The 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix could have given Formula 1 a new World Champion, but it didn't. However, it confirmed a fact that didn't need much confirming - that Max Verstappen is absolute World Champion material. Irrespective of the outcome of the World Drivers' Championship, 2016 will be remembered for the brilliance of Max Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton won his first-ever race in Ayrton Senna's land ensuring that Abu Dhabi hosts the title decider yet again. We guess that Bernie Ecclestone and the Sheikhs would be very pleased given the amount of money they pay as hosting fees!
On the Inside Line F1 Podcast this week, we laugh over Fernando Alonso's sense of humour. He was a horrible cameraman, but hey, at least he gave us a good laugh! Alonso also said that F1 should pay fans to watch the sport. Though ironically, thanks to all his engine woes, Alonso has been the sports highest paid viewer for the better part of the last two seasons!
The success of the wet race in Brazil makes us wonder whether Bernie's sprinkler idea is all that bad after all! Pirelli's extreme wet tyres are so bad, but then we guess that's true of all their tyres. Felipe Massa had an emotional farewell in Brazil, and we are sure that Jenson Button was slightly jealous – though that’s the price you pay for not making up your mind! And a gutsy Sergio Perez dumped his new sponsor on Twitter for a joke that clearly wasn't funny.
Finally, the big question: As we head to the title decider in Abu Dhabi, who is going to emerge as World Champion? Tune in!
(Season 2016, Episode 38)
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Wednesday, 16 November 2016
Sunday, 13 November 2016
Brazilian GP Report - Ending up where you started
Between the lakes, Interlagos translates as. Never did it seem more appropriate.
Yes, the local wackiness that threatened to but didn't arrive yesterday did today. Or it sort of did. The weather did its very worst from overnight between Saturday and Sunday, and didn't really ever stop. The disruption of the fare was typical really - a delayed race start, then slow circulating behind the safety car. Two red flag periods. Plenty thought at either of them that we wouldn't see any more action.
But also typically we did eventually get action, all of the proscribed distance indeed, and we were thankful that we did. As each delay was met with inevitable claims that the modern F1 pilot lacks in fortitude compared with their predecessors of generations passed, they then demonstrated not for the first time they lack nothing in that.
But as I said the local wackiness only sort of arrived, as not even that could set our story arc off its script. Somehow and scarcely credibly after all those 71 laps and the disruption outlined, taking us upwards of three hours from start to finish, we yet ended up roughly where we started. Lewis Hamilton won from pole, again (his first win at this venue). His team mate and title antagonist Nico Rosberg followed him in having started second, again. In both cases just like in the previous two rounds. In both cases it was all they needed to do to keep the championship chase ticking along. Thus, again, it's as you were.
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| Even with Interlagos doing its worst, Lewis Hamilton did what he had to Photo: Octane Photography |
But also typically we did eventually get action, all of the proscribed distance indeed, and we were thankful that we did. As each delay was met with inevitable claims that the modern F1 pilot lacks in fortitude compared with their predecessors of generations passed, they then demonstrated not for the first time they lack nothing in that.
But as I said the local wackiness only sort of arrived, as not even that could set our story arc off its script. Somehow and scarcely credibly after all those 71 laps and the disruption outlined, taking us upwards of three hours from start to finish, we yet ended up roughly where we started. Lewis Hamilton won from pole, again (his first win at this venue). His team mate and title antagonist Nico Rosberg followed him in having started second, again. In both cases just like in the previous two rounds. In both cases it was all they needed to do to keep the championship chase ticking along. Thus, again, it's as you were.
Saturday, 12 November 2016
Interlagos Qualifying - Calm before the storm
Interlagos must be losing its edge. The F1 equivalent of the Bermuda Triangle, where anything can and often does go down, this time was sedate. Not even entering this Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying hour with a 70% chance of rain meant that it did its worst, or anything like it.
