470 replies to this topic

[TomNokoe]

Fresh from championship glory, controversy and confusion alike, F1 2022 takes the transpacific trip back to North America to begin the final quartet of races, starting with CoTA's 10th-anniversary event.

 

Even though the title is settled, there's still plenty to race for. Verstappen is on the brink of matching the record for most wins in a season, although Ferrari and Mercedes will try valiantly to stop him. Elsewhere, McLaren and Alpine continue their season-long battle, whilst a late surge from Aston Martin could see them snatch a modicum of respectability out of an otherwise substandard year. Haas races at home with a distinctly more American feel this year.

 

FP1 sees an array of "young driver" substitutions, with Alex Palou, Logan Sargeant, Théo Pourchaire and Robert Shwartzman all featuring.

 

FP2 is extended to 90 minutes to belatedly allow Pirelli to test out the 2023 compounds.

 

And in what feels like forever, it's forecast to be a fully-dry, baking-hot weekend. I daresay, a proper grand prix!

 

Welcome to Round 19 of the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship.

 

 

 

Tyres and Weather

 

 

 

Schedule

        PDT     MDT     CDT*    EDT    --   BST     CEST 
FP1     1200    1300    1400    1500   --   2000    2100
FP2     1500    1600    1700    1800   --   2300    0000
FP3     1200    1300    1400    1500   --   2000    2100
Q       1500    1600    1700    1800   --   2300    0000
R       1200    1300    1400    1500   --   2000    2100

*Local

(Very symmetrical)
 

Time zone conversion here.

 

Full weekend schedule here.

Edited by TomNokoe, 20 October 2022 - 19:45.

[AustinF1]

Yep. Gonna be a hot one. The only COTA race I can remember off the top of my head that was in the 90s was the WEC race they held in September. It only got up to like 93 F, but it was brutal because you're out there all day and there's just no way to escape the sun. Forecast for sunday is 91-92, depending on where you look. No other signbificant race there has been in the 90s (F). 

 

There's also not gonna be much on-track action to keep fans occupied while sitting in the sun. W Series cancelled from an already-weak support lineup, leaving just Masters Historics and Masters Endurance. Very cool cars, but not much in the way of real racing or very hard driving (not that I blame them in those cars). I'm only going on Friday because of the inevitable logistical dumpster fires on Saturday and Sunday. Friday we get 3 Masters sessions, then a 2 hour break, then FP1, then another 2 hour break, then FP2.

Edited by AustinF1, 20 October 2022 - 19:56.

[sheSgoTthElooK]

I was just thinking, why the hell is there no thread yet. 

 

Now it is.

 

Thank you!

[Astandahl]

Another easy win for Verstappen.

[shotcaller]

https://twitter.com/...Bafr0utxDsWoj8w

 

Paddock pass for horse ridden by Danny Ric

Edited by shotcaller, 20 October 2022 - 20:01.

[owenmahamilton]

Has anyone else seen this story on the main Autosport page?

 

https://www.autospor...in-f1/10386750/

 

If they work they sound a very interesting idea.

[AustinF1]

[FNG]

Has anyone else seen this story on the main Autosport page?

 

https://www.autospor...in-f1/10386750/

 

If they work they sound a very interesting idea.

 

wonder how much weight they add. If they were stripping paint to save weight  I can't imagine these screens help in that regard

[GlenWatkins]

I just confirmed on GP Blog that Mario Andretti will do demo runs in a 2013 McLaren.

[GreenMachine]

How is the track surface looking - better or worse than last year?

[KWSN - DSM]

[jonpollak]

Danny Ric needs a NASCAR drive…..
Jp

[AustinF1]

How is the track surface looking - better or worse than last year?

I was able to get in a COTA lap in a 911 GT3 back in March, not long after they resurfaced the 40% of the track they worked on. They only worked on the very worst areas, mostly from T2 - 10. Turns 2 and 10 had already been resurfaced before and already needed more work. Those areas (in March ) were definitely better than they were before the resurfacing, but I wouldn't call them smooth by any stretch.

 

After their 2020 COTA race, the MotoGP riders demanded that the track be completely resurfaced. Epstein responded by asking what was the minimum they'd accept (because he's only ever going to do the absolute minimum for the actual racing). Resurfacing those areas was the minimum the MotoGP riders and Dorna would accept to return to COTA this past April, so that's what they got. During the weekend, they said they wouldn't exactly call the track 'fixed', but it was safe enough to race on. Not exactly a glowing assessment.

