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Any predictions on what we can see in the 2023 F1 season?
Here are a few of mine...
1. Mercedes comes back with a vengeance, has a dominant season, Hamilton wins his eighth World Championship. The battle will be epic and Ferrari will be in the hunt, but Red Bull poked the bear (Toto) and Benz is gonna kill it this year.
2. Better seasons for Aston Martin, Haas and Williams. Testing has already revealed Aston Martin has a much better car this year and with Alonso at the wheel, the team is gonna get an extra boost. ** Interesting note -- I read today that if Lance Stroll (who experienced what his team is calling "a minor injury") cannot drive in the opener next weekend, Vettel is apparently in discussions with the team to replace him. Regarding Haas, those guys got behind last year after firing Maze-spin and losing his dad's sponsorship for the team. But securing the Moneygram money months ahead of the start of the season has them in a good spot. I've also read their partnership with Ferrari is rock-solid, especially after Sauber announced their upcoming partnership with Audi. And I just have a feeling about Williams this year. They looked decent in this week's test and c'mon -- a team can't be terrible for so many consecutive seasons. I say they get a little figured out this year. It will be interesting to watch American, Logan Sargeant, making his F1 debut in the Williams.
3. Worse seasons for McLaren and Sauber-Alfa Romeo. We will see the ill effects of McLaren losing Andreas Seidl just as we will with Alfa Romeo's drop after losing Freddie Vasseur. Toto said he'd like to drop the number of Mercedes engine customers by one team in the near future and I say that team is McLaren. There are reports of McLaren getting back together with Honda but that won't be until the new engine goes into effect. So sad that Lando is contracted with the Team Papaya through the end of 2025, a decision he's probably lost a lotta sleep over. I expect Sauber to be in a state of limbo until their Audi program gets rolling. And Bottas will kick back, enjoy his multiyear contract and smile. Btw, anyone seen Bottas cartoony helmet he ran at the test? I read he'll run it next weekend...
4. Yuki Tsunoda drives like his F1 future depends on it... because it does. Yes, his seat is bound to be moderately warm... but not white-hot before all the chatter that Honda's gonna return as a major engine supplier. I like Yuki... he's firey... I only wish, for his sake, that he'd mature a bit
5. Nick de Vries wins the rookie title, but this will be really fun to watch. Could Sargeant put up a challenge in the Williams? Will Oscar Piastri live up to last year's contract craziness? All three guys in contention for the title are fine drivers but as we all know, it's more about the car... and I believe AlphaTauri (despite finishing ninth in last year's constructor's title) will field a more competitive machine than McLaren or Williams in 2023.
6. McLaren will announce they are reuniting with Honda in the future. How many times will this be for these two parties to get together? Regardless, as long as they're running well, Honda won't give up their strong partnership with Red Bull. McLaren is in the early stages of a dry spell that could last as long as the one Williams is currently sitting in.
7. I sense a change in Charles Leclerc's future. It probably won't take place for a couple more years, but my Spidey-Sense is tingling on this. I've read more than one story about Leclerc heading to Mercedes after his days driving the red cars are done. 2023 will be Charles' fifth year at Ferrari and he only has five victories to show for it. But in 82 races with the marque, he's podiumed in 30% of them which is certainly respectable. In the annals of Formula 1, Charles will likely end up as driver who was at Ferrari during some of their less-impressive years and found more success elsewhere, kinda like Nigel Mansell did when he left Ferrari and returned to Williams. At 38, Hamilton is likely to retire in the next few years and Toto needs talent. Leclerc is 25 and Lando is 23 -- could these guys be the future of Mercedes?
What say you?
Here are a few of mine...
1. Mercedes comes back with a vengeance, has a dominant season, Hamilton wins his eighth World Championship. The battle will be epic and Ferrari will be in the hunt, but Red Bull poked the bear (Toto) and Benz is gonna kill it this year.
