Abu Dhabi & Post Season discussion

Vettel out in q1

Rosberg pole by three tenths, Hamilton second & Kimi third. Hamilton definitely not the same driver over one lap since the Singapore development changes to the car, in response to their slow pace that weekend.

Rosberg 6 poles in a row and today even more convincing than before. He would be on for his fourth consecutive grand prix win if he hadn't have made a "nothing" mistake in Texas. So instead he is on for his third consecutive win.

For whatever reason Hamilton has lost that edge he had over Rosberg for 80% of the season. In most cases it wouldn't be much of a talking point taking into account Hamilton has won 2 world championships and 21 races between 2014-2015.

BUT after Hamilton elbowed Rosberg away in Japan, Rosberg's DNF in Russia and Rosberg's unforced error in America - Rosberg was a broken man. I thought there was a chance he could quit F1, his whole body language showed his heart was broken.

But with Hamilton easing off? Rosberg finding his mojo? Rosberg's recent form suggests he could mix it with Hamilton again.

Hamilton could live to regret whatever's behind his recent slump. You just have to look a Sebastian Vettel, once he beat Webber in 2010, he dismantled Webber and the Australian was merely a footnote between 2011-13. Hamilton should've done the same with Rosberg.

I think its understandable that Hamilton's lost some of his edge since winning the title, whether its subconscious or not. Once you've achieved your goal for the season, it must be hard to maintain the same levels of focus, commitment etc.

Plus he's been quite the socialite lately, going to all these events, planning his mum's 60th birthday and whatnot. He even openly admitted he'd not been getting much rest and was feeling burnt out.

I think he'll come back next season refreshed and looking to win his 4th title.

That said, Rosberg has looked a new man over the last few races and his recent results could be strengthening him mentally and giving him belief that he can beat Lewis on a regular basis.

Is this simply because Lewis has eased off in what are effectively dead rubbers, or is he genuinely struggling with the car, while Nico has managed to find some extra performance?

Either way this can only be a good thing for next season. F1 desperately needs a good, close title fight.

May or may not be significant, but certainly gives Hamilton something to chew over the winter. And gives Rosberg some impetus.

Rosberg has the older engine, so with DRS, Lewis should have the opportunity to overtake in this race, unlike in Brazil or Mexico

I think that's it. Rosberg looks to be in complete control.

After lap 12 and the first pit stop for Mercedes Rosberg ahead of Hamilton by nearly 7 seconds.

Hamilton closer to Kimi than Rosberg really.

Lewis is starting to close now.

Biding his time is Lewis. Be amazed if Lewis doesn't get one chance at an overtake, think he'll want to put this Rosberg momentum to bed.

Rosberg in complete control 13 seconds ahead of Hamilton.

Not convinced on this strategy for Hamilton. Lost some much time to Rosberg.

Hamilton pretty much had this, when 1 sec behind with a pit stop each. Mercedes stalling & separating them was awful & sums up the season, no racing, just avoidance tactics. 13 seconds deficit for Hamilton in 10 laps was never going to work for Lewis.

John wrote:Hamilton pretty much had this, when 1 sec behind with a pit stop each. Mercedes stalling & separating them was awful & sums up the season, no racing, just avoidance tactics. 13 seconds deficit for Hamilton in 10 laps was never going to work for Lewis.

Completely agree with the avoidance tactics. Definitely fouled up Hamilton.

LiamB wrote:

John wrote:Hamilton pretty much had this, when 1 sec behind with a pit stop each. Mercedes stalling & separating them was awful & sums up the season, no racing, just avoidance tactics. 13 seconds deficit for Hamilton in 10 laps was never going to work for Lewis.

Completely agree with the avoidance tactics. Definitely fouled up Hamilton.

Not sure what you mean by avoidance tactics, Hamilton would still have needed to have overtaken Rosberg.  If Hamilton had pitted a lap after Rosberg he would have been about a second and a half behind Rosberg with about 20 laps to play with.  Constantly pressurising Rosberg for 20 laps could have elicited a mistake from Rosberg. Now Hamilton will be about 7 seconds behind Rosberg at the finish.

That this has been one of the better races this year says a lot.

Mercedes saying if Hamilton struggles with the backmarkers they'll turn Rosberg's engine down. Totally embarrassing by Mercedes

Avoidance tactics is exactly what we've seen. Instead of allowing Hamilton the chance to overtake in the last stint, they separated them & eased all pressure off Rosberg.

