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

[retreat]

And wow...  No races til May 24.  Lolol.  The shenanigans in Iran really fcked up the schedule.

Is the Miami GP canceled? Because from what I know we will start racing again on May 4th.

Formula 1 has officially announced the Turkish Grand Prix!



https://x.com/F1/status/2047648470765375888

A deal like 5 years is really great by the way. I have missed the İstanbul Park track so much. I remembered Hamilton's words on this track also. He also loves being there.  

Until then I just hope FIA clean this mess with battery regulations. Otherwise it wouldn't be as fun as I imagine. They have already lost a ton of viewers worldwide!

It's great that the Turkish GP is back in F1, as far as I know, because the last race there was in 2021, and after that, they struggled to get back into the permanent Formula 1 calendar. F1's return to Turkey is a great thing for them, as Turkey has a large F1 fan base, and having F1 there can be a positive thing for both F1 and their country. Hopefully, they are committed and able to continue holding F1 races there.

[retreat]

The FIA ​​has just issued several regulation changes ahead of the Miami race. Here are some of the changes that are likely to occur:

- Schedule Change: FP1 Extended to 90 Minutes
- Energy Management Adjustments = This is intended to prevent drivers from having to harvest too often, which slows cars down mid-track.
- Safety and Overtaking (Raceability) = Override Mode is now limited to a maximum of +150 kW, preventing cars behind from suddenly accelerating when attempting to overtake.
- Race Start = This system will automatically provide minimum power to keep cars moving when they stall immediately after the race starts.

I know that most of you think that this is like a Formula E race lol, but this is the current regulation and let's try to understand it as best as we can.

[Distraction]

- Safety and Overtaking (Raceability) = Override Mode is now limited to a maximum of +150 kW, preventing cars behind from suddenly accelerating when attempting to overtake.

I guess this is good news, right?    A start to fixing F1 again at least... Those overtakes were just ridiculous man.

Even people who don't have any idea about this sport would find it awkward. It isn't about the number of overtakes solely. The quality of overtakes is the important part.

I know that most of you think that this is like a Formula E race lol, but this is the current regulation and let's try to understand it as best as we can.

I also think like that. They have been trying to turn F1 into Formula E. Then why is there Formula E? I don't want to watch vacuum cleaners. I want to enjoy the sound of internal combustion engine!

[retreat]

Ahead of the Miami GP, Cadillac has just revealed a special Miami GP livery. This will be their first race on home soil, so to celebrate, they've unveiled a special livery featuring a striking black and white color scheme. While their performance isn't up to par, this will be a special race for the MAC-26, as they'll be competing in front of thousands of fans.

[panjul07]

After the rather long general motorsport break (Formula 1 and MotoGP for me), things are finally getting going again in Spain this weekend. Normally, Marc Márquez is the favorite in Spain, but after the long break I really hope the Aprilias are as strong as they were before the break and can fight for the win again.

Too bad for Marc, he won the sprint race but he crashed badly in the main race.
Aprilia especially Marco Bez did his best already in the main race after he DNF in the sprint race, while Jorge Martin also did it well by finished on 4th.
The other Aprilia's riders from the satellite team (Ogura and Raul F) also did their best as both finished behind Martin.

I’m also curious about Acosta and KTM, they were quite good in the last races as well and were able to fight for a podium spot. I’m really looking forward to this weekend; the last few weeks were a bit boring.

Not that good for KTM in the last weekend race, the best is during the sprint race when Brad Binder finished on 4th.
While on the main Race, the best is Acosta finished on 10th, maybe he could not push himself after an accident which make his bike broken a bit but I think even if his bike is not broken a bit, I think he still unable to compete for the top positions as he said that he does not know why he performed poorly in Jerez.

[tokeweed]

And wow...  No races til May 24.  Lolol.  The shenanigans in Iran really fcked up the schedule.

Is the Miami GP canceled? Because from what I know we will start racing again on May 4th.

Oh...  Somehow I missed that one.  Silly me.

Alright folks!  It's a race weekend!  Finally.

Formula 1 has officially announced the Turkish Grand Prix!



https://x.com/F1/status/2047648470765375888

A deal like 5 years is really great by the way. I have missed the İstanbul Park track so much. I remembered Hamilton's words on this track also. He also loves being there. 

