Re Button - All the interviews I've seen mention that he's out for 2017, but has an option to drive in 2018. Vandoorn will be driving next year.
Yep, though the more speculative folk seem to think that 2018 option is McLaren's -- meaning their choice, not Button's -- and meant to ensure McLaren have a good backup in case Alonso retires after 2017.
That ought to improve mechanical grip, which is good since front tires that wide will utterly destroy the areodynamics.
Baku won't be getting wider, it's only ~24' at turn 9. I don't think they'll be able to shift the castle. Should make that terrifying corner even more so.
Oh, goodie..... Bernie Ecclestone: Formula 1 boss 'to stay for three more years' after takeover (bbc.com)
The USGP at COTA is just over a month away (23 Oct) and the folks at COTA are bragging about their new Turn 1 grandstand. Apparently the original stands were damaged by a storm...must have missed that. Here's the view. Not bad, eh?
Now Bernie and John Malone, the new owner, aren't getting along and Bernie may be out. John Malone is saying a lot of good things here's hoping he follows through on them. libertys-darth-vader-takes-on-ecclestone-and-marchionne/
I view every report on this takeover and claimed resulting improvements with a wary eye. That's not to say I'm in love with the way things are now, it's just that I'm certain the underlying motive of the buyers is to make money...you know, like CVC. Call me cynical but I don't expect anyone to spend that kind of money only to surrender any profits for the sake of improving the sport itself...unless said improvements will increase their profits. I get it, that's how investing works and they have a right to their profits, but it shouldn't have happened in the first place. Bernie broke this system way back when he sold it to investors and once that cat's out of the bag you can't put it back. On the other hand, I admit mine is a very cynical view. It is possible the new owners will (in an attempt to make their new acquisition more valuable) actually make improvements to the sport itself, improvements Bernie The Muppet isn't interested in because rich fans won't care or benefit. Having read a few things like the article above, you can put me down as a hopeful cynic.