2. Better seasons for Aston Martin, Haas and Williams. Testing has already revealed Aston Martin has a much better car this year and with Alonso at the wheel, the team is gonna get an extra boost. ** Interesting note -- I read today that if Lance Stroll (who experienced what his team is calling "a minor injury") cannot drive in the opener next weekend, Vettel is apparently in discussions with the team to replace him. Regarding Haas, those guys got behind last year after firing Maze-spin and losing his dad's sponsorship for the team. But securing the Moneygram money months ahead of the start of the season has them in a good spot. I've also read their partnership with Ferrari is rock-solid, especially after Sauber announced their upcoming partnership with Audi. And I just have a feeling about Williams this year. They looked decent in this week's test and c'mon -- a team can't be terrible for so many consecutive seasons. I say they get a little figured out this year. It will be interesting to watch American, Logan Sargeant, making his F1 debut in the Williams.
3. Worse seasons for McLaren and Sauber-Alfa Romeo. We will see the ill effects of McLaren losing Andreas Seidl just as we will with Alfa Romeo's drop after losing Freddie Vasseur. Toto said he'd like to drop the number of Mercedes engine customers by one team in the near future and I say that team is McLaren. There are reports of McLaren getting back together with Honda but that won't be until the new engine goes into effect. So sad that Lando is contracted with the Team Papaya through the end of 2025, a decision he's probably lost a lotta sleep over. I expect Sauber to be in a state of limbo until their Audi program gets rolling. And Bottas will kick back, enjoy his multiyear contract and smile. Btw, anyone seen Bottas cartoony helmet he ran at the test? I read he'll run it next weekend...
4. Yuki Tsunoda drives like his F1 future depends on it... because it does. Yes, his seat is bound to be moderately warm... but not white-hot before all the chatter that Honda's gonna return as a major engine supplier. I like Yuki... he's firey... I only wish, for his sake, that he'd mature a bit
5. Nick de Vries wins the rookie title, but this will be really fun to watch. Could Sargeant put up a challenge in the Williams? Will Oscar Piastri live up to last year's contract craziness? All three guys in contention for the title are fine drivers but as we all know, it's more about the car... and I believe AlphaTauri (despite finishing ninth in last year's constructor's title) will field a more competitive machine than McLaren or Williams in 2023.
6. McLaren will announce they are reuniting with Honda in the future. How many times will this be for these two parties to get together? Regardless, as long as they're running well, Honda won't give up their strong partnership with Red Bull. McLaren is in the early stages of a dry spell that could last as long as the one Williams is currently sitting in.
7. I sense a change in Charles Leclerc's future. It probably won't take place for a couple more years, but my Spidey-Sense is tingling on this. I've read more than one story about Leclerc heading to Mercedes after his days driving the red cars are done. 2023 will be Charles' fifth year at Ferrari and he only has five victories to show for it. But in 82 races with the marque, he's podiumed in 30% of them which is certainly respectable. In the annals of Formula 1, Charles will likely end up as driver who was at Ferrari during some of their less-impressive years and found more success elsewhere, kinda like Nigel Mansell did when he left Ferrari and returned to Williams. At 38, Hamilton is likely to retire in the next few years and Toto needs talent. Leclerc is 25 and Lando is 23 -- could these guys be the future of Mercedes?
What say you?
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Have y'all noticed change F1.com with their F1 Unlocked thing? Used to be that F1 was tring to make the sport more appealing to more people (especially in the US) and grow their audience. Now they are making many (most) of their stories/features to require a "membership" in their F1 Unlocked Club. What's the point beyond collecting personal information (to join) so they can send out spam to everyone in the club?
Aside from the Red Bull 1-2 today, we had a decent (but not great) race. A few thoughts...
Aston Martin appears to have a contending car, which is nice. It certainly helps they have Alonso driving for them. So glad to see he and the team show so much emotion today. Hard to dislike their livery... just a beautiful machine.
You folks see Toto's statement on their car for this year? I wonder why he would go public with such thoughts. Or I wonder if it's merely a smokescreen? Regardless, their car didn't appear awful this weekend. They'll be in the hunt.
Ferrari needs to cut ties with Sainz as that guy ain't cuttin' it.
With a new team principal, James Vowles from Mercedes, Williams had some life today. Keep your eye on those guys.
Haas showed they have a solid car compared to their past couple of years. Hulkenberg impressed all weekend but also had too many bonehead mistakes today.
