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

[Distraction]

It's unbelievable that people are still voting for the same person to move on as FIA president. Mohammed Ben Sulayem is never the man for the job I'm afraid.    He doesn't apply the rules very well.


Hadjar is going to drive for Red Bull, right... I hope his end wouldn't also be like the others while driving beside Max. But I doubt it.



By the way if Marko is leaving/has left there is a chance for Max to do so too. Marko has been cooking Horner with his words lately also. He says Max could have been the champion if Horner left the team earlier.

[tokeweed]

^  Uh wut?  Wtf is wrong with Marko these days?  Has he forgotten that Red Bull's long time success was all because of Horner?  And the team's future success all stems from the work and the organization that he has made for the team.  Without Horner, the team we all know as Red Bull would't be the way it is today.

But yeah...  It looks like Horner is setting his sights on buying a stake at Alpine.  Not sure if he'll be team principal if he does tho.  I hope he is.  Would love to see him build a lowly team and bring it to the top.  And it would be funny if he signs Verstappen. 

[retreat]

^  Wait...  I haven't really looked into the changes for 2026 and what the critiques are.  Will look into it later, but why do you think the changes are causing F1 to move away from its 'essence'?

I for one am excited but only because it's gonna make everything unpredictable again.  At least for a couple of years before one of the top teams figure it out and dominate. 

And if they're really serious about bringing thr sport back to its essence then bring back the screaming engines.

Just look at how ridiculous the 2026 regulations are. It's almost like Formula E, except it's powered by supposedly environmentally friendly engines. The whirring of F1 engines is still noticeable, but compared to the past, it's a joke. F1 now relies too heavily on engines, unlike in the past, when the combination of driver skill and engine was truly tested. And there are many other things that make many fans, including Helmut, feel that there's a lot missing from F1 today.

If they're serious about returning F1 to its roots, they should bring back the V10 engine, and prioritize driver skill over a full-blown system that confuses fans.

[tokeweed]

^  I mean...  What exactly are the changes and what are the criticisms?  I for one don't really care and haven't really heard any complaints as of today.  But I guess that's coming after said changes are seen in action on the track.  So not really sure what you're complaining about.

As for the engine sound, I've been yapping about it from time to tome since they made the engine change all those years ago.  Lol.  So it's really nothing new.

[retreat]

And in the new regulations, Max decided to use number 3. This number has been used by several drivers before, such as Ricciardo, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, ​​Nigel Mansell, and Mika Häkkinen. Most likely he was forced to leave number 1 because it no longer suited him due to losing his title. Max also said that number 3 has always been his favorite and his luck. Hopefully, that's true.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-wont-switch-back-to-33-for-2026-f1-season/10785389/

[Distraction]

A real Formula 1 lover always misses V10 engines...    That was the best era when it comes to that. However FIA doesn't care about our call for it. They just do what they think is the right.


Guys what do you think about Cadillac? Do you think there is a chance they might surprise us in their first year already with their high-experienced drivers?

By saying to surprise, I mean finishing in the middle of constructor standings or so. It's so hard to predict a brand that doesn't have much experience in F1 yet. Cadillac was only an engine supplier in 1952 and 1953.

[tokeweed]

^  Consensus among F1 shows that the V10 engines are the ones with the best sounds.  But since the switch to the V6 Turbo all those years ago, I'm pretty sure everybody won't really mind the return of the V8 aspirated engines.  That would def be music to our ears. 

And it's looking like Horner is getting really close in getting a stake at Alpine.  What do you guys think?  Will Horner find the same success as he did when he transformed Jordan F1 racing team into Red Bull or nah?

[retreat]

Guys what do you think about Cadillac? Do you think there is a chance they might surprise us in their first year already with their high-experienced drivers?

Not expecting much from Cadillac because they are a completely new team, so everything is so new for them, especially when this is a new regulation where they need to adapt to new technology that they have never experienced before, maybe their start will not be that impressive. But they just have the advantage of two drivers who have previous experience with F1, at least with Bottas and Perez, they at least are not completely blind on the track - at least their car can still be "intact" and they can get a lot of input to develop their team.

And it's looking like Horner is getting really close in getting a stake at Alpine.  What do you guys think?  Will Horner find the same success as he did when he transformed Jordan F1 racing team into Red Bull or nah?

It would be great if Horner did return to F1. Even though his personality sucks, but that man has so much experience and it would be a shame if it went to waste. But yeah, Alpine is the most realistic team for him to join, even if the process is a bit complicated because from what I've read, he would need to acquire a quarter of Alpine's shares. If he does join, maybe he can improve Alpine's current poor performance a bit - I don't expect him to turn it around like he did with Red Bull, but at least Alpine won't be at the bottom of the constructors' table.

