re: 2023 Formula 1 season Thread

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I could see them making a Checo and Danny swap to preserve Max's championship

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The only way Perez has a chance of beating Max is if Verstappen breaks his leg celebrating a win.

The Mexican will finish behind Chuck at a number of races this year. He's strong on street tracks. Not so much real tracks.

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The Mexican will finish behind Chuck at a number of races this year.

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That's a hell of an insult to Checo and Red Bull


I just don't see it, Ferrari just don't have the race pace to consistently give RB/Checo problems, not currently anyway.

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Come again? That’s pretty dominant. Even if Ilmor is a part of the development that’s a benefit?

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Ilmor isn’t a part of the development, they are the maker of the engine. I’m sure Chevy throws some resources into it ($ and simulator) but it’s Ilmor’s engine.

I guess I have a different perspective on what success means in IndyCar. You’ll note that Indy 500 wins isn’t listed, and that’s the only thing that has mattered in AOWR for as long as time.

Also, Chevy‘s success is almost 100% due to Team Penske. They’d figure out how to win races with a Buick stock block if that’s what was required.

I just find it difficult to say Chevy has been dominant when they show up deficient in the one race that matters more times than not over the past decade. The race where engine power and fuel efficiency really matter, and the race that Honda and Chevy spend their development resources to win.

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The Mexican will finish behind Chuck at a number of races this year.

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Barring reliability issues, the Mexican will most likely finish every race in either P1 or P2 behind Max. The RB19 is that good. And if he doesn’t, Alonso will. Leclerc and Ferrari can’t even consistently beat Mercedes or Haas, and you think Charles is due for a couple of wins. Wild.

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Where did I say anything about wins?

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Fair enough. Everyone is fighting for P3 tho, and I think they know it.

Redbull would be fool to give up Checo. He guarantees a WCC, plus he's a marketing machine.

Eta: not directed at you. General comment.

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Did Lewis have way more DNFs?

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1 more DNF, had some other issues throughout the year that hampered his runs, but he didn't have to DNF for it.

The only thing stopping a 2016 Merc that year was the other 2016 Merc.

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Yeah, Checo brings in a ton of sponsorship money. More than anyone that can replace him. That said, why on earth would RBR even consider replacing him given his performance this year?

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They won’t, folks are just begging for drama.

I don't think they are. I think we just got bored with only two average races in six weeks and started making stuff up to talk about

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Man I wasnt serious about RBR taking Danny over Checo. Its my pipe dream but I know it'll never happen. Glad it sparked two pages of discussion though

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It's an interesting case. When Red Bull chose Pérez over an up-and-coming Red Bull driver, it seemed a little odd. For most of his career he was not noted for exceptional performances, until his last year at Racing Point. So the general impression was of decent driver who was getting old, and probably not worthy of a Red Bull seat.

No one should expect him to beat Max to deserve his seat. But if Max wins the WDC then Pérez needs to finish P2. This year I think he has stepped up. The most important job of the 2nd driver at Red Bull is to help the team win the WCC. As long as he's doing that, Red Bull doesn't care if Max hates him.

I think Christian's occasional comments about when Yuki might be given a shot at Red Bull is about three things: (1) Showing that there is still a promotion path for Red Bull junior drivers, (2) Keeping the pressure on Pérez to maximize his performance, and (3) Acknowledging that Pérez is getting older and is replaceable if he's not exceptional.