Unpopular F1 opinions

[go_Rubens]

The Minardi M201 was the best sounding car of 2000.

Wait, what? I guess you mean the M02...

My bad. You're right.

[Gerudo Dragon]

If I was an F1 driver, I wouldn't do any other races after what happened to Kubica.

[go_Rubens]

If I was an F1 driver, I wouldn't do any other races after what happened to Kubica.

Nah, that takes the fun out of taking risks

In all seriousness, I think I might beg to differ on that. If I were a racing driver, I'd focus on F1, but immerse myself in other motorsports as well. Attempt Le Mans, Indy, Daytona 24h, Daytona 500, etc.

[Hound55]

If I was an F1 driver, I wouldn't do any other races after what happened to Kubica.

Nah, that takes the fun out of taking risks

In all seriousness, I think I might beg to differ on that. If I were a racing driver, I'd focus on F1, but immerse myself in other motorsports as well. Attempt Le Mans, Indy, Daytona 24h, Daytona 500, etc.

I feel like the team would be none too appreciative of that. Racing is dangerous.

[go_Rubens]

If I was an F1 driver, I wouldn't do any other races after what happened to Kubica.

Nah, that takes the fun out of taking risks

In all seriousness, I think I might beg to differ on that. If I were a racing driver, I'd focus on F1, but immerse myself in other motorsports as well. Attempt Le Mans, Indy, Daytona 24h, Daytona 500, etc.

I feel like the team would be none too appreciative of that. Racing is dangerous.

Well, maybe 2 at a time. I wouldn't do it all at once, for example.

[mario]

If I was an F1 driver, I wouldn't do any other races after what happened to Kubica.

Nah, that takes the fun out of taking risks

In all seriousness, I think I might beg to differ on that. If I were a racing driver, I'd focus on F1, but immerse myself in other motorsports as well. Attempt Le Mans, Indy, Daytona 24h, Daytona 500, etc.

I feel like the team would be none too appreciative of that. Racing is dangerous.

It does seem to be one reason why a lot of drivers in F1 cut back on participating in other series, particularly sports car racing, from the 1980's onwards. Whilst there might not have been any fatal accidents from 1982 to 1994 in F1, in sports car racing there were several fatal accidents involving former or current F1 drivers in that same period (the former driver were Stommelen in 1983 and Gartner in 1986, whilst Winkelhock and Bellof were both competing in the 1985 season when they were both killed in sports car races that year). Jonathan Palmer also had a very heavy accident in 1985 where he was injured quite badly and needed several months to recover from, again highlighting the fact that racing in other series, whilst prestigious and financially beneficial, could potentially carry a much higher risk.

The crash testing rules set by FISA for sports cars were more lenient than in F1, and even then they were prone to bending the rules at times for favoured entrants. On Mulsannecorner, they revealed that the Jaguar-TWR partnership struggled to get the XJR-14 through the front crash tests when the tub floor cracked beyond where they planned to put the pedals. However, instead of asking them to redesign the car, FISA simply told them to put the pedals a bit further back and not to bother changing the front crash zone.

[CoopsII]

If I was an F1 driver, I wouldn't do any other races after what happened to Kubica.

I was surprised he allowed to do it anyway. I thought some teams restrict what their drivers do with regards dangerous activities? Mind you, ive read stories about Mansell and Senna where they wouldve been safer competing in a race series compared to the antics they got up to in road cars

[go_Rubens]

If I was an F1 driver, I wouldn't do any other races after what happened to Kubica.

I was surprised he allowed to do it anyway. I thought some teams restrict what their drivers do with regards dangerous activities? Mind you, ive read stories about Mansell and Senna where they wouldve been safer competing in a race series compared to the antics they got up to in road cars

Road cars are not as safe as some racing cars to begin with. The structural integrity of most road cars in the U. S. is about as much as your average dust bin when you see how badly bent and crushed they are. It doesn't help when the roads are unsafe as all hell. Especially in central Pennsylvania. I assure you I don't want to drive those roads...

[Onxy Wrecked]

Nah, that takes the fun out of taking risks

In all seriousness, I think I might beg to differ on that. If I were a racing driver, I'd focus on F1, but immerse myself in other motorsports as well. Attempt Le Mans, Indy, Daytona 24h, Daytona 500, etc.

I feel like the team would be none too appreciative of that. Racing is dangerous.

Dirt racing is probably the most dangerous as the likes of Rich Vogler, Billy Vukovich the III, and Jason Leffler have died in such racing. Although the most approved activity which is bike riding hasn't even proven safe as Bobby Labonte broke three ribs earlier last week. It depends on the team what is acceptable. Tony Stewart for example has carte blanche on his racing activities as part owner as did A.J. Foyt in his late stages of his career however few drivers will ever be owner-driver and it's virtually unheard of in F1.

