2014 Silly Season Thread

Cynon · Post by **Cynon** » 13 Apr 2014, 13:13

Shizuka wrote:
mario wrote:However, given that Sauber are currently in very poor form right now, actually getting to drive one of Sauber's cars could prove to be something of a poisoned chalice - it is going to be hard to stand out and easy to look like a poor driver.

That is why her target should be to finish ahead one or two third drivers. If she can keep herself in front of Caterham and Marussia, that'd be mission complete.

That's honestly all Sauber can hope for from the two muppets they currently have driving for them...

Post by **mario** » 13 Apr 2014, 14:20

Cynon wrote:
Shizuka wrote:
mario wrote:However, given that Sauber are currently in very poor form right now, actually getting to drive one of Sauber's cars could prove to be something of a poisoned chalice - it is going to be hard to stand out and easy to look like a poor driver.

That is why her target should be to finish ahead one or two third drivers. If she can keep herself in front of Caterham and Marussia, that'd be mission complete.

That's honestly all Sauber can hope for from the two muppets they currently have driving for them...

That, however, is the problem - even if she does well against the current driver line up, it would only be a modest boost to her profile as most already write Sutil and Gutierrez off as, at best, competent. The only way she would impress would be to seriously outperform both of those drivers by a substantial margin - however, when you are driving an F1 car for the first time in anger, the last thing that you want is a difficult to set up car like Sauber's current offering.

As you say, all she can really do is hope to impress against a few of the existing third drivers and hope that another team might just be prepared to take a small bet on her - it's unlikely that she will be promoted to a race seat (van der Garde's greater experience and financial backing means he'd probably be the preferred option), so her best bet would be to land a role at a more stable midfield team and then look to a race seat elsewhere.

watka · Post by **watka** » 13 Apr 2014, 22:32

mario wrote:Well, it is a positive step as it looks like Sauber are hoping she can earn a superlicence through testing a recent car (I believe that they went down a similar route for Sirotkin). However, given that Sauber are currently in very poor form right now, actually getting to drive one of Sauber's cars could prove to be something of a poisoned chalice - it is going to be hard to stand out and easy to look like a poor driver.

A sidetrack I know, but this reminded me about a similar comment I made about Bianchi being wrong not to have pushed for a move away from Marussia in this off-season. He did well last season and he does have Ferrari support but I think those memories and support have the potential to fade away very quickly if he doesn't pull something out of the bag soon when Marussia have the best chance of getting a freak result. Chilton, who I imagine if not particularly well respected in the paddock, has closed up on him significantly so far this season so Bianchi's stock must have fallen. If that continues then he probably won't have much choice but to spend another year at Marussia, that is if they don't need another driver or indeed still exist.

go_Rubens · Post by **go_Rubens** » 14 Apr 2014, 10:32

Just read an article suggesting that Stefano Domenicali has stepped down as Ferrari team principal. In fact, it isn't just any other article, it's Autosport.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/113446

Post by **Miguel98** » 14 Apr 2014, 11:13

go_Rubens wrote:Just read an article suggesting that Stefano Domenicali has stepped down as Ferrari team principal. In fact, it isn't just any other article, it's Autosport.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/113446

After what happened at Bahrain, I don't think it's that surprising.

Jocke1 · Post by **Jocke1** » 15 Apr 2014, 16:28

Breaking news
F1 move 'impossible' for Danica Patrick - Haas
It seems as though none of Haas' current NASCAR drivers will make the leap to Formula One, and that includes former Indycar race winner Danica Patrick.
Added: 11 hours ago

Apr.15 (GMM) Danica Patrick, the world's most famous female racing driver, will apparently not be making the switch to Formula One with Haas.
The 32-year-old drives in NASCAR for new F1 entrant Gene Haas' team, but Haas said on Monday he plans to hire from within the sport for his first year and hopefully pair that driver with a young American.
But he warned that it would be "impossible" for any driver to juggle a Nascar seat whilst preparing for the big switch to F1.
"I'd certainly never expect any of our current lineup of drivers to want to be able to do that," said Haas at a news conference alongside his F1 team boss, former Jaguar and Red Bull chief Gunther Steiner.
"It would be really impossible to accomplish that and survive. Just the thought of jumping into a Formula One car from a (Nascar sprint) cup car would be very, very difficult," he insisted.