After a sub-optimal test last week, Alpine wasn't terrible today. Anxious to see if those guys can back up last year's fourth in the constructors championship.
Bottas and Zhou looked decent this weekend. Eager to see more from the Sauber squad.
Pit strategy hosed Nyck de Vries today, not pitting when everyone around him came in for softs. Tsunoda almost finished in the points today. Stay tuned for more from the Red Bull sister team.
... aaaaaaand McLaren... ooooph. Lando sure didn't sound positive in his pre-race comments. Could be trouble for those wearing papaya.
Eager to see these guys at Jeddah!
What did you think about the weekend?
Aston Martin appears to have a contending car, which is nice. It certainly helps they have Alonso driving for them. So glad to see he and the team show so much emotion today. Hard to dislike their livery... just a beautiful machine.
You folks see Toto's statement on their car for this year? I wonder why he would go public with such thoughts. Or I wonder if it's merely a smokescreen? Regardless, their car didn't appear awful this weekend. They'll be in the hunt.
Ferrari needs to cut ties with Sainz as that guy ain't cuttin' it.
With a new team principal, James Vowles from Mercedes, Williams had some life today. Keep your eye on those guys.
Haas showed they have a solid car compared to their past couple of years. Hulkenberg impressed all weekend but also had too many bonehead mistakes today.
After a sub-optimal test last week, Alpine wasn't terrible today. Anxious to see if those guys can back up last year's fourth in the constructors championship.
Bottas and Zhou looked decent this weekend. Eager to see more from the Sauber squad.
Pit strategy hosed Nyck de Vries today, not pitting when everyone around him came in for softs. Tsunoda almost finished in the points today. Stay tuned for more from the Red Bull sister team.
... aaaaaaand McLaren... ooooph. Lando sure didn't sound positive in his pre-race comments. Could be trouble for those wearing papaya.
Eager to see these guys at Jeddah!
What did you think about the weekend?
Maybe that's Williams' way to advertise they're looking for a major sponsor?
Even considering their performance over the past few years, it's hard to believe they're not fully sponsored, given how popular F1 is at the moment.
I did read online that Williams is considering a classic Gulf livery sometime this season, similar to what McLaren ran at Monaco recently.
Even considering their performance over the past few years, it's hard to believe they're not fully sponsored, given how popular F1 is at the moment.
I did read online that Williams is considering a classic Gulf livery sometime this season, similar to what McLaren ran at Monaco recently.
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the race.
We screamed and cheered on Alonso.
Happy Checo took his place beside Max for the one two punch...
Even though it was bad luck for Ferrari losing power to Leclerc's car.
Wish McClaren had done better ..Lando was doing so well last year....I did miss Danny Ric!
YAY Hulkenberg! Great to see him back and hope he gets the chance for a podium this season. He is one of my favorite characters.
It looks like Lewis will not be getting his 8th Championship this year.
Proud that Lance raced with broken bones and wasn't doing too badly...But Alonso showed him how it should be done!
It seems that George Russel feels he did not sign with the winning team and is frustrated!
HAAS were not awful and as always I have hopes for the team...Love Gunther...and Magnussen.
Great battles went on in yesterdays race and there was much to enjoy
We screamed and cheered on Alonso.
Happy Checo took his place beside Max for the one two punch...
Even though it was bad luck for Ferrari losing power to Leclerc's car.
Wish McClaren had done better ..Lando was doing so well last year....I did miss Danny Ric!
YAY Hulkenberg! Great to see him back and hope he gets the chance for a podium this season. He is one of my favorite characters.
It looks like Lewis will not be getting his 8th Championship this year.
Proud that Lance raced with broken bones and wasn't doing too badly...But Alonso showed him how it should be done!
It seems that George Russel feels he did not sign with the winning team and is frustrated!
HAAS were not awful and as always I have hopes for the team...Love Gunther...and Magnussen.
Great battles went on in yesterdays race and there was much to enjoy
At Least F1 had a better start than the Indy car guys, they didnt get 20 seconds into race without a massive pile up
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,068
- 46,004
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
That was very scary, along with the second airborne car later on. It's amazing how much safer those cars are these days than in years past. Very entertaining race in any case, and unfortunately Grosjean's win or tears move ended in tears...who would have guessed?