Aside from the odd tiny sprinkle the rain stayed away; so did most of the local wackiness. And with this the outcome was as you were. As you were for this weekend, and as you were for recent rounds. Lewis Hamilton remained consistently ahead of his Mercedes team mate and title foe Nico Rosberg, and took the pole with Nico next up. Not even Interlagos - not only with its funkiness but also that he'd never won nor taken pole here before - could halt the Englishman today.
And it's as you were for the title too, with the shadow boxing of the past few weeks between the two Merc antagonists continuing. Lewis is doing what you can by leading; Nico is doing what he needs by following him in. Neither yet has delivered a knock out blow.
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| For Lewis Hamilton, the Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying session was more of the same Photo: Octane Photography |
And it's as you were for the title too, with the shadow boxing of the past few weeks between the two Merc antagonists continuing. Lewis is doing what you can by leading; Nico is doing what he needs by following him in. Neither yet has delivered a knock out blow.
Thursday, 10 November 2016
The latest Lights to Flag Podcast - 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix Preview
The latest Lights to Flag podcast is with us. Ewan and I were joined again by Jack Amey and we looked at the hot off the press 2017 drivers' market news with the musical chairs' seats suddenly being claimed rapidly - Esteban Ocon going to Force India, Jolyon Palmer being retained at Renault and Kevin Magnussen poised to be confirmed at Haas.
We also looked ahead to this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix - a round that has a madcap quality at the best of times; this time the world drivers' championship could be decided. Or at the other end of the scale it could shift things away markedly from the championship elect...
You also can interact with the podcast via its Twitter account and on its Facebook page. If you want to appear on it give us a shout too. And if you have comments then get them to us via the various channels and we'll read out the good ones on a future episode!
We also looked ahead to this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix - a round that has a madcap quality at the best of times; this time the world drivers' championship could be decided. Or at the other end of the scale it could shift things away markedly from the championship elect...
You also can interact with the podcast via its Twitter account and on its Facebook page. If you want to appear on it give us a shout too. And if you have comments then get them to us via the various channels and we'll read out the good ones on a future episode!
New Grand Prix Times article: Why Ferrari's slump comes as no surprise
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| Photo: Octane Photography |
Ferrari made an astonishingly bound forward between 2014 and 2015 and a similar bound we thought would give us a title fight. The sport's most famous name looked back on song - what could possibly go amiss?
Well, as suggested, plenty has gone amiss. And in my latest my Grand Prix Times I explain why Ferrari's difficult season should have been no surprise.
You can have a read here: http://www.grandprixtimes.com/news/id/13231
Wednesday, 9 November 2016
Inside Line F1 Podcast - Let's Not Belittle The Formula 1 Drivers' Championship
The 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix could be a Grand Prix of firsts for the Mercedes drivers. Lewis Hamilton could win his first-ever Brazilian Grand Prix OR Nico Rosberg could win his first-ever Formula 1 Drivers' Championship. Let's hope the 'best driver' wins. In which case, shouldn't it then be Fernando Alonso?
We're loving the suspense and surprise of title fight this season and don't mind it being taken forward to Abu Dhabi. After all, there's finally some surprise in the sport other than Max Verstappen! Unless, of course, you're Robbie Williams.
While Abu Dhabi pays millions hoping to host a 'title decider', Brazil has done so six times in our recent memory. By the way, the 2012 edition of the race was also McLaren and Jenson Button's last win. What are the bets we could be repeating this statistic for McLaren this time, next year?
As we look forward to Interlagos, we share our vivid memories of a circuit that made Timo Glock world famous. We also remember a rare and unexpected robbery attempt on Jenson Button, Adrian Newey's Red Bull Racing 'tank' that withstood a bang in 2012 and Schumi helping Baby Schumi to his third world title.
Will Nico Rosberg be able to race in Brazil without thinking of the Drivers' Championship? He's made the 'race-by-race' approach work, till date. We're sure that mind games will be at their absolute best. And as tough as it will ever be, we try and settle this whole 'Does Nico Rosberg deserve the Drivers' Championship?' debate. Let's remember, by saying that someone was 'lucky' to win a Formula 1 Drivers' Championship, that too in its longest season ever, might be belittling the title in itself!