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 15 Apr 2014, 23:58

Jocke1 wrote:
Breaking news
F1 move 'impossible' for Danica Patrick - Haas
It seems as though none of Haas' current NASCAR drivers will make the leap to Formula One, and that includes former Indycar race winner Danica Patrick.
Added: 11 hours ago

Apr.15 (GMM) Danica Patrick, the world's most famous female racing driver, will apparently not be making the switch to Formula One with Haas.
The 32-year-old drives in NASCAR for new F1 entrant Gene Haas' team, but Haas said on Monday he plans to hire from within the sport for his first year and hopefully pair that driver with a young American.
But he warned that it would be "impossible" for any driver to juggle a Nascar seat whilst preparing for the big switch to F1.
"I'd certainly never expect any of our current lineup of drivers to want to be able to do that," said Haas at a news conference alongside his F1 team boss, former Jaguar and Red Bull chief Gunther Steiner.
"It would be really impossible to accomplish that and survive. Just the thought of jumping into a Formula One car from a (Nascar sprint) cup car would be very, very difficult," he insisted.

That should shut up the Danica to F1 rumours that popped up when USF1 was a thing. Good.

watka · Post by **watka** » 17 Apr 2014, 20:55

Jocke1 wrote:
Breaking news
F1 move 'impossible' for Danica Patrick - Haas
It seems as though none of Haas' current NASCAR drivers will make the leap to Formula One, and that includes former Indycar race winner Danica Patrick.
Added: 11 hours ago

Apr.15 (GMM) Danica Patrick, the world's most famous female racing driver, will apparently not be making the switch to Formula One with Haas.
The 32-year-old drives in NASCAR for new F1 entrant Gene Haas' team, but Haas said on Monday he plans to hire from within the sport for his first year and hopefully pair that driver with a young American.
But he warned that it would be "impossible" for any driver to juggle a Nascar seat whilst preparing for the big switch to F1.
"I'd certainly never expect any of our current lineup of drivers to want to be able to do that," said Haas at a news conference alongside his F1 team boss, former Jaguar and Red Bull chief Gunther Steiner.
"It would be really impossible to accomplish that and survive. Just the thought of jumping into a Formula One car from a (Nascar sprint) cup car would be very, very difficult," he insisted.

Sensible man.

IceG · Post by **IceG** » 23 May 2014, 08:10

Starting early this year:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/27523534

So, where does that leave Alonso?

CoopsII · Post by **CoopsII** » 23 May 2014, 08:15

IceG wrote:So, where does that leave Alonso?

Either in Ferrari-Limbo or waterboarding Red Bull in an attempt to impress Mateschitz.

James1978 · Post by **James1978** » 25 May 2014, 19:33

Anyone think Hamilton might leave Mercedes at the end of the season? I was thinking to myself from around Bahrain time that one of them might leave but now Rosberg has extended his contract, hmmm.........

Back to McLaren with Honda engines "because he wants to be Senna" anyone?

Alextrax52 · Post by **Alextrax52** » 25 May 2014, 19:35

James1978 wrote:Anyone think Hamilton might leave Mercedes at the end of the season? I was thinking to myself from around Bahrain time that one of them might leave but now Rosberg has extended his contract, hmmm.........

Back to McLaren with Honda engines "because he wants to be Senna" anyone?

Mercedes have been quick to quash rumors of Rosberg's extentsion but considering recent events I wouldn't rule it out should the animosity rise

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 26 May 2014, 16:35

James1978 wrote:Anyone think Hamilton might leave Mercedes at the end of the season? I was thinking to myself from around Bahrain time that one of them might leave but now Rosberg has extended his contract, hmmm.........

Back to McLaren with Honda engines "because he wants to be Senna" anyone?