Until then I just hope FIA clean this mess with battery regulations. Otherwise it wouldn't be as fun as I imagine. They have already lost a ton of viewers worldwide!

I wonder how the full schedule would look if the Middle Eastern races remain intact.  But I guess there's prolly one or a couple races that's gonna be taken off the schedule since people won't be willing to travel there for at least two years or so.  Dunno...

[retreat]

Rain is expected this Sunday with an above 80% chance. So, we'll likely see a wet race with the new regulations. Friday and Saturday are dry. However, Miami weather conditions are always unpredictable, so this could change.

F1 Miami GP schedule:
Friday, May 1 -- Free Practice 1 -- 12:00 p.m. EST
Friday, May 1 -- Sprint Shootout Qualifying -- 4:30 p.m. EST
Saturday, May 2 -- Sprint Race -- 12:00 p.m. EST
Saturday, May 2 -- Grand Prix Qualifying -- 4:00 p.m. EST
Sunday, May 3 -- 2026 Miami Grand Prix Race -- 4:00 p.m. EST

[goodpunt]

Not sure if it's just me but I don't enjoy F1 with the new regulations.
But I'm still a bit curious who will come out on top in Miami after the long break.
It wouldn't surprise me if Antonelli beats Russell again - wonder how the dynamics of their relationship currently are.

[retreat]

Not sure if it's just me but I don't enjoy F1 with the new regulations.
But I'm still a bit curious who will come out on top in Miami after the long break.
It wouldn't surprise me if Antonelli beats Russell again - wonder how the dynamics of their relationship currently are.

It is not just you who does not like these new regulations LOL. But just enjoy it even if it slightly resembles Formula E, at least we still see the things that are the reasons why we watch it, it could be the drivers, the team, or other things.

As for who will come out on top at the Miami GP, that is still a question because this one-month break is enough for the teams to be able to test and improve whatever things they lacked, so it is possible that Ferrari or McLaren can provide a surprise.

But I think that Mercedes will get a podium again in this race.

[Distraction]

I wonder how the full schedule would look if the Middle Eastern races remain intact.  But I guess there's prolly one or a couple races that's gonna be taken off the schedule since people won't be willing to travel there for at least two years or so.  Dunno...

For now it's said that the Turkish GP could be right before the Azerbaijan GP in September 2027. It makes sense though but we will see.

I really wished to see it taking the place of a race from this year but I guess there is no chance for that... 2 races have been cancelled and if I'm not wrong the Madrid track is still unfinished. 

[tokeweed]

^  I've heard some talks saying that the Madrid track will be done this month and it's gonna be surely ready by the Spanish GP on September.

https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2026/spain

But it's a street circuit so I wouldn't be surprised if they got it done on time even with a tight schedule...

Anyway, I haven't been looking at the odds for this race.  Who do you guys think is gonna win the race this weekend?  Russell or Antonelli?  Do the other guys even have a chance?

[goodpunt]

It is not just you who does not like these new regulations LOL. But just enjoy it even if it slightly resembles Formula E, at least we still see the things that are the reasons why we watch it, it could be the drivers, the team, or other things.

As for who will come out on top at the Miami GP, that is still a question because this one-month break is enough for the teams to be able to test and improve whatever things they lacked, so it is possible that Ferrari or McLaren can provide a surprise.

But I think that Mercedes will get a podium again in this race.

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one

OK it was just the sprint qualifying but looks like McLaren is back in the mix again - the markets rate them as contenders for the main race so will be interesting to see.
And Antonelli beat Russell once again - if I had to place a win bet for the main race then it would be Antonelli!

[blue Snow]

Too bad for Marc, he won the sprint race but he crashed badly in the main race.
Aprilia especially Marco Bez did his best already in the main race after he DNF in the sprint race, while Jorge Martin also did it well by finished on 4th.

Marc made a mistake at Turn 11 in the main race. He pushed too hard and went too fast, resulting in a crash. Marquez hasn't been in perfect condition due to his crash last season, so he's struggled this season, and it's evident that he hasn't won a main race.