[retreat]

Formula 1 successfully closed the 2025 season with a new milestone, with global fan base surging to 827 million, a 12 percent increase compared to the previous year and a 63 percent increase since 2018. This is an impressive achievement for a sport, even surpassing the NBA's fan base. The final few races of the season have driven more people to watch F1, with TV stations and streaming services even reporting a significant surge in viewership. F1's fan base has also begun to change, with 43 percent of fans under 35, with the addition of 51 million new young fans in a single year. Female fans have also increased significantly, with 48 percent of new fans in 2025 being female. Formula 1's impressive growth is also driven by the F1 Movie, which made history as the highest-grossing sports film of all time, with global revenues exceeding US$630 million.

This demonstrates that Formula 1 has become a sport with significant growth this year, and driver competition is one of the factors contributing to this growth. So Sulayem doesn't need to be too narcissistic in saying that they are the ones who make this sport more interesting.

[tokeweed]

And it's looking like Horner is getting really close in getting a stake at Alpine.  What do you guys think?  Will Horner find the same success as he did when he transformed Jordan F1 racing team into Red Bull or nah?

It would be great if Horner did return to F1. Even though his personality sucks, but that man has so much experience and it would be a shame if it went to waste. But yeah, Alpine is the most realistic team for him to join, even if the process is a bit complicated because from what I've read, he would need to acquire a quarter of Alpine's shares. If he does join, maybe he can improve Alpine's current poor performance a bit - I don't expect him to turn it around like he did with Red Bull, but at least Alpine won't be at the bottom of the constructors' table.

I think with enough financial backing, he could...  Just like how he did it with Red Bull.  But would Alpine's rise be as spectacular as Red Bull?  I'm not really sure tbh.  Red Bull was something special with Horner, Newey then the coming up of Vettel from the junior team.

I know a lot of people never really considered Vettel as a great driver but he did possess enough talent to take the team to the top and had the work ethic that made him a well deserved champ for 4 seasons.

[Distraction]

And it's looking like Horner is getting really close in getting a stake at Alpine.  What do you guys think?  Will Horner find the same success as he did when he transformed Jordan F1 racing team into Red Bull or nah?

Even though Helmut Marko doesn't like Horner even a bit I don't agree with him.    I think Horner is one of the best team principals in Formula 1. Red Bull owe its many successes to him also.

This is why I'm expecting him to make some good level of contribution to Alpine. But do I expect a big leap by Alpine next season? Nah. But hopefully better than this season at least. I would like to see Gasly in a better car. He is a skilled driver.

[darbitmobilerecovery]

Formula 1 successfully closed the 2025 season with a new milestone, with global fan base surging to 827 million, a 12 percent increase compared to the previous year and a 63 percent increase since 2018. This is an impressive achievement for a sport, even surpassing the NBA's fan base. The final few races of the season have driven more people to watch F1, with TV stations and streaming services even reporting a significant surge in viewership. F1's fan base has also begun to change, with 43 percent of fans under 35, with the addition of 51 million new young fans in a single year. Female fans have also increased significantly, with 48 percent of new fans in 2025 being female. Formula 1's impressive growth is also driven by the F1 Movie, which made history as the highest-grossing sports film of all time, with global revenues exceeding US$630 million.

This demonstrates that Formula 1 has become a sport with significant growth this year, and driver competition is one of the factors contributing to this growth. So Sulayem doesn't need to be too narcissistic in saying that they are the ones who make this sport more interesting.

Seems like the "american" strategy of making it a full show across multi platforms and putting a lot more races is working, somehow i also feel like we know have more "fans" and less people who really love the sports or better to say the motorsports in general.
I guess is the price to pay for this massive grow on audience.

[tokeweed]

And it's looking like Horner is getting really close in getting a stake at Alpine.  What do you guys think?  Will Horner find the same success as he did when he transformed Jordan F1 racing team into Red Bull or nah?

Even though Helmut Marko doesn't like Horner even a bit I don't agree with him.    I think Horner is one of the best team principals in Formula 1. Red Bull owe its many successes to him also.

This is why I'm expecting him to make some good level of contribution to Alpine. But do I expect a big leap by Alpine next season? Nah. But hopefully better than this season at least. I would like to see Gasly in a better car. He is a skilled driver.

I think with Horner around, Gasly's days will be numbered if he doesn't perform well on the track.  I think there's a chance that Horner will get those tad more decent drivers like Carlos Sainz and who's that guy in Red Bull's junior team..?  Hadjar is it?

He's pretty good and could be driving in one of the top teams one day...  And Alpine is gonna be one of the top teams the why not that?

[püsür]

Guys what do you think about Cadillac? Do you think there is a chance they might surprise us in their first year already with their high-experienced drivers?

Not expecting much from Cadillac because they are a completely new team, so everything is so new for them, especially when this is a new regulation where they need to adapt to new technology that they have never experienced before, maybe their start will not be that impressive. But they just have the advantage of two drivers who have previous experience with F1, at least with Bottas and Perez, they at least are not completely blind on the track - at least their car can still be "intact" and they can get a lot of input to develop their team.

