re: 2023 Formula 1 season Thread

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big expectations for Mercedes

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Keep hearing this; then keep getting disappointed.

They are doing amazing considering the issues they seem to be having, but we haven't really seen some big evolution like Mclaren/Aston

Fascinating article about F1/FIA developing the 2026 car, with some commentary on the 2022 and 2009 redesigns.

motorsport.com/f1/news/the-computing-powerhouse-that-gives-f1-faith-over-its-2026-car-plan

I think even the casual fan learns that one of the problems with passing is that a car loses downforce following another car closely around a corner. What I had never heard of was that the cars were not just losing downforce, but were becoming unpredictable:

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Symonds also points out that, while it is nigh on impossible to create cars that do not lose any performance when following closely, the current generation are not undriveable in another's wake. 

“The one thing we're absolutely certain on, and this is from driver feedback and the data that we see, is that with the 2021 cars, when they were following not only had they lost an enormous amount of downforce, but they were very, very unpredictable.  

“With the current cars, the balance is actually very, very good in the wake of another car. Of course you lose some grip, but you don't suddenly get understeer turning into oversteer, and things like that. You know what the car is going to do. So that is an aspect that I am pleased with.”

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Testing new tire qualy rules at Hungary:

sbnation.com/formula-one/2023/7/15/23796275/f1-qualifying-rules-hungarian-grand-prix

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Latest rumor mill has LeClerc to redbull and Sainz to Audi, with Albon taking a Ferrari seat.

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I have a hard time seeing LeClerc take a #2 spot. But even more so imo Red Bull just isn't going to let someone legitimately compete with Max. I can see Checco getting replaced but they have what they want right now, Max as a dominant #1 and a #2 that is good enough to finish top 2 but not good enough to challenge Max. I don't think they truly want a battle for their top spot.

Would love for Sainz get the chance to be a #1 on a team that doesn't constantly make boneheaded decisions. Really excited about Audi joining.

If one of the Ferrari seats opens up, I'd actually like to see what Albon could do. I'd like for Williams to keep getting better but I think ALbon is fast enough to compete for top 3 finishes in the right car. Probably out of any of the drivers on the grid, he's earned a promotion.

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So, I was looking at the F1 Schedule.. It shows Las Vegas starting Sunday night at 12 am? Looks like I'll catch it when I wake up.

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Whoa, that is weird.

Race at 12am CST, quali on Saturday at 2am CST


Feels like that has to be wrong on the F1 website, but who knows.

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Not sure I see the benefit of this.

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Forcing jeopardy.

Won't really change the top teams, but those on the bubble will feel it. They can't run softs against mediums to get an advantage into Q2/Q3.

Checo should at least make it out Q1

F1 used to have one of the best qualifying session and they are slowly dismantling it.

Engine modes and Q2 quali tire being the tire you started the race on are the two biggest changes.

The method is still the same.

Now they are introducing forced tire choice.

it's actually a midnight CST start. 10 PM local.

racing around the sphere is going to be sweet, but won't it be distracting to the drivers? they will probably have to turn all those lights off

Jesus, that's dumb. I was trying to give the benefit of doubt. But no...