 

There are still nasty bumps in the T1 braking zone, T2, T5, T10 apex (which has already been resurfaced 2 or 3 times by now), T11 braking zone, back straight, T18, and T19. Given how quickly the ground moves out there and the hot, dry summer we've had, who knows what it's like now. It certainly won't be better than it was in March.

 

The new cars have had issues on bumpy tracks, and they're about to take on the bumpiest one on the calendar. With the stiffer suspension, lower-profile tires, and ground effect aero dependence of these new cars, this weekend will be very interesting.

[AustinF1]

Not gonna, and F1 doesn't race in the rain anymore.

[AustinF1]

OBTW, in case anyone's still looking, I've been seeing 3 day reserved seats today on stubhub for $250 - way less than half of face value. These people are posting these tickets at lower and lower prices, and not getting any bites. Saw 3 day GA for $200.

 

The ticket market is crashing hard, which is weird for an event that's supposedly been 'sold out' for months. Of course, despite what Bobby says, it's not sold out. COTA's still selling Friday GA, Sunday GA, and Sunday Reserved Seats, just like they did for last year's 'sold out for months' race, right up until the race.

Edited by AustinF1, 20 October 2022 - 22:13.

[KWSN - DSM]

 

OBTW, in case anyone's still looking, I've been seeing 3 day reserved seats today on stubhub for $250 - way less than half of face value. These people are posting these tickets at lower and lower prices, and not getting any bites. Saw 3 day GA for $200.

 

The ticket market is crashing hard, which is weird for an event that's supposedly been 'sold out' for months. Of course, despite what Bobby says, it's not sold out. COTA's still selling Friday GA, Sunday GA, and Sunday Reserved Seats, just like they did for last year's 'sold out for months' race, right up until the race.

 

 

Those on stub hub are sold though, and the buyers are trying to limit losses - Like when a Football game is sold out, and there are then 37.000 no shows.

[AustinF1]

Those on stub hub are sold though, and the buyers are trying to limit losses - Like when a Football game is sold out, and there are then 37.000 no shows.

When I say 'they're still selling tickets', I'm not talking about stubhub. I'm talking about tickets being sold directly by COTA. COTA's still selling tickets that haven't been sold. If you're selling tickets. then it's not sold out. 

[GlenWatkins]

Has anyone else seen this story on the main Autosport page?

https://www.autospor...in-f1/10386750/

If they work they sound a very interesting idea.

I think rolling billboards are a terrible idea.

[loki]

Looks like entire rows some in groups of two have been released.  That’s common when hospitality/group/comps are released.  How it works is those are held as tix go on sale.  Once the available public tix get sold the promoter claims “sell out”.  When the date gets closer and those held seats aren’t sold they are released like they magically appeared even though the event was sold out.  These days many events use “sold out” as a marketing term rather than how many butts are in seats.

[Myrvold]

Has anyone else seen this story on the main Autosport page?

https://www.autospor...in-f1/10386750/

If they work they sound a very interesting idea.

So innovative that V8 Supercars have had this for... 10 years? 15?

[AustinF1]

Looks like entire rows some in groups of two have been released.  That’s common when hospitality/group/comps are released.  How it works is those are held as tix go on sale.  Once the available public tix get sold the promoter claims “sell out”.  When the date gets closer and those held seats aren’t sold they are released like they magically appeared even though the event was sold out.  These days many events use “sold out” as a marketing term rather than how many butts are in seats.

Sure. I understand what you're saying. The only thing is I've been checking throughout the spring & summer and every time there were tickets for sale by COTA.

 

Edited because I completely misstated that the first time. 

Edited by AustinF1, 21 October 2022 - 03:43.

[AustinF1]

I think rolling billboards are a terrible idea.

We've had that basically forever, though, right?

[Makingtime]

I was glad to be back to racing    ...then Horner announces a press conference for Friday morning , Haas had a press conference today....it may be very hot and raining tears for days after Horner finishes... 

Edited by Makingtime, 20 October 2022 - 23:32.