I'm currently contemplating whether to pay for F1 race streaming and/or the replay package.
I'm on Team Alonso this year. Old guys rule.
It was refreshing listening to the in-car communication of a happy driver.
It was refreshing listening to the in-car communication of a happy driver.
I must be in the minority that thought that race was a total snooze fest, and I'm worried this will likely be one of the worst seasons of all time.
Russell came out saying he believes Red Bull will win every race, and really, I can imagine the same. Red Bull are nearly a second per lap ahead of Merc and Ferrari, and are on record for having turned their engine down and run at a somewhat leisurely pace to save their tires. Almost another second per lap still in reserve if they ever need it supposedly, even a strong Aston has no shot of competing for a victory if that's really true.
It's starting to appear that the cost cap (which I was all in favor of) is having almost had the opposite of the intended effect. The back marker teams still suck and aren't anywhere near competing for victories (Williams, HAAS, Alpha Romeo, etc.). But now, Mercedes and Ferrari, having gotten their car concepts wrong, can't spend their way back into competitiveness. They'll be lucky to be truly competitive before the '26 regulation changes because of the cost cap. When Mercedes really was killing the competition in the early days of the turbo hybrid era, RB and Ferrari could at least spend their way back enough to make the average race weekend more competitive. Mercedes was still likely to win, but it was never a foregone conclusion.
RB might lose two or three races all season, and that's only if Lance qualifies P3 and yeets the two RB's out of the race in the first corner. This feels little like watching your football team's best/most important player go down in the first game of the season. It's only just begun and the balance of this season feels like a total wash.
Russell came out saying he believes Red Bull will win every race, and really, I can imagine the same. Red Bull are nearly a second per lap ahead of Merc and Ferrari, and are on record for having turned their engine down and run at a somewhat leisurely pace to save their tires. Almost another second per lap still in reserve if they ever need it supposedly, even a strong Aston has no shot of competing for a victory if that's really true.
It's starting to appear that the cost cap (which I was all in favor of) is having almost had the opposite of the intended effect. The back marker teams still suck and aren't anywhere near competing for victories (Williams, HAAS, Alpha Romeo, etc.). But now, Mercedes and Ferrari, having gotten their car concepts wrong, can't spend their way back into competitiveness. They'll be lucky to be truly competitive before the '26 regulation changes because of the cost cap. When Mercedes really was killing the competition in the early days of the turbo hybrid era, RB and Ferrari could at least spend their way back enough to make the average race weekend more competitive. Mercedes was still likely to win, but it was never a foregone conclusion.
RB might lose two or three races all season, and that's only if Lance qualifies P3 and yeets the two RB's out of the race in the first corner. This feels little like watching your football team's best/most important player go down in the first game of the season. It's only just begun and the balance of this season feels like a total wash.
It is true that RB looks like they'll just cruise to victory, so if your interest is on who wins it is looking a bit boring. Personally I enjoyed it. I completely blanked the RB cars (there was nothing happening really there), but there was so much going on elsewhere... Looking good to me.
I thought the race was really boring as well. Other than Alonso's awesome drive, It wasn't memorable. I finished the race and wondered which one was more boring this weekend, the nascar race or the f1 race.
I have high hopes the racing will be better this year. There was no good mid pack battles this race. Hoping for a more exciting race next week.
They can't all be zingers I guess.
I’m worried that there really isn’t a mid pack left. McLaren look hopelessly lost. Haas and Williams showed somewhat improved form, but they don’t have the people or cash to really take a big step forward over the duration of a season. Alpha Tauri looks slightly improved, but even Red Bull don’t care about them and they own the team. It feels an awful lot like there will be maybe Red Bull, then Aston/Ferrari half a second a lap behind, then everyone else another second behind that. When you’re lapping 1+ second behind you’re a back marker, who cares if you’re 5th or 10th? Merc have already thrown in the towel on this years car, how long is it before Ferrari do the same?
I’m guessing F1 are looking at this as a problem as well. How many of its new fans are going to stick around when they know what the results will be going in? At this stage, it feels like maybe the most we can hope for are some spicy teammate battles.