And I'm sure they'll have him back, especially if he brings the number 1 with him...

andrew2209 · Post by **andrew2209** » 26 May 2014, 20:18

James1978 wrote:Anyone think Hamilton might leave Mercedes at the end of the season? I was thinking to myself from around Bahrain time that one of them might leave but now Rosberg has extended his contract, hmmm.........

Back to McLaren with Honda engines "because he wants to be Senna" anyone?

This would require McLaren to give one of their drivers the shove at the end of the season, which isn't too likely in my opinion. I could potentially see Button retiring, especially if McLaren don't improve. Also, I'd think there may be a few other drivers that are more likely to get the seat first (Hulkenberg, Alonso, Vandoorne, maybe Bianchi or Grosjean). It's implausible, but not impossible, but I think relationship at Mercedes would have to get worse for him to leave the top team at the moment, especially with a new engine manufacturer supplying McLaren.

watka · Post by **watka** » 26 May 2014, 21:46

I feel a little bit of a fool for previously saying Bianchi was wrong to stick with Marussia and hope he can get a Ferrari seat. Jules' 9th in Monaco have pretty much eliminated the doubts anyone had about his belonging in F1 and have proved that rather than being fluky, he is the one who there to take opportunities when they arise, not Chilton or the Caterhams. It was such an approach that get Perez his (albeit short-lived) McLaren drive.

I still doubt see much hope for Ferrari taking him on in 2015 and maybe even 2016. As many have pointed out, Ferrari have a strong preference for experienced drivers. Should Raikkonen and/or Alonso go, I can see Hulkenberg being at the team alongside whomever stays or someone else who they plonk a monumental sum of money in front of (maybe Vettel? maybe even Hamilton?), rather than settling for 2 non-race winners. Instead, what I can envisage is Ferrari supporting Marussia in a more substantial way, especially if Sauber fall by the wayside. They would surely like to see what Bianchi is capable of in a midfield car and now that it looks like Marussia's finances are more stable owing to their projected championship position (they could just draft in another pay driver if not), it shouldn't take such a large level of technical support to make up the gap to the midfield as it has previously. Force India's improvement owed a lot to what they got out of technical partnership with McLaren and I suspect the same could occur here, although there are obviously more logistical and technological challenges here than with the Force India example.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 26 May 2014, 21:50

andrew2209 wrote:
James1978 wrote:Anyone think Hamilton might leave Mercedes at the end of the season? I was thinking to myself from around Bahrain time that one of them might leave but now Rosberg has extended his contract, hmmm.........

Back to McLaren with Honda engines "because he wants to be Senna" anyone?

This would require McLaren to give one of their drivers the shove at the end of the season, which isn't too likely in my opinion. I could potentially see Button retiring, especially if McLaren don't improve. Also, I'd think there may be a few other drivers that are more likely to get the seat first (Hulkenberg, Alonso, Vandoorne, maybe Bianchi or Grosjean). It's implausible, but not impossible, but I think relationship at Mercedes would have to get worse for him to leave the top team at the moment, especially with a new engine manufacturer supplying McLaren.

This is going to really test the new corporate dynamic at McLaren. Will Ron undermine Boullier and decide the lineup? Then again, would Ron ever take back a driver that 'betrayed' McLaren by leaving the team that gave him everything? It's hard to see a scenario were Boullier doesn't try to bring Grosjean to McLaren - he thinks highly of his compatriot, and I expect Romain would jump at the chance to leave the Lotus sinking ship for a team of such stature as McLaren, even if their recent form is a bit shaky.