As for Lewis Hamilton, we hope he's learning lessons from Serena Williams on how to thwart a 'match point'. Actually, who better than Williams to teach him.
Gravel traps, yes or no? Formula 1 has senseless penalties. It would be good to see some sensible ones applied too, especially for exceeding track limits. All sports have one. In fact, the one sport that doesn't is World Wrestling Entertainment.
And how on earth did Sebastian Vettel go scot free after his expletive laden radio message in Mexico? It is one thing to not respect competitors, but it is another to not respect the Race Director. The least they should've done was strip him of his 'Driver of the Day' award. But the FIA isn't in setting examples, so we shouldn't be surprised.
Fernando Alonso has called the current Formula 1 as Formula 1/2 (or Formula 0.5)! This is probably better than being classified as GP2. If Ross Brawn is indeed interested in working on the long term plans for the sport, it should include a robust part that should have the best drivers on the grid race in Formula 1 cars and not Formula 0.5!
Finally, just when we thought that almost no one would be been interested in learning from Formula 1, an Olympic Champion has indicated how skiing should use Formula 1 qualifying system at their World Cups. This comes in a year when we almost ditched the only thing that's working well in the sport.
We're loving the suspense and surprise of title fight this season and don't mind it being taken forward to Abu Dhabi. After all, there's finally some surprise in the sport other than Max Verstappen! Unless, of course, you're Robbie Williams.
While Abu Dhabi pays millions hoping to host a 'title decider', Brazil has done so six times in our recent memory. By the way, the 2012 edition of the race was also McLaren and Jenson Button's last win. What are the bets we could be repeating this statistic for McLaren this time, next year?
As we look forward to Interlagos, we share our vivid memories of a circuit that made Timo Glock world famous. We also remember a rare and unexpected robbery attempt on Jenson Button, Adrian Newey's Red Bull Racing 'tank' that withstood a bang in 2012 and Schumi helping Baby Schumi to his third world title.
Will Nico Rosberg be able to race in Brazil without thinking of the Drivers' Championship? He's made the 'race-by-race' approach work, till date. We're sure that mind games will be at their absolute best. And as tough as it will ever be, we try and settle this whole 'Does Nico Rosberg deserve the Drivers' Championship?' debate. Let's remember, by saying that someone was 'lucky' to win a Formula 1 Drivers' Championship, that too in its longest season ever, might be belittling the title in itself!
As for Lewis Hamilton, we hope he's learning lessons from Serena Williams on how to thwart a 'match point'. Actually, who better than Williams to teach him.
Gravel traps, yes or no? Formula 1 has senseless penalties. It would be good to see some sensible ones applied too, especially for exceeding track limits. All sports have one. In fact, the one sport that doesn't is World Wrestling Entertainment.
And how on earth did Sebastian Vettel go scot free after his expletive laden radio message in Mexico? It is one thing to not respect competitors, but it is another to not respect the Race Director. The least they should've done was strip him of his 'Driver of the Day' award. But the FIA isn't in setting examples, so we shouldn't be surprised.
Fernando Alonso has called the current Formula 1 as Formula 1/2 (or Formula 0.5)! This is probably better than being classified as GP2. If Ross Brawn is indeed interested in working on the long term plans for the sport, it should include a robust part that should have the best drivers on the grid race in Formula 1 cars and not Formula 0.5!
Finally, just when we thought that almost no one would be been interested in learning from Formula 1, an Olympic Champion has indicated how skiing should use Formula 1 qualifying system at their World Cups. This comes in a year when we almost ditched the only thing that's working well in the sport.
Monday, 7 November 2016
Interlagos Preview - F1's Bermuda Triangle
Just like that, it could be over. Without any disrespect intended, and despite his considerable success in 2016 and before, for a lot of us the prospect of a Nico Rosberg drivers' championship has never entirely shaken its air of unreality. Yet when this forthcoming one is done it could be absolute reality.