[go_Rubens]

Dirt racing is probably the most dangerous as the likes of Rich Vogler, Billy Vukovich the III, and Jason Leffler have died in such racing.

Dirt racing is something I wouldn't do. No interest in it, and the fact that you pointed out.

Although the most approved activity which is bike riding hasn't even proven safe as Bobby Labonte broke three ribs earlier last week.

Labonte broke 3 ribs? I didn't know that until now. Bike racing sees fatalities every few years and numerous injuries, so I'd rank it second most dangerous.

[Onxy Wrecked]

Dirt racing is probably the most dangerous as the likes of Rich Vogler, Billy Vukovich the III, and Jason Leffler have died in such racing.

Dirt racing is something I wouldn't do. No interest in it, and the fact that you pointed out.

Although the most approved activity which is bike riding hasn't even proven safe as Bobby Labonte broke three ribs earlier last week.

Labonte broke 3 ribs? I didn't know that until now. Bike racing sees fatalities every few years and numerous injuries, so I'd rank it second most dangerous.

Merely riding a bike near one's house can get people hurt... Ahem, Mr. Labonte. That was why Mike Bliss was in the #51.

[apple2009]

The Hungaroring is bathplugging awesome.

[good_Ralf]

The Hungaroring is bathplugging awesome.

Again - I'm using my grading system to rate each of the races in Hungary

1 - Zzz...
2 - Good moments
3 - A cracker

1986 - 3
1987 - 2
1988 - 1
1989 - 3
1990 - 3
1991 - 1
1992 - 2
1993 - 2
1994 - 1
1995 - 1
1996 - 1
1997 - 3
1998 - 2
1999 - 1
2000 - 1
2001 - 2
2002 - 1
2003 - 2
2004 - 1
2005 - 2
2006 - 3
2007 - 1
2008 - 2
2009 - 2
2010 - 1
2011 - 3
2012 - 2
2013 - 2

Average - about 2

So usually the races make people's days, like this year when Hamilton scored his first Mercedes win. That made me really happy, especially the podium.

[go_Rubens]

The Hungaroring is bathplugging awesome.

Unpopular your opinion shall remain! I've only seen good races at the Hungaroring when it rains or there was DRS/KERS. But even with DRS and KERS you feel the racing is artificial.

[UncreativeUsername37]

The Hungaroring is bathplugging awesome.

Unpopular your opinion shall remain! I've only seen good races at the Hungaroring when it rains or there was DRS/KERS. But even with DRS and KERS you feel the racing is artificial.

It's a track about the drivers' experience, like Silverstone or Monaco.

[go_Rubens]

The Hungaroring is bathplugging awesome.

Unpopular your opinion shall remain! I've only seen good races at the Hungaroring when it rains or there was DRS/KERS. But even with DRS and KERS you feel the racing is artificial.

It's a track about the drivers' experience, like Silverstone or Monaco.

Well, it does require concentration.

[Salamander]

The Hungaroring is bathplugging awesome.

To drive? Most definately. One of my favourite tracks to drive, as long as the car is co-operating.

[Dj_bereta]

F1 needs to adopt the Indycar restart style, with two rows.

[Salamander]

F1 needs to adopt the Indycar restart style, with two rows.

Are you absolutely insane? After the crap Graham Rahal was pulling? With drivers like Maldonado in the field?

[go_Rubens]

F1 needs to adopt the Indycar restart style, with two rows.

Are you absolutely insane? After the crap Graham Rahal was pulling? With drivers like Maldonado in the field?

F1 is unique with the standing starts. It should stay that way, because rolling starts like that can only cause a perfect scenario for Mad Land Owner brain fade.

Another unpopular opinion: F1 should not have the 8 engines a season rule. Time for unreliability again

[good_Ralf]

Another unpopular opinion: F1 should not have the 8 engines a season rule. Time for unreliability again

I second that very much. I'd love to have some races of proper attrition thanks to loads of cars breaking.
But then costs would go up for engine manufacturers or would they? Even if the engine limit was lifted, I bet that manufacturers would still be making bulletproof motors.

[Onxy Wrecked]

F1 is unique with the standing starts. It should stay that way, because rolling starts like that can only cause a perfect scenario for Mad Land Owner brain fade.

Another unpopular opinion: F1 should not have the 8 engines a season rule. Time for unreliability again

And Marussias in the points?!? YES, I want that!

[Aerospeed]

Another unpopular opinion: F1 should not have the 8 engines a season rule. Time for unreliability again

I second that very much. I'd love to have some races of proper attrition thanks to loads of cars breaking.
But then costs would go up for engine manufacturers or would they? Even if the engine limit was lifted, I bet that manufacturers would still be making bulletproof motors.

