's picked up a bit of pace over the last few hours!

I would replace Yuki in a heartbeat with...well anyone really, but certainly with Carlos. Haven't been really convinced by Danny Ric's return yet either, and feel he was a bit of a morale/merch/vibes appointment for the fan base rather than someone they genuinely think is a serious contender.

I guess they'll take the equal drivers approach, even with Lewis being a 7 time WDC. Can't see how Charles would be happy with it otherwise, he's their golden boy

Wonder if bono would go with him..

@JustLurkingAway - he'd have to wouldn't he? I wonder if Angela would make a return too?

Seen a few sites now saying it's not out of the question for him to drive for them this year too😳
Think that may be a bit of a reach!!

If that was the case why wouldn't they just have announced it? It's only a matter of weeks away so surely the move would have to be made either by now or extremely imminently.

Hamilton is rolling the dice, he wants his 8th and we all know he’s running out of time to do it. If Ferrari want him, then why not?

I don’t really rate Charles to be honest, nice guy and good driver but he’s nothing special and has made a fair few mistakes compared to others in his peer group. I certainly don’t think LH will be number two driver.

Wow, that is a surprise as I thought he was on a 2 year deal with Mercedes. I assume there is a break clause after one year. I think this is his swan song contract is probably right. 2025 to get to know the team and 2026 for new regulations.

The last time we had moves announced so early was 2020 with Sainz to Ferrari & Danny Ric to McLaren.

I do wonder if Alex Albon might get the Merc seat.

Carlos to Audi is a real possibility given his Dad’s links. Carlos appears sensible and will see it as a pragmatic move.

@Fulshaw I agree Charles may have the speed but he seems to make mistakes when under pressure.

Yeah he's not a safe pair of hands, he's got flair but it backfires very very regularly. Whereas if you put Sainz in a fast car with the right strategy he would steadily gain points all season long.

I guess they'll take the equal drivers approach

Have Ferrari ever taken this approach? Struggling to recall it ever being so...

I'd love Alex to get the Merc seat

Had to be done...

Twitter is saying all Merc team members have been called to a meeting at 2pm today

@WhenWereYouUnderMe - 😂

Having flashbacks to AD'21 though with that image.

I rate Sainz over Leclerc tbh, so I'd be interested to see where he goes. I know Hamilton has said before he'd like to drive for Ferrari one day but I thought he'd see his career out with Mercedes so I'm surprised.

I've said the same about Leclerc/Sainz for a few years

Very interested to see where Sainz ends up.

Ah well. He is on the Vettel journing now, best of luck to him in Ferarri, I think he will miss the competence of Mercedes somehow.

I agree @Sulusu

Ferrari are a bit of a hot mess compared to Mercedes. I actually think it'll be interesting to see if they feel they have to up their game to meet his level of skill and expectation.