And the task required of him to do the confirming is simple. He needs to win. Or rather, the task is complicated. And not merely as F1 wins can never be said to be easy. It particularly cannot be said to be easy this time given where this one is taking place.
Granted there are plenty of things about this Interlagos venue for this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix to tilt matters Nico's way. He's won in the last two visits, both from pole. In his own words he has "usually been pretty quick there".
While his title rival and team mate Lewis Hamilton even with his superb recent form - winning the last two with Nico barely within shouting distance - has neither triumphed nor even started from the front of the grid in Brazil before. While, if you're a fan of historical trends, since Interlagos was shifted to a slot near or at the season's end in 2004 it has been the scene of titles being clinched aplenty - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012.
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| Will Nico Rosberg in this one triumph definitively? Photo: Octane Photography |
Granted there are plenty of things about this Interlagos venue for this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix to tilt matters Nico's way. He's won in the last two visits, both from pole. In his own words he has "usually been pretty quick there".
While his title rival and team mate Lewis Hamilton even with his superb recent form - winning the last two with Nico barely within shouting distance - has neither triumphed nor even started from the front of the grid in Brazil before. While, if you're a fan of historical trends, since Interlagos was shifted to a slot near or at the season's end in 2004 it has been the scene of titles being clinched aplenty - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012.
Mexico Grand Prix review for Motor Verso - Sedation and Strife
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| Photo: Octane Photography |
And all to the end of a round that, from the championship standpoint at least, largely left things as you were. Curious, as I said.
I give my take on all of this in my latest Motor Verso race review, which you can read here: http://www.motorverso.com/united-states-gp-2016-review-lewiss-lone-star-state/
Do check out the Motor Verso site too; you'll find motoring news, car reviews and features - the team on the site carry out week-long test drives of the latest cars - as well as photos and videos of the machines.
Saturday, 5 November 2016
The latest Lights to Flag Podcast - 2016 Mexico Grand Prix Review
After a week off the Lights to Flag podcast is back. Ewan and I were joined again by Jack Amey to look back at the Mexico Grand Prix (apologies for the poor sound quality from me - hopefully my technology problems will be resolved for next time...)
We explore the Mexican goings-on, its many controversies and the impact of the race on the ongoing championship battle. We also look at the latest on the 2017 drivers' market including the confirmation that Lance Stroll gets a Williams gig, as well as at the rumours of Ross Brawn's return to F1. As ever you can listen via the player below.
You also can interact with the podcast via its Twitter account and on its Facebook page. If you want to appear on it give us a shout too. And if you have comments then get them to us via the various channels and we'll read out the good ones on a future episode!
We explore the Mexican goings-on, its many controversies and the impact of the race on the ongoing championship battle. We also look at the latest on the 2017 drivers' market including the confirmation that Lance Stroll gets a Williams gig, as well as at the rumours of Ross Brawn's return to F1. As ever you can listen via the player below.
You also can interact with the podcast via its Twitter account and on its Facebook page. If you want to appear on it give us a shout too. And if you have comments then get them to us via the various channels and we'll read out the good ones on a future episode!
Thursday, 3 November 2016
Inside Line F1 Podcast - And That's How The FIA Avoided The Shoey On The Podium
FIA was sneaky in its ways to keep the shoey off the podium. We had an instance where 3 drivers were classified 3rd at least once. Thank you FIA, for embarrassing Formula 1. And thank you (not!) for ensuring the shoey man doesn't find himself on the podium, during the podium.
Daniel Ricciardo's shoey was missed in Mexico, but is it time for a new party trick? We're excited to know what it could be and how he's going to up that game!
The Mexico Grand Prix will be remembered for the FIA's inconsistent stewardship. One that saw Max Verstappen get penalty for doing a 'Lewis Hamilton', even when Hamilton himself didn't get one. And of course, Sebastian Vettel realised that the only driver who gets away by doing 'The Verstappen' is Max Verstappen himself.