I think they should have more HP in the engines so that they'll have a bigger chance of breaking - and maybe an infinite amount of RPM too. F1 definitely needs more freedom in the engine regulations.

[go_Rubens]

I think they should have more HP in the engines so that they'll have a bigger chance of breaking - and maybe an infinite amount of RPM too. F1 definitely needs more freedom in the engine regulations.

Well, 2014 looks like the best bet of cars breaking down at the moment. But yes, the engines are too restricted.

[roblo97]

Another unpopular opinion: F1 should not have the 8 engines a season rule. Time for unreliability again

I second that very much. I'd love to have some races of proper attrition thanks to loads of cars breaking.
But then costs would go up for engine manufacturers or would they? Even if the engine limit was lifted, I bet that manufacturers would still be making bulletproof motors.

I think they should have more HP in the engines so that they'll have a bigger chance of breaking - and maybe an infinite amount of RPM too. F1 definitely needs more freedom in the engine regulations.

And then there will only be 10 cars on the grid because the costs have got out of hand

[good_Ralf]

I think they should have more HP in the engines so that they'll have a bigger chance of breaking - and maybe an infinite amount of RPM too. F1 definitely needs more freedom in the engine regulations.

Well, 2014 looks like the best bet of cars breaking down at the moment. But yes, the engines are too restricted.

I guess the rev restrictions are to slow cars down as they are too fast. After all for the last 10 years that's what the FIA have been trying to do.

[go_Rubens]

And then there will only be 10 cars on the grid because the costs have got out of hand

Not exactly. This is only one change that the teams are making. Yeah, the manufacturers are using more money to develop these engines, but surely not that much money? Or do the rest of the parts have to be redesigned around the new engine?

I think they should have more HP in the engines so that they'll have a bigger chance of breaking - and maybe an infinite amount of RPM too. F1 definitely needs more freedom in the engine regulations.

Well, 2014 looks like the best bet of cars breaking down at the moment. But yes, the engines are too restricted.

I guess the rev restrictions are to slow cars down as they are too fast. After all for the last 10 years that's what the FIA have been trying to do.

They've slowed the cars down about 3 - 5 seconds a lap since 2004, the fastest ever F1 cars. I say that's enough. The cars are already going 20 - 30 km/h slower down the straights, and most of the circuits today are medium to high downforce tracks, which slow the cars down even more. So the cars are going slow enough.

[tommykl]

I second that very much. I'd love to have some races of proper attrition thanks to loads of cars breaking.
But then costs would go up for engine manufacturers or would they? Even if the engine limit was lifted, I bet that manufacturers would still be making bulletproof motors.

I think they should have more HP in the engines so that they'll have a bigger chance of breaking - and maybe an infinite amount of RPM too. F1 definitely needs more freedom in the engine regulations.

And then there will only be 10 cars on the grid because the costs have got out of hand

Wait, shouldn't you be saying how they could easily buy a 1000hp engine for just over 30 grand?

[CoopsII]

It is my opinion that the Autodromo Nazionale Monza is the most historic track on the current calendar so In Your Face Monaco, Spa, Silverstone and Montreal.

And Hockenheim, ever since you had your nuts chopped off and you were made into a mickey mouse circuit, dont even raise your hand.

[Faustus]

And then there will only be 10 cars on the grid because the costs have got out of hand

Not exactly. This is only one change that the teams are making. Yeah, the manufacturers are using more money to develop these engines, but surely not that much money? Or do the rest of the parts have to be redesigned around the new engine?

Yes, it would cost the manufacturers a hell of a lot more. Every component in the engine is designed to a given life (or mileage) expectancy, so everything would have to be re-designed and re-tested.

[FullMetalJack]

It is my opinion that the Autodromo Nazionale Monza is the most historic track on the current calendar so In Your Face Monaco, Spa, Silverstone and Montreal.

And Hockenheim, ever since you had your nuts chopped off and you were made into a mickey mouse circuit, dont even raise your hand.

I'm not so disappointed in your opinion, but i'm disappointed Suzuka was not even mentioned.

[CoopsII]

It is my opinion that the Autodromo Nazionale Monza is the most historic track on the current calendar so In Your Face Monaco, Spa, Silverstone and Montreal.
And Hockenheim, ever since you had your nuts chopped off and you were made into a mickey mouse circuit, dont even raise your hand.

I'm not so disappointed in your opinion, but i'm disappointed Suzuka was not even mentioned.

Damn you. Suzuka runs Monza a close second but it wouldnt have been such a snappy opinion to include a load of 'almost's and 'nearly's.