Hamilton burned up a lot of fuel in that middle stint I imagine. Has made next to no headway realistically in this last stint given tyre wear.

Timing doesn't really matter, if they pit at a similar time he has to get past Rosberg on similar tyres and likely down on fuel. This way they gave him a chance to catch him on much fresher tyres. Hes just made no impact.

Rosberg has more or less completely dominated Hamilton in the last several races and this will put a dampener on Hamilton' season.

Got a chuckle out of Verstappen complaining at being ran off the road.

Completely dominated Lewis? Lewis beat him in Qualifying, race head to heads & has three championships to zero. Rosberg has essentially celebrating winning nothing.

As for this race, Mercedes made sure both drivers avoided any kind of racing with each other.

Rosberg has more or less completely dominated Hamilton in the last several races

Bolded the part you probably missed there John.

The delay on Hamilton's second stop cost him the win. Had the pace with ease over Rosberg, as the second stint showed. Mercedes have just controlled both drivers ever since Spa, for a f1 duel, it's been one of the worst, in terms of actual on track duelling.

This momentum for Nico means absolutely nothing, if anything it's just Mercedes keeping Nico onside & motivated to beat Ferrarinnext year.

A pretty low-key season closer, made all the more disappointing by Mercedes' refusal to give Hamilton a chance to chase down Rosberg after the final stops.

I was shaking my head listening to those radio transmissions, telling Hamilton that if he didn't do as he was told, (the "Strat 10...instruction" one in particular), they'd simply tell Rosberg to switch to a different strat (presumably a higher engine mode).

So much for Mercedes encouraging their drivers to race. If you can't let your drivers race once the titles are decided, when can you?

Wolff & co went down a couple of notches in my estimation after this.

Says it all that they keep referring to their corporate sponsors and the team's "duty" to deliver 1-2 finishes. What an utterly b****cks and anti-racing message to send out.


So, hopes for next year:

1. Rosberg can build on his recent performances and hit the ground running next season.
2. Failing that Vettel and Ferrari can provide a serious threat to Mercedes.
3. Renault are still in F1 in some capacity.
4. Honda get their act together and don't give Alonso a reason to take a sabbatical.
5. Haas can break the usual cycle of F1 newcomers (with Ferrari backing and Grosjean in the cockpit, they have a decent chance).

That was pretty much my original point, pure 'avoidance tactics'. Mercedes made sure that there would be no racing spectacle or duelling whatsoever, it was embarrassing. James Vowles is the only race strategist at Mercedes, that is also responsible for Rosberg's race, so he has no real vested interest in Hamilton beating Rosberg, only too make sure both cars finish 1-2. Also, would Mercedes really be wanting Hamilton beating Rosberg with this alternate strategy, which ultimately would go against their policy of disadvantaging the lead driver?

They wanted to simply break last season's constructors point record, with a 1-2. Hamilton got the lead down to 0.9, then Rosberg pitted. In an ideal world, Hamilton should of pitted a lap later for the final stint & we would of been given a mouthwatering duel for the race win. Instead, we witnessed Mercedes 'avoidance tactics' in full show. Mercedes' knew what they were doing, Hamilton coming out 12.2 seconds behind, with that amount of laps left, never gave Hamilton's strategy a fighting chance.

John wrote:That was pretty much my original point, pure 'avoidance tactics'. Mercedes made sure that there would be no racing spectacle or duelling whatsoever, it was embarrassing. James Vowles is the only race strategist at Mercedes, that is also responsible for Rosberg's race, so he has no real vested interest in Hamilton beating Rosberg, only too make sure both cars finish 1-2. Also, would Mercedes really be wanting Hamilton beating Rosberg with this alternate strategy, which ultimately would go against their policy of disadvantaging the lead driver?

They wanted to simply break last season's constructors point record, with a 1-2. Hamilton got the lead down to 0.9, then Rosberg pitted. In an ideal world, Hamilton should of pitted a lap later for the final stint & we would of been given a mouthwatering duel for the race win. Instead, we witnessed Mercedes 'avoidance tactics' in full show. Mercedes' knew what they were doing, Hamilton coming out 12.2 seconds behind, with that amount of laps left, never gave Hamilton's strategy a fighting chance.

David Coulthard called it immediately. Hamilton had to pit the next lap. Delaying the pit stop would be to the advantage of Rosberg. The strategist should have known that. Hamilton didn't really know what was going on. Apparently he lost the Monaco Grand Prix win because he himself was insistent to come in for a tyre change but he wouldn't have done that if he was told he would come out second or third.