[HerbieMcQueen]

I'll cop flak for this and maybe I'm a miserable fart, but Ricciardo's horse stunt is just more proof that his dimwitted juvenility is what stopped him from reaching any kind of potential. The man is in his 30's.

[as65p]

I'll cop flak for this and maybe I'm a miserable fart, but Ricciardo's horse stunt is just more proof that his dimwitted juvenility is what stopped him from reaching any kind of potential. The man is in his 30's.

I can genuinely see where you're coming from, but I really don't think it affected how far he got in his career. People can be strange and successful, and we've actually had a few of that description in F1 over the decades.

[Makingtime]

Danny Ric needs a NASCAR drive…..
Jp

 

Yup, and take GS with him.  Ought to be a blast plus.

[loki]

Can’t wait for Brundle’s Megan Thee Stallion interview…

[AustinF1]

I'll cop flak for this and maybe I'm a miserable fart, but Ricciardo's horse stunt is just more proof that his dimwitted juvenility is what stopped him from reaching any kind of potential. The man is in his 30's.

Horse stunt? Do you mean when he rode a horse very slowly through the paddock? Do we even know if that was his idea?

[AustinF1]

Latest local forecast suggests heat and wind will be a big factor on Sunday. 92F with strong, gusty winds up to 30 MPH. On top of the bumpy track with stiff suspensions and low profile tires, this could be a very tough weekend for the teams to get their heads around.

Edited by AustinF1, 21 October 2022 - 03:50.

[Myrvold]

Yup, and take GS with him. Ought to be a blast plus.

GS?

[AustinF1]

Today COTA renamed the T11 hairpin the "Bobby Pin", after circuit chairman Bobby Epstein.

 

And I'm not even joking. I wish I was. So embarrassing.

Edited by AustinF1, 21 October 2022 - 04:17.

[loki]

GS?

Either George Sussell or Gick Schmacher…

[GlenWatkins]

 

Today COTA renamed the T11 hairpin the "Bobby Pin", after circuit chairman Bobby Epstein.

 

And I'm not even joking. I wish I was. So embarrassing.

 

WTF, terrible idea. Classic Narcisisism.

Edited by GlenWatkins, 21 October 2022 - 06:10.

[IrvTheSwerve]

I'll cop flak for this and maybe I'm a miserable fart, but Ricciardo's horse stunt is just more proof that his dimwitted juvenility is what stopped him from reaching any kind of potential. The man is in his 30's.

Agreed. As much as I can sometimes find him entertaining and likeable, he totally bought into the ‘memeification’ of his personality. The smile, the shoeys, the accents, the press conference gags, etc. Post-Redbull, that is what he has mainly been about and is the main reason that fans are sad to see him leave the sport (potentially). If he had a boring personality he would be getting torn to shreds by fans this year, even more than he is now.

 

Maybe if he takes some kind of sabbatical he could come back afresh, with a serious desire to win races and championships (although I think they boat has now sailed).

 

Being teamed up with Norris has probably exacerbated his childishness, too.

Edited by IrvTheSwerve, 21 October 2022 - 06:48.

[JimmyClark]

Today COTA renamed the T11 hairpin the "Bobby Pin", after circuit chairman Bobby Epstein.

And I'm not even joking. I wish I was. So embarrassing.

I'm a big fan of giving corners actual names, but that is just plain weird.

[MJB5990]

Seeing on socials that Charles will be at the back after a new PU. Could do with Max joining him, maybe giving Merc a shot at the top step.

[SenorSjon]

Seeing on socials that Charles will be at the back after a new PU. Could do with Max joining him, maybe giving Merc a shot at the top step.

 

Or Verstappen just seeing it as a challenge... Perez has to secure 2nd in the WDC.

[RedRabbit]

Or Verstappen just seeing it as a challenge... Perez has to secure 2nd in the WDC.

Ferrari are even making that easier for Checo. They really seem to have almost no competitive spirit.

[Henri Greuter]

Ferrari are even making that easier for Checo. They really seem to have almost no competitive spirit.

 

 

Or they are investing in 2023.

And if RedBull will be set back somehow next year (and Ferrari knows how FIA can do that) they might be able to hit out harde next year by sacrificing some left over crumbles of this season in order to be better prepared for the full cake next year

[Anja]

I'll cop flak for this and maybe I'm a miserable fart, but Ricciardo's horse stunt is just more proof that his dimwitted juvenility is what stopped him from reaching any kind of potential. The man is in his 30's.