[mario]

It is my opinion that the Autodromo Nazionale Monza is the most historic track on the current calendar so In Your Face Monaco, Spa, Silverstone and Montreal.
And Hockenheim, ever since you had your nuts chopped off and you were made into a mickey mouse circuit, dont even raise your hand.

I'm not so disappointed in your opinion, but i'm disappointed Suzuka was not even mentioned.

Damn you. Suzuka runs Monza a close second but it wouldnt have been such a snappy opinion to include a load of 'almost's and 'nearly's.

Monza is the oldest circuit that is still in current use (with Grand Prix's dating back to 1922) and has been used, with the exception of 1980, for every Italian GP. In the case of Suzuka though, that is a relatively modern addition to the calendar (1987), not to mention being occasionally substituted by Fuji for a few years in the past - it might be a very popular and challenging circuit, but I wouldn't necessarily say that in itself grants it historic status.

[pi314159]

Monza is the oldest circuit that is still in current use (with Grand Prix's dating back to 1922) and has been used, with the exception of 1980, for every Italian GP. In the case of Suzuka though, that is a relatively modern addition to the calendar (1987), not to mention being occasionally substituted by Fuji for a few years in the past - it might be a very popular and challenging circuit, but I wouldn't necessarily say that in itself grants it historic status.

In fact, Spa-Francorchamps, opened in 1921, is even one year older than Monza, however the first Grand Prix at Spa was only held in 1925.

[apple2009]

If I'm not mistaken Monza was the third permanent circuit ever built after Indianapolis and Brooklands.

[tommykl]

If I'm not mistaken Monza was the third permanent circuit ever built after Indianapolis and Brooklands.

Indeed. Spa has existed as a circuit for longer than Monza, but it's technically a street circuit I believe the first purpose-built part of Spa-Francorchamps to be built was the Raidillon (and possibly the old Stavelot corner).

[mario]

Monza is the oldest circuit that is still in current use (with Grand Prix's dating back to 1922) and has been used, with the exception of 1980, for every Italian GP. In the case of Suzuka though, that is a relatively modern addition to the calendar (1987), not to mention being occasionally substituted by Fuji for a few years in the past - it might be a very popular and challenging circuit, but I wouldn't necessarily say that in itself grants it historic status.

In fact, Spa-Francorchamps, opened in 1921, is even one year older than Monza, however the first Grand Prix at Spa was only held in 1925.

I suppose that I should have added the caveat of being the oldest purpose built permanent circuit (which was what I had in mind when originally responding) - you're right that the old public road course at Spa is older, of course.

[Nessafox]

If I'm not mistaken Monza was the third permanent circuit ever built after Indianapolis and Brooklands.

Indeed. Spa has existed as a circuit for longer than Monza, but it's technically a street circuit I believe the first purpose-built part of Spa-Francorchamps to be built was the Raidillon (and possibly the old Stavelot corner).

I don't know which is oldest, but both were purpose-built cut-offs and both were pre-F1. Stavelot is also one of the only banked corners one today can drive on in regular trafic (in one direction only), i did, and it was fun.

[go_Rubens]

If I'm not mistaken Monza was the third permanent circuit ever built after Indianapolis and Brooklands.

Indeed. Spa has existed as a circuit for longer than Monza, but it's technically a street circuit I believe the first purpose-built part of Spa-Francorchamps to be built was the Raidillon (and possibly the old Stavelot corner).

I don't know which is oldest, but both were purpose-built cut-offs and both were pre-F1. Stavelot is also one of the only banked corners one today can drive on in regular trafic (in one direction only), i did, and it was fun.

That could be another thing that could have happened if the public roads on the circuit itself (Blanchimont, La Source, Eau Rouge, etc.) were not closed, as I pondered in the What if? thread, maybe a local driving club would set up a historic event on the old circuit (with good safety) and people can drive around the old track in their old cars. It would be interesting. I wonder how many Belgians might like that.

Unpopular opinion time: Argentina should come back to F1 to support the South American cause in F1.

[apple2009]

Indeed. Spa has existed as a circuit for longer than Monza, but it's technically a street circuit I believe the first purpose-built part of Spa-Francorchamps to be built was the Raidillon (and possibly the old Stavelot corner).

I don't know which is oldest, but both were purpose-built cut-offs and both were pre-F1. Stavelot is also one of the only banked corners one today can drive on in regular trafic (in one direction only), i did, and it was fun.

That could be another thing that could have happened if the public roads on the circuit itself (Blanchimont, La Source, Eau Rouge, etc.) were not closed, as I pondered in the What if? thread, maybe a local driving club would set up a historic event on the old circuit (with good safety) and people can drive around the old track in their old cars. It would be interesting. I wonder how many Belgians might like that.

Unpopular opinion time: Argentina should come back to F1 to support the South American cause in F1.

Yep.