Motosport General discussion tread --- Formula1, MotoGP, WTCC, ETCC, DTM.....

[Velvet78]

Norris is still unbelievable... What a silly move by him there! Why would you try to squeeze through an impossible gap? Piastri is defending the inside then you have no other option than trying to overtake him from the outside.

Russell did an amazing job.    Pole position and taking the win at the end... It was such a tough rivalry with Verstappen. Finished only 0.2 ahead of him. The first win of the season for Mercedes this season.

[coinlocket$]

Have you seen what Russel did?
He break on purpose during safety car to be passed by Max and right after asking for a penalty for Max.

I think this deserve a penalty, not only because it is unfair game but cause it also is a potential hazard move.

Idk if he deserved a penalty in the race or a penalty for the next race but this is unacceptable.

[swogerino]

Have you seen what Russel did?
He break on purpose during safety car to be passed by Max and right after asking for a penalty for Max.

I think this deserve a penalty, not only because it is unfair game but cause it also is a potential hazard move.

Idk if he deserved a penalty in the race or a penalty for the next race but this is unacceptable.

They already predicted this type of fight in funny social media pages where they related to George as Bin Russell and Max as Verstaliban meaning they were expecting any fight. Honestly I didn't get for what they were chit-chatting in that last part of the race where everything was finished and the results were already known because it was obvious the race was going to end in Safety Car regime. Norris the greatest loser of the race despite him not losing a lot, only 12 points against his team mate and the real true gainers were Verstappen and Russell during this race. I don't have my hopes high though, in Austria we are going to see another domination of McLaren, this track was technical and let's be honest Piastri and Norris are not some of the most brave drivers in technical tracks though they definitely are in tracks like Spielberg in Austria.

[tokeweed]

Well unexpected win for Mercedes, as the past year sometimes they are just magic.
Surprising slow pace for Mclaren, how it is even possible? Not so many turns mean no much effect from flexy wings?

Norris once again proved that is the weak point between the Mclaren drivers.
Ferrari no comment.

I think some of the drivers will be vying for a seat in Mercedes' 2026 and beyond line up.  Who are the possible candidates..?  We know Carlos Sainz isn't fully committed to his current team.  Verstappen could leave if Red Bull doesn't come up with solutions for Verstappen.  How about Leclerc...  He should leave Ferrari after all the broken promises and now they got Hamilton in?  Damn...  They're treating him like a door mat.

Who else... 

[Distraction]

Leclerc should move to Aston Martin to replace Alonso.  I hope he has a contract clause allowing him to leave as he was promised that they will give him a new car for the last two seasons now.  Lmao...  And he trusted them.  Lolol.

The sad thing is the team might favor Hamilton if they are able to design a fast car.  So yeah, Leclerc should leave asap.

Aston Martin is likely to go for Verstappen instead in fact. It depends on if the whole team is bought by Public Investment Fund. Then they are planning to make a move for him. 

Maybe one day Leclerc to Mercedes? But if they part ways with Russell of course.

Have you seen what Russel did?
He break on purpose during safety car to be passed by Max and right after asking for a penalty for Max.

I also think the same. That's really a nasty attempt by Russell. He didn't have any reason to slam the brakes like that. He should be grateful for not getting a penalty because of that.

[Volgastallion]

Waving for a penalty against Verstappen under a safety car who is gonna be until the end of the race was pure patetic and obvius, it was no reason at all to do that, and without any benefit, i dont like Verstappen at all, but you cant punish him because of that and more when he comes back to his position.

[retreat]

Have you seen what Russel did?
He break on purpose during safety car to be passed by Max and right after asking for a penalty for Max.

I think this deserve a penalty, not only because it is unfair game but cause it also is a potential hazard move.

Idk if he deserved a penalty in the race or a penalty for the next race but this is unacceptable.

Taking a break behind the safety car was indeed not allowed, because in that position he should have kept his distance and not made any sudden maneuvers that could endanger other racers. It seems, however, that he still holds a grudge over what Max did to him at the Spanish GP yesterday, which was arguably a bit dirty. RB has since lodged a protest with the FIA, but both the FIA and Mercedes argued that the braking was within reason to maintain tire and brake temperatures. Race Control has also reviewed the incident and stated that nothing was flagged. Still, we don’t know how the rest of the race will unfold - for now, Max appears to be playing it safe to avoid any penalties before June 30, but after that, we might just see "Mad Max" back.

[tokeweed]

Leclerc should move to Aston Martin to replace Alonso.  I hope he has a contract clause allowing him to leave as he was promised that they will give him a new car for the last two seasons now.  Lmao...  And he trusted them.  Lolol.

