Most liked posts in thread: 2014 - F1

mrntd · Oct 3, 2013

That kind of stuff will us Americans out of it. Maybe that's why they did it.

Zapski · Oct 3, 2013

I know plenty of Americans who are smaller and fit.

Not me, of course... after watching Jeremy Clarkson wedge his frame in a Lotus, I'm absolutely sure that they'd have to build the car around me. Literally. :lol:

Nathan · Oct 3, 2013

Dance hippos have more grace than me exiting a Lotus.

Steve · Oct 4, 2013

Teams back weight limit increase (racer.com)

Jonathan Noble | October 04, 2013

Formula 1 team bosses think there are grounds to consider an increase to the minimum weight limit as early as next year, amid growing fears that heavier drivers are going to be penalized.

With a number of racers already expressing concerns that the 690kg minimum weight limit for 2014's new rules is too low and so will favor lighter drivers, team chiefs have now backed their calls. Red Bull boss Christian Horner, whose 2014 lineup of Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo will cause no weight drama, thinks the current situation is unfair.

"Theoretically it is not a factor for us because we have got two drivers that are of a reasonable weight, but it does penalize a driver like Mark [Webber], who could have driven for us, or someone like [Nico] Hulkenberg," he said. "It would be a factor in signing a driver like him: which cannot be right. He shouldn't be penalized for being more than six foot.

"For sure, the engine with all its ancillaries and cooling requirements is heavier as a unit, and it [a change to the weight limit] perhaps is something that should be looked at."

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh thinks a number of teams are going to struggle to hit the minimum weight target next year, which means any extra bulk carried by tall drivers will be a handicap.

"The truth is that the way the regulations have fallen now, weight is a bigger challenge," he said. "I have been speaking to another team principal to ask if they will hit the target weight, and they won't.

"If you are not on the weight limit then having a driver that is nudging towards 80kg is a difficult thing to have. It is a simple equation â€“ on average every 10kg is a third of a second."

Whitmarsh fears that some teams may even take safety risks in trying to make components lighter in a bid to hit the weight target.

"On every design team, there is a lot of pressure on them to save weight," he said. "Inevitably that costs money and people, when they are pushing for weight, they will pare down on margins of safety."

When asked if there was a case for raising the weight limit for next year, which require unanimous support from the teams, Whitmarsh said: "I think there are grounds, but F1 doesn't work like that, does it?

"I think the teams now will have, and are working hard, to meet the weight limit and the team's self interests will prevail. The team that thinks it is OK will block any change, and that is how things will work, I am afraid.

"Momentarily, maybe for one or two years, a heavier driver is going to be disadvantaged. That it not what was intended but that is how it has happened."

This article originally appeared in Autosport.com
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Steve · Oct 4, 2013

Horner: 2014 F1 calendar "beyond the limit" (racer.com)

Jonathan Noble | October 04, 2013

Red Bull boss Christian Horner thinks plans for a 22-race calendar next year are 'beyond the limit' of what is acceptable.

The FIA announced last week that the 2014 schedule will be the longest in Formula 1 history, with extra events in New Jersey, Russia, Mexico and Austria bolstering the roster.

Teams have been reluctant to expand the schedule beyond 20 races, and although there are doubts about the future of some grands prix â€“ most notably South Korea, while New Jersey's GP of America remains provisional. Horner thinks at the moment there are too many events.

"We all recognize that 22 races is beyond the limit, because of the strain that it puts on the team and the entourage that follow F1," explained Horner. "If you are doing 22 races in economy class, flying around the world, and going a week before the race and coming back a few days afterward, it is a long, tough season.

"For me an ideal number is 20. That is saturation point. But I can understand why Bernie [Ecclestone] is pushing to get more venues."

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh reckons that if some events do drop off, then the F1 calendar could have some unpleasant gaps in it, and that the two-week gap between Australia and Malaysia is not ideal.

"It's a bit of a pain in the neck for everyone, a trip out then back again, but we used to do it," he said. "If you assume a number of these circuits fail, that two or three of the dates don't happen â€“ and you can imagine which three they are â€“ there are some untidy gaps in the season. It's a season that is pretty spread out, then these pretty painful gaps in the middle of them."

