Formula 1 things I learnt today

i was always under the impression that the length of time the lights at the start of a grand Prix are held on red before going out to start the race was completely random, im even sure the commentators have said its between x and y length of time. Well today they revealed that it's actually a woman who watches and chooses how long to hold them before manually releasing the cars.

That sounds very open to abuse to me

 

I must admit, I'm a bit behind the times with F1 as I don't have Sky, but didn't they introduce that because teams had worked a way out to determine how quickly the lights go out? Something to do with radio signals.

There was an incident at the European Grand Prix in 99 where 5 of the top 6 qualifiers jumped the start because of an error with the signal.

 

Yes but I thought that's why they introduced completely random times, not a human.

I heard that the GP you mentioned wasn't an error, the FIA suspected that they were cheating so deliberately held them to see if they jumped. Could be wrong though

 

About right, I know many a woman who chooses how to hold them before manual release!

 

Is there anything more cringe-worthy than the grid walk? I literally cannot watch it. I have to turn it off. Celebrities who don't know who Brundle is, who don't want to be disturbed, who offer no words of wisdom, who think they have been invited down onto the grid obligation free. Euuurgh. Fingernails down a blackboard.

 

I'd love him to start embarrassing them "it's ok mate, you enjoy your FREE ticket in your privileged life. Don't you worry about talking to your fans who put you here, you keep being selfish" and walk off

 

Close finish to this grand prix. Hope Lewis can hold on for history.

 

Absolutely brilliant from Hamilton.

 

Absolutely no interest in formula one

 

No sympathy for the celebs. You know what happens so after accepting your freebie you can say a few words and stop being so miserable.

 

2 gran prixs miles apart in the excitement stakes no overtakes at Monaco really boring but generates the most money Silverstone brilliant racing even better than Spa Francochamps

 

Nuts to think Hamilton never won a GP after being robbed of a title 3 and a bit years ago until today. Well done Lewis.

 

opens thread titled formula one….

 

I bet you phone up missing dog posters to say you’ve not seen the dog don’t you.

 

Here's a thought. Is there anything stopping the teams running under the weight limit but then putting on some heavier wheels towards the end so the car passes scrutineering? Is there anything stopping them secretly removing weight on the grid?

 

The cars get weighed after the race, don't they?

 

It's one of the most boring over hyped "sporting events" on the planet.
Reminds me of the kids rollercoaster in Bridlington without the screeching commentary.
Each to their own I suppose

 

Probably would unbalance the car to some degree.
In any case it looks the tyres are checked in post-race scrutineering:
https://www.fia.com/sites/default/f...Hungarian Grand Prix - Race Scrutineering.pdf

 

Aye, but if heavier wheels were fitted for the last stint they'd be fine for that final weigh in. As Yoyo says, might not be worth it due to unbalancing.