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[NHale]

If Valencia can't be the alternate, then why not Hungary? Or hell, even Monza.

Just don't understand why the BEST European circuit on the calendar has to be on alternate years :|

Spoiler

I know, Bernie needs his $$$

You are joking right? We already lost the "old" Hockenheim and you want to take Monza away too?

I find it hilarious that Bernie keeps adding races in India, Sri Lanka and Madagascar while Spa will rotate with Paul Ricard, Hockenheim rotates with Nurburgring, Istambul is in serious danger and Melbourne wasn't 100% safe. Maybe he should drop his high price demands for same races, maybe...

 

[carroto]

Nah Button excelled on drying tracks.

Vettel is a excellent wet driver and probably would have won.

IF not this dude:

 

[Psychotext]

I'm surprised that hasn't been subtitled with "and not a single fuck was given that day"

 

[Chris R]

You are joking right? We already lost the "old" Hockenheim and you want to take Monza away too?

If I had to choose between Spa and Monza, Spa would win EVERY SINGLE TIME. Same goes for pretty much every European track currently on the calendar. Ideally it would be possible to have a race in France AND keep Spa and Monza, but again, if I had to choose, Spa would be my last choice.

 

[Xun]

I'm surprised that hasn't been subtitled with "and not a single fuck was given that day"

It needed to be done.

 

[Edmond Dantès]

Any answer other than Canada is the wrong answer.

Great race, great weekend of motorsport, with one of the closest finishes in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours. It was also F1 GAF/Le Mans GAF at its absolute finest, the camaraderie exhibited in the two threads was exceptional.

This is one of the best all encompassing F1 threads on the net with the wealth of info, previews and stuff from Leunam, the good natured banter etc. At its worst it descends into Planet F1/Autosport levels of sillyness. Which is a shame.

Don't mind me, I'm just feeling slightly sappy today.

 

[Psychotext]

It needed to be done.

 

[Lucius86]

Canada has been the best, no doubt. And the single best performance of the season too by Button too.

 

[Leunam]

Updated the OP with the win count and added the mid-season review to the calendar.

 

[Psychotext]

Updated the OP with the win count and added the mid-season review to the calendar.

One of those fingers is not quite right...

 

[Leunam]

Oh you mean Alonso? Yeah I think that's the best we managed to get from him.

 

[InertiaXr]

I'm currently going through the 2010 season and am finishing Canada now. Schumacher had at least 2 moves during the race that just seem pathetic. With about 5-7 laps to go he pushes Massa who was lapping 2-4sec faster than him right into the wall right before the last chicane, who then has to pit again to replace his front wing. I know this guy has 7 championships so he was good at some point, but has he always had such disregard for other drivers and their cars and lives? If Massa didn't hold it he would of clipped off the wall and went straight into the pits at pretty much full speed...

 

[Ark]

Schumacher had some horrendously dreadful races last year. But Schumacher seems to have figured out how to drive again, he's on a complete different form this year compared to last year imo.

His performances at Canada and Spa should have netted him a podium if only the Mercedes could make a quicker car

EDIT: I just had an amusing thought: Schumacher winning a race, with Vettel and Alonso in 2nd and 3rd :lol

Now that would be an iconic image. Please Mercedes...make it possible

 

[Edmond Dantès]

Schumacher had some horrendously dreadful races last year. But Schumacher seems to have figured out how to drive again, he's on a complete different form this year compared to last year imo.

His performances at Canada and Spa should have netted him a podium if only the Mercedes could make a quicker car

EDIT: I just had an amusing thought: Schumacher winning a race, with Vettel and Alonso in 2nd and 3rd :lol

Now that would be an iconic image. Please Mercedes...make it possible

He's also matching Rosberg on race pace, something he struggled with last season. I wouldn't be surprised if he beats Rosberg next season. I just hope he has a better car next season.

 

[Psychotext]

Oh you mean Alonso? Yeah I think that's the best we managed to get from him.

No, one should be Hamilton, one should be Button... I believe they're both Button.

 

[Xun]

No, one should be Hamilton, one should be Button... I believe they're both Button.

The images of Hamilton aren't showing up.

And when they were they weren't moving.

 

[Leunam]

No, one should be Hamilton, one should be Button... I believe they're both Button.

The images of Hamilton aren't showing up.

And when they were they weren't moving.

Interesting. They were showing up for me earlier. I'll get it fixed tonight.