To be honest, it was always going to be 'the end of the road', for one of the Mercedes drivers, at the end of 2016, regardless of this threat from the Mercedes team today. Things get too stale after a period & need mixing up. If Lewis wins a third, I'd be tempted to jump ship & try & really cement a lasting legacy, by winning a championship at a third team. It would also coincide, with Mercedes' domination, likely coming to an end. If Lewis does win his third title on the trot & wanted to stay, then it's almost impossible for Rosberg to stay at the team, the psychological impact of another beating, would be too much.

Confirmed 2014 schedule

2016 FORMULA 1 CALENDAR:

March 20 - Australia
April 3 - Bahrain
April 17 - China
May 1 - Russia
May 15 - Spain
May 29 - Monaco
June 12 - Canada
June 19 - Europe (Baku)
July 3 - Austria
July 10 - Britain
July 24 - Hungary
July 31 - Germany
August 28 - Belgium
September 4 - Italy
September 18 - Singapore
October 2 - Malaysia
October 9 - Japan
October 23 - USA* Subject to promoters agreeing a deal
October 30 - Mexico
November 13 - Brazil
November 27 - Abu Dhabi

Should Mercedes come true on their threat to change their line up as soon as 2017, you'd have to imagine Rosberg out and either Hulkenberg/Wehrlein in as number 2 drivers(Hulkenberg is far too good to be a number 2...). Don't see it smart as having Verstappen partnering Hamilton, as young Max is too hot headed. Maybe Alonso if he's still around.

If Hamilton does win his 4th title next season, you have to think Ferrari would be doing their utmost to tempt him to the Red Side for 2017. We'd then have the (dream?) pairing of Hamilton and Vettel.

As Liam said, if he did win 3 titles on the trot with Mercedes, there is a chance Lewis might get itchy feet and feel he needs a new challenge (can't be many other drivers who've won titles with 3 different teams).

Probably wishful thinking on my part, but I would love to see it happen. More to the point could Ferrari handle having those two drivers at the same time?


On the other hand, if Lewis decides he's happy to stay at Mercedes, you can't see them kicking him out. Rosberg's a decent enough driver though, so I'm sure he wouldn't be short of offers from the likes of Force India or Renault. Could even see Ferrari snapping him up as #2 to Vettel, assuming Raikkonen calls it a day.

dyrewolfe wrote:If Hamilton does win his 4th title next season, you have to think Ferrari would be doing their utmost to tempt him to the Red Side for 2017. We'd then have the (dream?) pairing of Hamilton and Vettel.

As Liam said, if he did win 3 titles on the trot with Mercedes, there is a chance Lewis might get itchy feet and feel he needs a new challenge (can't be many other drivers who've won titles with 3 different teams).

Probably wishful thinking on my part, but I would love to see it happen. More to the point could Ferrari handle having those two drivers at the same time?


On the other hand, if Lewis decides he's happy to stay at Mercedes, you can't see them kicking him out. Rosberg's a decent enough driver though, so I'm sure he wouldn't be short of offers from the likes of Force India or Renault. Could even see Ferrari snapping him up as #2 to Vettel, assuming Raikkonen calls it a day.

IIRC only Fangio has won championships with more than 2 teams and I think he done it with 4 teams. So yeah it's pretty rate and Hamilton might consider it the final item on his F1 bucket list. But I always felt he would one day return to McLaren...

Don't see anyone other than Romain Grosjean at Ferrari in 2017.

Renault have completed their takeover of Lotus

Red Bull have confirmed they will race a re-branded Renault engine in 2016, bearing the TAG Heuer name. Red Bull have confirmed the power units will carry the name of motorsport's most iconic timing brand – TAG Heuer, while the team's car has been christened, the Red Bull Racing-TAG Heuer RB12.

BBC ditch F1 & ITV will take over the rights for next season.

They really phoned it in this year to be honest

LiamB wrote:BBC ditch F1 & Channel 4 will take over the rights for next season.

Fixed.

Channel 4 will broadcast 10 live Formula 1 races, including practice and qualifying sessions, from 2016 to 2018. It will also broadcast comprehensive highlights of all 21 Grands Prix and qualifying sessions, including those shown live by Sky Sports.

The live coverage and highlights will be broadcast free-to-air and in high definition. Channel 4 promised that no advertising breaks will be taken through the duration of the live races.