As wacky as this might sound at first, doesn't Hamilton to Ferrari sort of make sense, in its own way? A team that favours a clear number one driver, and a team that won't think twice about matching his salary demands (considering the deals they've done for Schumacher, Raikkonen etc in the past). Of course, the logistics of it are a nightmare - a massive multi-year contract with Mercedes that needs rescinded, Raikkonen buggering off somewhere again, and Alonso finding another team where he can have the cushty number one status he so desires. The last of those especially is tricky - Red Bull already having Vettel, Mercedes with Rosberg (who may not quite be on the same level, but the team won't enforce his number one status for him), and his acrimonious split from McLaren back in '07 potentially stopping any chance of a return to Woking. The only resolution I can see is a pretty big long shot, and requries a lot of cards to fall nicely into place; Hamilton does secure that Ferrari ride and has his contract paid off; Vettel, unhappy at Red Bull's form under the new regulations, jumps at the chance of driving the dominant Mercedes car, and Alonso takes Vettel's place at Red Bull. If you consider all three of moves on their individual merits, they sound reasonably realistic, however for all to happen in a single window is a massive long shot.

Jocke1 · Post by **Jocke1** » 30 May 2014, 15:04

Breaking news
Red Bull to bill Renault for 2014 crisis - report

"The season's not over yet. At the end, our financial department will make an account. Then we will see what loss we have made by Renault," Dr. Helmut Marko
Added: 2 hours ago

May 30 (GMM) Red Bull will consider billing its engine supplier Renault, Dr Helmut Marko revealed on Friday.
Already this week, the reigning world champion team's outspoken Austrian director has hinted he would like to entice Volkswagen into F1.

"We have to decide on our future engine partner then," he told Germany's Sport Bild, referring to the deadline of the team's home Austrian Grand Prix next month.
Renault had a horror start to the new turbo V6 era, only recovering competitiveness due to joint efforts with the two Red Bull-owned teams, including Faenza based Toro Rosso.
Marko suggested to Bild newspaper on Friday that it has cost the energy drink company a lot of money.

"It would be irresponsible to talk now about exact figures," he said. "But it's a long list of things lost because Renault has not worked well.
"The season's not over yet. At the end, our financial department will make an account. Then we will see what loss we have made by Renault," said Marko.
And he suggested a monetary loss is not the only concern. "The image damage is already beyond repair," said Marko.

W12 · Post by **W12** » 30 May 2014, 16:20

Jocke1 wrote:
Breaking news
Red Bull to bill Renault for 2014 crisis - report

"The season's not over yet. At the end, our financial department will make an account. Then we will see what loss we have made by Renault," Dr. Helmut Marko
Added: 2 hours ago

May 30 (GMM) Red Bull will consider billing its engine supplier Renault, Dr Helmut Marko revealed on Friday.
Already this week, the reigning world champion team's outspoken Austrian director has hinted he would like to entice Volkswagen into F1.

"We have to decide on our future engine partner then," he told Germany's Sport Bild, referring to the deadline of the team's home Austrian Grand Prix next month.
Renault had a horror start to the new turbo V6 era, only recovering competitiveness due to joint efforts with the two Red Bull-owned teams, including Faenza based Toro Rosso.
Marko suggested to Bild newspaper on Friday that it has cost the energy drink company a lot of money.

"It would be irresponsible to talk now about exact figures," he said. "But it's a long list of things lost because Renault has not worked well.
"The season's not over yet. At the end, our financial department will make an account. Then we will see what loss we have made by Renault," said Marko.
And he suggested a monetary loss is not the only concern. "The image damage is already beyond repair," said Marko.

Post by **Ataxia** » 30 May 2014, 16:21

Can you please stop using that face, please? The geek faces are equally as annoying...

FullMetalJack · Post by **FullMetalJack** » 30 May 2014, 19:09

Ataxia wrote:Can you please stop using that face, please? The geek faces are equally as annoying...

I agree, the overuse of them is definitely irritating at times.

Less is more.

UncreativeUsername37 · Post by **UncreativeUsername37** » 30 May 2014, 19:16

Ataxia wrote:Can you please stop using that face, please? The geek faces are equally as annoying...

FullMetalJack wrote:
Ataxia wrote:Can you please stop using that face, please? The geek faces are equally as annoying...

I agree, the overuse of them is definitely irritating at times.

Less is more.

You can't ban emoticons! FMecha will never post again!