 

Easy to make that connection but on the other hand you have Lewis "distracting himself" with all the fashion and activism etc and we know how much it stopped him. 

 

It will never cease to amaze me how F1 fans at large want the drivers to be less of PR robots and show some personality and every time it actually happens we hear "well that's just not how an F1 driver should act". 

[Risil]

Riding a horse into the office is a great way of working out your notice.

[Red5ive]

Agreed. As much as I can sometimes find him entertaining and likeable, he totally bought into the ‘memeification’ of his personality. The smile, the shoeys, the accents, the press conference gags, etc. Post-Redbull, that is what he has mainly been about and is the main reason that fans are sad to see him leave the sport (potentially). If he had a boring personality he would be getting torn to shreds by fans this year, even more than he is now.

 

Maybe if he takes some kind of sabbatical he could come back afresh, with a serious desire to win races and championships (although I think they boat has now sailed).

 

Being teamed up with Norris has probably exacerbated his childishness, too.

 

 

Think that last bit is rather harsh. If anything - since Ric joined McLaren - Norris has been the mature one. He spent the whole first season trying to ignore being the butt of Ric's "jokes" and this season he has been more friendly but not descended to Rics level - any childishness has been as part of the silly PR stunts the team seems to want them to act out every week. Otherwise Norris has grown up a lot - Ric on the other hand ......

 

Anyway riding a horse is better than last seasons whole sideburns and "Ricky Bobby" schtick.

Edited by Red5ive, 21 October 2022 - 12:59.

[TomNokoe]

I heard RIC acknowledge his stunt was "obnoxious, silly, but fun" so I'll let him off.

[Cyanide]

Yeah, at the time when Ricciardo was delivering results AND doing these silly things, it was fun. Now, when he's less relevant than the budget cap, it's rather 'meh'.

[HerbieMcQueen]

Easy to make that connection but on the other hand you have Lewis "distracting himself" with all the fashion and activism etc and we know how much it stopped him. 

 

It will never cease to amaze me how F1 fans at large want the drivers to be less of PR robots and show some personality and every time it actually happens we hear "well that's just not how an F1 driver should act". 

I don't personally care for personality or not. I think Scott Dixon is one of the more underrated drivers in motor sport history, and he could put a dinner table to sleep. Like I said, the man is in his 30's and rides a horse into a paddock, shouts "dildo!" during a photo shoot, and generally acts like some part of him stopped developing after the age of 5. Just my own view. For all my opinions on Hamilton, he at least comes across as a more serious operator, who knows what he wants, and acts his age (fashion choices aside... ).

[BRG]

It will never cease to amaze me how F1 fans at large want the drivers to be less of PR robots and show some personality and every time it actually happens we hear "well that's just not how an F1 driver should act". 

And yet Kimi Raikkonen was one of the most popular drivers ever, and he could make a robot look over-caffeinated.

[RekF1]

2007 USGP on sky right now. One of Lewis best races.

[Thursday]

I heard RIC acknowledge his stunt was "obnoxious, silly, but fun" so I'll let him off.

I don't like people who deliberately do something they know to be obnoxious, so I will not let him off.

 

I watched a YouTube review of the Aston Martin DBX 707 and it has a 'loud start' button. Press the button and the car makes even more noise so everyone notices you. My immediate reaction was 'that is just obnoxious' and then I realised that is exactly what people who buy high performance SUVs want. These cars are bought by obnoxious people who take pride in their lack of consideration for others.

[Laptom]

I don't like people who deliberately do something they know to be obnoxious, so I will not let him off.

I watched a YouTube review of the Aston Martin DBX 707 and it has a 'loud start' button. Press the button and the car makes even more noise so everyone notices you. My immediate reaction was 'that is just obnoxious' and then I realised that is exactly what people who buy high performance SUVs want. These cars are bought by obnoxious people who take pride in their lack of consideration for others.

Well I like a loud DBX. So they at least considering my feelings 🤔

Edited by Laptom, 21 October 2022 - 14:59.

[CharlesWinstone]

2007 USGP on sky right now. One of Lewis best races.

Who?