 

[Harry_Tequila]

I was at the Jenson Button F1 event in Manchester today. Good day out altogether, I even managed to get my brother's Jenson cap signed for him. It was a bit rainy towards the end though. Only managed to get one half decent shot of the F1 car, it was just too close and going too fast.

 

[Dilly]

Atleast Spa has some proper trophy's.

 

[itsgreen]

Atleast Spa has some proper trophy's.

Those Santander prizes are lazy as fuck. This is a proper thing (despite being sponsored)

 

[Psychotext]

Ahh... CTRL-F5 fixed the OP. Must have been cached for me.

 

[Sleeplessnights]

I could see Rosberg winning a race or two and Schumi getting 2 or 3 podiums if Mercedes had a championship winning car. It just goes to show the impact aerodynamics have in F1, with McLaren having the same engine and all.

 

[Jinjo]

Mercedes' best chance for a front row start, podium or even a win has to Monza. They have a very slippy car aerodynamically, without a doubt the best DRS system of the field. Combine that with the fact that they have great drive out of the slow corners, the best engine there is and the fact that for some reason they even manage to get more out of the engine than McLaren does. Anything less than a podium in Monza is going to be a huge disappointment in my book.

 

[S. L.]

Mercedes' best chance for a front row start, podium or even a win has to Monza. They have a very slippy car aerodynamically, without a doubt the best DRS system of the field. Combine that with the fact that they have great drive out of the slow corners, the best engine there is and the fact that for some reason they even manage to get more out of the engine than McLaren does. Anything less than a podium in Monza is going to be a huge disappointment in my book.

prepare for huge disappointment then,
unless there is some big fuckup from the big three there is no way they can win out of their own strength

I'd put my money on McL and RBR battling it out in Monza, given that McL doesn't manage another of their epic fuckups

 

[dubc35]

prepare for huge disappointment then,
unless there is some big fuckup from the big three there is no way they can win out of their own strength

I was thinking the same.

While I was watching the race yesterday I was thinking what would need to happen for MSC to podium...then I was like, "yep, that's not happening" lol.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

Which is why Rosberg needs a good car for next year. Is he signed for Mercedes for 2012 yet?

Would be a shame if he is. Get him in a Ferarri or something!

 

[Sleeplessnights]

Which is why Rosberg needs a good car for next year. Is he signed for Mercedes for 2012 yet?

Would be a shame if he is. Get him in a Ferarri or something!

For Ferrari? No! Kimi is going to Ferrari next year! /dreaming

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

I want Red Bull and McLaren to stay as they are, and in the real world there's no way Ferarri will ditch Alonso so I think Rosberg taking Massa's seat would be really interesting to watch.

I think Rosberg is a future world champ possibly.

 

[Ark]

Which is why Rosberg needs a good car for next year. Is he signed for Mercedes for 2012 yet?

Would be a shame if he is. Get him in a Ferarri or something!

Rosberg is the new Heidfeld/Button.

None of the top 3 will change their drivers until 2014 at the earliest imo.

Hamilton and Button are the perfect combination for McLaren.

Alonso is obviously signed until the next century and Massa isn't about to leave Ferrari off his own accord, nor will they sack him after he's actually started semi-performing again this year.

Vettel wont be moving from RBR unless they pull out of the sport/sack Newey. Webber will probably stay at RBR and keep complaining until he retires (calling it for 2014).

In fact. I wouldn't mind calling that if Alonso retires when his mega contract is up, that Vettel replaces him.

 

[brotkasten]

I think Rosberg is a future world champ possibly.

But that's exactly what Ferrari doesn't want. They want a Webber, a Barichello, to support Alonso, not to fight him and steal his points.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

But that's exactly what Ferrari doesn't want. They want a Webber, a Barichello, to support Alonso, not to fight him and steal his points.

Eh I suppose. That's pretty depressing, really. McLaren have Hammy and Button as equals, I don't see why Ferarri etc can't be the same way.

Basically, McLaren are awesome and other teams need to be like them!

 

[Sleeplessnights]

But that's exactly what Ferrari doesn't want. They want a Webber, a Barichello, to support Alonso, not to fight him and steal his points.

I think they're very happy with Massa, there's no reason why they would think of getting a new driver.

 

[Ark]

Realistically, Rosberg & Kubica's only hopes of winning races/championships is if either Mercedes or Renault (lol) build themselves a championship winning car.