The sad thing is the team might favor Hamilton if they are able to design a fast car.  So yeah, Leclerc should leave asap.

Aston Martin is likely to go for Verstappen instead in fact. It depends on if the whole team is bought by Public Investment Fund. Then they are planning to make a move for him. 

Maybe one day Leclerc to Mercedes? But if they part ways with Russell of course.

I think it's more likely that Verstappen will refuse Aston Martin's offer and accept Toto Wolff's offer and join Mercedes.  And I think Mercedes will be a better fit for him imho.  Imagine Verstappen and Bono together running circles around Hamilton at Ferrari and whoever his current race engineer is. 

And we know Toto Wolff wants Verstappen.  He's just waiting for the right time.  We'll prolly see it around the end of the season.

[Volgastallion]

I think it's more likely that Verstappen will refuse Aston Martin's offer and accept Toto Wolff's offer and join Mercedes.  And I think Mercedes will be a better fit for him imho.  Imagine Verstappen and Bono together running circles around Hamilton at Ferrari and whoever his current race engineer is. 

And we know Toto Wolff wants Verstappen.  He's just waiting for the right time.  We'll prolly see it around the end of the season.

Im with you on this one, why do you trust Aston Martin after years of continue failure and cant produce a competitive car, i know they now have his former designer and one of the best like Adrian Newey, but the team is still a shit, so much better to go into a much more condifent team like Mercedes under a very big management like Toto Wolff.

[coinlocket$]

025 F1 World Championship Drivers' StandingsPos.   Entrant   Points

1   Oscar Piastri McLaren    198.00
2   Lando Norris McLaren    176.00
3    Max Verstappen Red Bull 155.00
4    George Russell Mercedes 136.00
5   Charles Leclerc Ferrari    104.00
6   Lewis Hamilton Ferrari   79.00

Source; https://www.crash.net/f1/championship_tables/content

Leaderboard so far.
Despite the Mclaren dominace Max is not so far behind.

If they can find some upgrades he will back in the fight for his fitht title.

[Distraction]

Verstappen is indeed not so away from Norris and even the top. I think he has a serious potential to leave Norris behind in the standings. Just look at the way Norris drives these days...

But as for Piastri, I'd say not so fast. Because he is quite disciplined and focused. I believe he has what it takes to be a champion in himself this season. 

I think it's more likely that Verstappen will refuse Aston Martin's offer and accept Toto Wolff's offer and join Mercedes.  And I think Mercedes will be a better fit for him imho.  Imagine Verstappen and Bono together running circles around Hamilton at Ferrari and whoever his current race engineer is. 

And we know Toto Wolff wants Verstappen.  He's just waiting for the right time.  We'll prolly see it around the end of the season.

Yeah, this is another thing. Toto Wolff has been interested in Verstappen quite a lot for a while. He has been stating that clearly sometimes also. In that case I also think he can push Mercedes for making an offer for Verstappen. Would be nice to see him there truthfully. 

[retreat]

The plan for F1 in Africa is getting brighter after the FIA ​​approved a design proposal that would enable Kyalami to achieve Grade 1 circuit status. The FIA ​​approved the design proposal and gave the circuit 3 years to improve and make upgrades. And after that period of time the FIA ​​will conduct an inspection before giving the Grade 1 certification required to host a grand prix. This is good news for F1 in Africa, because the last time F1 was held in Africa was at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at the Kyalami circuit. And with the acceptance of the new design proposal for the Kyalami circuit, it is one step towards the goal of holding F1 in Africa.

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1074607/1/boost-f1-hopes-south-africa-kyalami-grade-1-plans-approved

[coinlocket$]

The plan for F1 in Africa is getting brighter after the FIA ​​approved a design proposal that would enable Kyalami

They need to do big changes.
The track currently is not suited for f1.

It is only 4.2 Kilometers long for example.
Looking at the layout is not so bad with several points for overtaking but...

Is it wide enought for these f1 cars?
Can cars reach good speeds in this short track?

I love short tracks, it makes races more chaotic.

It should be a 1.10/1.15 minute lap time according to AI

[joniboini]

It should be a 1.10/1.15 minute lap time according to AI

Which AI are you referring to? ChatGPT, DeepSeek, or something else? Do they have enough data to make a judgment on how fast an F1 car to race on a track like the one in Africa? I'm curious about their methodology. If it's just collecting lap time across various circuits and comparing their distance, it would be weak to make a lap time prediction for a new track imo.