Ad breaks would've probably been a refreshing changeup to some of last years races

Regardless of it being ITV or C4, next year should be exciting & this might be a great time to take over from the BBC. You usually get the most exciting seasons, as is the way, towards the end of a regulation period, as the team who gained the advantage, is usually pegged back. We will no doubt have a fantastic season, then the regulations change again & everybody is saying ' we didn't need change lol'.

Think Ferrari will be more than a match for Mercedes next year.

Sorry but I see more Mercedes domination next year. F1 needs massive shake-up and break the stranglehold Mercedes and Ferrari are placing on the sport. For first time (possibly ever) I agree with Ecclestone's stance. I would love to see more powerhouses getting involved in the sport to supply engines or teams such as Porsche or Audi but I suppose I am a dreamer.

Button has split from his wife. Guess he enjoyed racing at the back of the grid too much, instead of retiring & being at home with the wife.

LiamB wrote:Regardless of it being ITV or C4, next year should be exciting & this might be a great time to take over from the BBC. You usually get the most exciting seasons, as is the way, towards the end of a regulation period, as the team who gained the advantage, is usually pegged back. We will no doubt have a fantastic season, then the regulations change again & everybody is saying ' we didn't need change lol'.

Think Ferrari will be more than a match for Mercedes next year.

As far as I'm aware the regulation changes for next season are minimal. In fact, Christian Horner was calling for more changes to stop another season of Mercedes dominance.

2017 is when the next major changes come into effect - unless its changed since the last article I read.

LiamB wrote:
Button has split from his wife. Guess he enjoyed racing at the back of the grid too much, instead of retiring & being at home with the wife.

Wow - didn't hear anything about that. Sad, but I suppose it can't be easy making long-distance relationships work. You would think they would have held off on a decision until Jensen and Fernando find out whether they will have a half-decent car next season. If it looked like being another dog, he could have quit to spend time with his missus.

I will hold my breath on anyone getting close to Mercedes.

Seems like wishful thinking.

Heard that Alain Prost is wanted by Renault, to become the Team Principle

LiamB wrote:Heard that Alain Prost is wanted by Renault, to become the Team Principle

I don't see that working too well. He already had a go at team management, not long after he retired and Prost GP didn't really do anything of note...or last very long. Think they bought out Ligier in 1997 and folded around 2000.

Think he's also busy with his Formula E team anyway.

Pirelli have forced a re-think of the planned changes for the 2017 season.

As well as making the cars wider and "more dramatic-looking", the FIA were hoping the changes would make the cars up to 5 seconds a lap faster.

Pirelli, however, have said the current tyre design would not be able to cope with the increased loadings these changes would generate.

The teams are now looking at revising the planned aero changes, so that the overall increase in downforce will be smaller. For their Part Pirelli are looking at re-designing the tyres and have not ruled out building entirely different ones.

Plans to speed up 2017 cars watered down after Pirelli concern

F1's bosses decided last year to make the cars more exciting and dramatic-looking in response to concerns that the sport's appeal is waning.

Teams and governing body the FIA had by the end of November agreed on a series of changes for 2017:

to widen the track - the distance across the car between the wheels - from 1800mm to 2000mm

fit wider tyres

change the shape and size of the front and rear wings

produce more aerodynamic downforce from wider bodywork and a re-designed underfloor.

The increase in downforce predicted from these plans is estimated at between 25-60%.

Sources say Pirelli made a presentation to the teams in which it said its tyres, made to the planned 2017 dimensions, could not cope with more than a 10-15% increase in downforce without it needing to impose much higher tyre pressures.

It said pressures would have to be as high as 27psi - about 50% higher than would be considered by teams to be 'normal'.

But higher tyre pressure reduces grip, which would mean diminishing returns from the increase in car performance.

The other problem was that with reduced tyre grip, a greater proportion of the lap-time gain would come from aerodynamics, and the feeling among engineers and world governing body the FIA was that this would make close racing and overtaking even more difficult than it already is.

This is counter to the initial intent behind the changes, which was to speed up the cars without having a detrimental effect on the quality of the racing.

On a positive note though, it looks like the engine manufacturers have found ways to slash the cost of engines to customer teams by more than 50%. It seems that by standardising some parts, prices can be reduced from the current 18-23M Euros to around 10M.

Kevin Magnussen will drive for Renault next year if Maldonado's sponsors don't pay up soon enough.

McLaren have recruited former Volkswagen motorsport boss Jost Capito as the new overall head of their Formula 1 programme.

Manor have signed former Ferrari chief designer Nikolas Tombazis as chief aerodynamicist.