Eh I suppose. That's pretty depressing, really. McLaren have Hammy and Button as equals, I don't see why Ferarri etc can't be the same way.

Basically, McLaren are awesome and other teams need to be like them!

Because having equal team mates kills the overall points because they 'steal' wins from each other. A la Webber & Vettel last year.

 

[Sleeplessnights]

Red Bull "theoretically" have 2 equals.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

It would be great is Renault and/or Mercedes could step up their game. Having 3 teams go for it is awesome, 5 would be even better.

 

[S. L.]

Rosberg is the new Heidfeld/Button.

None of the top 3 will change their drivers until 2014 at the earliest imo.

yeah, i think the possibility of Webber retiring was the biggest chance for some mixup in the top 3, but that's out of the way for now.
But who knows how Merc will develop in the next 2 years or so.

It would be great is Renault and/or Mercedes could step up their game. Having 3 teams go for it is awesome, 5 would be even better.

Renault will be nothing but an empty shell next season.
Their tech stuff seems solid, but the management will drive it into the ground

 

[Ark]

It would be great is Renault and/or Mercedes could step up their game. Having 3 teams go for it is awesome, 5 would be even better.

Unfortunately Mercedes isn't going anywhere unless they start spending some more money.

Renault is a shadow of its former self

yeah, i think the possibility of Webber retiring was the biggest chance for some mixup in the top 3, but that's out of the way for now.
But who knows how Merc will develop in the next 2 years or so.

To be fair though, Webber's replacement will probably be whoever proves to be the best Toro Rosso driver in the next few years.

 

[Jinjo]

Rosberg Monza podium BELIEVE!

Hamilton was key to the driver changes this year. If he'd left for RBR that would've gave room for several options. Rosberg to McLaren, possibly Di Resta to Mercedes. Or we would've gotten the ultimate team of ultimate nice and cool guys with both Button & Webber at McLaren.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

Renault need to go back to their old blue/yellow colour scheme. That's where the awesome came from.

Or we would've gotten the ultimate team of ultimate nice and cool guys with both Button & Webber at McLaren.

FAP.

 

[Ark]

Rosberg Monza podium BELIEVE!

Hamilton was key to the driver changes this year. If he'd left for RBR that would've gave room for several options. Rosberg to McLaren, possibly Di Resta to Mercedes. Or we would've gotten the ultimate team of ultimate nice and cool guys with both Button & Webber at McLaren.

My god..

Renault need to go back to their old blue/yellow colour scheme. That's where the awesome came from.

They've already sold their soul to Group Lotus.

Funnily enough, while we're discussing number 2 drivers and such, given 2009 as an example, Hamilton could very well be doing much better if McLaren 'borrowed' the Ferrari system.

 

[S. L.]

Hamilton was key to the driver changes this year. If he'd left for RBR that would've gave room for several options. Rosberg to McLaren, possibly Di Resta to Mercedes. Or we would've gotten the ultimate team of ultimate nice and cool guys with both Button & Webber at McLaren.

Hammy to RBR was never going to happen. Would have been a pretty stupid move...

 

[Jinjo]

I'm totally seeing it happen in 2013. Hamilton does go to RBR, but in a sudden surprise through the rule changes, RBR sucks! Leaving both Webber and Button in a 1988-like godlike McLaren.

Oh my... I...I... I need to change my pants....

Hammy to RBR was never going to happen. Would have been a pretty stupid move...

Now to respond in a more serious manner; I agree, he shouldn't. But he was and probably still is the key to any driver movements in the top teams, just like Alonso was in 2009.

 

[Ark]

I'm totally seeing it happen in 2013. Hamilton does go to RBR, but in a sudden surprise through the rule changes, RBR sucks! Leaving both Webber and Button in a 1988-like godlike McLaren.

Oh my... I...I... I need to change my pants....

In 2013? Button will be like...46 then

Now to respond in a more serious manner; I agree, he shouldn't. But he was and probably still is the key to any driver movements in the top teams, just like Alonso was in 2009.

That's a tough one actually, that 'role' may well have shifted to Vettel. But I guess that's open to debate.

Regardless, Hamilton & Vettel are going to be the Schumacher & Alonso of this generation.

EDIT: I just realised, it's almost been 6 years since Alonso last won a championship. Damn.

 

[Jinjo]

In 2013? Button will be like...46 then

Thus having even more experience in kicking ass.

That's a tough one actually, that 'role' may well have shifted to Vettel. But I guess that's open to debate.