[Velvet78]

I think the Madrid track is highly unlikely to be completed until 2026 season. Here is a picture of the current condition of the track:



When it comes to alternatives I hope the Turkish Grand Prix comes back instead of Kyalami. Istanbul Park is one of the iconic tracks in F1 already. Ask the drivers and they will tell you how much they also like it.

Especially Hamilton considering he made a title of his official there.    The probability of its being back in 2026 is increasing recently by the way. Because the owners of the track have just changed and the new owners are doing their best to be back in F1.  

[tokeweed]

I think it's more likely that Verstappen will refuse Aston Martin's offer and accept Toto Wolff's offer and join Mercedes.  And I think Mercedes will be a better fit for him imho.  Imagine Verstappen and Bono together running circles around Hamilton at Ferrari and whoever his current race engineer is. 

And we know Toto Wolff wants Verstappen.  He's just waiting for the right time.  We'll prolly see it around the end of the season.

Im with you on this one, why do you trust Aston Martin after years of continue failure and cant produce a competitive car, i know they now have his former designer and one of the best like Adrian Newey, but the team is still a shit, so much better to go into a much more condifent team like Mercedes under a very big management like Toto Wolff.

Yup, it's Toto Wolff that's giving that Mercedes F1 team its X factor.  And if Verstappen is partnered with Bono, that would be great if it's still possible.  Last I heard, Bono was promoted as a head engineer or something, not really sure.  Will look it up later.

As for Aston Martin, they prolly need to get Horner to attract talented drivers.    It might not he Verstappen because of thr shenanigans that happened in Red Bull but they could get Leclerc or the now unhappy Norris?  I prefer Piastri tho.

[Republikcoin.com]

This week MotoGP will be in Mugello Italy Ducati factory team and Valentino Rossi's independent team will use a special livery differently because the race in Mugello is a home race for the Ducati team and also for the VR46 Racing team. And after seeing FP1 and Practice today it seems that the Sprint race and the full race will be quite exciting because the time records made by the top ten riders are not that different. In addition, the speed level of the Aprilia, Yamaha and KTM motorbikes is also not much different from the speed of Ducati so that this will create quite fierce competition, especially on the straight track of Mugello this time.

[Volgastallion]

I think the Madrid track is highly unlikely to be completed until 2026 season. Here is a picture of the current condition of the track:

I dont think so, most of the layout or the track is on street of Madrid i believe, so maybe this is only a minor place where they are doing a new carpet or some new avenue to remain in the city, from here until the next year and where this race is held on the calendar they ahve plenty of time.

Lets hope they reach in time the final of the job.

[retreat]

The plan for F1 in Africa is getting brighter after the FIA ​​approved a design proposal that would enable Kyalami

They need to do big changes.
The track currently is not suited for f1.

It is only 4.2 Kilometers long for example.
Looking at the layout is not so bad with several points for overtaking but...

Is it wide enought for these f1 cars?
Can cars reach good speeds in this short track?

I love short tracks, it makes races more chaotic.

It should be a 1.10/1.15 minute lap time according to AI

Although this circuit is shorter than most F1 circuits in general, this is not the first time Kyalami has hosted an F1 race, they have done it before, but it's just that on modern F1 cars this circuit needs some changes, so the owner of this circuit, Toby Venter, has engaged Apex Circuit Design to improve this circuit and make it more relevant to modern F1 racing. And the condition of the circuit should be better, because Apex Circuit Design has experience and they were given 3 years to improve the quality of this circuit.


Thailand is also interested in hosting F1 in 2028. They have just approved a $1.3 billion project to secure a round of the world championship from 2028. The plan is for the circuit to be built around Chatuchak Park in the nation’s capital, Bangkok, with a length of 5.7-kilometres, and if it is realized, it will be the fifth F1 race in the Asia-Pacific region after the events of the Australian, Chinese, Japanese, and Singapore rounds.

It seems that more countries are interested in hosting F1 races in their country, will we see the number of races increase from the current 24 grands prix to accommodate more circuits?

[coinlocket$]

It should be a 1.10/1.15 minute lap time according to AI

Which AI are you referring to? ChatGPT, DeepSeek, or something else? Do they have enough data to make a judgment on how fast an F1 car to race on a track like the one in Africa? I'm curious about their methodology. If it's just collecting lap time across various circuits and comparing their distance, it would be weak to make a lap time prediction for a new track imo.

I used Grok, with customized input considering other similar tracks in calendar and specific of 2025 cars.
If I can remember correctly he said and pick something similar to silverstoon for comparison.

Anyway I just found out is not the 1st time f1 raced here.

Looks like the record of the track for a modern layout with a recent car is

1.17.5 my Nigel Mansell in 1992.

So the 1.10/1.15 from Grok should not be so far off.