Dj_bereta · Post by **Dj_bereta** » 31 May 2014, 01:44

Well, I imagine Bianchi going to Sauber in the next year, and maybe alongside with Simona or Giedo. Sauber is in a crysis and Ferrari could use this opportunity to give a good engines deal, maybe for free, if the team hire the Frenchman.

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 31 May 2014, 01:52

Dj_bereta wrote:Well, I imagine Bianchi going to Sauber in the next year, and maybe alongside with Simona or Giedo. Sauber is in a crysis and Ferrari could use this opportunity to give a good engines deal, maybe for free, if the team hire the Frenchman.

I don't see that happening, Bianchi has chemistry with Marussia so it would be hard to see him going to Sauber which, right now, is achieving less results than Marussia right now, and sees no reason for that to change. But I do see him being affiliated with Ferrari in the future, so a test drive with them isn't out of the question, but Bianchi might want to still race full-time. Honestly, I think he can advance his career further with Marussia. And going into the beginning of the season I wouldn't have made that statement at all.

Oh dear... what is Sauber to do?..

Jocke1 · Post by **Jocke1** » 31 May 2014, 16:07

FullMetalJack wrote:
Ataxia wrote:Can you please stop using that face, please? The geek faces are equally as annoying...

I agree, the overuse of them is definitely irritating at times.

Less is more.

'Weeee are *hic* the emoticon chaaampions.. of..*hic* the wooooorld!!! Yeah!'

Oi, stop that. Stop singing I say. Haven't you lot heard? We're obsolete, people don't like us anymore.

No way!

Way.

We won't accept it! We have rights!

For shame. Shame on the humans..after all we have done for them. For shame.
:cry:

Then what are we supposed to do? It's not like we can do much else if forumites won't use our services.
I have three kids to feed and a mortgage on the house. I can't afford to be out of a job.
:geek:

I'm not worried, I have a part-time job as a Computer Programmer-smiley at Capcom in Tokyo.
:lol:

You're such a geek!
:geek:

Hey, I'm a proud member of the nerd herd.
:ugeek:

Me too.

I'm just embarrassed, how can anyone not like us? I don't get it? What's wrong with us?

Chill ma brothers, this ain't no thang. Ya'll can come hang at my crib if ya'll gots some bling bling.
I'm down with all the big playa's and we burn up Benjamins like nuth-in. Straight up, fo sho.

We'll take you up on that offer, Mister Afro dude.

Right on!

Someone please get rid of FullMetalJack and Ataxia forever and ever!

I'll do it.

No, let me handle it. DIE YOU UNGRATEFUL SCUM !! TASTE MY LEAD ! I'M A LEAD FARMER!

Thank you, machine gun guy! They're gone, we can go back to how it used to be.
8-)

Don't mention it. Any time.

AxelP800 · Post by **AxelP800** » 31 May 2014, 16:15

Pls Joke1

Post by **Ataxia** » 31 May 2014, 20:27

At least you tried.

As for why I dislike these particular smilies, I always see the :roll:

as an "oh, HE'S posted again. I'd better roll my eyes to make sure everyone knows I don't value his contributions."

But these...monstrosities (ie. :geek:

and

) just look ultra-smug, like you've just corrected someone and you feel that they need to know that their knowledge is inferior. The winky face is also like that; it just looks more smug than playful (or like the individual has been poisoned with strychnine or some other nerve toxin.)

I don't dig the devil horn ones as well; the first one is an "I didn't get my own way, so I'd better throw a hissy fit" and the second is "I didn't get my own way, so I'd better make sure nobody else does".

Whether this is because the smilies are genuinely crap or because I hate most things, I dunno.

AndreaModa · Post by **AndreaModa** » 31 May 2014, 20:46

Been a bad day Ataxia? Cheer up son.

pasta_maldonado · Post by **pasta_maldonado** » 31 May 2014, 21:37

I'm glad to see the return of good, old-fashioned F1R off-topicness to threads of late...keep it up!

wsrgo · Post by **wsrgo** » 01 Jun 2014, 03:30

What, the 2014 silly-season thread is still alive and kickin' halfway into 2014? :lol:

CoopsII · Post by **CoopsII** » 01 Jun 2014, 09:07

Ataxia wrote:At least you tried.

