Formula One 2022

[Cleoriff]

This is the year of the change to regulations and a new look for F1 cars. According to the FIA, 'it's to level the playing field'. I'm not happy with that, it's killing innovation and turning an elite sport into F2.

I may be wrong but that needs to be proved.

Anyway the 'confirmed' calendar is here.

In other news, various sports articles are showing concern that Lewis Hamilton has maintained a social media blackout since the fiasco of Abu Dhabi.

Depending on your point of view, this race was 'nearly' won by Hamilton who was 12 seconds ahead of Verstappen until 5 laps from the end when a crash by Latifi brought out a safety car. The race director who was being harangued by Toto Wolff (Mercedes manager) and Christian Horner (Red Bull manager), made some very controversial decisions in order to 'get one lap of racing'.

The outcome was, Verstappen won the race and his first championship.

Hamilton who was within 5 laps of an historical 8th WDC, behaved with utmost dignity at race end. Congratulated Verstappen and Horner. Was interviewed by Jenson Button and refused to be drawn on any comment regarding the controversy. Stood on the podium and continued to go through the motions of the celebration.

Since then nothing has been heard from him.

According to his brother Nicholas 'Lewis is fine. He's having a break Social Media can be a very toxic place'.

Further rumour is Hamilton was the one who stopped Mercedes from taking this case to the F1 Court of Appeal, which was their intention after their appeal was dismissed by the FIA in Abu Dhabi.

Anyway roll on February when the cars are revealed and March when testing begins.

[pgn]

Quality viewing today, no pressure. Hopefully, 22 races pay off 👍

[Cleoriff]

Practice 3.

Red Bulls trying for a 1&2 so it hopefully (for them) is converted to that in Qualy and the race tomorrow. That means RBR will have both drivers finishing 1& 2 in the final standings. Oh Yippee 😂

Qualifying starts in 30mins. Lewis and 2 others are under investigation for allegedly speeding when a red light was showing. All the interviewers are convinced the so called red light was a yellow. The view from his dash showed his speed dropping so hopefully he will avoid a penalty.

[pgn]

A Yellow light, you say?

Classic scene 😄

[Cleoriff]

Well if Lewis is to get his first win tomorrow he will need a damn miracle. Trouble with brakes on both cars

Still the race starts at a decent time 1pm so I'll be ready.

[Cleoriff]

Like last year but for different reasons, Lewis Hamilton has reason to hate Abu Dhabi.

The race started well, and LH actually made his way into 3rd from 5th, whilst his team mate had a bad start and  lost two positions.  Unfortunately Sainz, who Lewis overtook at the start, tried to get his position back, bumped Lewis off track, the car came down with a crash on the kerb, some floor damage was obvious but Lewis kept going.

The race was important for Perez (RBR) and Leclerc (Ferrari) who where both fighting to finish 2nd in the championship. Max as ever streaked into the lead where he stayed until race end.

Both Mercs changed onto the hards and George overtook Lewis. A few laps later Lewis returned the favour.

Sadly and for the first time all season, Lewis's car started to develop hydraulic issues and on lap 55 (out of 58) he had to retire the car. He was running 4th at the time with George in 6th.

It was also a sad emotional day for 2 drivers Seb Vettel and Nicholas Latifi. Seb, a 4x WDC, is a lovely chap and well respected by everyone. Both drivers raced for the last time in Formula 1 as they are retiring. Good luck to both of them.

Daniel Ricciardo and Mike Schumacher have lost their seats. Not too bothered about Mick as he only got into F1 because his father is the 'Racing Legend' Michael Schumacher. Daniel, on the other hand, is an excellent driver who made some poor choices about the teams he was racing for. McLaren, his last team expected great things from him, but he couldn't get used to the car. His much younger team mate Lando Norris, has outscored him every race bar two.

So a grim day for Mercedes who took 18 races to unlock the potential of the W13 and was one of the most consistent cars on the grid.

Sadly took until today to have a DNF with their 7 times WDC in the damn thing. A race to forget for me.

Perez lost his 2nd place to Leclerc.  RBR did not manage to get 1st and 2nd in the season end standings.

Roll on March . I hope a 'certain team' manage to produce a race winning car for the 2023 season.

Over and out! 🤔

[pgn]

Grim, yes. March on, I guess