One of the most testing moments of the current calendar is the possible triple header of Monaco, New Jersey and Canada taking place on consecutive weekends. Horner says that while it is possible for teams to pull off the shipping of cars for those three events, it would not be cheap to do so.

"It is feasible, of course it is feasible, but it is expensive," he said. "So, let's see. The calendar has changed a lot over the last few weeks, and I am sure before the end of the season there will be a few more tweaks to it."

This article originally appeared in Autosport.com
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Steve · Oct 8, 2013

Pirelli pushing for tire test policy changes (Racer.com)

Jonathan Noble | October 08, 2013

Pirelli has welcomed Ferrari's claim that teams need to do more to help develop Formula 1 tires, but the firm believes it may still need to force through changes.

Critical comments from Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber over the Korean Grand Prix weekend about the state of the tires in F1 thrust the debate about the current era of racing back in to the spotlight. Following a clear-the-air meeting between Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery and Alonso on race morning, Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali thinks the door needs to be left open to allow Pirelli more testing.

But such comments are nothing new, and Pirelli's frustrations about ongoing obstacles were strengthened ahead of the Korean GP when the FIA blocked a planned 2014 tire test with McLaren in Austin.

"While I appreciate nobody wants to think that they are going to get an advantage on testing, you can't keep going around in circles and then decide to do nothing," said Hembery. "Something has to change."

When asked if he was worried that, despite Ferrari's comments, there was a danger teams would continue to block testing efforts for fear of giving rivals an edge, Hembery said: "That is always a risk. So we are already looking forward to maybe the way the sport might be structured to get this thing resolved in a sensible fashion that works.

"One thing is it isn't going to work for everybody. That is clear. But we have to do something that works for the sport of F1."

One potential avenue that could allow Pirelli to overcome team resistance may be through using the new F1 Strategy Group, that is made up of representatives of the FIA and FOM as well as the teams.

"When that [structure] comes out a bit clearer, that might be a way to find a solution," explained Hembery.

CONCERNS FOR 2014

Ahead of the dramatic change to the 2014 engine regulations, Hembery says Pirelli has genuine concerns that it could be caught on the hop if car performance is dramatically different from predictions at the first proper warm weather Bahrain test.

"As long as the data we get from the teams is correct and valid, then we can do a lot of work on structure which is important for safety and integrity," he said.

"Where we are in difficulty is in the compound area, because we have four compounds to cover 20-plus races on a car that is dramatically different.

"We don't want to be in a position where we arrive in Bahrain for the first time and don't have a number of options up our sleeves."

Pirelli is still eager for a post-season test in Brazil with one or two teams, and has even suggested that it would help if it could conduct a test in Bahrain in January.

This article originally appeared in Autosport.com
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Zapski · Oct 8, 2013

Steve said: ↑

Horner: 2014 F1 calendar "beyond the limit" (racer.com)
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You know, it seems familiar somehow; McLaren says 22 races and a triple header possible, and Red Bull says it can't be done.

Hmmmm... where have I heard Red Bull complain before... when other teams weren't.... hmmmm.....

Nathan · Oct 18, 2013

Honda Fires new F1 Engine for the First Time

Honda has released a recording of its new F1 engine, which was recently fired for the first time. The engine is being developed for the 2015 season where Honda will participate under a joint project with McLaren

Audio Only

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=431h20gvm3M]Honda Fires new F1 Engine for the First Time - YouTube[/ame]

Nathan · Oct 18, 2013

New Jersey Formula One effort may get boost from Bernie Ecclestone

From Autoweek 2014 New Jersey Formula One effort may get boost from Bernie Ecclestone - Autoweek Racing Formula One news - Autoweek

Several million dollars worth of fencing, equipment could be heading for New Jersey

Bernie Ecclestone is reportedly using the demise of Valencia's Formula project in Spain to give organizers of next year's provisional New Jersey race a boost.

F1 chief executive Ecclestone has agreed to terminate Valencia's contract without financially penalizing the Spanish hosts. It means the Valencian government is avoiding a reported EUR 54 million ($73.9 million U.S.) in potential fines for breaking the agreement.

The Spanish sports newspaper Marca has revealed more details of Ecclestone's termination deal with Valencia.
"Everything in Formula One has a price," wrote correspondent Paul Juanarena.