Seeing major car manufacturers in Formula 1 is a welcome development in my view. In the early years, I think it's important not to get too carried away with expectations. How close they can get to the budget ceiling is crucial. Additionally, engineer transfers will play a critical role. As far as I know, Andretti F1 will be based in Indiana. Considering that all F1 teams are based in Europe, engineer transfers might be a bit challenging. Furthermore, how engineers' salaries will be adjusted compared to Europe is also an important issue. Engineer salaries in America are approximately 1.5-2 times higher than in the UK. This situation could seriously affect the budget limit. They won't face a major disadvantage since they will be entering with a Ferrari engine in 2026, but it is possible that they could become permanently dependent on Ferrari, like Haas.

[tokeweed]

There are words swirling around that the two best engines for 2026 are Mercedes and...  *drumroll*  ...  Ford.    Amd as we all know Ford is Red Bull's engine supplier starting next year and beyond.  So let's see how those guys perform next year. 

And in other news, Toto Wolff is still interested in Verstappen and looks to throw his bid to acquire the driver after next season.  If Red Bull and Ford's partnership doesn't really bring podiums, then we'll prolly see Verstappen take an interest in Toto Wolff's advances.

[retreat]

Formula 1 successfully closed the 2025 season with a new milestone, with global fan base surging to 827 million, a 12 percent increase compared to the previous year and a 63 percent increase since 2018. This is an impressive achievement for a sport, even surpassing the NBA's fan base. The final few races of the season have driven more people to watch F1, with TV stations and streaming services even reporting a significant surge in viewership. F1's fan base has also begun to change, with 43 percent of fans under 35, with the addition of 51 million new young fans in a single year. Female fans have also increased significantly, with 48 percent of new fans in 2025 being female. Formula 1's impressive growth is also driven by the F1 Movie, which made history as the highest-grossing sports film of all time, with global revenues exceeding US$630 million.

This demonstrates that Formula 1 has become a sport with significant growth this year, and driver competition is one of the factors contributing to this growth. So Sulayem doesn't need to be too narcissistic in saying that they are the ones who make this sport more interesting.

Seems like the "american" strategy of making it a full show across multi platforms and putting a lot more races is working, somehow i also feel like we know have more "fans" and less people who really love the sports or better to say the motorsports in general.
I guess is the price to pay for this massive grow on audience.

Nowadays, not many people truly understand this sport deeply, since the regulations have become increasingly complex and there are so many parts of F1 that it is quite difficult for new fans to understand - even those who have been fans of this sport for a long time can't keep up with the new technologies in F1. So the only ones who understand this sport are those who really love it - while for new fans and even for us, maybe only follow the drama, competition, and things that are more visible above. But that's okay, at least this sport has become more accepted by the wider community, and now it is no longer the domain of technicians or die-hard fans, but has become a friendly sport for everyone, even children.

[retreat]

Max just shared his thoughts on the sound of the 2026 regulation car, saying that it sounded crisp and good. He shared that he didn't know how the team developed it, but it made a good noise. However, even though he thinks the sound is good, he is still 50-50 on the 2026 regulations. He added that if he doesn't find “fun” in the latest regulations, he will leave F1 and focus on his other passions. He has no reason to stay in regulations that he himself no longer finds interesting to pursue. Moreover, he is not chasing more titles and wants to spend more time with his family and pursue his GT3 project.

In case you missed it, this is the sound of the new 2026 regulation car just shared by Mercedes.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_bzc8Cm9DkI

[LTU_btc]

A real Formula 1 lover always misses V10 engines...    That was the best era when it comes to that. However FIA doesn't care about our call for it. They just do what they think is the right.


Guys what do you think about Cadillac? Do you think there is a chance they might surprise us in their first year already with their high-experienced drivers?

By saying to surprise, I mean finishing in the middle of constructor standings or so. It's so hard to predict a brand that doesn't have much experience in F1 yet. Cadillac was only an engine supplier in 1952 and 1953.

It's hard to expect much from completely new team in their debut season, even with such experienced drivers. I expect that they will struggle in similar way like Haas struggled when they joined F1. I just hope that they will be competetive

In case you missed it, this is the sound of the new 2026 regulation car just shared by Mercedes.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_bzc8Cm9DkI

It's a bit better than what we had now, but still meh...

[Pulsar77]

Let's remember 2026 F1 calendar...



It isn't written here but there are 2 testing sessions earlier too. They are going to take place in Sakhir during mid February.

This is a temporary schedule though. Because Madrid track might not still be ready for 2026 season. This means another track from the past could take its place. I wish it would be İstanbul Park then.  

[retreat]

In case you missed it, this is the sound of the new 2026 regulation car just shared by Mercedes.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_bzc8Cm9DkI

It's a bit better than what we had now, but still meh...

That's right, while the sound is better than we expected, it still doesn't sound all that exciting, especially when you've heard the V10 before. But even so, they did a good job of developing the engine's sound, knowing it's powered by 50% battery power.


Ford has just shared the progress of their engine development with internal targets for Red Bull's 2026 power unit have been met. They said that all preparations had been carried out well, even though this would be a test that made them quite nervous, because this was a new regulation with everything new, so they needed to prepare everything. They are planned to carry out the first test in Barcelona.

I'm really curious about what Ford is cooking up, because they attracted a lot of the top Mercedes engineers who worked on that dominant Mercedes engine.