2024 F1 News and Prediction League

[404cameljockey]

It's been 56 years since three British drivers last qualified in the top three spots for a Formula One grand prix.

I haven't watched in 15 months as my wife and I used to watch them all at home together and I didn't have the heart since, but I think maybe this evening I'll have to turn on just for the history, and what with Red Bull development maybe having peaked (I do still read about it...).

[Dannie Boy]

Mr Harvey must be celebrating Hamilton winning a rare GP on his home turf - apparently his last win was 56 races ago!!

[404cameljockey]

Got my timings wrong (BST) then got caught up in Wimbledon, turned on just now to see the unexpected winner's victory lap. Idiot. Was it a good race? Technical race in challenging conditions they're saying?

[Bamboo Grove]

Best race for a long time. Can't remember when it has been so entertaining. I had almost given up the hope to see anything interesting in F1.

[404cameljockey]

Best race for a long time. Can't remember when it has been so entertaining. I had almost given up the hope to see anything interesting in F1.

Thanks. A minimum of three teams with very competitive cars is invaluable for good racing!

[pharvey]

Mr Harvey must be celebrating Hamilton winning a rare GP on his home turf - apparently his last win was 56 races ago!!

Oh yes.... It's certainly been a long while!! This his 9th victory in the British GP is yet another record for him - no other driver has won 9 races at any single circuit.... This is also his 104th GP victory!!

GET IN THERE LEWIS!!!! GET IN THERE!
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Absolutely cracking race - although Gasly who retired before starting and Russell who was forced to retire with technical issues on the 33rd Lap will disagree...

The weather and Tyre selection played it's part as expected. Despite there being no real "downpours", timing of putting the Intermediates on certainly had a huge impact - Leclerc one of several drivers being caught out by pitting too early. McLaren were also effected when they decided to keep Piastri out for an additional lap rather than "double-stack" with Norris - effectively ending any chance of a Podium that Piastri had. Red BS and Crashappen of course called it perfectly. Verstappen looked dead and buried back in P6, but perfect timing for the Intermediates and then having a set on "New Hard Tyres" put him into P2 - LH ran his last stint like the true professional he is, protecting his "Soft Tyres" and timing his run to perfection. His experience of the Silverstone track and the conditions telling....

As an aside, Norris again had issues getting heat into the Tyres at the start of the GP, losing ground and position to Crashappen very quickly. This has to be a bit of a concern... Also, he went to "Soft Tyres" when a new set of "Mediums" were available for the last stint - a decision he'll be regretting I feel.

[pharvey]

BRITISH GP - FULL RESULTS: -
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HHF/SUPERBRU F1 PREDICTION LEAGUE: -

Thankfully, I've missed out on the "Wooden Spoon" this Round, that honour goes to "Dai_L", "Rucku Moke" and "Vital Spark" who adds to her collection Congrats to "PeteC" on a well deserved "Yellow Cap"!
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Next up is the "Hungarian GP" over the weekend of July 19th - July 21st.

[PeteC]

F1 announces six sprint races venues for 2025

https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/arti ... m2z0l41p3o

Formula 1 has announced the six grands prix which will host events in the sprint format in 2025.

The races, which feature a shorter race on the Saturday before the main event on the Sunday, start with the second grand prix of the season in China on 21-23 March.

The others are Miami on 2-4 May, Belgium on 25-27 July, the US Grand Prix in Austin on 17-19 October, Brazil on 7-9 November and the penultimate race in Qatar on 28-30 November................

[pharvey]

The teams head to Hungary after a two week break. The British GP was an absolute cracker, so certainly hoping for more of the same at the Hungaroring. The circuit is a favourite of Hamilton's having won there 8 times previously, albeit not for a few years. Mercedes are far more competitive than they have been, so could it be three wins on the bounce for the Silver Arrows - something unthinkable even a few races ago?
Ferrari have fallen back recently and their upgrades have not worked, but this circuit should suit them - hopefully they'll bounce back to their competitive best. McLaren have been their own worst enemies at times, the British GP especially with tyre selection and Pit strategy ultimately ruining Piastri's chances and losing Norris position.
As for Red BS - well, write them off at your peril. Teams have closed in on them, but they're still way up there - has all the makings of a great weekend!

Hungarian GP Schedule and Circuit (Times Shown UK/BST): -
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[PeteC]

https://f1calendar.com/timezone/Asia-Bangkok

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[pharvey]

Well, I hope it's not a real issue come Friday's Free Practice Sessions but can't see the weekend's Qualifying/Main Race being effected, I'm sure there are a few nervous people around though!

Hungarian Grand Prix Pit Lane is FLOODED Less Than 48 Hours Before First Qualifying Session

"Shocking images have revealed how the Hungarian Grand Prix pit lane has been flooded less than 48 hours before the first qualifying session.

The first practice is scheduled to take place just after midday on Friday, but the severe weather has led to some serious doubts as to whether this can go ahead.

The weather is expected to brighten up, with warm weather forecast in Hungary on the weekend.


With temperatures ranging around 33C and 34C on race day, F1 enthusiasts may be able to relax.

But images showing staff wading through the water, which is above ankle high, will certainly cause concern."

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formu ... ssion.html

[PeteC]

Magnussen loses Haas drive for 2025

https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/arti ... 34v0e56r8o

The US-based Haas team have decided to drop Kevin Magnussen for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The team's announcement of Magnussen's departure does not reveal who will replace him as the team-mate of Briton Oliver Bearman next season.

However, BBC Sport has been told that Esteban Ocon, who races for Alpine this season, will take the drive.............

[pharvey]

Magnussen loses Haas drive for 2025

I don't think either Magnussen losing his seat or Ocon taking it was the best kept secret, but at least now the former is confirmed.

Contract-wise (but obviously the odd Driver/Team may want to change things): -
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Sargeant will go (completely) I think, Riccardo may well replace him - if not, he's also looking at an F1 exit. Bottas is well worth his seat and will stay IMHO, Sainz to Mercedes? Much (BS) talk about Crashappen joining the latter, but it certainly won't happen before 2026 and even then very doubtful IMHO.

Personally, I'd love to see Sainz in the Mercedes Car - he's a hell of a driver on his day harshly dealt with by the Scuderia. It's no secret that I'm a fan of LH and Mercedes and also the Ferrari's - this would be a perfect move for me (as a supporter)!

Crashappen joining the Silver Arrows would entail a massive re-think of "Team Support", that's for sure!

Looking forward to the weekend!

[pharvey]

Of course FP1 is very much hit and miss for us mere mortals gaining any information, but Ferrari seem to be back in contention - which is great to see and good for F1 obviously.

Tyre selection is going to be key again I think and Mediums look to be the tyre of choice for Qualifying and the Main Race IMO - Red BS look to be going through their Soft Tyre allocation already. Track temperatures forecast to be high over the weekend which is going to effect grip and longevity of the Tyres.....

[pharvey]

Make your own minds up..... Big changes from what FP1 was, FP3 far cooler temps, Tyre Selection even more - will Hards win the race?