What else did this episode teach us? Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have friends in the FIA, but Sebastian Vettel certainly doesn't. In fact, after his tirade of abusive, there's little doubt there.
Should Lewis Hamilton have received a penalty? Probably, yes. Max Verstappen too? If Hamilton did, then yes, if not, then no. But Sebastian Vettel? We think not! Are they over-regulating the sport by trying to curb natural instincts of a racing car driver? But, we expect further sanctions towards Sebastian Vettel for dropping the F-bomb. A race ban? Or something far worse?
Eventually, we hope that Liberty Media realise how bunching the teams up and making them compete impacts the sport. A Verstappen vs. Vettel vs. Ricciardo is exactly what the sport needs, minus the swearing, of course.
Are Hamilton's start issues a thing of the past? We'll be glad, if they are. After all, blaming a clutch for losing the Drivers' Championships sounds very lame. We've been talking about Nico Rosberg and his 'match points' as we near the end of the 2016 season. But since when did we start calling it a 'match point'? This isn't tennis!
Is Max Verstappen a threat to Hamilton or Rosberg in the Drivers' Championship? Are we the only ones fearing that he could crash into either driver in the remaining two races? He almost knocked Rosberg out of the race in Mexico!
After witnessing the Mexico Grand Prix, we are forced to agree with Ecclestone's idea on building walls to ensure drivers race within track limits. And, Fernando Alonso was rated as 'the best Formula 1 driver' in an impromptu vote between 9 journalists. 8 out of those 9 voted for Alonso, barring one. We investigate who this journalist could be.
And finally, will Ross Brawn return to save Formula 1? We certainly hope that he does. Because given the movements in Formula E, we definitely should be considering an Inside Line Formula E Podcast!
Tune in!
(Season 2016, Episode 36)
Daniel Ricciardo's shoey was missed in Mexico, but is it time for a new party trick? We're excited to know what it could be and how he's going to up that game!
The Mexico Grand Prix will be remembered for the FIA's inconsistent stewardship. One that saw Max Verstappen get penalty for doing a 'Lewis Hamilton', even when Hamilton himself didn't get one. And of course, Sebastian Vettel realised that the only driver who gets away by doing 'The Verstappen' is Max Verstappen himself.
What else did this episode teach us? Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have friends in the FIA, but Sebastian Vettel certainly doesn't. In fact, after his tirade of abusive, there's little doubt there.
Should Lewis Hamilton have received a penalty? Probably, yes. Max Verstappen too? If Hamilton did, then yes, if not, then no. But Sebastian Vettel? We think not! Are they over-regulating the sport by trying to curb natural instincts of a racing car driver? But, we expect further sanctions towards Sebastian Vettel for dropping the F-bomb. A race ban? Or something far worse?
Eventually, we hope that Liberty Media realise how bunching the teams up and making them compete impacts the sport. A Verstappen vs. Vettel vs. Ricciardo is exactly what the sport needs, minus the swearing, of course.
Are Hamilton's start issues a thing of the past? We'll be glad, if they are. After all, blaming a clutch for losing the Drivers' Championships sounds very lame. We've been talking about Nico Rosberg and his 'match points' as we near the end of the 2016 season. But since when did we start calling it a 'match point'? This isn't tennis!
Is Max Verstappen a threat to Hamilton or Rosberg in the Drivers' Championship? Are we the only ones fearing that he could crash into either driver in the remaining two races? He almost knocked Rosberg out of the race in Mexico!
After witnessing the Mexico Grand Prix, we are forced to agree with Ecclestone's idea on building walls to ensure drivers race within track limits. And, Fernando Alonso was rated as 'the best Formula 1 driver' in an impromptu vote between 9 journalists. 8 out of those 9 voted for Alonso, barring one. We investigate who this journalist could be.
And finally, will Ross Brawn return to save Formula 1? We certainly hope that he does. Because given the movements in Formula E, we definitely should be considering an Inside Line Formula E Podcast!
Tune in!
(Season 2016, Episode 36)
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