Regardless, Hamilton & Vettel are going to be the Schumacher & Alonso of this generation.

With that win-record of his this year, Vettel has even less reason to leave than Hamilton. There was some small frustration and tension creeping up in the McLaren-Hamilton relationship this year. Keep in mind that Ron Dennis is no longer part of the team, while Helmut is knee-deep in RBR's behind.

 

[S. L.]

Now to respond in a more serious manner; I agree, he shouldn't. But he was and probably still is the key to any driver movements in the top teams, just like Alonso was in 2009.

oh i don't think it would have been a bad move for Hamilton, but for RBR it would have been undesirable.
Given a proper car they know Vettel will deliver, why put extra pressure on him - also at this point i would rate Vettel higher than Hamilton, he is more reliable and importantly a lot more cool headed.

plus they already have enough team internal friction with Webber, heh

 

[Jinjo]

oh i don't think it would have been a bad move for Hamilton, but for RBR it would have been undesirable.
Given a proper car they know Vettel will deliver, why put extra pressure on him - also at this point i would rate Vettel higher than Hamilton, he is more reliable and importantly a lot more cool headed.

plus they already have enough team internal friction with Webber, heh

Vettel and Hamilton in one dominant championship winning team would ignite Prost-Senna or the more recent Alonso-Hamilton levels of rivalry though, hopefully. F1 is getting too nice, we need a proper inter-team fight/rivalry again.

 

[S. L.]

Vettel and Hamilton in one dominant championship winning team would ignite Prost-Senna or the more recent Alonso-Hamilton levels of rivalry though, hopefully. F1 is getting too nice, we need a proper inter-team fight/rivalry again.

i didn't say it wouldn't be exciting ;P

 

[Ark]

With that win-record of his this year, Vettel has even less reason to leave than Hamilton. There was some small frustration and tension creeping up in the McLaren-Hamilton relationship this year. Keep in mind that Ron Dennis is no longer part of the team, while Helmut is knee-deep in RBR's behind.

Hamilton leaving McLaren could quite possibly be the biggest mistake of his career. McLaren have won races in every single season for the last 10 years (I'm not actually sure about this, feel free to correct me, I'm sure I heard it on the BBC some time this year), he should stay at McLaren, because McLaren are guaranteed to make a championship winning car eventually.

Having said that, if Hamilton or Button doesn't win a championship by 2014, I reckon he'll leave the team or the sport.

I'll keep using 2014 is my reference point because major tech changes usually result in major shit going down.

Vettel and Hamilton in one dominant championship winning team would ignite Prost-Senna or the more recent Alonso-Hamilton levels of rivalry though, hopefully. F1 is getting too nice, we need a proper inter-team fight/rivalry again.

Sure it's great to watch, but 2007 completely destroyed McLaren to a point where they brought in Kovalainen as Hamilton's team mate for 2 years.

EDIT:

Whenever I think of Hamilton - Vettel rivalry I instantly think back to the post-race press conference at Abu Dhabi last year, there wasn't any tension at all, they all seemed totally relaxed with each other. That was probably one of my highlights of the 2010 season.

 

[Omiee]

im going to rewatch the canada race.

bbc was on top of their game, they filled every minute of coverage that they had. To bad vettel cracked at the end, he was flawless all race.

 

[Jinjo]

Hamilton leaving McLaren could quite possibly be the biggest mistake of his career. McLaren have won races in every single season for the last 10 years (I'm not actually sure about this, feel free to correct me, I'm sure I heard it on the BBC some time this year), he should stay at McLaren, because McLaren are guaranteed to make a championship winning car eventually.

Having said that, if Hamilton or Button doesn't win a championship by 2014, I reckon he'll leave the team or the sport.

I'll keep using 2014 is my reference point because major tech changes usually result in major shit going down.

Oh I totally agree, he shouldn't. I like him at McLaren, because he delivers and he's the reason I started watching F1 again back in 07/08. You're correct about that statistic though. It was on the BBC in that, ironically enough, slump of McLaren mini-documentary. It mentioned them (statistically) winning one in every four races. Hamilton's too eager for his own good though. 2009 was really humbling for him, 2010 was a good step in the proper direction championship-wise, but he wants another WDC again. And he wants it now. I also agree that a move to any new team beyond 2012 would be an even greater risk, because of the changing regulations.

I like F1 GAF in the downtime between races, it suddenly becomes a lot more sensible.