2023 F1 News and Prediction League

[pharvey]

As much as I would love to see the obnoxious one be taken down several pegs, he and his title thieving compatriots will be firm favourites in Qatar - the venue just rubbing salt to the wounds!!

It's another "Sprint Weekend", so just the single (pointless) Practice prior to Qualifying - time your picks well!! NOTE: The Sprint has no effect on Superbru picks - Qualifying and Race only.

Schedule (Times BST): -
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Good luck to all. I of course shall remain neutral as usual in my opinions....

[pharvey]

Well, a mixed bag with Qualifying for both the Sprint and the Main Race in Qatar. The circuit has been re-surfaced and sand also played a part in some difficult conditions - could be interesting come Sunday....

Despite being P2 and P3 on the Grid for the Main Race, both Russell and Hamilton (Merc) had gained places due to Piastri and Norris (McLaren) having lap times deleted dropping them to P6 and P10 respectively. Norris had left it late for Race Day Qualifying and subsequently paid the price. Norris and Piastri made up for it though with the McLarens locking off the front row for the Sprint.

Unsurprisingly Crashappen take Pole by a country mile (in F1 terms)but questions will again be asked of teammate Perez, qualifying in P13. Similarly, questions will be asked in both the Ferrari and Aston Martin Camps - Leclerc (P5) out qualifying Sainz (P12) and Alonso (P4) out qualifying Stroll (P17). The latter having a meltdown in the Aston garage after failing to get out of Q1..... His days really must be numbered despite Daddy being the boss!!

Main Race - Grid Positions: -
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[pharvey]

A fall from grace for BigBoy.....? We won't mention the World Champion side of things....

HHF/Superbru League Positions after Qatar GP: -
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Next up - US GP 20-22.10

[Bamboo Grove]

A fall from grace for BigBoy.

Maybe he was driving home.

[Big Boy]

LOL just back to my usual score.

Actually, the reminder came in too late for me to be able to pick in every category. I haven't slept for a week worrying about it.

[pharvey]

Bernie Ecclestone Pleads Guilty to Fraud

"Bernie Ecclestone, the former boss of Formula 1, has been given a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to fraud.

The 92-year-old did not declare more than £400m held in a trust in Singapore when asked by tax authorities in 2015.

Ecclestone has agreed in a civil settlement to repay almost £653m to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), a court heard.

He was sentenced to 17 months in prison, suspended for two years.

The billionaire had originally been due to stand trial next month after initially pleading not guilty.

The settlement covers Ecclestone's tax affairs over the past 18 years, including interest and civil penalties."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67088503

[sateeb]

F1: Lance Stroll apologises to FIA over behaviour at Qatar GP

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll has apologised to motorsport's governing body for his behaviour after qualifying at last weekend's F1 Qatar Grand Prix.

Stroll threw his steering wheel out of his car and shoved his trainer out of the way after qualifying 16th.


An entitled little cockwomble, has no place on the grid and hurting his team's position in the constructers table.

[pharvey]

An entitled little cockwomble, has no place on the grid and hurting his team's position in the constructers table.

Yep, that pretty much sums him up!! As I've mentioned, his days must be numbered regardless of Daddy!!

On to this weekend and the US (Austin) GP. It's another "Sprint Weekend" so only the single Practice Session prior to Qualifying - remember your picks!!
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NOTE: All Times BST

Aside from hoping the weekend is an abject failure for Red BS and Crashappen, I'm also hoping LH makes it past the first corner this round!!

[Nereus]

F1 rocked by disqualification drama at United States Grand Prix

https://www.news.com.au/sport/motorspor ... 5d75f79342

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have been sensationally disqualified from the United States Grand Prix after their cars failed regular checks after the race on Monday morning (AEDT).

Hamilton finished second behind race winner Max Verstappen, while Leclerc was sixth after starting on pole position.

Their respective Mercedes and Ferrari cars were referred to the stewards by FIA Technical Delegate Jo Bauer following a post-race check on the floor planks underneath their cars.

“A physical floor and a plank wear inspection was carried out on car numbers 16 and 44,” said a statement from Bauer.

“The skids located in the area -825 ≥ XR ≥ – 1025 are found to be not in compliance with Article 3.5.9 e) of the 2023 Formula One Technical Regulations.

“I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.”

Hours after the race ended, Hamilton and Leclerc were disqualified, meaning the championship points they received have now been cancelled out.

[PeteC]

^ These disqualifications are not reflected in the Superbru results, yet.

[pharvey]

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have been sensationally disqualified from the United States Grand Prix after their cars failed regular checks after the race on Monday morning (AEDT).

Well FFS! I had been going to comment how good Hamilton's performance had been over the entire weekend!! Not the news I wanted to wake up to this morning Hardly think any advantage was gained by either driver though...

^ These disqualifications are not reflected in the Superbru results, yet.

Will post when available/updated.

[pharvey]

^ These disqualifications are not reflected in the Superbru results, yet.

Will post when available/updated.

Ooops - forgot to post! Will update after this weekend

Coming up the "Mexico GP" - a Home Race for Red Bull's Perez and let's be fair he needs all the help he can get at the moment with rumours abound that his seat with the team is very much at risk. I'm certainly no fan of Red Bull, but I'd like to see Perez do well (just so long as LH tops him in the Driver's Championship!!).

Anywho, the weekend schedule (all times UK): -
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Official F1 Race Programme - https://raceprogramme.formula1.com/#/catalogue

[pharvey]

A confusing weekend so far me thinks.... Albon superb in the Practice Sessions, completely different in Qualifying. Norris out in Q1!! Ferrari in a Front Row Lock-out after a worrying Practice Session. Very mixed bag for Mercedes, but much to look forward to IMO.

Crashappen not on the Front Row, but must still be the one to beat. Could be an interesting race though, high altitude (thin air) so traction/grip comes into it, high temperature and tyre grades definitely an issue. Increase downforce on the car for grip and suffer the consequences or full out speed and risk loss of grip/spin-off. DRS also not such an advantage at high altitude...... Green light shortly!!

[PeteC]

Standings after the Mexican GP

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[PeteC]

The Brazilian GP coming up this weekend is yet another of the "Sprint" versions. Be sure to make your picks after Practice #1 on Friday, November 3 as qualifying follows 2 1/2 hours later.

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