Aprilia has been very good this season, with its bikes able to compete with Ducati, resulting in Marco Bez and Jorge Martin performing exceptionally well, and they are currently in first and second place in the standings.

[ILuckyGuyI]

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one

OK it was just the sprint qualifying but looks like McLaren is back in the mix again - the markets rate them as contenders for the main race so will be interesting to see.
And Antonelli beat Russell once again - if I had to place a win bet for the main race then it would be Antonelli!

By the way McLaren looks really fast! I've read something like they were the team with the most number of upgrades for the Miami GP. Considering the results until now it looks just like that! 

I'd say Mercedes is slower but no. Antonelli is still doing well in racing tempo. Russell is still much slower. I wonder why... I can't imagine Antonelli beating him for the drivers championship. Let's see then!

[retreat]

Watching the sprint race, it was pretty boring. The only thing that caught my attention was how aggressive Max was and how well McLaren did their job during the month-long break. As for Ferrari, they were the same. Although they were quite good in FP1, they went back to their factory settings. Overall, the sprint race wasn't that exciting.

2026 F1 Miami Grand Prix - Sprint results
Pos   Driver   Nat.   Team   Laps
1   Lando Norris   GBR   McLaren Mastercard F1 Team   19
2   Oscar Piastri   AUS   McLaren Mastercard F1 Team   3.766s
3   Charles Leclerc   MON   Scuderia Ferrari HP   6.251s
4   George Russell   GBR   Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team   12.951s
5   Max Verstappen   NED   Oracle Red Bull Racing   13.639s
6   Andrea Kimi Antonelli   ITA   Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team   13.777s
7   Lewis Hamilton   GBR   Scuderia Ferrari HP   21.665s
8   Pierre Gasly   FRA   BWT Alpine F1 Team   30.525s
9   Isack Hadjar   FRA   Oracle Red Bull Racing   35.346s
10   Franco Colapinto   ARG   BWT Alpine F1 Team   36.970s

[goodpunt]

By the way McLaren looks really fast! I've read something like they were the team with the most number of upgrades for the Miami GP. Considering the results until now it looks just like that! 

I'd say Mercedes is slower but no. Antonelli is still doing well in racing tempo. Russell is still much slower. I wonder why... I can't imagine Antonelli beating him for the drivers championship. Let's see then!

I see, that explains everything. I wasn't aware of the amount of upgrades that McLaren implemented.
The setup must have been perfect for the sprint qualifying and race, but not so much for the main qualifying.....then again I could be wrong here since I didn't check the long run data yet.
Quite impressive that Antonelli won pole again.....must admit that I regret not placing a win bet on Antonelli, not sure why I didn't force myself after writing my post above
I won't be able to watch the race but should be a thrilling race with Verstappen just behind Antonelli.

On a personal side note, I really miss our F1 Superbru pool - hope we can compete with each other next season again

[Distraction]

Ferrari brought all those upgrade packages for what? To finish in the 6th and 7th places? I really don't know what to say about this team man... Will they ever become champions again? 

Antonelli won his 3rd race in a row! McLarens got between him and Russell. Antonelli is opening the gap with him slowly already. I wonder if Russell will ever have an answer to this. He is quite underperforming so far.

[goodpunt]

Antonelli keeps impressing me....unfortunately "Captain Hindsight" keeps haunting me as usual
It's of course still early in the season but if Antonelli can keep the momentum a bit longer and doesn't do a Piastri like last season he is primed for WDC!
I'm certain Russell is happy for him

[tokeweed]

Looks like Toto Wolff is going to his room to fist pump in the air as it's now becoming easy for him who to replace when he actually does get to sign Verstappen.   

Can't wait to see Verstappen and Antonelli in one team...  At Mercedes. 

You heard it here first.  Lol.  Next race at Canada in a couple of weeks.  Will it be Russell to win it this time?

[retreat]

-snip-
You heard it here first.  Lol.  Next race at Canada in a couple of weeks.  Will it be Russell to win it this time?

Can't say that Russell can win the next GP, he's struggling at the moment and can't keep up with Kimi who is currently at the top with 100 points. My feeling is that Kimi can win this race, unless Russell can overcome his problems, he might have a chance to win, but McLaren has also been performing well, so it will be more difficult for him.