He said Ecclestone has negotiated to take possession of Valencia's street circuit equipment, including more than 10 kilometers of fencing and barriers, worth several million dollars.

The beneficiary, Juanarena explained, would be organizers of the financially pressed inaugural New Jersey Grand Prix, whose place on the 2014 calendar is conditional upon "circuit approval."
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Steve · Nov 4, 2013

New Jersey, Mexico likely to lose 2014 Grand Prix slots (autosport.com)

Jonathan Noble | November 03, 2013

Formula 1's 2014 calendar is set for a major reshuffle when it is firmed up next month, with New Jersey's Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial and the revived Mexican Grand Prix likely to be dropped.

Although the FIA published a provisional 22-race schedule after its most recent World Motor Sport Council meeting in September, F1 chiefs are preparing a fresh overhaul. AUTOSPORT's sources say that neither New Jersey nor Mexico will feature in the final version because both events need more time to get their venues ready.

Asked to comment on AUTOSPORT's report, a GP of America spokesperson stated: "We appreciate the opportunity, but we don't comment on media reports. We will have a statement when the FIA World Motor Sport Council announces the final 2014 calendar in December."

Although New Jersey has long been in doubt, Mexico was close to getting fully prepared but it is understood that efforts to build a new pits and paddock complex at the Mexico City racetrack meant it will not feature until 2015.

The absence of those races would reduce the season to 20 races, which teams have long viewed as the maximum number of events they can comfortably cope with. As well as the changes to those venues, some consideration is also being given to reshuffling the start of the season so that the second race in Malaysia is moved forward a week.

Doing so would make it a double-header with Australia, which would be cheaper for teams than having it back to back with Bahrain as it currently is. It is understood that no final decision on this matter has yet been made, however.

Korean GP organizers are also still in discussion with F1 commercial chief Bernie Ecclestone about its scheduled April slot after China. If no deal can be reached on fees, then one scenario that has not been completely ruled out is for India to make a potential return, even though it had been expected to be absent from the 2014 schedule prior to getting its race back the following year.
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Steve · Nov 5, 2013

Mercedes' Brawn fears Red Bull dominance will continue in 2014 (autosport.com)

By Jonathan Noble | Tuesday, November 5th 2013, 10:07 GMT

Mercedes thinks there are now clear warning signs that some of Red Bull's current dominance will carry over in to 2014.

Although the new engine regulations coming next year do offer fresh opportunity for Red Bull's rivals, Mercedes thinks a closer look at the steps forward the champion team has made in recent months suggest its advantage will not be completely wiped away.

In particular, Brawn thinks that Red Bull has made big gains in its understanding of aerodynamic efficiency to improve its straight-line speed, an area where it had been weak in the past.

"Some of the performance I have observed they have gained in the second half of the year, it looks like performance that will translate into next year," Brawn told AUTOSPORT.

"They suddenly have the car that sometimes tops the speed trap times, and they have never done that in years.

"They have managed to shed some drag off the car, so some of the car's performance in certain areas of the track, if carried over in to next year, will make it very challenging.

"It is a new slate in many ways [in 2014], but I think you don't unlearn things. So things they have modified with this year's car will be applicable for next year."

Red Bull boss Christian Horner says the steps his team have made in the second half of this year have not come at the expense of its 2014 challenge, and any progress it makes from now on will also help it next year.

"While the championship jobs are done this year, whatever we achieve this year we can only benefit from next year," he said.

"Our full focus in Milton Keynes is on the challenges of 2014, but there is still an awful lot we can learn [from the current car].

"The other teams are also involved in a battle for second in the championship. We are out of that and will be able to turn full focus on to 2014."
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Steve · Nov 10, 2013

Kevin Magnussen closes on 2014 McLaren F1 seat over Sergio Perez (autosport.com)

By Jonathan Noble | Sunday, November 10th 2013, 12:08 GMT

Kevin Magnussen is now favourite to land the second 2014 seat at McLaren, AUTOSPORT has learned, following a series of meetings at the team over the past week.

Although it had appeared in Abu Dhabi that Sergio Perez was closing in on a new deal following some strong performances, his lacklustre pace at Yas Marina prompted fresh questions about his future.

