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.

[Cleoriff]

Same here @jonsie 

The Ferrari strategy team are a bunch of donkeys. They didn't think he would last on those tyres. Lewis had done 20 more laps on the same tyres!

On the other hand, it was great to see 2 Merc drivers on the podium.

[Cleoriff]

Shock news this morning. Seb Vettel, 4 wdc with Red Bull, has announced he will retire at the end of this season.

[Cleoriff]

Last race before the summer break at the Hungaroring.

Mercedes were doing well in Qualifying. George Russell is on pole. Lewis Hamilton had a problem with DRS and ended up in 7th.

Not a track easy to overtake, so lets see what happens.

[Cleoriff]

Race Results

Good result for Lewis from 7th to 2nd. (Max went from 10th to win)

[Cleoriff]

F1 is back after a 4 week summer break. They are racing at Spa. It's a triple header

PRACTICE 1

P2

6 drivers are taking Engine penalties

Verstappen, Leclerc, Ocon, Norris, Bottas, Schumacher.

[Cleoriff]

P3

And finally Qualifying....

Mercedes were pretty pathetic.They got pole before the summer break and only got 4th and 5th with penalties from so many teams.

[Cleoriff]

RACE DAY

Terrible race for Lewis. Out on the first lap after a crash with Alonso.  George managed 4th.  Sainz for Ferrari was on pole and yet again the strategy team messed it up for them.So only only one Ferrari on the podium

Max, who started 14th went on to win. May as well give him the championship now.

[Cleoriff]

DUTCH (VANDVOORT) F1

This is Max's home race and during Practice 1 he broke down (possible gear box issue) The crowd (the Orange Army) were shocked.

Anyway, although it was only Practice 1, it was great to see the Mercedes in 1st and 2nd, Beating the second Red Bull and both Ferrari's.

[pgn]

There may not be light there yet, but the end of the tunnel is still visible for Mercedes...? Especially if the engine is still intact 🏎️⚙️

[jonsie]

Any grid penalty for Lewis @Cleoriff ?