As for why I dislike these particular smilies, I always see the as an "oh, HE'S posted again. I'd better roll my eyes to make sure everyone knows I don't value his contributions."

But these...monstrosities (ie. and ) just look ultra-smug, like you've just corrected someone and you feel that they need to know that their knowledge is inferior. The winky face is also like that; it just looks more smug than playful (or like the individual has been poisoned with strychnine or some other nerve toxin.)

I don't dig the devil horn ones as well; the first one is an "I didn't get my own way, so I'd better throw a hissy fit" and the second is "I didn't get my own way, so I'd better make sure nobody else does".

Whether this is because the smilies are genuinely crap or because I hate most things, I dunno.

You've over-thought it. Alot.

Post by **Ataxia** » 01 Jun 2014, 09:30

CoopsII wrote:
Ataxia wrote:stuff

You've over-thought it. Alot.

I could come up with whole backstories...but I'll leave it as it is. A picture says a thousand words, after all...

Post by **Miguel98** » 20 Jun 2014, 07:42

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114529

So, basically: when the safety car period ends, they will all stop on the grid and take a restart like it was the start of the race.

I don't like this at all. Leave it how it is.

CoopsII · Post by **CoopsII** » 20 Jun 2014, 07:54

Miguel98 wrote:http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114529

So, basically: when the safety car period ends, they will all stop on the grid and take a restart like it was the start of the race. I don't like this at all. Leave it how it is.

You might as well just stop the race at every SC then. Mooching around for six laps only to then stop? Personally, I find the SC restarts exciting as they are, it brings the field back together and how the lead driver manages that restart is a challenge.

But no. Lets slowly drive round then stop. Nail-biting.

good_Ralf · Post by **good_Ralf** » 20 Jun 2014, 08:14

When races were restarted after red flags before the Suzuka 94' incidents took place, it would just be a standing start e.g. Mexico 1987, although back then the results were aggregated. I kinda like this idea.

AustralianStig · Post by **AustralianStig** » 20 Jun 2014, 08:28

Some will call this artificial, but you could also argue having a SC period at all is artificial. There's no question that the race start is my favourite part of the race, so I like the idea too.

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 20 Jun 2014, 09:03

CoopsII wrote:
Miguel98 wrote:http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114529

So, basically: when the safety car period ends, they will all stop on the grid and take a restart like it was the start of the race. I don't like this at all. Leave it how it is.

You might as well just stop the race at every SC then. Mooching around for six laps only to then stop? Personally, I find the SC restarts exciting as they are, it brings the field back together and how the lead driver manages that restart is a challenge.

But no. Lets slowly drive round then stop. Nail-biting.

Yeah... this makes no sense to me. If you're going to have a standing start, the only logical choice is to red flag the race. But this is F1, and logic seems to have flown out the window by now.

Shizuka · Post by **Shizuka** » 20 Jun 2014, 09:05

Miguel98 wrote:http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114529

So, basically: when the safety car period ends, they will all stop on the grid and take a restart like it was the start of the race. I don't like this at all. Leave it how it is.

Whose idea was it? Someone needs a decent boot up his arse.
Sorry, but this takes away another exciting prospect of the races.

go_Rubens · Post by **go_Rubens** » 20 Jun 2014, 09:31

WTF? I can't understand why anyone would like this bleeding idea, obviously an idea too injured to consider trying to heal. Why... :roll:

It's just plain stupid. Everything is fine. No need for a change that will make it worse, dumbasses.

I seriously hope Autosport got that wrong. And everyone else. This is really, really, bathplugging stupid.

*Just one of those head into the desk moments*

girry · Post by **girry** » 20 Jun 2014, 11:16

The core problem is that FIA just doesn't have a clue as to why the ratings are dwindling....thus these great ideas.

Post by **Nuppiz** » 20 Jun 2014, 11:44

Another brainfart launched by the rulemakers in the name of "improving the show". Sadly, the time when sporting values were more important than appealing to casual fans is long gone.