With McLaren having made it clear for months that Perez's consistency was its main concern, it is understood that the outfit was unimpressed about how his race in Abu Dhabi compared to that of Jenson Button, who had been forced to pit for a new nose early on.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh even publicly said that Perez's result there was "disappointing", while deliberately praising Button's form on a weekend when the team had been expected to take a decent haul of points.

In the wake of that race, senior McLaren staff members are understood to have spent time this week evaluating the driver issue.

Although no final decision has been taken, sources suggest that there is now a widespread feeling within the team that Magnussen should be given the nod, and it is suggested that he is actually now favourite to replace Perez.

As well as winning the Formula Renault 3.5 championship this year, Magnussen has impressed McLaren in his two F1 test outings.

Only last month Whitmarsh praised his pace amid a push to get him an F1 seat in 2014.

"He has had two runs in an F1 car [and] in Abu Dhabi, on his third flying lap, he did a time that was good enough for sixth on the grid, which is pretty impressive," said Whitmarsh.
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minimark · Nov 11, 2013

Looks like it is official, Massa to Williams for 2014....

Nathan · Nov 11, 2013

minimark said: ↑

Looks like it is official, Massa to Williams for 2014....
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Felipe Massa believes Williams can benefit from a major change in Formula 1 rules to jump up the grid next season.

New engine and chassis regulations are being introduced in 2014 and the Brazilian told BBC Sport he sees his move from Ferrari as a "restart" for both him and his new team.

"This year, Williams are having a very difficult championship," he said of 2013, which has been the worst season in Williams's history. "But in 2014 everything is different and it is not impossible to be fighting for top four or five in the constructors' championship. We need to believe and fight for that."

Massa visited the Williams factory for the first time on Monday and said he was impressed with what he had seen.

"I'm so convinced [in Williams's potential] because it is a big change next year. Everything changes - the car will be completely different - and I think Williams has all the capacity to do a good job.

"With all this change, the direction I can see [in the team] for next year is more important than anything."

minimark · Nov 11, 2013

....and I'm sure Williams was very impressed with the bankroll that Massa will bring with him.. This is probably the best seat with the most potential for Massa, tis a good match.

Steve · Nov 11, 2013

Yup, and he has a multi-year contract. Wonder whether Maldonado will be able to find a seat now given the questionable nature of his gov't sourced funding.

minimark · Nov 11, 2013

Pre payment plan Maybe.....

mrntd · Nov 12, 2013

Now what will Ferrari do if Kimi's back surgery doesn't come out well and he has to retire again? I'm just stirring the pot.

Steve · Nov 12, 2013

Formula 1 teams worried about 'ugly' 2014 cars (autosport.com)

By Craig Scarborough | Tuesday, November 12th 2013, 15:25 GMT

Formula 1 teams are concerned that the 2014 technical regulations are forcing them into 'ugly' designs with hooked nose sections, as shown by this AUTOSPORT image.

The rules for next season require a high chassis of 525mm and a low nose tip at 185mm.

But the regulations only demand a relatively small nose tip cross-section, and teams will want to minimise the width of this area to improve air flow under the chassis.

That raises the prospect of slender, drooping nose tip extensions to meet minimum rules requirements for this section, protruding from a higher, more bulky, section that will pass crash tests and fit teams' aerodynamic needs.

While not all teams are believed to be heading down this design route, it is understood that several leading outfits believe it is the best solution.

AUTOSPORT understands that some senior Formula 1 technical personnel have already called for changes to improve aesthetics, but this was not successful due to a lack of agreement on the need to do something.

An FIA technical directive has also been issued ruling out an alternative nose solution that was put forward with a request for clarification.

Red Bull design chief Adrian Newey and McLaren sporting director Sam Michael have admitted that the 2014 cars are likely to be "ugly" due to the front impact structure.

"The low nose is not a problem," Michael explained.

"The problem is the vagaries in the way you get through the crash test - and the teams will mostly be going down one solution.

"It is not because of the chassis height."
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Minidave · Nov 13, 2013

Yeah, Pez jumped the gun, beating Big Mac to the punch so they had to announce today that - Yes, he was leaving at the end of the season.

They haven't announced Magnusson yet as his replacement, saying they're still weighing the options.

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