Formula 1 BLOG

I so wish that F1 was like this today. I challenge anyone to come up with a better example of what F1 racing was and may never be again…

Enjoy the best F1 battle ever.

I just came across this compilation of some formula one crash footage that really gives you a new sense of respect for these drivers.  When you see the risks these guys take, be it in a Ferrari or a McLaren or a Williams it just reminds us that these guys put it all on the line for our entertainment.

There is everything in this video from fires to backflips.  Check it out and remember these guys are risking their lives to entertain us….

Formula 1 – Crash Collection – Funny video clips are a click away

Enjoy… and lets hope we don’t see any of this at the British GP

Well, With the Monaco GrandPrix done it is starting to look like no one is going to be able to stop the Brawn juggernaut.  With two excellent drivers in Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello and an F1 car that no one seems to be able to catch it is looking doubtful that any of the other teams are going to be able to close the gap.

I guess the question now is can teams like Ferrari and McLaren close the gap in time for next season?

Once again, the Formula 1 folks missed the point. Never mind the debate about did Lewis gain an advantage by cutting the chicane, Of course he did, but then he gave the position back. The fact that he took the position back at the next corner had more to do with how the McLaren was handling in the rain vs. the Ferrari than any advantage at the chicane. Clearly he had to slow enough for the Ferrari to pass him and then begin racing again, which he did .

What really bugs me is that the ruling body never bothered to clarify the rules regarding what a driver is to do in this situation. It has been common practice to give up any position you gain by cutting a chicane and you avoid any penalty. I’ve seen Massa pass someone by cutting the chicane, give up the postion and no penalty to Ferrari so why when a McLaren does it do you get a 25 second penalty?

The real issue is what constitutes an advantage because the rules don’t explicitly state what that is. In any sport, if the players are not sure what the rules are then you are going to have chaos. If the rule is give up the place you gained ( as ferrari has done to avoid a penalty) then Lewis did the right thing and should not have been penalized. If the rule is give up the place and don’t pass until at least 1 more corner then so be it and state it in the rules.

I think it is clear that Lewis did what other drivers have done in the past to avoid a penalty but for some reason in this case it wasn’t enough.

I’ve never been one to jump on the Ferrari bias band wagon but it is clear to me that the rules are not being applied in the same way to all teams. If you are going to enforce a rule then you damn well better make sure you do it equally for ALL drivers and not just when it suits you.

I would have preferred if they had said the the appeal was not allowed, but also took the time to clarify what is the required action in this situation to avoid a penalty which they did not bother to do.

All I can say is if a Ferrari cuts a chicane and does the same thing Hamilton did I’d better see a drive through penalty for Ferrari or I will have lost all faith in F1 to follow it’s own rules.

In a close qualification round at SPA Lewis Hamilton is on pole, sharing the front row with Massa.  Lewis had an inspired final lap in quali and puts his car and the McLaren team on pole.  Weather may be a factor tomorrow but It’s looking like it will be a very interesting race.  Lewis says the softer tire is better on this track but will it handle the very long laps of SPA?  With Massa out qualifying Kimi again the question remains who should be the number one driver at Ferrari?

Tomorrow we will see how things shake out in the race and what the effect on the championship will be.