Formula 1

Hamilton out already?

yep Hamilton retired early cause of a technical problem with the power unit. Australian gp now finished but wont spoil the result for anyone here who has recorded it to watch today or watching the re-run

So the new F1 season begins with a disqualification and the driver concerned, Ricciardo, had to wait 5hr 22min to learn his fate after believing he had finished 2nd. I don't think F1 did itself any favours there.

Williams scored more points (8) in that one race than they did in the whole of last season (5).

is the hybrid thing a good or bad thing for F1?

(17-03-2014 15:14 )babelover48 Wrote:  is the hybrid thing a good or bad thing for F1?

A bit of both. ( Joke)


It's spoiled the raw noise factor of the engines but you'll see the technology filter through to road cars quicker than just leaving it to conventional car companies to do the research.

If you look at MotoGP, they have been gradually reducing engine power and fuel tanks but they still find a way to go faster all the same.

The new tech also makes results more unpredictable for a while until it becomes reliable. And predictability is the killer of F1.

Turn up the volume and compare the difference in engine noise between this year and last :

When is the appeal going to be heard? Is the second race of the F1 season going to take place before the result of the first race is known?

So the Malaysian Grand Prix saw Mercedes blow the Red Bulls away, although I expect the Red Bulls to close that gap sooner or later. I suspect Ferrari will improve too and perhaps make it a 3 way fight for the championship.

All I can say is that one way or another it's an exciting season ahead for F1. Nice to see Hamilton winning in Malaysia, but I wonder how much of an effect the heat of Malaysia has had on the cars. I think Hamilton will have a say in the championship, but I'm not sure if he can actually win it this year though I too wouldn't be surprised if by the time Europe starts hosting the circus Red Bull will be back to somewhere near their dominating position. And Vettel will be somewhere near the top of the championship ready to strike when other fail to pick up points. I think Mercedes have managed to develop a good system for their cars, but I think the reliability of the hybrid systems is key to winning. But you guys agree that it is possible that the championship could be decided in the pit lanes this season? I felt for Riccardo he had one really bad pit stop that cost him a few places.